How well do you communicate with those around you? Effective communication is the glue that holds a business together. Every person and role in your business should have clear channels of communication with each other and with you. If retention is important, remaining receptive to feedback and creating an environment that encourages your team to express their thoughts and concerns is a great leadership skill. God purposely designed humans to yearn for connection, and we need each other to thrive, especially in business. So, no matter your communication style, you can communicate effectively if you honor a couple of things:
Communicate with Love
Ephesians 4:29 tells us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Correcting your team members should not leave them feeling inferior or incompetent. Proverbs 18:21 says your words have the power of life and death. Communicating with love doesn’t always equate to a pleasant conversation, but coming from a place of empathy will make hard conversations easier because you are choosing to value the reality of humanity. After all, we all make mistakes, and most of us are receptive to constructive correction delivered with love and respect.
Positive Words Fight Battles
Can you think of a time you were feeling low and a simple word from someone else changed your mood for the rest of the day? Encouraging words give life! By speaking positive words to others, you are helping them win their own personal battles over the enemy. You’ll never fully know what someone else is going through mentally, but you can make an impact by strengthening their hope and faith with your divine words. The enemy doesn’t even want you to have a team and is actively working to tear them down. A faith-based business will inevitably receive attacks that can affect each person in the business if you aren’t being sensitive. If speaking positively does not come naturally to you, put Proverbs 16:23-24 where you can see it daily, so it can sink into your subconsciousness.
Leave the Door Open
Keeping your channels open for honest feedback will make a difference in the internal health of your business. Proverbs 15:22 tells us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Digging deeper into this verse reveals you should not only welcome feedback but actively seek it! You need others to unveil a new perspective you’d likely never see on your own. If you’re leading a smaller team, ensure that regular check-ins and team meetings create natural opportunities for feedback. For larger and growing companies, consider implementing anonymous ways to gather feedback. This might include surveys, suggestion boxes or platforms where your employees can express their thoughts without fear of repercussions. By creating these opportunities, you demonstrate a commitment to listening and evolving based on your team’s input.
As you navigate the intricate fabric of communication in your business, let love and openness be your guide for every word you utter and write. Remind yourself that you are indeed a great communicator, and you will see transformation sooner than you think. Let’s start talking! I have faith in you.
Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending self-worth to all women. Her true work began after climbing out of a dark place with the help of God and therapy, and her life mission is to provide tangible peace through her Divine gifts to help women heal and transform their lives. Follow the mission on Instagram and Facebook: @perennialpeaces
