Leadership communication is a delicate dance. Striking the right balance between authority and approachability is crucial for fostering a productive, motivated, and engaged team.
Too often, leaders fall into the trap of emphasising one at the expense of the other. Being overly authoritative can lead to a rigid environment where team members feel undervalued or hesitant to share ideas. This can suppress creativity and breed resentment.
On the other hand, leaders who prioritise approachability without establishing clear boundaries risk losing control, leading to confusion and inconsistent performance.
Research by Harvard Business Review shows that leaders who effectively balance these traits create workplaces with higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.
They build psychological safety, a concept popularised by Amy Edmondson, where team members feel safe to express concerns without fear of judgment. This leads to more innovation and better problem-solving.
Moreover, this balance influences your team's perception of your credibility. Sociolinguistic studies find that a voice perceived as too soft or overly friendly might undermine authority, while a harsh or commanding tone can alienate listeners. Balancing warmth with control promotes trust, engagement, and clarity.
Fun Fact: In a 2018 survey by LinkedIn, 57% of professionals said they would leave a job due to poor leadership communication, especially when leaders were either too distant or too informal. This underscores the importance of finding the sweet spot.
