An Uncommon Leader & Communicator
In Honor of MLK, Jr.: An Uncommon Leader and Communicator
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Let’s take a moment to reflect on how he was an uncommon leader and communicator who mobilized others effectively to affect change, activism, and civil rights.
We at the healthcare Leadership Institute honor the example set by Martin Luther King, Jr: a great leader, a clear and passionate communicator, and an enduring inspiration for each one of us as we strive to raise the bar in American healthcare.
His uncommon communication has the following 4Ps:
- PURPOSE: Start with purpose and share what you believe in. When we start with what we believe in, we attract people who share our beliefs. For example MLK communicated his belief in speech like this “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality,…”
- PICTURE: Enlist people in a picture, in a vision, in your dream. For example, Dr. King’s famous speech:“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
- PLAN of ACTIONS: Focus on simple actions and narrow it down to only the most important idea if you want people to act. For Example, Dr. King said: “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, keep moving.”
- PASSION: Connect to the heart and not just the mind of your listeners in what you have to say. Give your message clearly and consistently and do it with genuine passion.
Leadership success comes from self-awareness. Dr. King knew his cause and the principles he stood for as a person and as a professional. That is what made his voice rise above all others. Deep knowledge of your message and why you are giving it, will give you the courage and fortitude to say it as many times as it takes to be heard. A clear message given with the confidence that only comes from genuine passion and experience will resonate with all those who hear it.
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