4 Tips to Purposeful + Effective Communication

A business coach once shared this observation: Every company—no matter the industry, size or geographic location—faces the same issues they just manifest differently. After nearly 25 years as a consultant, I can say without hesitation one of the biggest issues my clients face is a lack of effective communication.

The result? Life at work is much harder than it needs to be.

Busy: The Poor Communication Culprit

The biggest culprit sabotaging communication efforts is something that’s become a badge of honor--being busy.

The excuse of “being too busy” to make communications a priority is a common refrain. As a result, communicating vision, key business strategies, goals and news to employees is often an afterthought rather than a priority. The consequence is a hurried communication effort that often lacks empathy, compassion and emotional intelligence. As Chip Ingram says, “No amount of gift or brains can make up for lack of emotional intelligence.”

Like many other soft skills, communication tends to be undervalued because it’s difficult to measure. However, compounded over time, the very thing we don’t make time for leads to severe workplace disengagement.

When humans are busy, we don’t make the time to communicate. It’s not a matter of having the time; it’s about making the time.

Example 1: Co-worker Dialogue

Take a moment to reflect on the last time you passed by someone in the office. Did it sound something like this?

Co-worker A: Good morning!

Co-worker B: Hi!

Co-worker A: How are you

Co-worker B: Good! Busy! You?

Co-worker A: Busy!

We’ve all been there. However, is that the type of communication that’s vulnerable, builds trust, fosters connectivity and nurtures relationships?

Example 2: Co-worker Dialogue

How different would an exchange feel that sounded more like this:

Co-worker A: Good morning!

Co-worker B: Hi! Hey, how was your speaking engagement last week?

Co-worker A: How thoughtful of you to remember! It was inspiring. The people at John Deere

were willing to have an interactive conversation with me rather than passively sit and listen. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and I made some great connections. Thank you for asking. How about you? How was your trip over the long weekend?

Co-worker B: My trip was relaxing and refreshing. I enjoyed some quiet time on the beach

with a book.

Co-worker A: That does sound relaxing. I should probably get to my meeting. See you tomorrow!

Co-worker B: Sounds good!

The Power of Purposeful + Effective Communication

What’s the value of the second dialogue example? Each person was vulnerable enough to share something about themselves.

The investment of time nurtures relationships. Relationships are at the center of who we are. They make working more enjoyable, improve productivity and cultivate trust and mutual respect. These are essential elements of a balanced work environment.

Four Ways to Communicate More Purposefully + Effectively

The first step toward thoughtful and effective communication is to simply start with one person every day. You’ll gradually build new neuropathways in your brain that empower you to make this your default behavior rather than having to work so diligently at it.

1. Breathe

Your breath is your body’s steering wheel. Just holding your breath for a second or two, or breathing in short, shallow breaths, communicates a message of anxiety to the brain that causes disintegration of the brain and a reduced flow of electrical energy to the rest of the body.

2. Be Present

Exist only in that moment. Concentrate solely on what the person is saying. Don’t give energy to thinking about how you will respond.

3. Slow Down

There are multiple benefits to slowing down. Once you make the choice to do less, you’ll discover you actually have more, including improved focus, stronger relationships, clearer communication and better perspective.

4. Be Curious

Humans love to talk about themselves. One way you can be memorable is by asking questions thereby inviting others to talk about what’s important to them. Plus, you learn a lot from listening to others.

Each of us is capable of impacting others in one of two ways: positively or negatively. If you’re a courageous leader willing to look more closely at the way you communicate in the workplace, let’s have a conversation about the impact a guided, off-site leadership experience provides!