How to Flex Your Communication Muscles

"I don't get it. I'm just being efficient!"

These were the first words Elias, a senior operations manager, blurted out as he shared with me the feedback he received from his manager. His frustration was palable, his confusion evident.

"My whole career, I've been praised for my direct approach. 'Cut to the chase, Elias,' they'd say. 'We can always count on you for the hard truth.' But now?" He shook his head, bewildered. "Now I'm being told I need to 'soften my approach.' That I'm too blunt. Too direct. What am I supposed to do with that?"

Elias's dilemma is more common than you might think.

In fact, it's a perfect example of how a communication style that serves us well in one context can become a liability in another.

As we delved deeper into Elias's situation, it became clear that his direct style, while appreciated in crisis situations or when quick decisions were needed, was causing friction in collaborative settings and long-term strategic discussions. His team felt steamrolled, partners felt dismissed, and nuanced ideas were getting lost in the push for immediate action.

Elias's story is just one facet of the complex communication landscape in today's corporate world.

Communication Scenarios

Picture Sarah, the VP of Sales. Her rapid-fire, no-nonsense approach worked wonders with her seasoned team. "Q3 targets up 15%. New product launch next month. I need projections by Friday." Short, sharp, effective—or so she thought. Later that week, she was blindsided by a flood of questions and misaligned expectations.

Now consider Mark, the IT Project Manager. His penchant for technical deep-dives left stakeholders glazed over during presentations. "The API integration leverages REST architecture to facilitate seamless data exchange between..." He'd lost his audience before reaching the project timeline.

Elena, the HR Director, excelled in one-on-ones but struggled in larger meetings. Her empathetic approach in group settings often undermined her authority, especially with executives. "Perhaps we could consider updating our benefits package?" Her indecisiveness in these scenarios was frequently misinterpreted as a lack of leadership.

Each of these leaders, including Elias, faced a crucial realization:

Good communication isn't what's been said, but what's been understood.

The good news?

Communication mastery is a skill that can be developed, refined, and flexed to suit any situation.

6 Communication Muscles to flex

Let's explore 6 actionable steps that Elias learned to master his communication game and transform you into a versatile, impactful communicator:

1.Develop Your Communication Radar

Action item: For one week, consciously observe different communication styles in your workplace. Note what works, what doesn't, and why. Pay attention to body language, tone, and word choice.

2. Master the Art of Audience Analysis

Action item: Before your next three meetings, take 5 minutes to consider your audience. What's their preferred communication style? What are their priorities and pain points? Tailor your message accordingly.

3. Expand Your Communication Toolkit

Action item: Identify a communication style that's outside your comfort zone (e.g., if you're typically direct, practice being more collaborative). Use this style in at least two interactions this week.

4.Identify and Manage Your Communication Saboteurs

Action item: Take the Positive Intelligence (PQ) assessment to identify your top saboteurs. Reflect on how these saboteurs might affect your communication style, especially when you're under stress or pressure. Identify which of your strengths you tend to overuse in challenging situations.

5. Practice Active Listening and Feedback Loops

Action item: In your next team meeting, make a conscious effort to listen more than you speak. Summarize key points and ask clarifying questions to ensure mutual understanding.

6.Leverage Visual and Multi-modal Communication

Action item: For your next project update or proposal, create a visual aid (infographic, mind map, or short video) to complement your verbal or written communication.

P.S. Ready to dive deeper into communication mastery? DM with #flexcommunications and unlock the full potential of your leadership communication.

For what it's worth, I greatly appreciate you for reading my LinkedIn newsletter -- thank you! Don’t forget to subscribe to the conscious achiever episodes on iTunes or Spotify.

If you haven't subscribed to my newsletter,?consider subscribing here.

Who's Ghada Khalifeh? I'm a Certified Professional Coach, Trainer, Entrepreneur, Human Consciousness advocate, and Podcaster. I partner with ambitious individuals, anxious leaders, and busy entrepreneurs who are ready to redefine success and happiness in a fast-paced world. Together, we explore how to lead more fulfilling lives and build impactful careers without sacrificing wellbeing. Let's connect!