Looking forward to the IABC World Conference 2022? Start your conference experience early with a pre-conference session. Check out this preview from Sia Papageorgiou FRSA, SCMP, and Adrian Cropley OAM, FRSA, IABC Fellow, SCMP, who are running the Strategic Advisor Forum “Three Ways to Lead With Impact and Purpose” on Sunday, 26 June. 

In today's uncertain and competitive work environment, organizations need communication leaders with a firm grip on all areas of business to drive strategic alignment.

The contemporary and future-focused communication leader influences up and across senior teams with impact; builds trusted relationships based on empathy and common goals; expands their emotional intelligence; and identifies opportunities for growth.

This type of communication leader is almost fanatically disciplined and deliberate in their approach. They possess the mindset, knowledge and skills to influence at the executive level, communicate with impact and activate a thriving workplace culture.

The organization then benefits from communication that is grounded in the business strategy; employees who understand the purpose, mission, vision and priorities of the organization; leaders who understand their role as communicators; and increased collaboration and alignment.

So, what does that look like in practice and how do we, as communication professionals, lead with impact and purpose?

1. Improve your emotional intelligence.

Arguably one of the most important skills for professional and personal performance, emotional intelligence is your most powerful asset. Contrary to popular belief, emotional intelligence, or EQ — i.e., how well you identify and manage your own emotions and react to the emotions of others — is not an innate skill. While there are some people who are naturally more proficient in certain competencies, emotional intelligence can be learned, developed and enhanced.

2. Develop trusted relationships.

Leading with emotional intelligence fosters trust, and trust is critical in business. According to the 2022 European Communication Monitor, building and maintaining trust is the most important strategic issue for communication management until 2024. In their book, “The Trusted Advisor,” Maister, Green and Galford suggest we need to focus on four factors to develop trust — credibility (what we say), reliability (what we do), intimacy (how safe we make others feel) and self-orientation (where our focus lies). When you have a trusted relationship with your stakeholders, you’re likely to spend much of your time listening, advising and coaching. In this way, over time, you also build your stakeholders’ communication competence. What they get from you is a genuine and trusted business partner.

3. Listen more than you talk.

As the saying goes, “You have two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you talk.” That’s easier said than done. But listening is critical to your role as a communication leader. How well you listen has a major impact on your job effectiveness and the effectiveness of your communication function. It also impacts the quality of your relationships with others. By becoming a better listener, you can improve your productivity and your team’s productivity, as well as your ability to understand and influence others.

We’d love to see you at our workshop, where we’ll explore each of these areas in more detail. You’ll emerge prepared to think and lead strategically, generate innovative ideas, build trust and contribute to your organization on a strategic and senior level. Draw on the latest thinking, practical models, tools and strategies to elevate your communication leadership presence and ignite your career. 

Don’t miss IABC’s first in-person conference in over two years! Gather with the IABC community and hear from Sia, Adrian and a slate of global communication professionals live in New York City. Register now to join IABC at the World Conference 2022, 26–29 June.

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