What’S One Essential Communication Practice for Effective Leadership?
In a world where leadership is constantly tested, there's fourteen skill that stands above the rest: effective communication. Insights from top-tier roles like CEO & Co-Founder and Vice President Global Revenue Marketing reveal the secrets to mastering this skill, especially in times of crisis. From hosting company-wide video calls to sending daily email updates, these 13 insights are invaluable for any leader. Discover how the experts navigate the complexities of communication and emerge stronger in their leadership roles.
- Host Company-Wide Video Calls
- Be Upfront About Realities
- Hold Daily Video Meetings
- Organize Weekly Team Calls
- Call Clients Directly
- Maintain Transparency With Team
- Combine Transparency With Updates
- Create a Container of Structure
- Communicate With Clear Direction
- Keep Team Updated Regularly
- Send Daily Email Updates
- Hold Weekly Calls With Partners
- Initiate Contact With Clients
- Step Into Listener's Shoes
Host Company-Wide Video Calls
As CEO of NoticeNinja, a software company focused on tax-compliance automation, constant communication has been key during company growth and industry changes. When new regulations are released, I host a company-wide video call to discuss impacts and our plan of action. This transparency reduces speculation and ensures everyone understands priorities.
Internally, I start each week with a short team huddle. This allows quick discussion of roadblocks, client issues, and goals. Though brief, these touchpoints build trust in leadership and prevent surprises. When an urgent client need arose recently, the established rhythm of communication enabled seamless collaboration between departments to resolve the problem within 24 hours.
Externally, I prioritize personal outreach to clients facing challenges. A phone call to walk through next steps and hear concerns is invaluable. For example, during a recent merger, one client was struggling with compliance across two platforms. Discussing the specifics of their needs and challenges allowed us to suggest relevant product updates to simplify their processes during a complex time. Though time-consuming, a personal approach builds loyalty through good and bad.
Crisis often catalyzes innovation. As leaders, we must leverage communication to understand needs, share responsibility, and work together towards solutions. Whether facing industry changes, personnel issues, or natural disasters, frequent and transparent communication is the compass guiding organizations to calmer waters.
Be Upfront About Realities
As CEO of Rocket Alumni Solutions, transparent communication has been key to navigating challenges. When COVID-19 hit, I shared daily updates with my team about how we would adapt to support schools and keep people employed. We shifted focus to virtual recognition and fundraising solutions, enabling schools to stay connected with communities remotely.
By being upfront about the realities of the crisis, we maintained trust and rallied together. My role was acknowledging the difficult truths, mapping a path forward, and aligning our team around new goals. If we couldn't change the situation, we found ways to adapt. But first, we had to accept the challenges, envision solutions, and communicate that vision clearly.
When a long-time client's budget was cut, threatening a key partnership, I discussed options openly. We got creative, restructuring the deal to something that still worked for them but allowed us to continue the relationship. Staying engaged, even when times are tough, builds goodwill and loyalty. That client just re-signed for another three years.
Truly I believe transparency holds the key to navigating crises and change. It relies on giving people authentic information, however difficult, and bringing them along in shaping new strategies. There are always solutions if you communicate well enough to find them together.
As CEO of Rocket Alumni Solutions, transparent communication has been key to navigating challenges and leading my team. When COVID-19 hit, I was honest in discussing how it might impact our business, even if the news was difficult. We got creative fast, adapting our model to virtual solutions that schools could implement remotely.
If you can't change the situation, change your strategy. But first accept reality and envision a new path forward, then communicate that vision to bring others with you. Regular video calls kept my team motivated, reducing anxieties in uncertain times. Authenticity built trust that we would weather this together.
Community support also proved essential. We donated interactive digital displays to several schools, providing a platform to engage students and families online. The goodwill generated led to new partnerships that fueled growth, despite economic downturns. When you invest in the groups that matter to you, they'll reciprocate in kind. Focus outward, give more than you take, and keep the lines of communication wide open.
Hold Daily Video Meetings
As VP of Strategic Growth for a major real-estate brokerage, open communication has been key to navigating several crises. Daily video meetings with agents and managers ensured issues were addressed promptly. When the pandemic hit, these virtual check-ins built trust as we shared realities transparently while outlining coordinated strategies to support customers, agents, and communities.
Early in my career, I led the commercial division of a brokerage during the financial crisis. Keeping clients informed with weekly progress reports on distressed assets and emerging opportunities established partnerships that fueled growth again. Internally, taking ownership of mistakes and providing mentorship programs for agents in training fostered cooperation and innovation.
Most recently, I directed national expansion for a startup brokerage. Traveling frequently to new regions, I shared experiences from other markets, customized guidance for local teams, and gathered input on strategies to scale nationwide. Connecting offices through partnerships, relocation programs, and agent collaboration built unity and propelled rapid growth. Leading through setbacks and pivots with care, candor, and solutions-focus defines effective crisis leadership.
Organize Weekly Team Calls
As the CEO of Business Builders, transparency and consistent communication have been key to navigating challenges. When the pandemic hit, I was open with my team about the realities of our situation and potential impacts. We got creative, adapting our services to continue serving clients remotely. I shared updates frequently to keep morale up, even when the news was difficult.
People want the truth in times of crisis, so I provided realistic assessments of where we stood and a vision for how we would make it through. For example, I organized weekly team calls to review key metrics, address concerns, and make adjustments. We coordinated with clients and partners similarly. Though times were tough, honesty and action drove participation.
If you can accept the situation, envision a solution, and convey that clearly, you can bring others along. My role was acknowledging the issues, mapping a path forward, and ensuring my team stayed focused on execution. We made it through, and as the world starts turning again, we're ready to come back even stronger. That's the power of leadership through communication. As CEO of an agency, transparent communication has been key to navigating challenges, especially this year. Early on, I hosted daily video calls with my team to set priorities, review health guidelines, and pivot services online within a week. Personally calling each client built trust in our ability to support them. For one family struggling with schooling three kids at home, walking through their challenges allowed us to suggest a customized solution to ease their burden.
Constant communication, internally and externally, enables innovation. We've developed new digital resources, online courses, and virtual experiences by frequently discussing needs, sharing ideas, and collaborating on solutions. Talking through problems together leads to breakthroughs not possible alone.
For leaders, avoid assuming you have the only answer. Listen to understand issues from all sides before responding. Share information freely and invite feedback. Treat your team, clients, and community as partners working toward shared goals. Meet regularly and be fully present to build connection. The relationships formed will sustain your business through hard times.
Call Clients Directly
As a construction manager and business owner, constant communication has been key, especially in crises. When weather events threaten projects, I call clients directly to reassure them, then rally my team with clear, specific direction. Daily huddles keep everyone aligned; in emergencies, rapid updates via all channels prevent confusion. Though bad news must be shared transparently, focusing messages on solutions builds confidence we'll overcome challenges.
Experience shows crisis communication defines leadership. Expressing empathy, taking responsibility, and charting a path forward inspire others to rise to the occasion. At the end of the day, leadership serves people around you. Open, honest communication determines needs and how to meet them.
For example, when a hurricane threatened one project, I called the client immediately. We reviewed risks and developed a plan to secure the site. I then gathered my team, explained the situation and solution, and we implemented it within hours. The client was relieved and impressed; my team was confident in navigating the crisis. By taking charge yet soliciting input, we avoided disaster and built trust. Communication was the key.
As a construction professional turned writer, clear and consistent communication has been key to navigating challenges. Early in my career, I oversaw complex, high-risk projects and learned quickly that keeping teams and stakeholders informed was essential, especially when issues arose. Daily meetings, open lines of contact, and taking responsibility for mistakes built trust and cooperation.
Transitioning to writing, I've found storytelling and sharing hard-won insights from experience resonate most with readers. In a crisis, communicating with empathy and transparency is vital. Discussing how to overcome struggles or pivot strategies reassures people solutions exist and progress can still happen.
Leading through a crisis requires balancing harsh realities with hope. As a leader, your role is to gather input, make tough choices, and share them promptly with care and compassion. People need to understand risks and impacts straightforwardly, as well as the vision that will move everyone forward again. Communication in a crisis defines a leader, and serving the needs of your team and community is how you rise to meet the immense challenges of the moment.
Maintain Transparency With Team
One essential communication practice I have found for effective leadership, especially in times of crisis, is maintaining transparency with both your team and clients. Openly sharing challenges, as well as the steps you are taking to address them, helps build trust and keeps everyone aligned. It is important to listen carefully to concerns and provide clear, consistent updates to minimize confusion. In high-stress situations, people value honesty and direction, even if the news is not always positive. This approach fosters collaboration and resilience within the team.
Combine Transparency With Updates
One communication practice I found essential for effective leadership, especially during a crisis, is transparency combined with consistent updates. In challenging times, people want to know the truth, even if it is difficult, so being upfront about the situation and your plan helps build trust. But it is not enough to give one statement and disappear; instead, you need to provide regular, clear updates to keep everyone informed and aligned. This not only reassures your team but also gives them a sense of control and direction, which is crucial when uncertainty is high. Clear and open communication fosters loyalty and keeps the team focused on the collective goal.
Create a Container of Structure
Prioritize containment over collaboration
We all understand that being a supportive listener, collaborating with your team, and getting outside of yourself are helpful techniques when you are in a leadership position. However, during a crisis, certain natural psychological defense mechanisms often enter the equation. Regressive behaviors, emotional dysregulation, and challenges regarding the analytical thinking of your team members can add a different element to consider as a leader. To assist with these types of natural defense mechanisms and dynamics in your team, creating more of a "container" of structure, clarity, and information can help reduce anxiety, panic, and overwhelming feelings. A "container" can be thought of as a space—physical, emotional, relational, or otherwise—where we can explore discomfort, uncertainty, desire, and more with boundaries. Inherently in a crisis, the "normal" container is compromised, and if leadership continues with business as usual and leads with collaboration or idea generation, this can paradoxically lead to greater anxiety and panic. Imagine a 5-year-old in a grocery store having a meltdown because they want Oreos. If the parent was to approach them and attempt to explore their feelings and collaborate with them in that moment, the meltdown would increase. Instead, the parent would be better served to offer a container around the situation. "Right now, we're going to stand up, we're going to check out, and then we're going to walk to the car. So, I need you to stand up right now." This clarity and direction help to create containment for the child. Once the child is effectively contained, the parent can reintroduce more supportive listening and collaboration. I'm not advocating for an uncaring or unsupportive type of leadership during these times but instead advocating to utilize your authority to help create greater safety and clarity so that your support and collaborative style of leadership can actually be internalized and appreciated by those you serve.
Communicate With Clear Direction
Leading Through Challenges: How Transparency Builds Trust
"When the winds of change blow, it's better to hand your team a map than a megaphone—clear direction beats loud announcements every time."
—Mark Whitley, Founder and CEO
I learned that one of the most vital things a pioneer can do, especially when the going gets tough, is to be open and honest with their team. But it's not just about telling individuals; it's about making sure you have a plan to communicate so that everyone is on the same page.
When an issue occurs—whether it's a supply-chain issue, a regulatory change, or something else unexpected—being there for your team matters. But here's the thing: If you share information without a clear plan, you can cause more stress and confusion. Therefore, it is important not only to tell individuals what is happening, but to explain why it happened and what we are doing to make it happen.
We have faced challenges. I remember when some new recycling laws came in place, the way we worked became a bit confusing. I held a meeting with the whole group and explained what happened, how it affected us, and what we were going to do. I didn't sugarcoat anything, but I also reminded them that this is an opportunity for us to do better. That discussion wasn't just about solving problems—it helped us both come together and stay focused on moving forward.
I've also learned that conversation goes two ways—not just talking, but listening. When people are heard and know that their ideas are important, a sense of cooperation develops, and in some cases, the best ideas come out of these dialogues. In the end, how we talk about difficult times will determine whether we get through or become stronger.
Keep Team Updated Regularly
Whenever someone in my team encounters a problem, I ensure that I keep them updated about the progress of their query or problem. Even when there is a long procedure ahead to settle the terms and there is no significant progress yet, I keep my team members up to date and regularly check in with them about the situation. It helps reduce the uncertainty and helps build trust in my team that I am not neglecting their issues. Having an open line of communication ensures that I, as a leader, am actively working on solutions instead of leaving matters hanging by threads.
Send Daily Email Updates
As VP of Global Revenue Marketing at Aprimo, constant communication and transparency have been key to navigating crises. Weekly virtual team meetings provide a space for quick updates, sharing challenges, and problem-solving together. During emergencies like COVID-19, I send daily email updates on how we're adapting operations and new safety measures. While difficult, being open about issues builds trust in leadership.
For clients and partners, personal outreach is essential. A quick phone call to address concerns and discuss solutions goes a long way. When events were canceled this year, I called our biggest sponsors myself to explain the situation, ask how we could support them, and share our plan to drive virtual engagement. Focusing the conversation on overcoming challenges together, not just delivering bad news, strengthens relationships.
How leaders communicate in a crisis defines them. Expressing empathy, taking responsibility for mistakes, and outlining a path forward inspires teams to rise to the occasion. While time-consuming, transparent communication meets people's needs and gives them confidence in leadership. At Aprimo, open and honest communication, both internally and externally, has been key to navigating crises and coming out stronger.
Hold Weekly Calls With Partners
As Sales Manager for a cloud-voice-services provider, constant communication with our partners and customers has been key during this time of crisis. I hold weekly calls with our channel partners to provide updates, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions. Hearing their feedback and concerns helps guide our strategy.
Internally, I send daily email updates to keep our sales team informed of operational changes and new safety measures. While difficult news to share, transparency builds trust in leadership.
Externally, personal outreach to customers has been essential. A quick call to address worries and walk through how we're supporting them goes a long way. During the early days of the pandemic, I called our largest accounts to share our plan for ensuring continuity of service and ask how else we could assist them. Focusing the discussion on overcoming issues together, not just delivering bad news, strengthens these relationships.
Leadership in a crisis is defined by communication. Expressing empathy, taking responsibility for missteps, and outlining a path forward gives teams confidence to rise to the challenge. While time-consuming, open and honest communication with partners, customers, and employees have been key to navigating this crisis.
Initiate Contact With Clients
As an executive healthcare IT advisor for over 25 years, transparent communication has been key during times of crisis. Whenever an unforeseen issue arises with a client, I immediately initiate contact via phone to walk through the details, understand their concerns, and form a resolution plan together. Though time-consuming, one-on-one interactions establish trust and shared commitment to overcoming the challenge.
With my own team, brevity and specificity are essential. Daily stand-up calls keep everyone aligned, while frequent updates via call or email prevent speculation when rapid decision-making is required. I share difficult information openly but focus messaging on solutions and next actions to maintain confidence in our ability to respond.
In my experience, a leader's communication during emergencies defines them. Expressing empathy, taking responsibility, and charting a clear path forward inspires others to rise to the occasion. Leadership means serving those around you. Honest communication determines their needs and fuels efforts to meet them.
Step Into Listener's Shoes
One communication practice I've found essential for effective leadership, especially in times of crisis, is stepping into the listener's shoes. By understanding the mindset and needs of the person across from you, you can tailor your message in a way they can truly receive and act upon. At our firm, one of our core values is Fulfillment Through Culture: we prioritize a work environment built on respect, integrity, and personal growth, and this reflects in how we communicate—always with empathy and consideration for others. Another key value is Client-First Commitment, meaning we consistently align our communication to what is best for our clients and their goals, especially during challenging times. In a crisis, it's vital to remain calm, clear, and direct, so that your team and clients can trust and depend on you to lead them through uncertainty.
