What communication barriers are preventing your people from excelling in human relations? Do your leaders need to connect with people at a more influential level? From his days as a journalist at The Atlanta Constitution and Associated Press, to years as a professional speaker, author, and teacher at his church, Dick is a communication expert. He’s ready to share his cutting-edge knowledge with your organization when you are.

Executive Leadership, a newsletter of the National Institute Of Business Management, published a column by Dick Biggs a few years ago. Entitled The 7 Ways Leaders Influence People, this article has generated a tremendous response and created many speaking opportunities for Dick on the topic of communication. Here’s an updated version of that article:

Leadership is about influence, which can be positive or negative. Here are seven specific communication styles that leaders use to influence people.

Negative Influence…

Coercion. This is the “gun to your face” style of the tyrant. While this forceful method can achieve short-term results, it’s doomed for long-term failure in the business world. Coercers produce a drop in employee morale, which leads to high turnover.

Intimidation. “You will do this or…” is the trademark of the bully. Only weak and insecure people tolerate this style of influence because they’d rather concede than challenge. Intimidators aren’t respected and employees are resentful.

Manipulation. This is the insidious style of the controller. It’s a self-serving form of communication that takes advantage of people through unfair treatment. The crafty manipulator wins and everyone else loses. The net result is distrust and suspicion.

Neutral Influence…

Negotiation. “Give and take” is indicative of the politician. It can be effective when compromise seeks the best solution for all parties. It’s ineffective when the negotiator “keeps score” to gain future favors. Relationships are strained or even destroyed.

Positive Influence…

Persuasion. The orator knows how to stir the hearts of people by appealing to their emotions. The key is sincerity, not hype and hysteria. The persuader’s wishes get carried out because people believe that the message is truly in their best interests.

Education. The teacher influences people with logic. Based on solid research and meticulous preparation, the educator influences through reason and relevance. People respond to this style of communication because it simply makes good sense.

Inspiration. The encourager uses a skillful combination of emotional and logical appeal. The words (eloquence) and ways (example) of the inspirer are congruent, convincing and convicting. It’s the highest form of influence and the hardest one to master.

If your style of influence is coercive, intimidating or manipulative, strive to become a negotiator, persuader, educator or inspirer. If you’re already communicating positively, ask: How can I improve these skills? What books, CDs, seminars and people can help fine tune my communication skills and make me even more effective as a communicator?

Always remember that no matter how well you convey a message with words, people are more influenced by your ways. If you aren’t “walking your talk,” you undermine your credibility through a variety of communication barriers.