Mastering the Art of Communication for Nurse Leaders

Empowering Teams Through Exceptional Communication Skills

When we think of communication, it is quite common for our minds to immediately jump to the constant practice of writing and responding to emails. While email is certainly a vital component of today’s workplace communication demands, speaking holds an equally crucial role. And for Nurse Leaders, spoken communication is a critically important leadership skill. When effectively utilized, it builds trust, fosters strong relationships, and ensures clear understanding in high-pressure environments, making it an indispensable tool in your leadership toolkit. 

You can begin to understand the broader framework of effective communication after reviewing the American Organization for Nursing Leadership’s Core Leadership Competencies. Notice how AONL combines “communication” with “relationship management” in their competency model. 

To truly excel, Nurse Leaders must master three often-overlooked elements of effective communication that complement relationship management: executive presence, visibility, and active listening. Understanding these practices and integrating them into other foundational communication activities, such as email, can significantly enhance a Nurse Leader’s effectiveness and impact. 

1. Presence: How You Show Up

Presence is about more than just being physically present (although that is really important!). It’s about the energy and demeanor you bring to every interaction. Your presence can set the tone for your team’s culture and morale. In her Forbes article, Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D. describes its importance this way, “Leadership presence can mean the difference between inspiring confidence and trust in your team or having them continually questioning your decisions and actions. It can mean the difference between building a strong and cohesive team or having one riddled with conflicts and competing agendas. It can also mean the difference between achieving your professional goals or losing ground.” 

Being mindful of your body language, facial expressions, and even your silence can speak volumes. Are you approachable and open, or do you inadvertently project stress and unavailability? By being conscious of your presence, you can foster a more supportive and collaborative environment. 

2. Visibility: How You Connect

Visibility is about being seen by the people you lead. It’s about being engaged and accessible. It’s the opposite of sitting in your office with the door closed. Consider being intentional about scheduling time to round with your team.  Nurse Leaders who are visible and connected with their teams build stronger relationships and trust. This goes beyond walking the halls; it involves meaningful interactions with staff at all levels. As my friends Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner say in The Leadership Challenge, 7th edition“Leadership is a relationship…. Success in leading is wholly dependent upon the capacity to build and sustain positive relationships.” 

This article from the University of Utah Health describes how a leader’s visibility, specifically in a rounding practice, influences team dynamics, retention, and job satisfaction. Nursing Leaders who maintain a regular, visible presence are better able to understand their team’s needs and concerns, leading to improved patient care and staff retention. Making the effort to be visibly engaged demonstrates that you are invested in your team’s success and well-being.

3.  Active Listening: How You Value

Active listening is perhaps the most crucial communication skill for nurse leaders. It involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and then taking action or following through.  Active listening ensures that team members feel heard and valued, which can significantly enhance team cohesion and morale. 

This recent article from the Harvard Business Review discusses how active listening is imperative for senior leaders to master. By truly listening, leaders can uncover underlying issues, foster innovation, and build stronger, more empathetic relationships. In the fast-paced healthcare environment, where every decision can impact patient outcomes and staff engagement, active listening ensures that critical information is not overlooked. 

Practical Strategies for Enhancing Your Communication Skills

  • Mindful Preparation: Before walking into a meeting, take the necessary time needed to properly prepare. Be sure to take a moment to center yourself and think through how you plan to show up for the person or people you will be talking with. This will help you be more aware of how your presence affects others and outcomes.

  • Be Visible and Approachable: Schedule regular rounds and make a point to engage with staff during these times. Schedule (and don’t cancel!) weekly one-on-ones with the people who report to you. Ask open-ended questions to encourage dialogue and show genuine interest in their responses.

  • Master Active Listening: Employ techniques such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and asking clarifying questions. These strategies demonstrate that you are engaged and value the speaker’s input.

Start Building Better Communication Skills Today! 

Download our Communication Tip Sheet with 5 tips for building your communication skills!

 

Leveraging Better Communication for Better Outcomes

The benefits of mastering these communication skills are many: higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and improved patient outcomes. By integrating presence, visibility, and active listening into your leadership style, you not only enhance your own effectiveness but also elevate your entire team.

In the challenging and dynamic healthcare environment communication skills are paramount for Nurse Leaders. However, those who prioritize presence, visibility, and active listening are better equipped to lead their teams more effectively. By embracing these crucial facets of communication, Nurse Leaders not only navigate the complexities of healthcare more adeptly but also foster deeper staff engagement. This approach inspires teams, strengthens connections, and enhances the overall impact of their leadership.

Embrace these facets of communication to inspire, connect, and lead with greater impact.

Picture of Lori Armstrong DNP, RN NEA-BC

Lori Armstrong DNP, RN NEA-BC

CEO & Chief Clinical Officer