OHNG Warfighter Culture Fundamentals 

COMMUNICATE Effectively

Brigadier General Matthew S. Woodruff / Assistant Adjutant General for Army  ~  WATCH LEADERSHIP VIDEO ON YouTube

  • Take responsibility for ensuring the receiver understands your message and intent.
  • Document it when appropriate.
  • Listen to understand and ask questions for clarity.

President Ronald Reagan, who is often hailed as the Great Communicator, said, “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” One way to inspire people to do great things is through effective communication. Reagan was a Great Communicator because of his ability to educate his audience and bring his ideas to life by using anecdotes and personal stories. He personified effective communication by emphasizing teamwork and a shared vision. “Anything worth accomplishing takes the work of a team, a group of people dedicated to the passionate pursuit of a dream and a common vision. While some teams follow leaders who are granted power through title alone, the most successful teams follow leaders because they are inspired to do so.” (Harvard Business Review How Great Leaders Communicate).

People are inspired through effective communication. It is vital for leaders to convey ideas and ensure Soldiers, Airmen, and Civilian team members understand the mission to accomplish it with fidelity. Prioritize clear structured writing over complex presentations. Consider the following strategies for effective communication:

  1. Mission Focus: Align teams around a clear purpose and document.
  2. Simplicity: Use straightforward language for better understanding.
  3. Metaphors: Enhance clarity with relatable comparisons.
  4. Active Listening: Give your full attention and listen, being present and not preparing your response while the other person is speaking.
  5. Ask Questions: Seek clarity and foster curiosity and understanding by suspending judgement.

By applying these strategies, leaders can inspire and unite their teams in the pursuit of accomplishing the mission.