3 Covid 19 Communication Challenges

Great leaders are great communicators! Leaders desiring to influence people are committed to the art of effective communication. People follow leaders who clearly articulate vision, passion and goals. Rarely do people line up behind someone who is directionless or non-communicative.

Covid 19 has presented new challenges for those of us in leadership who put a premium on communication. It is easy to become frustrated about the lack of ability to communicate in person. Leaders must guard against allowing communication complacency to creep in replacing positive protocols.

 Even during this challenging season leaders need to continue the quest for skillful communication. Here are 3 Covid 19 Communication Challenges to confront:

1. Making time to communicate. There seems to be a theme continually surfacing as I communicate with other leaders during Covid 19. Almost every leader expresses how their lives are busier now than before Covid 19. Even if your life has gotten more hectic, the truth is still glaringly obvious; you don’t have time not to communicate. Lack of communication will complicate your life and ministry, plus diminish your effectiveness as a leader.
2. Utilizing effective communication tools. If you decided you are too busy to communicate, then I suggest you look behind you…probably no one is still following. Today’s leader must learn to use multi-methodological, multi-technological forms of communication in order to be effective in multi-generational, multi-cultural ministries. Take time to research or ask someone you respect about tools they are using during this time. A word of caution, not every productivity or communication tool is right for every person.
3. Overcoming “Screen Time” fatigue. In an effort to maintain effective communication, many leaders are spending an inordinate amount of time in front of a commuter screen. Personally, by the end of my typical Covid 19 day, I feel like a “Zoom Zombie.” The new norm requires us to find ways to relax and unwind.

Leaders have to communicate but also set limits, take breaks and, know when to unplug.

Many of you were probably effective communicators prior to Covid 19, but you need new protocols for this season. If you are going to be good today and tomorrow, then you cannot rest on your past abilities or techniques. To stay sharp as a communicator, a leader must be committed to discovering and practicing the most effective methods of communicating.