LEADING IN PERSON:6 REASONS TO COMMUNICATE
FACE-TO-FACE
@thoughtpartnerBy David Grossman, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA
Demonstrate ImportanceBeing there in person tells your audience they are
important to you and the issue you are discussing isworth your time and theirs. Your focus will get
people’s attention and increase the potential foryour message to be heard.
@thoughtpartner
Interpret Thoughts & FeelingsWhen you are face-to-face, you can see and respond to
people’s reactions – like facial expressions and bodylanguage – as well as their tone of voice. Leaders have thechance to show they care by asking probing questions andactively listening to understand the audience’s perspective.
This is especially critical when you need employees to adoptnew behaviors to advance your goals, such as in times of
change.
@thoughtpartner
Enhance Credibility & TrustLeaders need to build employee trust to be
effective. Face-to-face situations allow you to shareyour strategy, explain it clearly, and answer
questions honestly. Employees see how actionsalign with words, which enhances leaders’
credibility and trust.
@thoughtpartner
Build RelationshipsInteracting directly with other leaders, managers
and employees expands your network andestablishes shared experience that can enhance
future communication. It also helps createcamaraderie that is the basis of cooperation and
success across the organization.
@thoughtpartner
Gather FeedbackMeeting in person helps employees feel valued and
gives them a chance to contribute input toorganizational strategies and communication. Itgives the leader a chance to confirm people’sunderstanding of key issues, identify gaps andencourage ongoing feedback and engagement.
@thoughtpartner
Address Sensitive IssuesYou demonstrate respect for employees and a commitment to a
successful outcome when you deal with a sensitive issueface-to-face. Whether you are providing specific feedback to
increase their success or delivering a tough message, focus onyour desired outcome and prepare by understanding the
employee’s mindset and possible reactions. Ultimately yourinvolvement means a lot and taking the time to meet can help
turn a challenging conversation into a trust-building interaction.
@thoughtpartner
Want more on face-to-face
communication?
@thoughtpartner
CLICK HERE
for the entire
article!
About David GrossmanDavid Grossman, ABC, APR Fellow PRSA, helps leaders drive productivity and getthe results they want through authentic and courageous leadership andcommunication.
He’s a sought-after speaker and adviser to Fortune 500 leaders, and author of thehighly-acclaimed books, “You Can’t NOT Communicate: Proven CommunicationSolutions That Power the Fortune 100,” and its follow-up, “You Can’t NOTCommunicate 2.” His forthcoming book, “No Cape Needed: The Simplest, Smartest,Fastest Steps To Improve How You Communicate By Leaps and Bounds” is due outin August.
David counsels leaders at top organizations to unleash the power of strategic internalcommunication and drive performance. Clients include DuPont Pioneer, HTC,Eastman Chemical, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, McDonald’s, Microsoft,Motel 6, and Tyco, to name a few.
A frequent media source for his expert commentary and analysis on employee andleadership issues, David was recently featured on “NBC Nightly News,” CBSMoneyWatch, WSJ.com, TODAY.com, in the Chicago Tribune and the LA Times.
He’s Founder/CEO of The Grossman Group, an award-winning Chicago-basedstrategic leadership development and internal communications consultancy, andteaches at Columbia University, NYC.
[email protected] | 312.850.8200 | @thoughtpartner© The Grossman Group, 2015
About The Grossman GroupThe Grossman Group is an award-winning Chicago-based communications consultancy focusing onorganizational consulting, strategic leadership development and internal communication.
The Grossman Group’s experienced thoughtpartners leverage the Grossman Methodology—a suite ofproprietary tools, training, and consulting services—to unleash the power of strategic internal communicationto drive business results.
A certified diversity supplier, The Grossman Group works closely with Fortune 500 companies includingAOL, Boeing, Eastman Chemical Company, GlaxoSmithKline, HTC, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin,McDonald’s, Microsoft, Motel 6, Rockwell Automation, Tyco and Virgin Atlantic, among others.
Stay Connected!
The Grossman Group
@thoughtpartner
leadercommunicator Blog
David Grossman
David Grossman