According to the Gabler Business Dictionary definition,communication means that a message is transmitted from a sender to one or more recipients. However, the message does not always have to be expressed exclusively in words. Non-verbal signals such as gestures, facial expressions, but also tone of voice and emphasis are also components of communication and are ideally used to emphasise what you are saying. Communication skills also play a role in a leadership context. Here, in addition to the message itself, it is particularly important to pay attention to how the information is conveyed. After all, if the information is received differently than intended by the dialogue partner, this can lead to misunderstandings and, in extreme cases, have an impact on employee satisfaction and, consequently, performance and motivation. The situation is similar if you do not communicate verbally. Even if you turn away during a conversation and do not speak, for example, your posture alone is a form of communication as a manager. The fact that you don't want to take part in a conversation comes across to your counterpart.

"You cannot not communicate." - Psychologist, Paul Watzlawick

According to a study by Grammarly & Statista (2024), professionals in Germany spend an average of 75% of their working time communicating. For managers, the proportion is presumably even higher, making it a particularly important part of their role. This is because communication skills form the cornerstone of successful collaboration and team commitment. Managers face a particular challenge here: the way they communicate has a direct influence on the direction, mood, and motivation of the team. As a supervisor, it is your job to motivate your employees so that they are willing to perform in order to achieve the company's goals. Good communication skills maximize impact.

Clarity in meetings, negotiations, and employee discussions

In order to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings, it is essential to formulate your messages clearly, comprehensibly, and without leaving much room for interpretation. Only with clarity can your conversation partner implement things the way you want them to.

Emotional intelligence as a skill

Leaders who can put themselves in their employees' shoes will have less trouble communicating with them on an equal footing. With empathy and careful choice of words, unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts can be avoided and desired results achieved. This is an important aspect of leadership communication.

Showing transparency in management communication

Honesty lasts the longest. This also applies to your team members. Where possible, provide insights "behind the scenes" and give your team the feeling of being part of something.

Feedback competence as a leader

As a manager, it is your job to give your team members feedback and also to take their feedback on board, reflect on it and implement it if necessary. Communication skills also include the ability to express criticism appropriately and accept it professionally.

Many communication scientists have analysed theories, defined the topic and developed models. The models highlight the complexity of communication and emphasise that messages can be sent and received at different levels - meaning that conflict is inevitable if not carefully considered. The following models can help managers to develop their communication skills:

• Sender-receiver model (Shannon/Weaver)
• Four-ears model (Schulz von Thun)
• Iceberg model (Siegmund Freud)
• Transactional analysis
• Organon model
• 5 axioms according to Watzlawick

Successful appraisal interviews through good manager communication

In appraisal interviews, it is important to adapt the communication style to the situation at hand. Is the meeting primarily about giving feedback on work performance and setting new goals or is a little more sensitivity required? For a constructive appraisal interview, it is advisable to approach the employee in an appreciative and open manner, to communicate with clarity and transparency and to listen actively. This will help your employees to fulfil their potential.

Change processes

Not everyone is in favour of change. As a manager, it is your job to motivate your employees even in dynamic times and to show them understanding when they express doubts. It often helps to put yourself in your employees' shoes. Possible uncertainties and concerns are often understandable and human and can be addressed by you in a communicative manner.

Delegation of tasks

Leadership skills include the ability to delegate. If you want to assign specific tasks, do so by communicating - whether in a direct conversation, an email or another written form. Make sure you formulate your requirements clearly and convey all the necessary information to avoid misunderstandings. Only those who know the rules of the game can stick to them.

• Too much information: If too much information is conveyed at once, it is highly likely that your team members will not be able to take it all in.
• Unclear messages: Unclear wording or pronunciation can lead to your counterpart not understanding you or understanding you incorrectly.
• Lack of congruence between verbal and non-verbal: If your body language does not match what you are saying, this can lead to confusion or even mistrust on the part of your dialogue partner.
• Lack of listening skills: Not all disruptive factors for communication among managers originate from the manager. The other person must also be willing and able to listen.

Clear and effective management communication is the foundation of good leadership. Whether it's praise, feedback, delegation or crisis talks - as a manager, your communication style plays a key role in determining how motivated, productive and successful your team is. If you combine clear wording with empathy, active listening and the conscious use of body language, you will have all the important communication skills that are an advantage in day-to-day management. With the help of communication models such as Watzlawick's axioms, you will recognise how quickly misunderstandings can arise. This makes it all the more important to continuously develop communication skills and use them flexibly depending on the situation.