How effectively do you communicate? Communication is a cornerstone of influence and success in any organization. Yet, it remains one of the most challenging skills to master consistently. Throughout history, great orators have inspired movements, united people during crises, and achieved extraordinary outcomes. In today’s world, however, capturing and retaining attention has become increasingly competitive. Everyone has a message, and everyone believes theirs deserves to be heard above all others.
In our work with leaders to understand and prioritize strategies for improving workplace culture, enhancing communication consistently ranks as a top focus area. While organizations can provide education, training, and coaching to support leaders in honing their communication skills, the ultimate responsibility lies with the individual leader to commit to self-improvement.
A communication self-evaluation is a powerful tool to help leaders assess their effectiveness. This exercise, which we incorporate into leadership development programs, encourages introspection and identifies opportunities for growth.
Taking the Self-Evaluation
When evaluating your communication effectiveness, consider the perspective of those you lead. Reflect on how your employees perceive your communication style and impact. As you review the following statements, ask yourself: If my employees were completing this evaluation, which box would they check for each statement? Excellent? Good? Needs Improvement?
General Communication Practices
I invest in myself and actively seek feedback or tools to enhance my communication skills.
I recognize and provide feedback for desired performance (what employees do well) as frequently as I address areas needing improvement.
I ensure there is a shared understanding within my team regarding how best to communicate with me and with one another.
I balance listening and speaking during conversations with my team.
When speaking with employees, I observe their body language and adjust my messaging if needed.
Communication in Safety
I clearly map out our safety objectives and expectations.
My employees understand the behaviors expected of them regarding safety.
I regularly communicate a vision of what excellent safety looks like.
My employees know what it takes to prevent injuries and enhance our safety culture.
I do not allow exceptions to safety requirements or strategies.
I don’t accept excuses for unsafe practices.
I maintain consistent emphasis on safety, even when work demands increase.
I never criticize or use sarcasm when addressing safety concerns.
I encourage employees to share ideas and suggestions for safety improvement.
I actively promote safety practices both on and off the job.
I’ve communicated to all employees why safety is personally important to me.
Accountability and Feedback
I hold employees accountable more for their performance (how they complete tasks) than for their results (what they achieve).
I seek to understand the underlying influences on risky behaviors rather than simply offering safety advice.
My employees feel comfortable being transparent about their regular work practices.
I regularly seek and implement feedback to improve my leadership and communication skills.
Developing Your Communication Improvement Plan
After completing this self-assessment, use the results to create a personalized plan for improvement. Identify specific areas where you scored lower and outline actionable steps to enhance those aspects of your communication. Seek out additional resources, such as training programs, books, or mentorship opportunities, to support your development.
Consider revisiting this assessment at least quarterly to track your progress and ensure continuous growth. By making communication a priority, you can strengthen your leadership, foster trust within your team, and drive organizational success.