12 Advancing Women Conference Deanna Ciaccia Being put in charge does not necessarily mean you can lead. These wise words were shared with those in attendance at the Advancing Women Leadership Conference in Calgary in March 2024 by Lauren Sergy, Founder of Up Front Communication in Edmonton, Alberta. She began her presentation by sharing an anecdote of being put in charge of her sister’s dog sled team in her youth. As a 15-year-old, she was eager to prove herself, but she decided to re-arrange the order of the dogs pulling the sled. She recalled the tense moments before the race, when the dogs were expressing the discomfort and unfamiliarity of the new order before the race began. This initial feeling of unease would soon escalate into a chaotic start when the sled tipped over, and the dogs, frustrated by her commands, refused to listen. The young Lauren learned that being in charge did not automatically grant her the dogs’ respect or obedience. Leadership required more than authority; it demanded functional communication and creating an environment where the team felt understood and safe. In that moment, she understood that leadership was not about simply directing but fostering trust and cohesion within a group. Lauren’s message resonated with the audience as she shifted the focus to the complexities of communication in modern workplaces. Communication, she noted, is much more intricate than just speaking; it involves power dynamics, trust, and the flow of information. Leaders have significant influence over communication within their teams and organizations. When leaders fail to create environments where communication is clear and trusted, it can result in breakdowns that echo through an organization, impacting morale, productivity, and engagement. She emphasized that leaders are not the only ones responsible for healthy communication, everyone plays a part. Understanding how communication moves within an organization can help employees at all levels navigate challenges and respond effectively. Lauren highlighted the importance of both top-down and bottom-up communication, explaining that both are necessary for a thriving, collaborative environment. Top-down communication establishes goals, assigns tasks, and provides feedback, fostering trust and alignment when done well. Conversely, bottom-up communication ensures that leaders stay informed and are aware of potential challenges. A lack of empowerment in bottom-up communication, or fear of repercussions for speaking up, can lead to disengagement and a culture of silence. Building trust was another cornerstone of Lauren’s talk. She shared Steven Covey’s insight: “When the trust account is high, communication is easy, instant, and effective.” Creating and maintaining trust, she noted, is a long-term investment and requires leaders to demonstrate consistency, reliability, and emotional intelligence. She stressed that communication should always be aimed at fostering safety and openness, which is essential for sharing ideas, reporting issues, and collaborating effectively. NAVIGATING WORKPLACE DYNAMICS, TRUST, AND COLLABORATION TO BE AN EFFECTIVE LEADER YOU NEED TO MASTER COMMUNICATIONS
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