Leadership and communications are inextricably intertwined. Communications center on understanding the message, including the nonverbal cues the communicator is presenting to the others. Oftentimes we see communicators stressing their message, rather than understanding their audience. When this occurs, miscommunication ensues.

Sometimes this happens because a communicator thinks they are beyond reproach. From this perspective, and one certainly worth noting, Steve Olenski wrote a compelling article for Forbes.com, titled "Five Communication Skills That Make Good Leaders Great." Following are his salient points with my comments in parentheses so you can add this to your leadership domain.

<strong>1. Interpreting body language</strong>. In his book "Introducing Body Language – A Practical Guide," Glenn Wilson writes: "Where body language conflicts with the words that are being said, the body language will usually be the more 'truthful' in the sense of revealing true feelings." That's why the most successful leaders always are paying attention to people's unseen language and nonverbal cues. (Body language is sometimes described as being subliminal. You sense it but might not consciously be aware of it. Make sure your body language is in alignment with your statements. If not, communication dissymmetry occurs and produces a communication process that is confused and frustrated and, at best, your message is not received.)

<strong>2. Video skills</strong>. As a leader in today's visual-centric world, having skills when it comes to video is paramount. No, I don't mean shooting cat videos, not that there's anything wrong with that. What I am referring to is how you present yourself in video form and the quality of the video itself. (As a professor at Olivet Nazarene University and teaching online courses, we are encouraged to shoot videos of ourselves regarding communication of assignments and grading feedback. The written word is fine, but it is the image of the person speaking that encapsulates the body language and tone of the communicator, which helps drive home the intended message.)

<strong>3. Listening carefully</strong>. In our modern, global society, "the skill of listening" has taken a back seat. Voice inflections, verbal pauses and eye contact have been replaced with texts, thumbs-up icons and emoticons. While electronic communications make long-distance interaction easier than ever before, it has unfortunately hindered our ability to really listen to an information-rich conversation.

This is unfortunate because skillful listening enables you to catch details that others miss. Many epiphanies and business solutions have been reached thanks to a good listener's ability to pick up on a hidden gem. One excellent way to immediately improve your listening ability is to practice empathetic listening.

Try to feel excited when the person you're listening to is excited, or concerned when the other person is concerned. (Listen to the message, and rather than thinking of a response, critically reflect on what is being said. Absorb the message, reflect and then offer your thoughts after you have entertained what has been presented in a thoughtful manner.)

<strong>4. Crystal clear verbal communication</strong>. As a general rule, people do not listen attentively. Therefore, it's your job as a leader to speak as clearly and effectively as possible. So don't use words that aren't understood by most people. Not only will your message be lost, but you'll run the risk of sounding arrogant.

Remember, the goal of communication is clarity. (When someone is asking you a question or favor, and you might not be clear of what they are asking, repeat the question back to the communicator. If you understand what someone is saying or asking of you, then you can respond in a thoughtful and conscientious manner.)

<strong>5. Writing skills</strong>. It's true that smart executives and entrepreneurs can use agencies or hire freelancers who specialize in the complete production process of video and animation for fairly routine projects like speeches and presentations. However, it's still very important that you're able to write well on a day-to-day basis.

After all, you certainly can't hire someone every time you need to write a convincing email. Well, you probably could but it wouldn't be very cost-effective. You don't have to dig through your attic and dust off your old English grammar textbooks. You do, however, need to be concise and direct when you write. (The key to effective communication in writing is to convey and simplify the message. Great communicators can take a complex idea or conversation and make it simple to understand. More is not necessarily better in writing. Use the old axiom of the KISS method — Keep It Simple, Stupid. They say genius is taking the complex and making it simple, and not the other way around.)

As Olenski concludes, "If you lack any or all of these skills, don't be discouraged; spend a little bit of time each day learning, reading and practicing essential communication techniques. It may seem difficult to become an excellent communicator, but with practice, you'll soon discover that you can do it. And who knows? You might even discover that you're a natural."

Having effective communication skills sets you apart in the workplace. Being able to convey your message and having others understand it is paramount.