Effective Communication: The Key To Building Strong Relationships

I can’t hammer it home enough how important communication is in leadership and, more importantly, your life overall. While John Maxwell says everything rises and falls on leadership, I have to diverge from this great leadership thinker.

Leadership is important, but I believe communication is even more important.

Without communication, you can’t rise to the level of a great leader. People won’t follow or understand you if you can’t effectively communicate your

  • Mission
  • Vision
  • Desires
  • Thoughts
  • Agendas
  • Etc…

Communication is the key to getting things done in leadership. It holds that communication will get you to the next level. Especially in building relationships.

Many relationships, in business and personal, have fallen because a person couldn’t communicate. They failed to share their needs, desires, and wants. They couldn’t spit out the words to let the other person know.

Traditional Networking Doesn’t Work Anymore. Here’s What Does.

I’m a huge proponent of attending events and networking functions where you can meet new people. These events bring together like-minded people who are looking to rub shoulders with others.

You’re probably in that boat as well. You’re wanting to meet the next Steve Jobs or Michael Dell. You know how that can impact your platform or business.

But I want to suggest we go beyond networking.

Networking is changing

Image by Sean MacEntee

Networking only gets us so far. The typical way to network has been to go to the local Chamber of Commerce meeting or maybe it’s the Young Urban Professionals group in your neck of the woods.

Then, while there, you hock your business, try to get as many business cards as you can, and pass out even more of your business cards.