I recently found this quote from Whole Foods co-founder and CEO John Mackey. In discussing how he hires leaders he said,
I understand people a lot better today than I did 30 years ago. Back then, I was more impressed with people who were very articulate. In many companies, the person who talks the best usually gets the job. I got snowed by a few of those people over the years. I still think communication is important, but I don’t think there’s always a correlation between being a great communicator and other virtues that make for a great leader.
Here’s what is really important about his comment: A person who stumbles over his words, who isn’t the smoothest communicator, and has great character: That’s who Mackey hires now.
I totally agree, and at the same time, his statement that there is not a correlation between being a great communicator and other virtues that make a great leader is risky. If you’re not a great communicator, people won’t follow you. If you’re a great communicator,
- You can validate your people so they always feel valued, even when you disagree with them.
- You can frame conversations so no time is wasted.
- You can read communication tendencies to build a connection quickly.
- You know how to motivate people by speaking to what motivates them.
If a leader can’t communicate, people will be confused by what he says and what he means, even if his character is unquestionable.
Character is essential and people give great people the benefit of the doubt. But unless leaders can communicate effectively, they can’t produce results through other people.
