In today’s world, leaders aren’t just battling competing priorities and urgent deadlines; they’re also fighting for their team’s attention. We’re drowning in a sea of information – emails, messages, notifications – all vying for a slice of our already fragmented focus. It’s no wonder that even with constant communication, many teams still struggle to stay aligned and informed.

Years ago, I came across a powerful concept from Patrick Lencioni, author of The Advantage: employees don’t truly believe a leader’s message until they hear it seven times. Seven times! This highlights the critical need for clarity and consistent reinforcement in leadership communication.

But how can leaders achieve this level of clarity and repetition without overwhelming their teams with even more information? The answer lies in strategic messaging and leveraging the power of AI.

Strategic Messaging: The Foundation of Effective Communication

Before we even consider AI, we need to ensure our messages are strategically crafted. Ask yourself:

• Is the message clear and concise? Can it be easily understood and remembered?
• Is it relevant to the audience? Does it address their needs and concerns?
• Is it aligned with the overall goals and values of the organization?
• Is it being communicated through the most effective channels?

Once we have a clear and compelling message, we can leverage AI to amplify its impact.

AI-Powered Communication: A Concrete Example

One powerful way AI can enhance communication is through personalized messaging. Imagine being able to tailor your communication to each individual on your team, taking into account their preferred communication style, their learning preferences, and their level of understanding. I promise, it’s not as hard as you think.

Here’s how you can do this using AI-powered tools:

1. Gather data on your team’s communication preferences: Use surveys, feedback forms, or even analyze past communication patterns to understand how each individual prefers to receive information. Some might prefer concise bullet points, while others might respond better to visual aids or storytelling. You’d be surprised how many different responses you will get.
2. Utilize an AI writing assistant: Tools like Jasper.ai or GrammarlyGO allow you to input your core message and then generate variations tailored to different audiences. You can specify the tone (formal, informal, encouraging), the style (concise, detailed, persuasive), and even the desired emotional impact. You can, of course, also use the basic tools like ChatGPT for this.
3. Personalize the delivery: Some might prefer email, others might prefer a messaging platform like Slack, and some might benefit from a personalized video message. You may be able to use AI to automate the delivery of your message through the preferred channels of each team member. (I’m still playing with this option, but it’s limited depending on what tools you use.)

By personalizing your communication in this way, you can increase the chances that your message will be heard, understood, and acted upon. You’ll not only reach the magical “seven times” but also ensure that each interaction is meaningful and impactful.

The Future of Communication

AI is not about replacing human connection; it’s about enhancing it. By leveraging AI to communicate more strategically and effectively, leaders can build stronger relationships, foster greater understanding, and drive better outcomes. In a world of distractions, AI can help us cut through the noise and ensure our messages truly resonate.