How Leaders Can Inspire Performance Through Better Conversations

Leadership and communication expert Ellie Haskins knows from personal experience what can happen when people don’t feel seen, heard, or supported at work.

“I've seen this firsthand with some of my friends who are very talented at what they do. They've started looking for jobs at other places because they've had the same conversation with their manager over and over again about what doesn’t work—and nothing is changing.

“When individuals don’t feel seen, heard, or supported, that top talent walks away and starts looking for another job where they can have more productive and effective conversations.”

Just as distressing, says Haskins, is when people lose their enthusiasm for the work but don’t physically leave.

“The employee stays there. They still send the emails, they still do the work, but they're not bringing their best to work. They’re just going through the motions.

“That person’s behaviour affects morale across the entire organisation because of the way they interact and work with other team members. Employee disengagement starts with an individual and then ripples out to others.”

Time-Challenged Managers

Haskins knows managers are busy and have a lot of competing priorities for their time. She emphasises that conversations are essential opportunities to build genuine connections and enhance understanding among team members.

“There's a lot going on and it can be easy to skip that moment of connection. But just a short moment of conversation that helps someone feel seen, heard, and supported can have a positive effect. A couple of minutes can make a real difference when you allow space for it.

“Ken Blanchard has always reminded leaders that people who feel good about themselves produce good results—and people who produce good results feel good about themselves. I love how having meaningful conversations can impact both of those outcomes.”

Make Communication Skills a Part of Your Leadership Toolkit

Regardless of where you are in your leadership journey, developing your communication skills needs to be a part of your toolkit, says Haskins.

“Focus on how you make people feel. You don't have to get it perfect, but it starts with a heart of caring about the person—and that will shine through. Help your people feel seen, heard, and supported.”

Haskins recommends the SLII® leadership model as a practical way for leaders to know when it is time to listen and draw out the expertise of others, and when it is more appropriate to share what you know from your experience.

“SLII® gives leaders a framework to know when sharing their own expertise is adding value and when listening to another person’s expertise is more fitting.

“SLII® provides a common language for adjusting the way we communicate to match the other person’s development on a task at any given moment.”

Haskins explains that the model helps managers adapt their communication and coaching styles according to each team member's developmental stage—which can range from Enthusiastic Beginner when someone is new to a task all the way to Self-Reliant Achiever when someone is highly experienced.

“SLII® helps leaders tailor their communication style to match the developmental needs of their team members,” explains Haskins. “Effective leadership involves actively listening sometimes and sharing valuable insights at other times. SLII® provides a clear framework to help managers find the right balance.” 

Haskins stresses that this adaptability is essential, as employees’ needs can significantly vary depending on their current goals and challenges.

Advice for HR and Learning & Development Leaders

Haskins also shares advice specifically aimed at HR and L&D leaders. She encourages these leaders to view communication as a foundational skill that everyone in the organisation can and should develop. Framing communication skills as essential life skills—not just job-specific skills—highlights their long-term value and encourages individuals to invest personally in their own growth.

“For an HR/L&D leader, it's especially important to view communication as a foundational leadership skill that can be developed. It's essential for effective leadership. 

“Frame communication as both a leadership and a life skill. Encouraging continuous personal and professional development creates a culture where employees feel truly valued and motivated to grow. HR and L&D leaders play a crucial role in promoting this mindset and providing resources to support ongoing skill development.”

Join Ellie Haskins for an Upcoming Webinar

To further support leaders in mastering meaningful conversations, Haskins is conducting an upcoming webinar designed to teach practical strategies that anyone can apply immediately. During this interactive session, participants will explore powerful techniques for enhancing daily workplace interactions. 

Haskins will show how improving conversations can significantly elevate both team happiness and productivity.

“I want people to understand the importance of conversation, but I also want to demonstrate that it is not just about making people feel good. It’s about helping people produce better results and elevate their performance at work.

“When you have better conversations at work, people will have better days. And people who have better days at work are able to be more positive and show up refreshed and energised,” says Haskins.

“I really hope people walk away from the webinar knowing that meaningful conversations are essential to elevating performance in the workplace.”

Every Small Step Is Significant

Haskins offers heartfelt encouragement for leaders looking to take their communication skills to the next level.

“Improving communication skills is entirely achievable. If you're even thinking about enhancing your communication style, you're already halfway there.” 

Haskins emphasises that every small step toward better communication is significant and that asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine care can immediately create a positive impact.

In closing, Haskins reminds all leaders: “Trust in your ability to grow. With commitment and genuine care, any leader can transform their communication style and foster a more engaged, successful, and fulfilled team.”