So you care about climate change. But how do you talk about it? Communicating on climate may be the most critical step in addressing its health impacts. Leaders in the health field must be prepared to discuss the links between climate change and health. ecoAmerica's research has led to the creation of several resources that may help you improve your climate speak. A Guide to Effective Climate Communication is designed to be useful for experienced and novice communicators alike. The guide offers ways to boost engagement within your sector, avoid common mistakes and familiarize yourself with best practices. Another helpful resource Communicating on Climate: 13 Steps and Guiding Principles illustrates examples used by effective climate communicators and guides you through creating your own communication strategy in a step-by-step fashion. As speaker and leadership coach Lolly Daskal writes in the article below, "When you're a leader, your words set the tone for those around you. Others are likely to take your ideas to heart."
7 Phrases You Will Never Hear a Great Leader Say
By Lolly Daskal
Great leaders know that how they communicate is almost as important as what they communicate. They're constantly aware that everything they say will be taken to heart by their team, and that they'll be measured against their own words.
That's why you'll never hear them say these common phrases.
1. Because I said so.
Great leadership means building a culture of collaboration and connection, creativity and communication. Relying on authority shuts all those things down.
Instead: "How do we want to tackle this?"
2. Who do you think you are?
Great leaders foster feelings of empowerment and engagement in their team, so everyone can reap the benefits of shared ideas and thoughts. There's no room for ridicule or belittlement.
Instead: "What do you think?"
3. It's not my fault.
To be a great leader means you accept the consequences for your own actions as well as the actions of others. There's an up side: Your leadership gains credibility.
Instead: "The buck stops here."
