Revelant Leadership Begins and Ends with Relevant Communication

Relevant leadership begins and ends with relevant communication.

But relevant communication is much more than just the emotional, function, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication of the past. Today relevant communication comes in the form of text messages, iChats, and inside jokes.

Leaders cannot ignore the ways that normal people communicate with each other. Text messages are one of the primary ways that people communicate, and it needs to be a tool that leaders use to communicate, as well. Text messages are easy, inexpensive, and very quick. When leaders use text messages, they are proving that they are relevant to their followers. What is more relevant than the big boss guy or lady spending a few minutes typing away on a cell phone to text a follower with some information or a quick message? Leaders should shun the protocol of professional business communication in order to connect with their followers on their own level.

Also, webcams, video conferencing, and iChat are getting more effective and easier to use. For people who do not live near each other, it is a common occurrence to utilize the ability of a computer and a camera to communicate. This practice has gone from a rarity for the uber-rich to a daily form of communication for any person with a computer or a laptop. Leaders can easily join in with this communication movement. By using iChats and webcams a leader shows that he or she is committed to relationships through communication. It is not just a long-distance telephone call with an associate or instructions through an email for a follower who is working on the road. Yet using this form of relevant communication enables leaders to not only communicate messages but to also develop relationships and be a part of this technology
movement.

Finally, inside jokes should get more respect as a communication form than they currently do. Inside jokes are one of the ways that normal people communicate. They are a form of communication that shows you have a great relationship with someone. They are a form of communication that is fun and easygoing. Leaders should try to communicate through inside jokes to build friendships and show their employees that they are regular people, too.


Relevant leadership really does begin and end with relevant communication – even if that is a different style of communication than most leaders are used to.