Leader as communicator

This article examines common communication factors that have an impact on leader effectiveness (language, listening, mode of delivery, and feedback) and the role of the organization, organizational culture, and group dynamics in the development of the leader as a communicator. Communication, like any skill, is a learned behavior that is honed over time. Communication is a two-way process with stimulus-response shaping future behavior. But, it is even more complex when used in an organizational setting because there are multilevel communications, multiple message, senders and receivers, and competing agendas. Leaders in today's complex health care organizations must be skilled communicators to earn trust and respect. Once trust and respect have been earned, others are willing to listen to the leader's vision and to help make it a reality because, done well, it demonstrates expertise, critical thinking, achievement, and mentoring abilities.