Marline C. Duroseau is well-known when it comes to empowering women, leadership and infertility support. She is the founder of MCD Business Enterprise LLC, where Women Matter, a company dedicated to all-things women for ultimate personal development! Marline is a speaker and the author of 3 books, including It'll Happen By 30, published in 2021.
Master the art of leadership communication with strategies that inspire clarity, build trust, and foster meaningful connections. Learn how impactful communication transforms teams, enhances collaboration, and drives success in any organization.
The foundation of communication excellence
often relied on me to convey messages or represent our class because they recognized my ability to understand and articulate ideas effectively. Much of this foundational skill came from my mother’s guidance. Her reminders to “speak clearly,” “listen intently,” and “never interrupt” shaped how I engage with others to this day.
Fast forward to my leadership career, and these principles remain just as relevant. Communication isn’t merely a tool; it’s the heartbeat of effective leadership. Whether inspiring your team, solving problems, or delivering feedback, your ability to communicate can determine your success as a leader. In this article, I’ll share actionable strategies to help leaders master impactful communication.
The role of communication in leadership
In the workplace, communication isn’t just about sharing information; it’s about fostering understanding, building trust, and achieving organizational goals. A leader who communicates effectively empowers their team to succeed, promotes collaboration, and mitigates misunderstandings. Conversely, poor communication can lead to confusion, frustration, and even failure.
The most effective leaders don’t simply “tell.” They actively listen, clarify, and engage their teams in meaningful dialogue. Here are practical ways to elevate your communication skills and lead like a boss.
5 strategies to communicate like a boss
1. Be transparent in your communication
Transparency fosters trust. When communicating with your team, provide all relevant information to help them fully understand the context and objectives. Avoid withholding key details, as this can lead to confusion or misinformation. Share as much as possible without compromising confidentiality.
Example: Instead of vaguely asking for a project update, outline the goals, challenges, and specific outcomes expected.
Authoritative insight: According to a study by Harvard Business Review, transparent communication leads to 50% higher levels of team trust and performance.
2. Be honest in your delivery
Honesty creates credibility. If you don’t have all the answers, it’s okay to admit it. Commit to following up with accurate information rather than providing inaccurate responses to save face. Trust is built on truthfulness.
Example: “I don’t have all the details right now, but I’ll research and follow up by the end of the day.”
3. Lead with integrity
Walk the talk. Your actions must align with your words, as your team is always watching. Inconsistent behavior can erode trust and morale. Lead by example, demonstrating the principles you communicate.
Example: If you emphasize punctuality, ensure you show up on time for meetings.
Authoritative insight: Research from Forbes highlights that 85% of employees are more likely to follow leaders they perceive as authentic and consistent.
4. Listen intently and adapt accordingly
Effective communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking. Pay attention to your team’s concerns and ideas, and then make adjustments where feasible. This shows respect and builds a sense of ownership among your team members.
Example: If a team member raises concerns about workload, acknowledge their feedback and explore potential solutions together.
5. Provide options and encourage problem-solving
Empower your team by offering options when challenges arise. Instead of dictating solutions, guide your team to think critically and collaboratively about potential fixes.
Example: “We could approach this problem by reallocating resources or adjusting timelines. Which option aligns better with our priorities?”
Lessons from my journey: Communication in action
Growing up, my mother taught me the importance of clarity, respect, and active listening. She often said, “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know,” reminding me to speak up confidently. Those lessons laid the groundwork for my communication style as a leader today.
In leadership, these principles hold true: transparency, honesty, integrity, listening, and problem-solving form the pillars of impactful communication. They enable leaders to connect with their teams authentically and achieve results effectively.
The outcomes of strong leadership in tough times
Through these strategies, I’ve seen teams emerge stronger, more cohesive, and resilient. During the system outage, remaining calm and transparent kept my team focused as we worked together to restore functionality. During COVID-19, advocating for flexibility and fostering open communication helped us navigate constant uncertainty with a shared sense of purpose. These approaches not only kept us afloat but also strengthened trust and morale within the team.
References and resources:
Harvard Business Review: The Importance of Transparent Communication in Leadership
Psychology Today: How Active Listening Builds Better Teams
Conclusion
As a seasoned leader, communication expert, and resilience coach, I am here to help you unlock your full potential in leadership communication. Whether you’re navigating challenges with your team or striving to enhance your influence as a leader, I can provide tailored guidance to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and connection.
Let’s connect! Reach out to me for insights, coaching, or resources on mastering the art of impactful leadership communication. Together, we’ll ensure your message resonates and your leadership inspires.
Read more from Marline C. Duroseau
Marline C. Duroseau, Author, Speaker, Financial and Leadership Executive
Marline C. Duroseau is a thought-leader in the infertility support realm, executive leadership, and women's empowerment and confidence building. As a child born in Miami, FL to Haitian immigrants, Marline created a path to her success by focusing on garnering an extensive educational background that catapulted her to dramatically enhance her financial and leadership performance during her 22-year career. After also enduring and overcoming a 15-yr infertility journey, she has since dedicated her life to helping people on their family-building journey and helping women unleash their inherent power and confidence. She is the Founder of MCD Business Enterprise, LLC (MCDBE), the premiere company for women, with the slogan: Women Matter!
