The Manager's Pocket Guide to Leadership Skills

As a manager, one of your primary responsibilities is to get the right message to the right person, to get the results you expect. Because the communication process is so complex, getting your message across is not an easy task. Barriers or roadblocks can get in the way: lack of understanding (on your part or theirs), interruptions, noise, emotional state (yours or theirs), bias, prejudice, boredom, resentment, language problems, culture, physical environment, lack of trust, poor listening habits, mixed messages, and unclear priorities.

To work your way around these barriers, consider the following ideas:

1.  Think through what you want to say before you say it. Begin by focusing on your intention or goal. Be clear about what you expect as a ...