Don’t Just Work Harder, Communicate Better

When it comes to getting more done in a day, it’s easy to focus on things like time management or setting better goals. But here’s the game-changer that’s rarely talked about: communication. Being a strong communicator can boost your productivity in ways you never imagined.

Good communication helps you work smarter. Let’s break down how improving your communication skills can increase productivity and set you up for success.

Why Communication Matters More Than You Think

It’s easy to think of communication as just talking or writing, but it’s so much more than that. It’s how we connect, understand, and get things done with others. Whether you’re running a household, starting a small business, or managing a team, the way you communicate can either help or hinder your progress.

When communication breaks down, everything takes longer. Misunderstandings happen, deadlines get missed, and frustration builds. On the flip side, clear and effective communication gets everyone on the same page and keeps things moving smoothly, even when challenges seem daunting.

How often have you been frustrated because you didn’t get the information you needed, or misunderstood what someone was asking of you? Or priorities weren’t clear? Of someone heard something completely different than what you intended? These are signs that communications skills could use a little boost. And trust me, improving this area will make your life a whole lot easier.

Listen More, Talk Less: The Secret Weapon of Communication

Let’s get one thing straight: Communication isn’t just about talking. One of the most powerful business skills you can develop is listening—really listening. The most effective sales people and the most effective leaders are known for their listening skills. We all want to be heard, but too often we’re focused on what we’re going to say next instead of truly paying attention.

Here’s the other thing about listening: it builds trust. The more someone feels you’re listening to them, the more it increases their self-esteem and their trust that they’re being heard. The more they trust you, the more open and honest they’ll be. It’s a virtuous cycle that fuels human connection.

When you actively listen, you understand the other person’s needs and concerns better. You also understand the depth of their feelings about a given issue. This makes problem-solving faster and more effective. If you’re working with a team, listening helps you get all the facts before jumping to conclusions. It helps you understand what your people are passionate about, and why. Active listening is a learned skill, and it’s particularly powerful in our ADHD world.

How to Become a Better Listener:

• Stay present. Put down your phone or close your laptop when someone’s talking to you.
• Don’t interrupt. Let the other person finish before you jump in.
• Repeat back what you heard to confirm you’re on the same page. A simple, “So what I’m hearing is…” can save you a lot of miscommunications later on.

Clarity is Key: Get to the Point

Let’s be real—none of us have time for long-winded explanations. If you want to get more done in less time, be clear and direct. This doesn’t mean being rude or abrupt; it means being purposeful with your words.

Far too often in my coaching practice clients complain about their employees and what they believe is a lack of productivity. When we dig in, we both learn that the thing that was so clear in the owner’s minds was never fully communicated to the team. In truth, it can be hard work, requiring planning, intention and repetition.

As one of my clients famously put it; “Why can’t people just do the things in my head that I want them to do without me having to tell them?”

When you’re clear about what you need, tasks get done faster. Whether it’s sending an email, giving instructions, or delegating a job, being clear saves everyone time and confusion. People can only help you if they understand exactly what you need.

Ways to Improve Clarity:

• Use simple, straightforward language. Don’t overcomplicate things.
• Be specific about what you need, why you need it, and when you need it.
• Ask the person you’re working with to repeat back what they think you said.

The Power of Asking Questions

Ever find yourself nodding along to something you don’t fully understand because you don’t want to look stupid? We’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: asking questions is one of the most powerful communication tools you have. Not only does it help you gather the information you need, but it also shows you’re engaged and interested.

Asking the right questions can save you hours of wasted time. Instead of guessing what someone means or trying to figure things out on your own, asking clarifying questions upfront can prevent mistakes down the road.

Purposeful Questions Help You:

• Clarify expectations. “Can you explain what you mean by…?”
• Define the status quo: “Tell me what you know about the situation?”
• Get to agreement. “What does success look like for this project for you?”
• Align responsibility: “What steps will you take? What do you need from me?”
• Seek feedback. “How could I/we improve this?”

DISC Your Way To Better Communications

DISC assessments are one of the most popular tools available to help you improve communications. One of the key learnings from DISC is that we all have our go-to ways of communicating with others, while the majority of people we interact with have decidedly different ways of communicating. Great leaders know this, adapting their communication approach to better match the communications style of the person they’re talking with. Dozens of companies I’ve worked with improved team performance and reduced office drama after team DISC debriefs. The heightened sense of what drives each person coupled with learning a new “language” to explain the root cause of miscommunication can reset the way the entire team works together, to the good of the business.

Practice Makes Perfect

Here’s the good news: Communication skills are just that—skills. And like any skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. You don’t have to be perfect at it right away. What matters is that you’re committed to put in the effort to improve.

The more you practice active listening, being clear, and asking the right questions, the more productive you’ll become. You’ll start to notice tasks getting done faster, fewer misunderstandings, and a smoother workflow.

Take Your Business to New Heights with Xcel Coaching

Ready to experience the power that becoming a great communication can have for your business? Take the first step and contact Xcel Coaching. Master Coach Art has over 10 years of experience helping hundreds of small business owners and their teams rise to the challenges they face. At Xcel Coaching, we’re driven by one thing: the thrill of helping clients accomplish things they didn’t think possible. Call us today at (469) 601-2825 or introduce yourself by filling out our contact form here. Follow Art on Facebook and LinkedIn for more small business insights and tips.