Last updated on Apr 30, 2024

How do you leverage communication tools and platforms to enhance your leadership and collaboration?

Communication is a key skill for any leader, especially in a remote or hybrid work environment. But how do you use the various tools and platforms available to communicate effectively, build trust, and foster collaboration with your team and stakeholders? In this article, we will explore some tips and best practices to leverage communication tools and platforms to enhance your leadership and collaboration.

1 Choose the right tool for the purpose

Different communication tools and platforms have different strengths and limitations. For example, email is great for formal and asynchronous communication, but not so good for urgent or nuanced messages. Video calls are ideal for face-to-face interaction and emotional connection, but they can also be draining and distracting. Chat apps are convenient for quick and informal communication, but they can also create noise and confusion. As a leader, you need to choose the right tool for the purpose, depending on the urgency, complexity, and tone of your message. You also need to consider the preferences and availability of your audience, and set clear expectations and norms for using each tool.

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Ryan Ng

Ex-LinkedIn | Currently on self-imposed career break | Looking for my next passion project
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Based on my experience, each communication tool has its own pros and cons for different purposes. A phone call or virtual meeting can provide real-time interaction, promote a sense of connection, and allow for nuanced conversation, but they can also be time-consuming and may require scheduling. Email is great for conveying detailed information and providing a written record, but it can be impersonal and easily misinterpreted. WhatsApp is good for quick updates and informal chats, but it can also be distracting and may lack professionalism. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each tool, we can choose the right one for the job and maximize the benefits of collaboration while minimizing its drawbacks.

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2 Use clear and concise language

Regardless of the tool or platform you use, your communication should be clear and concise. This means using simple and direct language, avoiding jargon and acronyms, and structuring your message with a clear purpose, main points, and action items. You should also use appropriate punctuation, grammar, and spelling, and proofread your message before sending it. Clear and concise communication can help you avoid misunderstandings, confusion, and errors, and show respect and professionalism to your team and stakeholders.

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John Suskey

Executive MBA Student @ University of Arkansas
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- I have to agree with you! In my time in the Air Force there were many times as a young supervisory where my instructions were not followed. When it came down to it my instruction was not concise, it was not clear, and the result was not what I wanted either. In an attempt to prevent miscommunication in the future I decided to write down the topic in question and decide the details before the assignment. It helped me centralize an idea, compound my thoughts, and make sure the who, what, when, why, and how was answered before I even assigned the task. The result was a much better product and helped me fine tune each assignment better and better until I no longer needed write down the ideas and questions. Communication is key!

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3 Add some personality and emotion

While clarity and conciseness are important, they should not come at the expense of personality and emotion. As a leader, you want to communicate not only what you say, but also how you say it. You want to convey your tone, attitude, and feelings, and also acknowledge and empathize with those of your audience. You can do this by using words, phrases, and emojis that express your personality and emotion, and by using voice or video calls when possible to show your facial expressions and body language. Adding some personality and emotion can help you build rapport, trust, and engagement with your team and stakeholders.

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Jerry D. Smith Jr., Psy.D.

Clinical Psychologist & Behavioral Health Consultant | Treatment, Building Trust, Conflict Resolution
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To make digital communication more relatable and engaging, I infuse my messages with personality and emotion. I use emojis, GIFs, stickers, and personal anecdotes to add a human touch, making my team feel more connected and valued. By doing so, I create a sense of community and foster deeper collaboration.

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4 Listen actively and ask questions

Communication is not only about sending messages, but also about receiving them. As a leader, you need to listen actively and ask questions to understand the perspectives, needs, and concerns of your team and stakeholders. You can do this by paying attention, paraphrasing, summarizing, and reflecting back what you hear, and by asking open-ended, clarifying, and probing questions. You should also avoid interrupting, judging, or dismissing what others say, and show appreciation and acknowledgement. Listening actively and asking questions can help you demonstrate curiosity, respect, and feedback, and foster collaboration and learning.

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Jerry D. Smith Jr., Psy.D.

Clinical Psychologist & Behavioral Health Consultant | Treatment, Building Trust, Conflict Resolution
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When seeking to enhance leadership and collaboration I make use of online forums to engage others respectfully, restating views understood and asking follow-ups to explore all angles cooperatively. This cultivates an atmosphere where diverse input feels welcomed and safety to propose new perspectives exists. Only through such psychological ease and understanding different experiences can our interactions tackle obstacles as a united, supportive team instead of isolated voices.

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5 Adapt to the situation and the feedback

Communication is not a one-size-fits-all approach. As a leader, you need to adapt to the situation and the feedback you receive from your team and stakeholders. You can do this by monitoring the effectiveness, impact, and outcomes of your communication, and by soliciting and acting on feedback from others. You should also be flexible and willing to change your communication style, tool, or platform, depending on the context, audience, and goal. Adapting to the situation and the feedback can help you improve your communication skills, performance, and results, and show responsiveness and accountability.

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6 Review and improve your communication habits

Communication is a continuous process that requires constant review and improvement. As a leader, you need to review and improve your communication habits regularly, both individually and collectively. You can do this by setting communication goals, measuring your progress, and celebrating your achievements. You can also use tools and platforms that provide analytics, insights, and suggestions to enhance your communication effectiveness. Reviewing and improving your communication habits can help you develop your communication competence, confidence, and credibility, and lead by example.

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