The conversation is impossible to ignore: human-centric skills are crucial for successful leadership. Yet, many business leaders find it difficult to connect with their teams.
What’s getting in the way of real connection? The answer might be simpler than we think.
Why empathy and communication define great leadership
Last month, we attended the CIPD’s Future of Work conference, where one message came through loud and clear: building trust and inspiring teams requires strong human-centric skills.
Speakers continually returned to the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence and authenticity as drivers of leadership success. Microsoft’s chief security advisor, Sarah Armstrong-Smith, summed it up in one line: “Transformational leadership is rooted in empathy.”
But here’s the challenge: what happens when a leader feels empathy but can’t express it? They might understand what their team needs, but without the language or confidence to express themselves clearly, they risk being seen as distant or uninterested. The empathy is there. The communication skills to express it might not be there.
How vulnerability and soft skills build trust in leadership
As technology reshapes how we work, speakers reminded organisations of its limitations when it comes to human connection.
Oxfam’s chief people officer, Joyce Idoniboye, explained it well: “We’ve got to show the human side of ourselves more to inspire our teams, and that means connecting and being a bit more vulnerable. Technology can’t do that.”
This doesn’t mean oversharing. It means being open about challenges, admitting when you don’t have all the answers and showing that you’re human too.
Many leaders worry that showing vulnerability will be perceived as weakness. However, the most effective leaders are not afraid to show their vulnerable side while still being decisive. As Idoniboye noted: “People want to see that openness, and they want a leader they can follow and have that loyalty to.”
Practical ways to communicate more effectively as a leader
Start by assessing your current communication style. Do you listen more than you speak? Are you comfortable admitting when you don’t have all the answers? Do you make time for genuine conversations with employees? Once you’ve identified your communication patterns, take action:
- Make time for the people who make up your business. Ask about challenges, listen to concerns and show genuine interest in what you hear.
- Be honest about what you don’t know. People will respect your transparency more than they’ll judge knowledge gaps.
- Pay attention to non-verbal cues. Body language, facial expressions and tone often reveal more than spoken words. When you notice someone appears frustrated or disengaged, recognise it.
- Address any language barriers that might hinder your ability to express yourself clearly or understand your team’s needs.
Leadership communication isn’t about having perfect words. It’s about connecting authentically, communicating clearly and creating space for meaningful conversations. Our business English training programmes help executives build trust and inspire their teams through clear communication. Book a free consultation at contact@yourlondontutor.com to explore how this could work in your business.
