5 ways leaders can make their messaging meaningful

“People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”   – Maya Angelou

More than one CEO has said, “Leadership is 90 percent communication.” And research bears them out by showing the way in which managers communicate with employees is one of the most important factors in driving employee engagement. The late Maya Angelou pinpoints the key to communication that engages and makes meaning: make people feel something. Inspire a felt sense of confidence. Build certainty and community. It makes the difference between compliance and commitment, meaningless work and meaningful work. Here are five ways to ensure your messaging will truly matter.

Articulate a Compelling Vision That Resonates with People’s Identities

Research shows compelling visions make membership within an organization feel special, enriching, and meaningful in and of themselves. They also create meaning by appealing to, and resonating with, members identities. Identities are formed through self-definition of core values, and association with the organization’s values. If you make evident how the vision supports known personal and company values, you’ve thus reaffirmed individual and collective identities. Similarly, when you communicate the vision in a way that strengthens the sense of community, the “we’re in this togetherness,” it further enhances the message’s meaning.

continue reading »