"I often find it challenging to have to seek clarification on the nature of the work involved. Being told to do something is simply not good enough without understanding the purpose of the work and why it is necessary. Recently, I was in charge of a team project and was responsible for getting everyone on the same page. I explained to everyone in the group what we were doing, why we were doing it, and the big-picture view of the project's impact on the organisation. Then, I broke down each part of the project into groups or individuals on the team so that each person understood the impact of what they were doing and took ownership of it. This way, everyone on the team is a stakeholder in the project's success. I feel I communicated rather well, addressing each individual's concerns, and we all led this project to its successful conclusion."

A strong communicator will adapt their communication style to less skilled communicators. They will be objective, make decisions based on the situation rather than being dictated by their emotions, actively listen, observe, empathize with others, and be excellent mediators. The strongest leaders exhibit leadership potential.

Here is how the Civil Service details its expectations on leading and communicating: "At all levels, effectiveness in this area is about showing our pride and passion for public service, communicating purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. It's about championing difference and external experience, and supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all. For leaders, it is about being visible, establishing a strong direction and persuasive future vision; managing and engaging with people in a straightforward, truthful, and candid way."