The O-Factor: do your leaders have it?

A lot of Oprah's ability as an exemplary leader, as well as opinion maker and influencer throughout the world, is put down to her skill as an effective communicator.

"Importance of leadership communication"

In business today, we know that the importance of leadership communication goes a long way to successful cascading of information from top management all the way down to employees on the shop floor. This contributes to an engaged and productive workforce, which ultimately leads to a great looking bottom line.

What leaders need to remember when being effective communicators is that it's not just words that captivate an audience; non-verbal cues are just as important. Ashraf mentions that the following characteristics that Oprah displays should be considered when schooling senior leaders in becoming effective communicators:

"Her body language reinforces her words"

When addressing an audience, make sure that posture, gestures, facial expressions and eye-movements align with what is being said. The quickest way to divert attention from what you are saying is to hold an expression or position that differs from the key message.

If the message is serious, remain standing and in an authoritative position, or if it is more exciting, become animated and move a lot more.

Oprah is the master of this - think back to some of her shows, and the guests she has interviewed. Her body language is exemplary with every situation.

"She's always present"

No matter what she does (whether it is on her show, on the red carpet or addressing the press), Oprah is always absorbing the task at hand. She is ever present, and always has a vested interest in who she is talking to and what she is saying.

Business leaders need to have this approach. Your employees will only be as interested in something as you are!

"She's sincere"

When it is called for, Oprah takes ownership for mishaps.

Ashraf highlights a pertinent scenario: "Remember the fabrications surrounding James Frey's book A Million Little Pieces? Following the exposure of his lies, Winfrey publicly apologised for endorsing Frey." At no point did she start pointing fingers and placing blame elsewhere.

In order to have the trust and respect of their staff, leaders need to acknowledge shortcomings as and when they happen. Strategic messages will be adopted by staff when they are coming from a source they can trust.

"She puts herself with the audience"

Even while sitting on her stage during her show, Oprah remains close to her audience. She appears approachable and tuned in to what people are saying at all times. She does this by putting herself in the mind of the audience, and understanding their needs.

By understanding their employees' mind-set, leaders are able to anticipate the concerns of their audience and address concerns in the most constructive manner possible.

By bringing the "O-Factor" into your business, and educating leaders on positioning themselves favourably in the minds of their employees, trust is established. An employee that trusts their leader will most definitely tune in to the messages being communicated and behave in the manner that will translate into successful business processes.

Just have a look at Oprah; she hasn't done too badly following this approach, has she?