Effective communication increases productivity by 60%.

It is key to keeping people engaged and motivated.

40% of academic success is due to the effective communication that students put into practice.

Communication is an indispensable skill for all human beings as it is the basis of social and interpersonal relationships. Without communication we would not be able to express our ideas, thoughts, concerns or opinions on various topics. Nor would we be able to exchange experiences, traditions and cultures with other people, making coexistence almost impossible.

If communication is crucial in the social sphere, it is even more necessary in the educational field. Not only because it benefits the development and growth of students, but also because if we want to train future leaders, we must give them the tools to achieve it, and effective communication, whether verbal or nonverbal, is a conduit that will allow them to exercise leadership.

Teaching leadership skills to students is giving them the opportunity to learn the art of building relationships, defining identities and achieving short- and long-term goals. It also gives them the chance to practice Effective Communication. An indispensable aspect of becoming a good leader.

A student with leadership skills is committed to work. Sees failures as opportunities for growth, knows how to listen, is humble, seeks to motivate others to achieve their achievements, always seeks to continue learning, has initiative, recognizes their responsibilities and knows how to communicate their ideas both orally and in writing. It is simple, communication and leadership allow everything to flow naturally, avoiding conflicts or problems that may arise in various situations. Without communication, there can be no leadership.

How to identify when communication is being effective?

• Speak directly and clearly.
• A concise message is delivered.
• The right words are used. 
• Good body language is shown. 
• Ideas are conveyed and put into practice.

Recent studies show that communication, among other skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, problem solving, and more, are the most in-demand skills in the professional world today. So fostering these skills in students is like giving them an extra card to play once they go out into the world and achieve. 

Let’s remember that leadership is about guiding and motivating others to make decisions that benefit the collective, and this is achieved through Effective Communication. Here are five benefits of good communication:

1. It allows building and maintaining personal and professional relationships. 
2. It facilitates creativity and, therefore, innovation.
3. It allows teamwork to reach efficient solutions or proposals.
4. It allows personal and professional growth as it provides the opportunity to exchange opinions and ideas. 
5. It is a way to show transparency, so it is a conduit to make your identity known and open doors. 

There are many more benefits of effective communication. In addition, it is worth mentioning that any of the leadership skills are extremely important to foster in students as it is a way to facilitate their interaction with the real world. It is to give them tools to have better academic, personal and work opportunities. It is crucial for their good development and for them to grow and achieve the success they desire. It is to prepare them to be part of the future, and even to choose careers that lead the development of the world. Careers that will propel them to great results.