Make Yourself Sick of Communicating--De Pree on Leadership

"If you're a leader and you're not sick and tried  of communicating, you probably aren't doing a good enough job."

Max De Pree, Leadership Jazz

Most leaders have several constituencies to communicate with.  Make a list of those groups and track how often you communicate with them.

Often, you will find that you are overlooking one or more groups.  Maybe long term clients?  Maybe long term employees.  Maybe vendors and collaborators.

Here is a list of potential groups that a leader should try to communicate with on a regular basis.

• Inner circle:  John Maxwell talks about a leader's inner circle of close advisors.  Do you routinely communicate with them.  Do they feel that you listen to them?
• New Employees
• Veteran Employees:  Long time employees are often key to an organization.  However, they may feel that their voices are no longer heard.  Ask for their insight on changes. 
• New Clients
• Long Term Clients:  The marketplace is constantly changing.  Your clients are being approached by other service providers with new deals and new products.  Communicate why these clients should stay with you. More importantly, why should they refer new business to you.
• Vendors
• Community Leaders:  Most successful organizations have strong connections to the community.  Think beyond an annual donation to a national charity.  Find out the needs of local non-profits and local schools.  Can you provide a local college with an intern opportunity?

Vary the communication method to these people.  In most cases, it might be a group e-mail or a meeting.  Also include truly personal e-mail and phone calls. One powerful communication tool is the hand-written card sent to their homes.