US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump took part in a televised debate on Philadelphia on Tuesday (10 September).
The debate involved personal attacks, unsubstantiated claims, defensiveness and deflections, according to nationally reported news commentators. The BBC’s North America correspondent quoted a snap CNN poll that indicated US voters liked Harris’ performance better.
But what does ‘good communication’ look like, and what lessons can HR draw from the American leaders’ performances?
Speaking to HR magazine, Frank Weishaupt, CEO of the collaboration technology firm Owl Labs, said: “Good communication comes down to trust and transparency. By creating an environment that encourages transparency across the board, regardless of seniority or department, business leaders can foster greater trust and accountability.”
Communication is more important than ever, Weishaupt argued, adding that effective communication and supportive management is “more of a non-negotiable, and on a par with remuneration”.
His view is reflected by research findings from the education business Inspiring Learning, that suggest employers value communication (52%) nearly twice as much as computer skills (26%).
Read more: How to communicate with a team in times of rapid change
What’s more, 27% of British workers receive no support in developing soft skills like communication, according to the findings, which were released yesterday (11 September).
The Owl Labs team commissioned research business 3Gem to survey 2,000 people, including 590 employers. Fieldwork was conducted between 31 July and 6 August 2024.
Michelle Minnikin, captain of culture for the consultancy Work Pirates, noted that gendered expectations can influence the perception of good communicators.
She told HR magazine: “Women need to be assertive and strong to succeed. But if they are, they risk being labelled as aggressive or unfeminine, creating a no-win situation where they are judged no matter how they behave. This is exacerbated by the heightened unfair ‘expectations’ placed on women of colour.”
Broadly though, good communicators possess three qualities, according to Minnikin: “Good communicators listen actively, deliver messages clearly, and adapt to their audience,” she explained. “They value empathy and transparency, making others feel understood and respected.”
Read more: Effective communication can change everything
Dave James, a coach and professional speaker, agreed that clarity is a key skill that successful communicators possess.
He told HR magazine: “Being a good communicator involves several key skills: self-awareness, clarity on what the communication is for, presence and the ability to listen and demonstrate understanding. Some people will have access to these to begin with, but others will need help in developing those skills.”
So how can HR leaders help?
“HR should model direct open and honest communication, provide skills-building workshops, and encourage a feedback culture where employees feel safe to express themselves and learn from mistakes,” advised Minnikin.
She also recommended training staff in understanding why direct communication does not always feel safe for women and other marginalised groups.
James added that mentoring, feedback and role play can aid people when learning how to communicate better, as well as employers providing a safe space to develop those skills. He said: “Often, being supported by more senior and experienced members of the team will help.”
Be careful not to undermine the value of communication by putting it under the soft skill umbrella, James warned: “When we call these ‘soft skills’ we do them a disservice,” he told HR magazine. “When you communicate well, there is a real chance that you can change the outcome of a conversation and lead to a positive outcome for all, which is far from soft.”
