Business leaders, what's one way you've adapted your communication style to better connect with your team or stakeholders, and what was the result?

Question

Navigating the complexities of effective communication requires more than just words; it's an art that's constantly evolving. This article delves into the experiences and guidance of industry experts to unveil strategies for enhancing connection through adaptive communication. Discover actionable insights that can transform the way messages are conveyed and received, from active listening to the integration of visual aids.

Steven Mostyn · Answer

One way I adapted my communication style to better connect with my team and stakeholders was by incorporating active listening and tailored messaging into my approach. Early in my leadership journey, I realized that my communication was often focused on delivering information quickly and efficiently. While this worked for task-oriented discussions, it sometimes left team members feeling unheard or disengaged, especially when addressing challenges or seeking their input. To address this, I started prioritizing active listening during team interactions. This meant creating more space for two-way communication by asking open-ended questions, giving individuals time to share their thoughts fully, and reflecting back on what I heard to ensure clarity. For example, instead of simply assigning tasks during a project update, I began asking questions like, "How do you feel about this approach?" or "What challenges do you foresee, and how can we address them?" This shift made conversations more collaborative and meaningful. Additionally, I tailored my messaging to match the needs of my audience. For stakeholders, I kept communication concise, focusing on key data and outcomes. For my team, I emphasized transparency and provided the context behind decisions to build trust and alignment. The result was transformative. Team engagement improved significantly as employees felt more valued and understood. Morale increased, and we saw greater ownership of responsibilities and contributions to solutions. For stakeholders, clearer, tailored messaging built stronger relationships and improved alignment on goals. Adapting my communication style reinforced the importance of listening and connecting authentically, strengthening both team cohesion and organizational outcomes.

Jon Morgan · Answer

One key adjustment I've made in my communication style to better connect with my team is shifting towards more transparent and frequent updates, especially during challenging times. In the past, I would hold back some of the details about challenges or tough decisions, thinking it would spare my team stress. However, I found that it actually created more uncertainty and disengagement. 
Now, I make it a point to openly communicate both the good and the bad and keep my team involved in the decision-making process when possible. Whether it's a company-wide update or a one-on-one conversation, I focus on being clear, direct, and open to feedback. This has fostered more trust and a stronger sense of ownership among the team, as they understand the bigger picture and feel included in the process. 
As a result, I've seen an increase in team morale and collaboration. People feel more empowered to contribute ideas and solutions, and the overall atmosphere has become more positive and proactive.

Jason Hennessey · Answer

I adopted a more visual communication style by using dashboards and infographics in updates. Instead of overwhelming teams with long emails, I presented data visually for clarity and engagement. This change helped team members quickly understand goals, metrics, and next steps. People processed information faster and felt more aligned with business objectives. The result was fewer follow-ups, quicker decisions, and increased productivity across projects. Simplifying data through visuals made complex ideas digestible and accessible for everyone. Team members appreciated the transparency and found it easier to prioritize tasks. Conversations shifted from confusion to collaboration, leading to smarter, results-driven decisions. Communication became more effective, improving the connection between leadership and the broader team. Small tweaks in delivery made a big difference in team efficiency and understanding.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

To strengthen connections with my team, I shifted my communication style toward active listening and transparent dialogue. I stopped leading conversations solely with directives and started asking open-ended questions about challenges and perspectives. When discussing priorities, I clearly outlined the 'why' behind decisions, ensuring alignment with broader goals. This change made communication feel less transactional and more like a partnership.
The results were measurable and immediate. Team members began speaking up more in meetings, offering solutions instead of waiting for instructions. Trust levels increased as they saw their input influencing outcomes. This led to improved problem-solving, higher accountability, and an uptick in overall morale. By adapting my approach, I didn't just improve workflows; I helped build a culture of collaboration and respect.

Alari Aho · Answer

I started asking more open-ended questions during team meetings to encourage honest dialogue. Questions like "What's one thing we're not addressing?" sparked fresh ideas and problem-solving. This approach shifted conversations from transactional updates to collaborative brainstorming sessions. Employees felt more valued, knowing their input directly influenced decisions. Communication became a two-way street, and team alignment improved significantly.
Open-ended questions led to breakthrough solutions and more engaged team participation in discussions. For instance, an overlooked bug in Toggl Track was flagged during one of these dialogues. Employees became more proactive, knowing their insights mattered in shaping company decisions. The trust and collaboration that emerged positively influenced every project we tackled. Listening deeply made our team stronger and more cohesive.

Ryan Carter · Answer

I adapted my communication style by embracing transparency and fostering long-term relationships. By incorporating our mission of confidence and trust into daily communications, I have built deeper connections with clients and team members. For example, during a project with a major client, I used our "deselection" process to provide clear, side-by-side provider comparisons. This approach not only empowered stakeholders to make informed decisions but also saved them over 30% in costs.
Through regular updates and transparent discussions, I ensured clients were always aware of the opportunities to optimize their technology investments. This open line of communication resulted in improved service levels and fortified relationships, proving that transparency and trust can significantly improve stakeholder satisfaction and business outcomes. Absolutely, adapting my communication style has been crucial in achieving success at NetSharx. An approach I've taken is to shift from traditional top-down communication to a more collaborative and interactive style. I implemented regular 'findy calls' with clients and stakeholders to truly understand their unique goals and challenges. This dialogue-driven method allowed us to tailor solutions that fit their needs, significantly enhancing client satisfaction and building trust.
A specific example is leveraging our TechFindr platform during these sessions. By using its interactive assessments and real-time pricing quotes, we could provide stakeholders with transparent options and make swift, informed decisions. This approach not only reduced decision-making time from weeks to mere days but also led to cost savings up to 30% for our clients.
Additionally, our 'deselection' process, where we engage stakeholders in the provider comparison phase, ensures they see all available options. This ensures transparency and inclusivity, which nurtures trust and long-term relationships with clients. As a result, we maintain high client retention rates and receive consistently positive feedback, often being recommended as trustworthy partners by our clients.

Matt Erhard · Answer

Something I've learned as a leader in Summit Search Group is that different people communicate best in different ways. This became very apparent once we adopted more remote working options. Some of our team members had no issues expressing themselves clearly in text-based communications or through a video call, but there were others who are excellent at communication in person who struggled to express themselves effectively using these new systems.
This led me to adapt my communication style and put more priority on active listening and empathy when deciding how I'll communicate with a given individual. Some people prefer to get concise messages that contain just the most pertinent information, while others want detailed explanations. In a similar vein, some people retain more when they read communications, while others can "check out" when faced with large amounts of text and prefer to have more involved conversations in person or over the phone.
With the variety of communication methods available in the modern workplace, there's no reason leaders can't accommodate a variety of communication preferences. By doing so, you can show the individual that you acknowledge and respect their unique needs while ensuring that all necessary information reaches the right people at the right time.
I've certainly seen a positive change since I started taking this approach to my communication style. This has been especially useful when engaging with clients. We now ask questions about their communication preferences when we onboard new clients, clarifying their expectations about the frequency of updates, the kind of details they want to get in these updates, and their preferred method of receiving communications. It's a relatively small shift but can make a big difference in how effectively information is conveyed across your organization.

Justin Abrams · Answer

The art of business communication has evolved from the rigid format of quarterly decks into something much more authentic and human.
Consider how one tech CEO changed the way she ran her company culture when she replaced standard weekly emails with casual video updates filmed walking through the office. She shared victories and setbacks alike and let her real emotions be visible. This simple act ignited a remarkable surge in team engagement - people responded to her humanity rather than just her title.
Most intriguing, however, is how this more authentic approach actually reinforces rather than undermines authority. When executives speak in actual human language - discussing ambiguity, revealing their own reasoning, speaking candidly about roadblocks - they gain trust far deeper than any well-rehearsed presentation could. One manufacturing leader had employee satisfaction rise by orders of magnitude after launching monthly "ask me anything" sessions where no question was taboo. In today's business world, authenticity isn't nice; it's expected.

Georgi Petrov · Answer

One way I've adapted my communication style to better connect with my team and stakeholders is by prioritizing active listening during every interaction. Early in my leadership journey, I realized that much of my communication was focused on delivering information or driving decisions, but I wasn't fully tuned into the nuances of what my team or stakeholders were saying. This gap often led to missed opportunities for collaboration and a lack of clarity on shared goals. To address this, I made a conscious effort to shift my focus during meetings and one-on-ones. Instead of jumping straight to solutions or offering my perspective, I now ask open-ended questions to better understand the challenges, ideas, or concerns being shared. For example, when working with my team on a campaign that wasn't performing as expected, I started by asking, "What do you think is driving these results?" and "What adjustments do you think might work?" This approach gave the team the space to share insights I might have overlooked and encouraged them to take ownership of the problem. The result was transformative. The team not only felt heard and valued but also became more proactive in offering ideas and solutions. This shift fostered a more collaborative environment, leading to better campaign outcomes and stronger team morale. With stakeholders, this same approach helped me build trust and alignment. By actively listening to their goals and concerns, I could tailor my proposals and updates to address their priorities more effectively, which strengthened relationships and secured their buy-in. Adapting my communication to focus on active listening has reinforced the importance of understanding before acting. It's not just about improving relationships-it's about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute, ultimately driving better results for the entire organization. This habit continues to be a cornerstone of my leadership style.

Ryan Miller · Answer

I recently began incorporating virtual reality demos into our client presentations, letting stakeholders literally step inside and experience proposed healthcare marketing campaigns before launch. The immersive approach has dramatically improved client understanding and buy-in, with our approval rates jumping from 65% to nearly 90% since implementing this change.

Shehar Yar · Answer

One way I adapted my communication style to better connect with my team at Software House was by shifting from a top-down approach to a more collaborative, transparent style. Initially, I communicated mainly through emails and meetings, focusing on direction and updates. However, I noticed that this created a disconnect, with some team members feeling less involved in the decision-making process. To address this, I started hosting more open forums and regular check-ins, encouraging feedback and fostering a culture of two-way communication.
This shift resulted in a noticeable improvement in team engagement and morale. Employees felt more valued and were more proactive in sharing ideas and solutions. It also helped build stronger relationships with stakeholders, who appreciated the openness and transparency. My advice to other leaders is to make sure communication is a two-way street. Engage with your team actively, listen to their feedback, and ensure they feel heard. This strengthens relationships, boosts morale, and ultimately leads to more successful collaboration.

Brandon Shearin · Answer

I learned to incorporate weekly 15-minute video updates instead of lengthy emails when I noticed my team struggling to stay aligned on our house-flipping projects. This simple change led to 30% faster decision-making and better project coordination, plus my team actually looks forward to these quick, casual check-ins where they can see my facial expressions and hear my tone.

Austin Taylor · Answer

When I started All Exhibit, I noticed my technical jargon about exhibit specs was going over my team's heads, so I started using more visual examples and sketches during meetings. I began carrying an iPad with a library of past exhibits and would quickly pull up references when explaining concepts, which made our discussions way more productive. This simple change helped reduce revision requests by about 40% and got our creative team more excited about project kickoffs.

V. Frank Sondors · Answer

Early in my career, I focused on giving clear instructions, assuming that was enough to drive results. Over time, I realized this approach left little room for the team’s input or creativity. People didn’t feel heard, and engagement dropped. I decided to adjust my communication style from directive to collaborative.
I now prioritize open dialogue in meetings. Instead of starting with a plan, I begin with questions: “What challenges are you facing?” or “What ideas do you think could move this forward?” This adjustment paid off during a product pivot, where a team member’s insight about user behavior completely reshaped our strategy.
My advice is to treat communication as a two-way street. Listening and asking thoughtful questions build trust and unlock ideas that top-down approaches can miss. Results often improve when everyone feels they’re part of the process.

Kimberley Tyler-Smith · Answer

One approach I've taken to adapt my communication style is prioritizing transparency and inclusivity in conversations. I've made a conscious effort to listen actively, acknowledge feedback, and ensure that every team member feels heard. For example, during a major organizational shift, I implemented regular check-ins where I shared updates, addressed concerns, and sought input on key decisions. This approach not only strengthened trust but also fostered a sense of ownership among the team. The result? Improved collaboration, increased morale, and a shared commitment to achieving our goals. By aligning communication with empathy and openness, I've found that both teams and stakeholders feel more engaged and motivated.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

As a business leader, I incorporated active listening into my communication and modified it to appeal to people's preferred style. Rather than providing blanket updates, I started holding some informal meetings with a smaller group of people and used emails, team huddles, or one-on-one meetings to keep all of them updated. There was a sense of inclusion and trust as team members felt valued and listened to. Engagement and collaboration increased markedly as team members started to come forward with ideas and solutions, which in turn increased morale and productivity levels across the board.

Justin Smith · Answer

I've learned that simplifying my communication and actively listening makes all the difference. Instead of overloading my team with details, I focus on clarity and ask for their input often. This shift has built trust, encouraged collaboration, and led to sharper decisions. It's amazing how much people open up when they feel heard.

Aseem Jha · Answer

Leading with Collaboration with Open Communication to Strengthen My Team
One way I've adapted my communication style to better connect with my team is by shifting from a directive to a collaborative approach in our legal process outsourcing company.
In the early days, I often found myself issuing instructions without seeking input, which unintentionally stifled creativity and engagement. Recognizing this, I started incorporating regular brainstorming sessions and one-on-one check-ins to actively listen to team members' ideas and concerns.
I recall a specific instance when we were struggling with streamlining a document review process. Instead of dictating a solution, I invited the team to share their insights during a meeting. One team member suggested a workflow adjustment that ended up saving us significant time.
This collaborative approach not only improved the process but also boosted morale and fostered a sense of ownership among the team. By embracing open dialogue and valuing their input, I've built stronger connections and cultivated a more motivated, cohesive team.

Roman Randall · Answer

To better connect with my team and stakeholders, I've prioritized quick and transparent communication, a strategy that's been integral at Summit Digital Marketing. For example, our rapid response times and openness in communications ensure that ideas turn into action almost overnight. This approach not only boosts team morale but also improves client satisfaction, reflected in our results-such as increasing a client's Google Ads CTR by 1,000%.
I encourage regular 'group pow-wows' where everyone, from my team or the client's side, can present their ideas. This inclusive environment fosters creativity, quick problem-solving, and a shared sense of ownership over the results. One great outcome was when our quick, collaborative adjustments led to more quality conversions on client websites, significantly exceeding initial goals.
Moreover, by working closely with clients like we did with MST, we've created custom strategies that align with their unique objectives. Providing clear options helped clients make confident, informed decisions. This collaborative communication style has been key to generating over $1.7B in revenue for our clients, ensuring continued partnerships and satisfaction.

Craig Lewis · Answer

In my journey with Gig Wage, I've adapted my communication style to emphasize transparency and directness in addressing the needs of both teams and stakeholders. One effective approach is incorporating real-time data reporting in our team meetings, allowing us to identify pain points and successes instantly. This not only streamlines decision-making but also builds a culture of accountability and agility.
For stakeholders, I focus on storytelling to illustrate Gig Wage's impact. An example is sharing customer testimonials, like when a CFO in the hospitality sector mentioned cutting down payment processing time, enabling focus on business growth. Stories like these provide tangible proof of value, fostering trust and alignment with our mission.
Additionally, I encourage active participation from everyone involved, whether through brainstorming sessions or one-on-one check-ins. This open line of communication has nurtured innovation and camaraderie at Gig Wage. It's about connecting the dots among efficiency, empathy, and engagement to create a coherent narrative that resonates.

Rubens Basso · Answer

I like to incorporate storytelling into our meetings and presentations. I realized that data and facts alone weren't always enough to inspire or engage people, so I began weaving narratives that connected our technical goals to real-world impacts.
For instance, when discussing a new software feature, I would share a story about how it could transform a pest control technician's day-to-day operations, making their work more efficient and less stressful. Illustrating the human side of our technical work, I was able to create a more relatable and compelling vision of our projects.
The result was a deeper emotional connection with both the team and stakeholders. People became more enthusiastic and motivated, as they could see the tangible benefits of their efforts. This approach also encouraged more creative thinking, as team members felt inspired to contribute their own ideas and stories. Overall, storytelling transformed our communication, making it more impactful and fostering a stronger sense of purpose and collaboration.

Ronald Osborne · Answer

One key adaptation I made to my communication style was shifting from directive communication to a collaborative, empathetic approach, particularly when addressing challenges within a team. Early in my career, as the founder of a telecommunications business, I was very focused on efficiency and direct problem-solving. While effective in some cases, this approach didn't foster the level of trust and engagement I needed as the company grew. When I transitioned into business coaching, I drew on my experiences and my MBA specialization in finance to refine my communication strategies. I began asking more open-ended questions, encouraging feedback, and genuinely listening to the concerns and ideas of my team and clients.
For example, I worked with a struggling manufacturing company in the UAE where the team felt undervalued and disconnected from leadership. I conducted one-on-one interviews, facilitated workshops, and implemented a transparent communication system where team members could share insights and concerns. My ability to empathize and focus on solutions, shaped by years of coaching and research, led to significant improvements. Within six months, employee engagement scores rose, productivity increased and the company saw a noticeable boost in profitability. The results underscored that communication isn't just about clarity; it's about fostering connection and creating space for others to contribute meaningfully.

Brandon Hardiman · Answer

I recently switched from using technical engineering terms to more approachable language when explaining renovation plans to homeowners, drawing from my transition from mechanical engineering to real estate. Breaking down complex projects into simple before-and-after scenarios with rough sketches has helped homeowners feel more confident in our process and led to a 40% increase in project approvals.

Amber Bigler Newman · Answer

As the Director of Marketing at Phone.com, I've seen how critical it is to adapt communication styles in response to the changing workplace. During the pandemic, we rapidly transitioned to a remote work model, and I implemented more intentional communication strategies, like structured virtual check-ins, to ensure our team remained connected and aligned. This approach helped us maintain productivity and even increase engagement levels, evidenced by a decrease in turnover rates and a significant 30% rise in project completion efficiency.
One strategy I adapted was implementing SMS communication guidelines, which established clearer personal boundaries in our "always on" work culture. For instance, we used the "Stoplight System," allowing team members to communicate their availability through green, yellow, and red timings for receiving messages. This change not only reduced misunderstandings but also promoted a healthier work-life balance, contributing to higher satisfaction ratings in our internal surveys.
Moreover, I emphasized the use of underused digital tools like video conferencing and screen sharing to replace impromptu in-person brainstorming sessions. This transition ensured that we harnessed non-verbal cues effectively and improved the quality of our collaborations. The result was a more cohesive, innovative team, which ultimately led to the successful rollout of new features in our communication platform, addressing our clients' needs more swiftly and robustly.

Josiah Lipsmeyer · Answer

I began using simple medical analogies when explaining complex marketing strategies to surgeon clients, which transformed our meetings from confusion to clear understanding. Instead of overwhelming them with marketing jargon, I now relate SEO concepts to surgical procedures they're familiar with, leading to much better buy-in and implementation of our recommendations.

Matt Harrison · Answer

I've learned that leadership isn't about talking the most, but LISTENING DEEPLY. A leader who fails to listen will lose important feedback or pick up creative ideas or, worse still, sense when things aren't quite right with the team. In one instance, a team member was slow to raise concerns that needed to be addressed during our group meetings. 
In these one-on-one conversations, I stepped back to listen to their perspectives without providing an immediate solution or my judgment. They were heard, they became empowered, and they shared ideas that we implemented into our workflow. That moment taught me that listening is not a passive act; it's an ACTIVE SKILL that takes patience and empathy. Not only did it lead to better solutions, but also a greater sense of connection and trust with my team. 
Remember - communication is not a one-size-fits-all solution and the effort to really get to know how I communicate has made all the difference.

Noel Griffith · Answer

One way I've adapted my communication style to better connect with my team is by incorporating active listening into every interaction. Early in my career, I tended to focus on delivering information rather than truly understanding others' perspectives. This created a disconnect, especially when managing cross-functional teams.
I realized the need for change during a project review meeting when a team member expressed frustration about a misaligned deadline. Instead of addressing their concern, I jumped straight to solutions. Later, they shared that they didn't feel heard. This feedback hit home, and I made a conscious effort to improve.
Now, I start every conversation by ensuring the other person has space to fully share their thoughts. I ask open-ended questions like, "What's your biggest challenge right now?" and reflect back on what I hear to confirm my understanding. For instance, during a supplier negotiation, this approach helped uncover hidden priorities, leading to a win-win agreement.
The result? My relationships with both my team and stakeholders have strengthened. Trust and collaboration improved, and the quality of our outcomes increased because people felt valued and understood.
My advice is to prioritize listening over speaking. By genuinely hearing from others, you can build stronger connections, gain deeper insights, and create solutions that resonate with everyone involved.

Rick Elmore · Answer

I've learned that the key to connecting with my team and stakeholders lies in personalized communication. Early on, I recognized that sending mass emails or generic messages wasn't resonating with people the way I hoped. I shifted to a more hands-on, personal approach, incorporating handwritten notes into my communication. Whether it's a thank-you note after a meeting or a quick note of appreciation for a job well done, it helps build genuine relationships. Result A stronger, more engaged team that feels seen and valued. Stakeholders appreciate the personal touch, and it's fostered a culture of trust and openness. People respond to sincerity, and I've found that simple, thoughtful gestures often make the biggest impact.

Jim Hickey · Answer

Executive staffing isn't always the most exciting field. Contracts with cool startups are outnumbered by legacy corporation placements. Work can grow routine, and when people are bored, communication and personal connection suffers. Everything feels rote. 
At Perpetual Talent Solutions, we've integrated gamification into everyday work to combat demotivating weariness and get people talking again. The key is to involve both management and team members equally. Pitting us against each other is a natural strategy, and so one thing we do is assign points to key tasks such as landing new contracts, sourcing top candidates, being quoted in the media, improving client relationships, or successfully negotiating offers. Rankings are tracked on a leaderboard, adding a competitive element to daily operations.
Incentives like extra time off, team outings, or small bonuses for top performers are handed out often. This approach not only enhances communication but also encourages collaboration, motivates team members, and fosters a sense of fun, making work more interactive and enjoyable.
To keep it lighthearted, we also insert a few absurd Friday challenges, like an office scavenger hunt. If someone can track down our intern's hidden coffee mug, they get a hundred bonus points.

Carl Fanaro · Answer

At NOLA Buys Houses, I started using simple property value breakdowns with visual aids instead of technical real estate jargon, which made a huge difference in how homeowners understand their options. Last month, when explaining a complex short sale situation to an elderly couple, my whiteboard sketches and everyday examples helped them feel confident enough to make their decision in just one meeting instead of the usual three.

How Have You Adapted Your Communication Style to Better Connect?

How Have You Adapted Your Communication Style to Better Connect?

Incorporate Active Listening and Tailored Messaging

Shift to Transparent and Frequent Updates

Adopt a Visual Communication Style

Use Active Listening and Transparent Dialogue

Ask Open-Ended Questions During Team Meetings

Embrace Transparency and Foster Long-Term Relationships

Adapt Communication to Individual Preferences

Use Casual Video Updates for Authenticity

Prioritize Active Listening in Every Interaction

Incorporate Virtual Reality Demos in Presentations

Shift to Collaborative and Transparent Communication

Use Weekly Video Updates for Better Alignment

Use Visual Examples and Sketches in Meetings

Shift from Directive to Collaborative Communication

Prioritize Transparency and Inclusivity in Conversations

Incorporate Active Listening and Preferred Styles

Simplify Communication and Actively Listen

Lead with Collaboration and Open Communication

Prioritize Quick and Transparent Communication

Emphasize Transparency and Directness with Real-Time Data

Incorporate Storytelling into Meetings and Presentations

Shift to Collaborative and Empathetic Communication

Use Approachable Language and Visuals for Clients

Adapt Communication for Remote Work and Boundaries

Use Medical Analogies for Clearer Explanations

Listen Deeply to Empower Team Members

Incorporate Active Listening in Every Interaction

Use Handwritten Notes for Personalized Communication

Integrate Gamification to Enhance Communication

Use Visual Aids for Property Value Explanations