It’s Time to Be W.E.I.R.D.

Transform Your Leadership Through Authentic Communication

Ted always felt weird walking into a room. He’d often stand by the door, taking a moment to muster the courage to engage with others. It wasn’t that Ted didn’t want to connect; he genuinely enjoyed conversations and valued relationships. But when the moment came, he felt drained and unsure. Every time he approached a group, they would keep talking as if he wasn’t there. And when he did get a chance to speak, his words seemed to tangle, leaving him frustrated and defeated. Ted knew he had to push through these moments, not just for himself but for the sake of his leadership.

What Ted didn’t realize is that it’s okay to feel weird in social situations. In fact, leaders who embrace being W.E.I.R.D. can transform their communication, foster trust, and create meaningful connections. Being W.E.I.R.D. doesn’t mean being awkward, it means adopting intentional principles that turn uncomfortable interactions into powerful opportunities for growth.

Let’s dive into the W.E.I.R.D. Framework and explore how these five simple yet impactful principles can revolutionize your leadership communication.

W: Watch Your Body Language

Nonverbal cues often speak louder than words. Your body language can either invite people in or push them away. Imagine Ted standing at the edge of a group with his arms crossed, avoiding eye contact, it’s no wonder he struggled to connect.

Practical Steps:

• Maintain open and approachable body language. Keep your arms uncrossed, your posture relaxed, and your stance open.
• Make consistent eye contact to show you’re engaged and present.
• Practice positive facial expressions, like a genuine smile, to set a welcoming tone.

When you’re intentional about your body language, you’ll notice people respond with greater openness and warmth.

E: Empathize with Others

Weird communication often happens when there’s a lack of empathy. Ted’s struggle to connect wasn’t just about his words, it was about how others felt when he entered a conversation. People gravitate toward leaders who understand their emotions and perspectives.

Practical Steps:

• Listen actively and without interrupting. Reflect back what you hear to show understanding.
• Use empathetic phrases like, “I can see why this is important to you,” or “That sounds really challenging.”
• Focus on what others are saying, rather than planning your next response.

When leaders lead with empathy, they create a safe environment where people feel valued and understood.

I: Invite Dialogue

Nothing feels weirder than one-sided communication. When leaders dominate conversations, they alienate others. Ted sometimes found himself talking too much when he finally joined a group, trying to compensate for his initial discomfort. This approach made it harder for others to engage with him.

Practical Steps:

• Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s your perspective on this?” or “How do you feel about this direction?”
• Create space for quieter team members to contribute by directly inviting their input.
• Be genuinely curious about others’ thoughts and ideas.

Inviting dialogue not only deepens relationships but also empowers your team to share their insights and feel heard.

R: Read the Room

One of the most challenging parts of leadership communication is understanding the dynamics of a room. Ted often misread situations, he’d enter a tense discussion with a joke or fail to adjust his tone when the mood was serious.

Practical Steps:

• Observe the emotional atmosphere before you speak. Are people upbeat or reserved? Match your tone accordingly.
• Pay attention to nonverbal cues, such as crossed arms, fidgeting, or lack of eye contact, to gauge how others are feeling.
• Adjust your approach based on the context. A collaborative brainstorming session requires a different energy than a performance review.

Leaders who read the room effectively build trust by showing they are attuned to their audience.

D: Don’t Overcomplicate Things

Overexplaining, using jargon, or trying too hard to impress can quickly make communication feel awkward. Ted often stumbled when he tried to sound more knowledgeable than he felt. The result? He came across as insincere or even confusing.

Practical Steps:

• Be clear and concise. Focus on the main points and avoid unnecessary details.
• Use simple, relatable language instead of technical jargon or buzzwords.
• Be authentic. Share your ideas and insights without trying to overinflate your expertise.

Simplicity breeds connection. People are drawn to leaders who communicate with authenticity and clarity.

How to Apply the W.E.I.R.D. Framework

The W.E.I.R.D. Framework isn’t just a catchy acronym, it’s a practical guide to improving your leadership communication. Here’s how you can start using it today:

1. Pre-Meeting Preparation:
• Reflect on the W.E.I.R.D. principles before entering a meeting or conversation. How will you watch your body language, empathize with others, and invite dialogue?
2. In-the-Moment Awareness:
• During interactions, check yourself against the framework:
• Is my body language open (W)?
• Am I showing empathy (E)?
• Have I invited others to share (I)?
• Am I reading the room correctly (R)?
• Am I keeping things simple (D)?
3. Post-Conversation Reflection:
• Afterward, evaluate your communication:
• What worked well?
• Where can I improve?

Why Being W.E.I.R.D. Matters

Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present, authentic, and intentional. The W.E.I.R.D. Framework helps leaders navigate the complexities of communication with clarity and confidence. By embracing these principles, you can foster trust, collaboration, and genuine connection with your team.

For leaders like Ted, pushing through the discomfort of “weird” moments leads to transformation. Over time, he learned to use the W.E.I.R.D. Framework to guide his interactions, turning awkward encounters into meaningful conversations. His leadership grew because he embraced his challenges and committed to being intentional in his communication.

Are you ready to be W.E.I.R.D.? Start practicing these principles today and watch your leadership thrive.

For more tools and resources to elevate your communication, visit www.speakwithpeople.com. Let’s transform the way leaders connect, one conversation at a time.

By Jason Raitz - CEO, Speak with People  With over 25 years of experience, Jason has spoken from stages across the country, inspiring and motivating his audiences with stories, laughter, and practical tools to succeed. Book Jason for your next conference or workshop.