Want to connect? Communicate!

Executive connectedness depends on effective communication.

Great leaders have mastered the art of effective communication—and that ability has measurable results. New research conducted by Truist Leadership Institute explores how executive connectedness—employees' perceptions of an executive’s trustworthiness, demonstration of caring, and effective communications—creates impact. The result? When employees feel connected to executives, they are more engaged at work, more likely to stay, and more likely to engage in the organization’s purpose initiatives.

Effective communication builds strong connections with employees and has a big impact. In fact, employees who have high satisfaction with the level and amount of communication they receive from top company executives are 27% more likely to be engaged in their work, 26% more likely to stay, and 13% more likely to commit to company purpose. 

Creating the right communication cadence with the right messaging can be tricky. We recommend these three tips to sharpen your communication skillsets.

1. Be consistent. The organization's business objectives, challenges, and strategy must be over-communicated. Provide consistent messages reinforcing these concepts and how each drive towards accomplishing performance and purpose goals. This will give your employees confidence in the value of their work and clarity of knowing what to expect from the organization. 
2. Connect to purpose. Employees want to understand why the organization exists and to support it in achieving both its performance and corporate and social responsibility goals. Reinforce your communications by referencing the organization’s vision, mission, and values wherever possible to help employees understand why their work matters.
3. Listen. Communication is a two-way street. Truly listen to what your employees have to say - do not listen with the intent of speaking. Pay close attention to what they share about customer feedback, competitor moves, potential risks, their roadblocks, and what they need to continue their development. Create forums to listen at levels across the organization, consider mentorship and reverse mentorship, and engage with your Employee Resource Groups. You will be amazed by what you can learn, the goodwill you create, and the opportunities you find to improve your organization’s performance and commitment to purpose.

Effective communication, coupled with trustworthiness and caring, creates the executive connection that can increase employee engagement, retention, and commitment to the organization’s purpose. You can strengthen your communications by being consistent, connecting to purpose, and listening. To learn more about Executive Connectedness, read the full Purple Paper^SM.