Communicating Like a Leader—Harvard Business Review Tips for Small Town Businesses

Communicating Like a Leader—Harvard Business Review Tips for Small Town Businesses
A core component of our Chamber’s mission is “Information.” We know that most of our members are
small or micro businesses who are busy running their businesses and often have limited time to read
articles or take an online course. To assist our members, we have created several programs to share
information on improving business operations, revenues and profits plus develop leadership skills. Those
programs include our Leadership Breakfasts, Master Classes, SBA Orientation Sessions, special sessions
on federal laws and other topics. The other tool for sharing information is this column. Today, I’m
sharing some information from Harvard Business Review on communication.
We all know our success depends on more than good products or competitive prices—it’s also about
how a leader connects with his or her team as well as customers. Here is some curated advice from
Harvard Business Review’s article, “Our Favorite Management Tips on Communicating Like a Leader.”
These tips offer practical strategies that can benefit any business, no matter how small.
1. Practice Gracious Communication
Leaders set the tone. When faced with tough conversations or challenging feedback, greet employees
with patience and sincere concern. Courteous responses, even during disagreements, build trust. If
someone brings you difficult news, listen first—don’t rush to defend or blame. This openness shows you
value ideas and that your door is truly open.
2. Give Credit and Space
Publicly recognizing employees’ achievements fosters loyalty and hard work. Whether it’s a shout-out in
a team meeting or a “thank you” note, make recognition a habit. Similarly, when scheduling important
conversations, give employees advance notice and clarity—never catch someone off guard. Preview
topics to help your team prepare, reducing stress and increasing understanding.
3. Communicate Clearly During Tough Times
Economic uncertainty can hit small towns hard. When challenges arise, your team needs honesty.
Acknowledge progress even when discussing difficulties—use phrases like “Yes, things are
challenging—and here’s what’s working…” Invite questions and concerns, and respond genuinely,
sharing only information that affects your team’s reality. Avoid speculation, and model calm,
constructive resilience.
4. Make Your Message Stick
Whether you’re sending an email or leading a meeting, make your communication memorable:
- Organize messages around a single, central idea.
- Use concrete examples from your own experience to illustrate abstract ideas.
- Repeat key points over time—callbacks help reinforce important information.
- Spark curiosity by asking questions that highlight gaps and opportunities. This motivates employees to recall and act on your messages.
5. Communicate Directly—Not Rudely
Directness improves efficiency. Tell employees clearly what you need and why. But remember, tone
matters: focus on facts, explain your thinking, and express opinions without harshness. Directness builds
respect, while rudeness damages relationships.
6. Sharpen Your Writing Skills
Effective written communication sets leaders apart. Before you write, identify your goal: are you
informing, persuading, or requesting something? Tailor your message to your audience using simple,
relatable language. Get to the point early—your core message should appear within the first 40–50
words, making emails and memos more impactful.
Bottom Line for Small Business Owners:
Leadership begins with communication. By practicing grace, clarity, recognition, and consistency, small
businesses can foster teamwork, loyalty, and resilience—qualities that help our business community
thrive.
The Chamber’s new website has our full calendar of programs and events so that you can easily identify
programs that make sense for you.
- August 12 Master Class on Business Strategies from starting a business to selling a business
- August 13 Coffee with City Manager where I will be updating attendees about our local economy
- August 20 Special Leaders Breakfast Enhanced Premium Tax Credit Panel Discussion
- September 10 Leaders Breakfast with City Manager Clinton Bailey—State of the City
- October 4 Master Class on Excellent Customer Service
- November 5 Leaders Breakfast Update on Ground Water
- November 12-14 Hospitality Academy