An article by Paul Diepenbroek & Dorrian Aiken – Jan 2021
“The biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw
Throughout history, the greatest speeches may have been delivered with style, their substance resonating and their impact inspiring change. Winston Churchill, with “We shall fight on the beaches” to Martin Luther King Jr., with “I have a dream” and Nelson Mandela, with “I am prepared to die.” These leaders spoke from a selflessness
designed to create a shift in perspective and open new possibilities.
If you want to lead effectively, you cannot do so without becoming an outstanding communicator. Effective communication is arguably the most vital attribute one can master to fully engage an organisation and catalyse excellence.
Whereas self-awareness and learning agility address a leader’s relationship with reality, communication (along with influence) affords interaction with their world, thereby predicting sustained success. So say Dethmer et al (2014:61) when describing the 12 commitments for conscious leadership. Yet, effective communication is paradoxical in that it is often mistakenly associated with the content being conveyed. How a message is conveyed and the meaning attached to the message leaves the content open to interpretation – interpretation determined by the perspective of those party to the conversation. This is all about context.
