V) CLEAR COMMUNICATION

If there is one area of leadership that stands out above all others as a source of conflict and confusion it would have to be communication. The ability to clearly and concisely convey a message to those who follow is a mark of a great leader. Whether it is communicating the vision, communicating directions, or communicating instruction, the failure to effectively communicate will undermine all the other favorable attributes of a leader.

Misunderstanding and miscommunication can be costly. It causes frustration for the followers and this frustration often leads to complacency and apathy. So the ability to get the message to those we mentor and lead is essential.

As the Word made flesh Jesus was both the message and the messenger. Jesus was God’s media through which He spoke of His love. The message of God’s love could not have been spoken any clearer or louder than the cross. This love brought forgiveness to the guilty, hope to the hopeless, and life the lifeless.

In John’s Gospel chapter 2, Jesus is attending a marriage feast with His disciples. Here Jesus’ mother tells Him that the host of the feast has run out of wine. It is clear that she intends for Jesus to do something about this social faux pas. Indeed, it seems she would like Jesus to use this opportunity to make a public display of His power as Messiah. Jesus, however, knew that this was neither the time nor the place.

Understanding that Jesus was not going to use this occasion for a coming out party as Messiah, Mary still desires that Jesus do something about the lack of wine. So, she turns to the servants and says, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

Jesus gave the servants very clear instructions. His directions were simple and concise. “Take those six waterpots and fill them with water.” There isn’t much room for misunderstanding here. And then He said, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” When the master of the feast tasted it, he found that it was good wine. Clearly communicated instructions led to a miraculous outcome.

It is true that Jesus often spoke in parables to the masses. Many times they did not understand what He was saying. However, Jesus always took time to explain and to clarify His words to His disciples. He wanted those who believed, who followed Him, to understand clearly what He was saying.

We need to take time with staff, boards and councils to make sure that they understand our vision, our expectations and our directives. If the people consistently fail to get the message then the fault most likely is that of the leader. We always need to give our people the freedom to seek clarification and to gain more insight if they need it to be effective in their role.

Often our frustration with those we lead is, in fact, a failure of leadership. If our people are not accomplishing what we expect, it is easy to assume that they are not motivated or that they are lazy, when in fact, it may simply be that the did not understand our directions. Clear communication will work miracles in the workplace, in the home and in the church.

As a leader we must be willing to accept feedback from others, allowing them to assess our communication skills. If we need to improve, then we should do ourselves and our people a favor and work to improve.