Communicating effectively, both in person and online, is crucial for leaders at every stage of their business. It’s the key to spreading your message and understanding others.
At its core, communication is dynamic and ever-changing because it involves people.
In today’s blog post, we will explore what makes communication dynamic and why it’s essential for small to mid-sized business owners.
Dynamic Communication: Leaders and Communication in the 21st Century
The 21st century presents new challenges and opportunities for business owners and leaders. Demographic shifts are transforming the workplace and society.
Here are a few aspects that today’s business leaders must navigate:
- Multi-generational Workforce: Up to five generations working together.
- Increased Diversity: Women are becoming a significant part of the workforce, including leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries.
- Growing Minority Representation: Minorities will soon make up more than 50% of the workforce.
Impact on Communication
These unprecedented changes highlight the importance of dynamic communication.
Business owners must inspire, motivate, lead, and develop diverse groups of people, each with their own communication preferences and worldviews. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Messages need to be tailored to the audience.
The same complexity applies to communication with different demographic groups. Writing a memo for everyone is no longer effective. Communication must be specific and unique to each group.
Differences in Communication
As a business leader, you need to learn how to communicate in various situations and with different people.
Younger generations might prefer digital channels such as X, email, and videos, while older generations might favor more formal means.
Some messages are best delivered in a group setting, while others are more effective one-on-one (e.g., praise vs. constructive feedback).
Understanding your audience and using appropriate vocabulary with various stakeholders is essential.
What motivates younger women raised in Western culture may not have the same impact on middle-aged women from an Eastern background.
Knowing your audience and engaging them is crucial for successful leadership and a thriving business.
Basics of Dynamic Communication
Dynamic communication involves multiple variables, especially for business leaders.
However, it all comes down to remembering that it’s a fluid two-way interaction. And you have probably heard about the basics:
- Listen First: Understand who you are communicating with and their needs and preferences. Connect by speaking their language and using their preferred channels.
- Focus on Actions and Results: Dynamic communication is about the actions and results it produces, not just the message.
Practical Tips for Dynamic Communication
Here are some questions to consider:
- What is my audience? How well do I know them?
- Do I understand my audience correctly? How can I understand them better?
- What language should I use to deliver a message so it can be understood and accepted?
- What mode of communication should I use?
- Is this something to discuss one-on-one or in a group setting?
- How can I make sure everyone is engaged and heard?
Listen First
Listening is more than just hearing; it’s a mental process. Become an active listener.
Pay attention to what is said and what is not said but implied. Invest in learning about body language! And then apply the knowledge.
This will improve how people see you and interact with you, and help you communicate in a way that inspires and produces results.
Remove Uncertainty
Reducing uncertainty is another key aspect of dynamic communication.
Have you ever received a meeting invite from your manager with no information and the title “Quick chat” (or something similar)? How did it feel?
Remember, it’s human nature to seek certainty and stability.
Reducing uncertainty means we can predict actions and behaviors.
If I know my manager wants to have a quick chat to discuss the status of my project, I’ll be prepared for her to ask questions related to the work I’m currently doing. If I know the quick chat is to talk about the upcoming potluck, I’ll know we will talk about coordination and food.
Always add descriptions to your meeting invites with purpose and objectives.
This helps reduce uncertainty for your team and others you work with.
Focus
Dynamic communication is about the actions it generates.
Focus on the objective of the communication. Whether it’s an email, presentation, or meeting, be clear on the objective. What do you want to achieve through this message?
Once you are clear on the objective, you can deliver a message that helps achieve the desired result. If one sentence will do, there’s no need for a lengthy email. Focus!
Last Things to Know
It’s worth repeating it:
Dynamic communication is about producing actions.
Reflect on your communication style and how your messages are received. There are many variables to consider:
- the audience,
- the environment, and
- the channel of communication.
Be aware of these factors when preparing to send a message.
Your actions and inactions also send messages. Are you someone who sets an example by constantly improving, or do you go with the flow and expect others to make things happen for you?
One action you can take today is to join our bi-weekly newsletter. Communication is only one aspect of being a business owner and motivating & inspiring your team. The newsletter is packed with even more valuable insights on leadership strategies and business growth. Join our bi-weekly newsletter here today.
