The language of leadership

MARK TWAIN had once exclaimed, "Lord, what an organ is human speech when employed by a master!" after listening to a speech by one of the orators of his day. Words-- in the way they are chosen, strung together and voiced have the ability to clarify, influence, persuade, motivate and inspire. How you express yourself has a significant impact on your image and long-term success. In other words, if you can't find your leadership voice, your leadership potential will be limited.

A leader is a person with focus and vision. Leaders challenge the status quo but know when to risk and when to walk away. They are smart, creative and confident; know when to claim credit and when to share it. Underlying all these innate and learned skills is the ability to use language as a tool that can shape and control the behaviour of others.

The language of leadership can be categorised into two basic styles. There is a language from the center and one from the edge. When people are at the center of things, they tend to direct the conversation and speak with authority. They argue convincingly. Talking from the center is a more traditional style — the leader is leading from the front. Certain situations call for this more aggressive stance: e.g. when you need to take control of the situation or sound credible on a particular issue. The language of influence is the language `from the edge'. Though not at the center of things, you can still remain powerful by asking questions, summarising what you have heard, checking everyone's understanding of a subject. In other words, this means keeping the conversation going so that the information flow continues.

The language of successful leaders has five characteristics.

Strong start: Whatever the message, leaders get your attention right away. The opening sentence should be strong and precise.

Clear message: Leaders don't expect you to figure out what the point is; they tell you what the point is. They give you a direction and call for some kind of action. This is characteristic of people on the way up as well as people already at the top.

No abstractions: A strong message without specifics to back it up is a bankrupt message. Leaders are like lawyers in court, presenting a case. You have to give evidence, present examples that drive action.

Ordinary language: The higher you rise in an organisation, the more important it is to forgo the secret-handshake language of your discipline. Leaders speak in simple language so that they are understood by all.

Strong ending: Leaders are typically great teachers. They give you something to take away. Or leave you with a memorable thought. They find an encouraging thought even in bad news. They talk about problems as challenges rather than as crippling obstacles. Leaders have a greater sensitivity to language. They know that even carefully planned messages or presentations can be derailed by mannerisms that are distracting undermining thereby the impact of the statements. Take care to ensure that along with the right language you use the appropriate tone, style and body language.

TINA MARIAM JACOB

tina.mas@cnkonline.com