Share Your Vision Seven To Ten Times

“Leaders need to communicate often, regularly and consistently,” says Margaret Reynolds of Reynolds Consulting, LLC in Lees’ Summit, MO. “Leaders should share their vision at least seven to 10 times with their employees, and to make it clear to employees what is specifically expected of them to do each day to help achieve the collective mission,” she added.

She adds that it’s not that leaders don’t communicate, but that they don’t beat the drum regularly enough.

“In terms of how to communicate so people get it, it is pretty widely accepted that story telling is the most effective; to be able to paint a vision where people see it often, and then following up with success stories or early wins reinforces it,” said Reynolds.

Reynolds recently shared with me more of her expert advice:

•   “Most leaders’ visions fail, not due to a leader’s inadequacies, but due to the leader’s lack of communication.”

• To become an effective leader, one should follow these three steps:
1.   Gain knowledge of what it takes to be a great leader
2.   Find an opportunity to practice
3. Accept feedback from trusted supporters

As the managing partner of her consulting firm, Reynolds has assisted companies with growth planning for over 21 years. She spent much of career at Hallmark in Kansas City, MO.

When I asked her, “If a leader wants to be remembered for being effective by his/her employees, what leadership attributes should he/she have displayed?” Reynolds told me a leader should be one who:

• listens with respect
• communicates effectively
• removes obstacles
• shoulders the blame
• shares the glory

“I would call it the golden rule. Others call it servant leadership or Level 5 leadership — when an executive treats others like he or she wants to be treated,” says Reynolds.

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