Did you know that 86% of employees and executives cite poor communication as the leading cause of workplace failures? It’s no surprise. Whether it’s a missed deadline, a misunderstood project brief, or a frustrated team member, ineffective communication can unravel even the best-laid plans.
But great managers? They turn communication into their superpower. At GrowthScribe, we’ve seen how clear, empathetic, and intentional communication doesn’t just get the job done—it inspires teams, builds trust, and drives success. Here’s how managers can master the art of communication to lead their teams to greatness.
1 — Set Clear Expectations
If your team isn’t sure what success looks like, how can they achieve it? Great managers set crystal-clear expectations from the get-go, ensuring that everyone knows their role, responsibilities, and deadlines.
One of our GrowthScribe managers swears by “project kick-off” meetings where they break down goals, deliverables, and timelines in detail. For a particularly tricky campaign, they even created a color-coded Notion board to visualize progress. No confusion, no crossed wires—just a team that knew exactly what needed to be done.
Pro tip: Don’t assume your team knows what you’re thinking. Spell it out, and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches.
2 — Adapt Your Style to Your Audience
Not everyone communicates the same way, and great managers understand that. Some team members thrive on quick Slack updates, while others prefer detailed emails or one-on-one check-ins. Tailoring your communication style to each individual shows that you value their preferences and helps your message land effectively.
For instance, one manager at GrowthScribe noticed that their developer preferred bullet-pointed tasks instead of lengthy explanations. A quick adjustment to task briefs boosted productivity and eliminated follow-up questions. Small changes can make a big difference.
Know your audience, and communicate accordingly.
3 — Foster Two-Way Communication
Communication isn’t a one-way street. The best managers create an environment where feedback flows freely—both from the manager to the team and vice versa.
At GrowthScribe, one manager introduced “Weekly Feedback Wednesdays,” where team members could share thoughts on projects, processes, or anything on their minds. These sessions uncovered valuable insights, strengthened trust, and even sparked innovative ideas.
Encourage your team to speak up, and you’ll build a culture of openness and collaboration.
4 — Provide Constructive Feedback
Feedback is essential for growth, but the way you deliver it matters. Constructive feedback should motivate, not demoralize, and focus on solutions rather than problems.
Here’s an example: Instead of saying, “Your report was full of errors,” one GrowthScribe manager said, “Great effort on the report! Let’s go over a few details together to refine it and make it even stronger.” The result? A team member who felt supported, not criticized, and eager to improve.
Remember: Feedback is about building people up, not breaking them down.
5 — Keep Communication Transparent
Transparency builds trust. Whether it’s updates on company goals or changes to project timelines, keeping your team informed ensures everyone feels aligned and valued.
During a challenging project delay, one GrowthScribe manager kept the team in the loop with daily status updates and honest discussions about challenges. Instead of frustration, the team rallied together to find solutions. Transparency didn’t just solve the problem—it strengthened the team’s bond.
Be open, and your team will appreciate your honesty.
6 — Handle Difficult Conversations with Empathy
Not all conversations are easy, but they’re often necessary. Whether it’s addressing performance issues, resolving conflicts, or delivering tough news, approaching these conversations with empathy ensures they’re productive rather than painful.
One GrowthScribe manager had to address a missed deadline with a team member. Instead of jumping to conclusions, they started with, “I noticed the deadline was missed—can you walk me through what happened?” This opened the door to a productive conversation that uncovered challenges and set the stage for improvement.
Empathy turns difficult conversations into opportunities for growth.
7 — Use Technology to Enhance Communication
In a remote or hybrid work environment, technology is a manager’s best friend. From project management tools to video calls, leveraging the right tech ensures that nothing gets lost in translation.
One GrowthScribe manager used Trello boards to organize project tasks and Slack channels for real-time updates. When paired with regular Zoom check-ins, these tools kept the team connected and on track, no matter where they were working from.
The right tools don’t just streamline communication—they supercharge it.
8 — Celebrate Wins, Big and Small
Recognition is a powerful communication tool. Celebrating achievements—whether it’s hitting a major milestone or completing a challenging task—reinforces positive behavior and motivates your team to keep going.
After wrapping up a major rebranding project, one GrowthScribe manager organized a virtual celebration to thank the team for their hard work. A simple gesture, but it left everyone feeling valued and energized for the next challenge.
Acknowledgment shows your team you see and appreciate their efforts.
Why Communication Works at GrowthScribe
We know that communication isn’t just a skill—it’s the foundation of great leadership. Our managers don’t just give instructions; they create conversations. They don’t just talk—they listen. This approach doesn’t just make projects successful—it makes work more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of communication is one of the most impactful things a manager can do. From setting clear expectations to fostering collaboration and delivering feedback with empathy, great communication drives success at every level.
We’ve seen how strong communication doesn’t just keep teams on track—it builds trust, inspires innovation, and creates a culture where everyone thrives. Ready to take your communication skills to the next level? Start small, stay consistent, and watch your team soar.
