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This is a time in history where the pace is chaotic.

It is too fast for creatives, who increasingly suffer from burnout while trying to adapt to constant change. It is too slow for the fast-paced, driven entrepreneurs who are no longer seeing the quick results they once saw, especially in the realm of marketing. Enter AI (Artificial Intelligence) frontstage, and the pace is even more exacerbated.

Throw in a pandemic and its aftermath, plus economic changes, and it is easy to see why the world of business is more than slightly challenged.

In this daily dance of fast action, deep thinking, and automation, is there a solution? Do we all just need to go faster? Or do we need to slow down?

The answer is…yes.

We need creative, deep thinking, process-minded individuals. And we also need the drive, determination, and innovation of the fast-paced entrepreneurs.

The question is, “How do we work together?” And the root of that question is, “How do we communicate?”

Glad you asked.

Here are four key factors for communicating in a way that creates a good PACE in business.

Pay attention to the other person’s style.

If you are having a conversation, and especially if you need to convey a message or give directions, pay close attention to the other person’s style. Do they move and speak quickly, or do they move and speak at a measured pace?

Adjust your pace accordingly.

If you naturally speak fast, slow your speech just a bit when speaking with someone who doesn’t. It isn’t because they don’t understand you; it is that they need time to process what you are saying. They may be thinking well ahead of you, identifying a process or obstacles, and this is valuable information to you.

If you are more measured in your speech, and you are speaking with a fast-paced, driven leader, you will want to speak a little more quickly and be concise in what you say. Consider having a “rule of three” when speaking – three points, three questions, three quick statements. And if you are presenting a problem, come prepared with three possible solutions, and you will ace the conversation.

Consider opposite opinions.

As leaders, we tend to gravitate toward people who think like us. But a wise leader will consider the thoughts and opinions of those who think the opposite of how they think.

It may be that you are enamored with a product and would lay out thousands of dollars on ad spend to promote it. But there is someone on your team who says, “Wait just a bit…can we take a look at the numbers to see if this will actually produce profit?”

It would be tempting for the driven leader to forge ahead, and many do. It could also be detrimental.

In business, you need both expanders and containers. One is for income, and one is for profit. (Newsflash: Income does not equal profit.)

Engage in healthy debate.

If you have a team where everyone thinks alike and no one questions the status quo, you may have an unhealthy business. If someone doesn’t buy into your idea, encourage them to share their thoughts. They may see something you don’t see, and a healthy debate could very well strengthen the health of your organization. Better products and services, greater efficiency, and minimized risk may result. One conversation across the aisle could very well save a company thousands of dollars.

As a leader, consider your team. What is your pace? And what is theirs? How can you each communicate in a way that creates better results for the organization?

As the CEO of Strength Leader Development, Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after international executive mentor, coach, trainer, and speaker. Deb is well versed in global business operations and helps business leaders and their teams to discover and leverage their strengths, so they can create highly collaborative teams that deliver great results. With a refreshingly direct style, and using the Maxwell Method, Deb helps leaders and teams to deliver profitable results. Connect with Deb to learn more about her mentorship and coaching programs to equip you with advanced strategies to elevate your results.