We do it every day, running a business relies on it, it's the key to maintaining relationships, but communication can be a tough skill to master.

Why is communication important for leaders?

It's not just important, it's vital. As a leader you need to be able to inspire and create positive change. To express your vision, gain trust, motivate your team, and make sure everyone is on the same page and working to the same goals. Good communication is at the heart of all this.

And the good news is that there are lots of ways we can improve the way we communicate and implement communication practices across our business.

The golden rules of good communication

Be open

Transparency is really important. It breaks down barriers and builds trust. By sharing the good – your vision, goals and opportunities – as well as the bad – the challenges and obstacles – you create a collaborative environment where your team will also feel safe to share, to problem-solve, and even to fail.

Get specific

Be open but be clear and smart with your communications. Say what you mean and when times are challenging don't hide behind lots of information. The more specific you are the less confusion there will be and your team will be able to take the key messages and engage with them.

Actively listen

It might sound strange in a blog about communication but it's time to embrace silence. To be ok with pausing and waiting when having conversations with your team. A good rule is 80/20, they talk for 80% of the time, you talk for 20%. And when someone else is talking give make sure you stay in the moment, engage, and resist the urge to interrupt.

Show empathy

Showing you acknowledge and understand the feelings and experiences of your team will make sure they feel heard and valued. Listening and responding with empathy helps to build a more cohesive team and a more productive culture.

The power of asking questions

It's easy to fall into the trap of being prescriptive in your communications but often it's more constructive to ask questions.

Asking the right questions rather than going straight in with advice or judgement can change the communications dynamic and empower your team. It's a better way to plan, take on challenges and find solutions together.

Not sure where to start? A good opener is 'What's on your mind?'

Need to draw out a bit more? A great question to ask is 'And what else?'

Are they struggling with focus? Try asking 'What's the biggest challenge here?'

A conversation based around questions can be a really open and positive way to identify a path forward and as a leader it demonstrates your willingness to support - not prescribe - solutions, and genuine interest in what your team are experiencing.

The feedback challenge

Especially in creative industries one of the biggest communication challenges is giving feedback.

When given in the right way feedback can be the catalyst for the success of a project but when it's not, it can derail it in spectacular fashion.

So how can you communicate effectively and create a culture of constructive feedback?

Time it right

Don't drop in to give ad-hoc feedback when someone is in the middle of a project, don't pass comment as you're walking past a monitor, it puts people on edge and causes unnecessary stress. Wait till the work is ready for review and at that stage make sure the right people comment. As a leader it can be tempting to offer an opinion on everything, but if you're not an expert your perspective might just muddy the water.

Vague is not helpful

Clear, specific, and actionable feedback will avoid endless revisions and creative frustration. Vague comments like 'I don't like it' or 'It just doesn't feel right' aren't useful, take time to interrogate your instincts and offer reasons and context. Reference back to the aims of the project, the audience and supporting data.

Dig deeper

Ask questions and try to get the heart of the thinking behind the work you're giving feedback on. It can help to open up dialogue and open up channels for collaborating and solving challenges together.

Be honest but kind

No-one likes being told they haven't hit the brief, so feedback should be honesty delivered in a kind and respectful way. If there's something about the concept or design that you love make sure you tell them. And when you think something isn't working provide good reasons, discuss them and try to avoid making it personal. Instead of saying 'You haven't hit the brief' put the focus on the work e.g. 'The concept doesn't hit the brief'.

Navigating disagreements

Differences of opinion are natural - especially in an environment where people care passionately about what they do. While they can lead to positive change it can take careful communication to negotiate them.

If you or your team are locking horns, try these steps:

• Step back from 'I'm right, you're wrong' and recognise the other person is bringing a valid discussion to the table
• Try to take a pause or a break to allow the instant emotional response to pass
• If your opinions are polarised try to find a starting point you both think is true
• Lay out the challenge, strategy and outcomes and try and find common ground to move forward with
• Acknowledge that not every conflict point needs to be resolved as long as dialogue remains open and progress continues to made

Keep working at it

Communication is challenging, but it's key to a well-functioning team and effective leadership. Great communicators are authentic, honest – and most importantly they listen. In times of uncertainty creating a culture of open communication and clarity is more important than ever.

Find out more about how the Gather community can support you and your business.