Employment & Entrepreneurship
When it comes to leadership communication, says Annelize van Rensburg, Global Chair and Director of Executive Search at Signium Africa, the impact of words is undeniable. The distinction between being bold and blunt is subtle yet critical, shaping not only how a leader is perceived but also, how effectively they can inspire and guide their teams.
Boldness, says Van Rensburg, is characterised by confidence, clarity, and the courage to speak up.“ It involves standing firm on issues, setting clear boundaries, and leading with integrity. A bold leader communicates assertively, ensuring their message is heard while maintaining a sense of respect and professionalism.” Bluntness, on the other hand, often lacks the finesse of thoughtful communication.“ While honesty is important, bluntness can come across as insensitive, even offensive. A blunt approach might achieve short-term compliance, but it can erode trust and morale over time,” she adds.
A recent Reuters report stated that by fostering a supportive work environment with strong leadership commitment and targeted support, companies could effectively reduce absenteeism and staff turnover. Van Rensburg believes that key to achieving this is firm but empathetic communication by executives.
“ Leaders must master the‘ iron fist in a velvet glove’ approach,” she says,“ learning to be firm on the issue, but gentle with people. This means tackling challenges head-on without losing empathy or compassion – maintaining strength without aggression.”
The skills needed
Emotional intelligence( EI) and social intelligence are critical skills. They involve the ability to“ read the room,” understand social cues, and adapt communication strategies accordingly. Thoughtful leaders know that timing is everything:“ What might be considered bold in one context could come across as blunt or inappropriate in another,” says Van Rensburg.“ Sometimes, quiet confidence speaks louder than words, allowing a leader’ s presence to naturally command respect without force. People listen best when they have been listened to first.” cohesion. Ardern’ s actions challenged traditional leadership norms at the time. Her legacy is a reminder that strength and kindness can coexist and thrive in leadership. According to Van Rensburg, effective leadership communication is not just about what is said or done, but also about how and when it is delivered.“ Thoughtful boldness requires a deliberate approach to ensure messages are clear and impactful, but also respectful and diplomatic,” she says.
Leading by example is crucial to creating a safe space for brave innovation within a team. Great leaders, says Van Rensburg, demonstrate through their actions that bold communication is not only welcomed, but encouraged. They cultivate environments where others feel safe to express their ideas without fear of judgment or reproach. According to Van Rensburg, Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, exemplifies this balance between boldness and empathy. A defining moment of Ardern’ s leadership was during the COVID-19 pandemic, where her approach to the crisis was characterised by both clarity and empathy.
She implemented some of the world’ s strictest border restrictions, yet communicated effectively with the public, balancing firmness with understanding. Her strategy not only curbed the spread of the virus in the island nation, but also maintained public trust and
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