Many times those in leadership positions make statements or write notes and assume everyone hearing or reading them “gets” exactly what is being requested or explained.  Assuming people can “read a leader’s mind” is often an operational weakness that if not addressed can have a huge spread of inaccurate information and directives throughout a business or organization.  This challenge of achieving solid UNDERSTANDABILITY is even more pronounced if a leader has that “innovation-spirit” blended into their mode of operation.  So how do we achieve a communication balance with regard to Leadership & Understandability?

I believe the majority of the responsibility in addressing this issue falls with leadership.  First they must establish a culture of innovation understandability within the overall group.  This means ENHANCED COMMUNICATION…openness for asking questions and freedoms for anyone to question the viability of proposed actions.  Next in an effort to combat the inability for people to read the leader’s mind phenomenon, additional detailed WRITTEN-DOWN IDEAS must be a standard leadership practice.

Finally effective leaders must retain a high level of PERSONAL ACCESSIBILITY.  This means that those in charge need to employ a schedule which allows co-workers and colleagues adequate time to share and converse.  There is no way to totally measure the value of ensuring regular accessibility as a leader.  However, operating in an always distant manner will undoubtedly create production and quality voids.

Leadership & Understandability are inevitably linked as important personnel management skill sets.  Emphasize understandability.  This action will enhance your leadership experience on all levels.