Communication Is the Keystone
In my experience, the key to sealing business details is cultivating trust; and the foundation of trust is clear, transparent communication. The fruits of trust and communication are mutually-satisfying outcomes, business ventures that enrich each party, financially and emotionally.
To this end, I focus a great deal of time and energy on fostering a network of contacts, a matrix of strong relationships. I am attentive to each stakeholder in any business arrangement, bringing the power of the collective to bear in a way that builds momentum for the venture. By coordinating interests and emphasizing shared goals, we ensure success, and create wealth.
When RealBusiness recently published a list of what makes a good business leader, the British publication put communication at the top of the list.
According to RealBusiness’ Nancy Tom, clear communication requires good listening skills, in addition to the ability to articulate your own ideas and expectations.
Good communication builds credibility, which boosts the morale of your team members while reassuring other parties to a deal. It also increases the likelihood that colleagues and peers feel more connected to you personally, which in turn makes working together toward shared goals much easier.
Communication works in tandem with other key traits that are important in creating strong relationships in business, and beyond:
Empathy
This emotional component is an important aspect of leadership. See others as people, with real lives and families, not numbers or interchangeable figures.
Vision
Every good leader has a roadmap, and a compass for the journey. A strategic vision gives purpose to a business and direction to its employees. With a vision, there can be goals; and with goals, everyone can focus on achieving them. Vision is a tremendous motivator.
Flexibility
Doing things “by the book” has its place, especially when it comes to compliance issues. But a leader needs to be able to pivot in an instant, changing plans and finding quick solutions to unexpected obstacles.
Accountability
Leadership requires accountability, a “buck stops here” mentality. When you take responsibility, you invite admiration and respect.
Confidence
Confidence is a winning trait in all aspects of life, and it’s something that can’t be faked. It’s also something others notice quickly — either the confidence exuded by a business leader or the lack of it.
Delegation
Micromanagers are rarely good business leaders. A key leadership skill is the ability to find good people and allow them enough flexibility to do their jobs.
Problem-solving
Almost every managerial role requires this skill. Even when your business card carries a lofty title, your real job is solving and anticipating problems. It’s the task of everyone on your team. As the fictional Mad Men character Don Draper once schooled a copywriter: “You’re not an artist. You solve problems.”
Positive attitude
Like confidence, attitude is contagious and extremely obvious. Setting an upbeat tone creates an ideal atmosphere for productivity and success.
Continuous learning
The smartest people aren’t simply those with advanced degrees. The best and brightest, the smartest and wisest, are professionals who keep learning throughout their lives, adding to their store of knowledge with each day and each new challenge.
Ability to motivate others
In business you need to motivate two primary groups: your own team and the other parties to your venture. The ability to motivate and inspire is a talent, a gift. It’s hard to learn it from a book. But without the ability to motivate others in an organization, a manager is back to micromanaging — in other words, on the road to failure.
Lead by example
Colleagues, subordinates and peers all want to see leaders walk the talk, and prove they believe in the mission as much as they say they do. Some of the best military commanders in history died on the battlefield. And that is because they were on the front line.
Be a good listener
This skill dovetails with the vital traits of communication and empathy. To learn from others you need to listen. That involves much more than “hearing” what they say. Listening is about hearing plus making a sincere effort to understand what they are telling you. Listening is not simply a courtesy you extend to others; good listeners become aware of information that is important to the business and the success of a deal.
Respect
Respect is one of those qualities that increases immeasurably the more it is given. When you respect others, and they can feel it, you will in turn be afforded great respect. And you will have earned it.