Today's leaders face an unusual set of challenges... 

The events of the past year alone caused seismic shifts in the way we  functioned in and related to the world around us. Though times have irreversibly changed, communication remains a high priority and core responsibility for today's business leaders.  An increasingly virtual workspace pushed leaders to learn to adapt to  emerging challenges and find ways to increase support and connection with their employees. Here are the top three pitfalls to avoid when formulating, or revisiting your organization's communication plan. 

1. They Don’t Communicate Enough 

To be fair - It’s hard to find fault with trying to give employees their space and not wanting to add more to their already overflowing plates stuffed with notifications, emails, reminders, announcements, and random “Top-3 Lists” (hey, what’s one more :) And yet, while it's true that many of us feel overwhelmed as we survey our inboxes and notification centers, it does not excuse the fact that as leaders, we are called to reach out anyway. 

Employees want to hear from us, even when there’s not much to say.

I’ve lost track of how often a generic announcement or newsletter has opened an invitation to more communication with an employee, or triggered an opportunity for deeper conversation, or simply reminded them that you're-still-there. The value of recurring communication can't be overstated. The seemingly mundane weekly announcement, monthly newsletter, quarterly brief or annual meeting are effective and meaningful ways to engage with employees, especially in an increasingly virtual workspace.

2. Claiming They're Too Busy

Multitasking and wearing 'busy' as a badge of honor have emerged as the unofficial hallmarks of success, influencing not just the business world but also our daily lives. "Busyness" often masquerades as a badge of importance and value, feeding the ego in each of us. Despite what old habits and accepted norms suggest, treating interactions with others as 'background noise' just doesn't cut it. Besides, true multitasking is a myth—attempting it usually means both tasks suffer from lack of your full attention. This not only undermines your efforts but also robs you of the chance to forge stronger connections and build trust with your team.

When we set boundaries - honoring our own time and commitments, we give others permission to do the same. 

Interestingly enough, a meaningful exchange can last as little as 15 minutes - while an hour marked by steady interruptions, being distracted or not fully present can feel meaningless.  As leaders, we must take on the challenge of honoring our time and those around us. It requires a constant reevaluation of priorities, focus and honesty. Make an effort to be fully present in your next interaction. Even if it’s just a quick catch-up, those few moments can create invaluable connections.

But don’t take my word for it - try it. Be fully present with every task on your daily to-do list, no exceptions. Drinking your morning coffee, driving on your morning commute, delivering that weekly brief for the last 5 years and counting... Whatever it is, showing up fully can transform the way you experience and are experienced by the world around you. 

3. Selective Communication

Much like our phone signals, sometimes there are observable 'dead zones' where communication simply drops, or information flows to certain groups more readily than others. The assumption being that some information impacts one group vs. another, or that the information will eventually trickle down to those that need it. 

Certain types of communication should be pushed out equally across the entire organization.

Identify early on the kinds of information that are more global than local, i.e. transparent across the board. Any kind of change (i.e. new policy, new hire, new resource) should receive equal FYI status for all employees. Yes, even if it's ignored. Do not let past patterns of engagement lead to assumptions on how to  communicate with certain employees or teams. The result, while well-intentioned, can create pockets of tension or notions of  favoritism of one group over another. Hardly an environment that fosters cooperation and innovation.

Cultivating Communication: The Key to More Connection 

The art of avoiding these top communication mistakes lies in the conscious effort to engage, to listen, and to share openly and fairly. By doing so, leaders not only elevate their own effectiveness but also contribute to building a stronger, more cohesive, and resilient organizational culture. Let's remember, leadership is as much about connecting with others as it is about guiding them. In the realm of effective leadership, communication is not just a skill—it's a superpower.