Springtime Mailbag by Steve Adubato, Ph.D.

Time to open the spring mailbag, which is filled with challenging questions about communicating and leading in difficult situations. Let’s get to work.

Q—Given the current controversy surrounding professional baseball’s steroid scandal, what advice would you have for Commissioner Bud Selig and other baseball officials about how they communicate on this very sensitive issue?

The leaders of baseball are playing catch up here. They took too long to address the issue of steroid use and now the credibility of the game is in question. Budd Selig and other officials need to act in a direct and candid fashion. They need to develop a powerful message that communicates that "no one individual is bigger than the game of baseball,” and “restoring the integrity of the game is our number one priority.” They must believe the message and act on it. Finally, they must determine now what the strategy will be if steroid use did in fact contribute to records being broken and what exactly will be communicated about those records. Decide now what the tough questions will be, instead of putting it off.

Q—You write a lot about practicing specific communication tools. But what about those of us who work in jobs where presenting in public is not promoted or encouraged? Where can I practice these skills?

Unfortunately, this is the case for a lot of professionals. But there is no excuse for not finding organizations that promote communication excellence. At the top of the list is Toastmasters International, an organization that meets on a regular basis to practice communication skills. Visit their Web site at www.toastmasters.org to find a local chapter in your area.

However, it’s not that difficult to start one on your own. Simply invite six to 12 people for a brown bag lunch and ask that everyone come prepared to present a two to three minute presentation on topics they care deeply about. You can lead and facilitate the session, which will help you develop your own skills.

After each presentation, take five minutes for constructive feedback. Also, ask that each presenter identify one skill to improve on for the next session. Becoming a better communicator comes from practicing and accepting constructive feedback. Take control of your own communication destiny starting today.

Q— Facing tremendous resistance, Governor Jon Corzine is doing a lot of public communicating these days about his budget proposal and the tough choices he says New Jerseyans must make. What communication techniques should he be using to effectively handle these audiences?

We expect our leaders to be strong and decisive when it comes to facing difficult problems. We want our leaders to tell us the truth and not sugar coat it. In many ways that is what Governor Corzine is doing. But many now are saying they disagree with his approach. This is a delicate balancing act for leaders. They must listen to critical feedback, engage their audience, and at the same time not abandon their principles. Corzine’s best bet is to frame this budget issue in the following fashion:
“It’s fine to question aspects of my proposal, but we simply can’t afford to fund everything, including popular programs that even I like. What would you propose we cut?” This approach is similar to a company laying people off in order to stay in business. No one wants lay offs and many will be angry at the leader for proposing it, but the truly great leaders make it clear that not confronting a difficult situation only guarantees a fatal outcome. This requires candor, compassion, great listening skills, flexibility, but ultimately a firm resolve.

Dr. Steve Adubato coaches and speaks on the subjects of communication and leadership and is the author of the book "Speak from the Heart." Write to him at The Star-Ledger, 1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102, or click here to contact him through this web site.