The Leader's Responsibility for Communication

The leader as the main responsible for communication

In the exercise of leadership, one of the most inescapable responsibilities is that of communication.

In critical situations or during major announcements, the leader is not only a participant, but the main manager of the message.

There are times when delegating this task is not a viable option, as the audience expects the most senior person to take ownership of the communication.

A compelling historical example is the response of the mayor of New York City in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

His direct presence and voice at the forefront of the crisis conveyed a message of control and leadership that could not have been replicated by a spokesperson or advisor.

This underscores a fundamental expectation: in the defining moments of an organization or community, the leader must be the face and voice of communication.

Knowing when to communicate directly and when to delegate

Although the leader is ultimately responsible, effective leadership also involves the discernment to know when to communicate directly and when it is appropriate to delegate.

Not every message requires top-level intervention.

In fact, sometimes a communication is most effective when it is transmitted through different sources, in a cascading process.

A leader can make a general announcement, and then managers and team leaders can be responsible for communicating specific, relevant details to their respective groups.

The leader's task is therefore strategic: he or she must choose not only the right channel and vehicle, but more importantly, the right person to convey each message.

This decision about who should communicate is a fundamental part of communication management and depends entirely on the nature of the message and the impact you are seeking to achieve.

Summary

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