How to Communicate When You're Busy

As a leader, you have many people vying for your attention, yet you have a limited amount of time to share. This can lead to a decrease in your ability to communicate effectively. When devising a plan to overcome this challenge, it is important to remember that communication is more than the words we speak. It also includes active listening, body language, giving and receiving feedback, and transparency.

Let's start with active listening. If you are formulating your response when the other person is talking, you are not actively listening. Active listening requires that you give the person speaking your full attention as you assess their body language. When we actively listen, we engage with our body language, tone, eye contact, and verbal cues. It is also important to note that active listening does not include multitasking. As hard as we might try to be efficient when we multitask, ultimately, something falls short. When faced with an interruption, it is best to pause what you are doing briefly to determine if the request can be delayed or if it requires your immediate attention.

When you engage in a conversation with your team, they must see, feel, and experience your total engagement. If you don't have the time or the opportunity to engage in active listening, be upfront and transparent with the person requesting your time. Let them know you want to give him or her your full undivided attention, but now is not the best time. Ask, "Is it's okay to schedule another time that works better"? The person will be grateful that you value what they had to say as important and respect you want to give it your full attention. This form of transparency will transcend your communication skills, help improve your skills as a leader and gain you the trust and respect of those you lead. 

Moment of truth, we have all engaged in some form of this behavior. We are busy, we have good intentions, but the outcome is less than stellar. Before you find yourself in this situation, consider these tips to ensure you respond appropriately.

STOP what you are doing.

ACKNOWLEDGE and thank the person. Explain that you are on a tight deadline.

MAKE A REQUEST and recommend another time to meet if the matter isn't urgent or time-sensitive. 

THANK the person for their flexibility and understanding.

BE PROACTIVE and put your unavailable blocks of time on your calendar and share your calendar with your team so that they can plan accordingly.

About DeNeen K. Attard, MSM

As a leadership consultant, I help women in mid-level leadership positions gain clarity, identify soft-skills strengths, increase confidence and unapologetically lead with distinct strength and grace. As a result, clients learn to communicate better, adapt to change, strengthen interpersonal skills, and effectively problem solve. I invite you to follow me here on LinkedIn as we explore more topics and tips surrounding leading with strength and grace.

About the Podcast

Leading with Strength and Grace is for ambitious women who are eager to learn how to lead teams, champion change, and gain influence in the workspace they occupy. Each episode gives listeners the inside scope they want and need to level up their leadership skills! This podcast is designed for Fabulous Leaders like you!