Communication in Leadership Revisited

 

Communication is a lot more than just verbal and written. These two types are probably the most talked about but our tone of voice, body language, and attitude also speak volumes to those around us. In order for ministry leaders to effectively build trust and establish strong communication with those under them, attention should be paid to these other types of communicating. While not in a ministry setting, I worked for a great leader who did an excellent job communicating verbally and in written form. However, his body language revealed a great deal about how he felt regarding certain decisions or actions of his employees, including myself. For instance, if someone forgot to complete a task, he would verbally tell them it wasn’t a big deal and it could be taken care of later. However, it wasn’t hard to sense a great deal of disappointment in his physical reaction whether that be slumping shoulders, a sigh, or something else. As I reflect on this tendency, it makes me second guess what he thought of me as a worker and if I really got his honest assessment of the work I did through his verbal or written affirmation. Ministry leaders must pay attention the full package of communication types, because each one relates to another and the audience of the communication with be assessing the message based on all of these factors.

Ensuring the communication that is used and implemented aligns with Biblical values starts with having clearly stated objectives and goals throughout any change process. Every major project starts with a blueprint or plans and any and every change initiative within a ministry should too. Without having something defined, it won’t be hard to go off course or add or subtract from the original vision. There are numerous examples throughout Scripture of leaders who started with good intentions but fell because they lost sight of the goal. 2 Chronicles 26 tells one of the saddest. King Uzziah took the throne at age 16 and reigned for about 52 years. His reign was "the most prosperous excepting that of Jehoshaphat since the time of Solomon." In the earlier part of his reign, under the influence of a prophet named Zechariah, he was faithful to God and "did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord" which is found in verses 4 and 5. But in verse 16 it says “but when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God.” Communication works both ways; just as a leader can influence and guide change through their communication, they can equally be influenced by the messages they receive from those around them. Aligning every vision with the Word of God lays a firm foundation that can be referenced time and time again to safeguard from a straying away from the purpose of the change and even organization. Communication can also be used to provide consistent reminders of “the why” behind each organizational decision or change initiative.

 The ministry setting is inherently different than a business or corporation because within a ministry setting, it can be assumed, that everyone is a follower of Christ. This raises the standard of expected conduct and hopefully eliminates workplace competition because everyone grasps they are equal in the sight of the Lord. There’s also a general understanding that even if everyone isn’t best friends, they are brothers and sisters in the family of God. This family, or community-centered, understanding of the organization should change the way individuals interact and relate to each other. Some of the principles discussed in this week’s chapter support this idea including using informal social networks, discussing the undiscussable, and feedback loops. The shared Christian values and beliefs should also help greatly throughout the communication process, especially when it comes to tough conversations.