Moving up often involves developing new communication skills.
Kevin L, a recently promoted senior manager at a large Canadian financial institution, sat down with me to discuss how the communication strategies he has been studying have helped him over the years. As Kevin’s responsibilities have grown, he has been improving his communication skills in significant ways.
What started out as a routine interview soon developed into a wonderful discussion of ways well-targeted communication training has benefited an individual worker, his colleagues and his organization.
Kevin’s first encounter with Gandy Associates began about nine years ago. At the time, Kevin was a senior developer who found it challenging to communicate in a diverse workplace. Enrolling in courses such as Language for Leadership and Making Meetings Work opened his eyes to not only the language aspect but also the communication and culture value of the training. The result? Kevin, the senior developer, could articulate and organize his ideas and concerns accurately, concisely and clearly.
As Kevin climbed to a first line manager role with a team to manage, he soon realized that the nature of his communication was changing. Instead of relying solely on his communication skills, he needed a team of communicators supporting him. Many of his direct reports began taking courses. Once exposed to the language, communication and culture training, the group dynamics began to change. The result? Kevin’s teams were better able to collaborate and work together.
Now as a senior manager, Kevin finds himself relying on his presentation skills to not only convey information but also engage larger groups of people. He is aligning his direct reports to not only his goals but also to those of the company. The result? Kevin’s department is working together to realize the organization’s vision.
Finally, effective communication has what Kevin calls “a rubbing off” effect; others are noticing and emulating his skills. He is happy he has the chance to demonstrate and model to others in his organization how excellent communication strategies can have an amazing impact on one’s career.
