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If you’re like most leaders we know, communication is something that you're constantly working to improve. From improving public speaking to mastering email etiquette, the pressure to be an effective communicator is immense. 

In this issue we’re going to talk about one critical element of communication that often goes unmentioned - focus. 

Just like in design, where visual focus guides attention and shapes communication, leaders need to master the skill of focus to ensure their communications are received loud and clear. 

Communication is Paramount

Studies show that 8 out of 10 employees rate communication in the workplace as average or poor. 

Poor communication can be incredibly expensive for businesses. According to a study by Gartner, communication is responsible for 70% of corporate errors. 

Ineffective communication can also contribute to employee burnout and decreased productivity. Forbes reports that 58% of workers feel increased burnout as a result of communicating digitally.

Let's explore how some design principles of visual focus translate into powerful communication strategies for leaders.

Communication Transcends Words

Imagine your team meeting as a design layout. Your role as a leader is akin to the designer who establishes a clear hierarchy of priorities. Designers employ visual hierarchy to create a natural order of importance for elements within the design. 

Eliminating Distractions

Designers know that clutter can overwhelm their audience and impede message comprehension. Meetings crammed with irrelevant topics or unclear agendas are the communication equivalent of clutter. 

Don't drown your team in an ocean of information. 

Don’t pack a room with a bunch of people unsure about why they’re attending. 

Prioritize the message, ensuring everyone understands how they relate to the most critical objectives.

Creating Focal Points

By establishing focal points, designers direct the viewer's attention to specific areas of the design.

Delegation is an impactful means for creating focal points within your team.  Identify key team members with strengths aligned with specific tasks, and delegate intentionally.  

By placing them in the "spotlight" of their expertise you engage their interest, draw their attention to desired actions, and align their focus with the focus.

By focusing on essential elements and minimizing distractions, leaders, like designers, ensure the message is received without ambiguity. 

Leading With Vision: Say Less

Just as visuals evoke emotions in design, a leader's vision should inspire and connect with the team. 

Don't rely on vague pronouncements about the future. Paint a compelling picture of the future you're working towards. 

Connect with their aspirations and create a shared sense of purpose. They won’t own it until they feel it.

By incorporating focus into your communication style you should be able to evoke the desired emotional response by saying less, not talking more. 

Leadership is about communicating effectively, empowering team members through clear instructions and delegation, and creating a clear path towards collective success. 

Focus is the unspoken language of effective communication. By leveraging it, you can guide your team's attention, cultivate clarity, and inspire them to achieve remarkable results together.

Stay The Course,