The Impact of Face-To-Face Communication on Leadership
Studies done prior to the proliferation of electronic communications, between 1973 and 1991, reveal that business leaders spent most of their time—as much as 90 percent—communicating. Technology has only increased the amount of time spent communicating, and it plays an important role in communicating globally, or reaching several people instantaneously. It’s important, however, for business leaders to practice interpersonal, face-to-face communication and to understand its role in building trust, preventing misunderstandings, boosting productivity and creating opportunities for leadership advancement.
Building Trust
![Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Making eye contact shows that you pay attention to others.](http://l.hdnux.com/140x140p/hearst-images.s3.amazonaws.com/getty/article/56/213/87801604_XS.jpg)
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Effective leadership starts with trust, and interpersonal communication is critical to establishing that trust. The researchers at Rice University emphasize that eye contact and speaking easily and confidentially establish credibility, which is essential to being a leader. Respondents to a Harvard Business Review survey noted that impersonal communication techniques such as email and even telephone calls do not evoke the necessary level of confidence for business.
Preventing Misunderstandings
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Misunderstandings increase without the benefit of face-to-face communication, which can have serious consequences for leaders. Clarity of message is crucial in decision making; without the benefit of face-to-face communication, there is no “give-and-take” to ensure that the receiver, or listener, has processed the message correctly. Harvard Business Review cites research showing that face-to-face interaction actually puts people “on the same wavelength” through a connection of neurons.
Boosting Productivity
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Face-to-face communication helps leaders increase productivity. For example, organization leaders set goals for the company and motivate employees to meet them. They command attention, exert control over situations that guide the company and inspire others to follow them. To do this effectively, leaders need to utilize all of their communication bandwidth, which is only possible with face-to-face interactions.
Creating Opportunities
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Leaders are evident at many organizational levels. Project and department managers and even mentors exude the most leadership success through face-to-face communication. Demonstrating leadership at any organizational level, and being able to negotiate effectively, affects future advancement and leads to greater leadership responsibilities.
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Writer Bio
Based in Central Texas, Karen S. Johnson is a marketing professional with more than 30 years' experience and specializes in business and equestrian topics. Her articles have appeared in several trade and business publications such as the Houston Chronicle. Johnson also co-authored a series of communications publications for the U.S. Agency for International Development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in speech from UT-Austin.