#431: Through the Window, Into the Mirror: The Art of Clear Communication
How Great Leaders Share Credit, Own Mistakes, and Ensure Understanding
A paraphrased quote from Jim Collins, “Good to Great,” recently came to mind. “Look through the window to give credit, and in the mirror to find blame.”
The actual phrase in the text is:
"Level 5 leaders look out the window to apportion credit to factors outside themselves when things go well (and if they cannot find a specific person or event to give credit to, they credit good luck). At the same time, they look in the mirror to apportion responsibility, never blaming bad luck when things go poorly."
This means great leaders share credit with their team or external factors for success, while taking personal responsibility for failures.
Why did this come to mind?
I once had a client whose Manager challenged him for not understanding clearly communicated instructions. This so-called leader went on to blame my client for not understanding, and that he should apologize because he asked questions. I won’t go into details, but the lesson I’m trying to give in this short blog today is that if the student hasn’t learned, the teacher hasn’t taught.
If your team is asking question after question and you don’t understand why, then you have not done your job. I don’t care how ‘clear’ you were in your instructions, or how much detail you provided; if the message wasn’t understood, it’s on you.
Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful interactions, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or leadership roles. It involves a straightforward, structured process to ensure messages are not only sent but also understood and acted upon.
The three essential steps to effective communication are sending the message, confirming it has been received, and reiterating what was confirmed. First, sending the message requires clarity and intentionality, ensuring the information is concise, relevant, and tailored to the audience. Second, confirming receipt goes beyond assuming the message was understood; it involves actively verifying that the recipient has accurately received and interpreted the information, often through feedback or questions like, "Can you confirm what you understood?" Finally, reiterating what was confirmed solidifies mutual understanding by restating the key points or agreements, ensuring both parties are aligned. By following these three steps: sending, confirming, and reiterating, communicators can foster trust, reduce misunderstandings, and create a foundation for effective collaboration.
What’s the harm in miscommunication? From quality control to team morale, effective leadership requires clear communication.