The Art of Communication in Business: Lessons from an Executive Coach

It’s often said good communication is the key to a successful relationship. And while many attribute this to close relationships with loved ones, it’s pretty much true across the board.

Communication is particularly important in business—and it’s no wonder why. Business is all about relationships. You, your teams, staff and customers are all relating to one another each and every day. And simply put, the stronger those connections, the better your results.

So take a moment to improve your communication skills today. I guarantee by the time you finish this article, you’ll have some new practical things to lookout for and a sharpened set of skills to flex when relating to others. Then, it’s just a matter of watching the powerful effects unfold around you. 

Let’s go.

The Cost of Poor Communication

George Bernard Shaw once said “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” Surely you can relate. All of us have had the experience of talking an incident through after the fact only to realize each party was on a completely different wavelength.

Miscommunications lead to all sorts of problems. In the workplace, mistakes, misunderstandings and even interpersonal conflicts—all signs of poor communication—can cost you up to 18% of your total salary payouts every year. A huge amount of money wasted.

And it’s not just about money (though that is the final result). Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and poor communication erodes trust. The flip side, however, is that when leadership communicates openly and honestly, trust grows—and that goodwill strengthens your relationships with staff and clients.

Active Listening: The First Step

When most people think “communication” they think “talking.” Full stop. People want to say what they mean and mean what they say—or at least make a point. But there’s a lot more to it than that.

As a business leader, you must first practice active listening. Active listening means paying attention, yes, but it also means asking clarifying questions and truly seeking to understand the other person. Or as James 1:19 teaches:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, [and] slow to speak… ”

Here’s Where the Majority of Communication Takes Place

Communication isn’t all just about speaking (or even listening). That’s not even half of it—not even close! In fact, most experts agree that nonverbal communication—things like body language and facial expressions—make up 70% - 93% of our total communication.

As a business leader, it’s important to be mindful of your non-verbal cues. Maintaining eye contact, for example, is a great way to show engagement. Also be mindful of your tone of voice and posture is a proven way to better evoke positivity in the workplace. The goal is to be approachable and make the speaker feel welcome and heard.

We’re All Different—Adapting Your Communication Style

One of the most overlooked aspects of communication is this: 

Not everyone communicates in the same way. 

It seems obvious, but it’s not something most people are consciously aware of. We all think people are more like us than they really are. But the truth is, even if we’re speaking the same language, we might not be using it in the same way.

The DISC assessment identifies four main communication preferences. The magic of the DISC is learning your team members’ and clients’ preferred styles . . . and then adapting to meet them. Perhaps something close to what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:22:

“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”

If you want to be a better communicator, consider a DISC training for you and your staff. It’s a great way to sharpen the axe together and get more done.

Building Greater Integrity Throughout Your Business

Now that you’ve got some tips for how to communicate more effectively, what exactly should you communicate? Well, as a Christian business coach, I suggest starting with your vision and values. Here’s why.

Your vision and values define your work culture. Think of work culture like the soil of a garden. Fertile soil means stronger plants and better fruits—and likewise, a strong work culture lets everyone know how to plant themselves and grow.

As a Christian business leader, you have the unique opportunity to communicate a vision that is aligned with your faith. Habakkuk 2:2 says “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” So go ahead. Define your vision and values—and then communicate them clearly again and again.

Workplace Feedback—Communication with Potential

Once you’ve communicated your vision and values to your team, it’s time to make sure everyone is moving in a positive direction.

That means being willing to offer corrective feedback when an employee misses the mark—a job many are understandably hesitant about. (Most people don’t love confrontation, after all.) But if you are worried about how they’ll take it, here’s something to keep in mind.

A study by the Harvard Business Review found that 57% of employees prefer corrective feedback over praise and recognition. Just keep your message positive and uplifting. The point is to elevate the room, not be overly harsh or critical. And be mindful of your nonverbal communication—tone of voice, a positive stance, etc.

Lead Your Business with Proven Biblical Principles

Communication is an essential skill for any business leader. By focusing on clarity, active listening, non-verbal cues and adapting to different communication styles, you can affect an incredible transformation within your company.

Still, maybe things feel unclear or overwhelming. Tips are great, but having a partner—someone to guide you through these changes—can make all the difference. Especially when that partner is a seasoned business coach who’s helped other Christian leaders grow their companies in ways aligned with their faith.

If you’re curious about what a coach could do for you, book a free call today. It’s just a 10-15 minute phone call to share a bit about yourself and the struggles your business is facing. We’ll give you all the relevant info and bless you on your way to make the best decision for your company in your own time.

So don’t stay stuck in the same old ruts. Set your business up for success today and book your free call now.