by Patrick Donadio
In today’s competitive small business landscape, workforce disengagement threatens success. Gallup’s recent report reveals that 62% of global employees are not engaged, while 15% are actively disengaged. This presents a critical challenge for leaders: to inspire passion and foster team engagement.
As a communication strategist and coach, I’ve observed how poor communication undermines morale and productivity. Many employees express frustration about a lack of transparency, feeling uninformed about company finances or changes affecting their roles. Small businesses often rely on outdated methods like bulletin boards and generic emails, which fail to meet employees’ needs.
When communication falters, misinformation spreads, damaging workplace culture and productivity and often leading to turnover. This can hurt a business’s reputation within the community and among customers.
Effective communication goes beyond simply sharing information. It requires leaders to connect with teams on physical, mental, and emotional levels. True engagement happens when leaders foster dialogue, ask open-ended questions, and use storytelling to create emotional connections with the organization’s mission.
The key to engagement is action. Leaders must prioritize clear communication and authentic connections. Here are practical strategies for cultivating engagement in small businesses:
- Be Present: Step out from behind your desk and engage in face-to-face conversations to build trust and approachability.
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Create platforms for employees to share ideas, voice concerns, and actively shape workplace decisions.
- Clarify Expectations: Ensure employees understand their roles and how they align with company objectives. Clearly defined, actionable goals drive engagement.
- Recognize Effort & Impact: Offer authentic appreciation for employees’ contributions, boosting motivation beyond monetary rewards.
- Be Approachable: Practice proactive engagement by regularly interacting with employees in their workspace.
- Listen Attentively: Solicit questions, feedback, and actively listen with an open and receptive mind.
- Respond and Follow Up: Address concerns promptly, investigate thoroughly, and provide timely responses to build trust through accountability.
- Clarify and Confirm: Ensure understanding by seeking verbal confirmation to avoid confusion.
- Foster Transparency: Share information openly across all levels to strengthen trust and unity.
- Prioritize Personal Interactions: Opt for one-on-one and small-group discussions to foster understanding and encourage buy-in.
- Be Present and Engaged: Demonstrate respect and value for employees during conversations, reinforcing a culture where every voice matters.
Effective communication forms the foundation of thriving small businesses. Leaders who prioritize engagement foster workplaces where employees feel valued and connected to the company’s purpose. These shifts in communication improve morale, productivity, and overall success.
Adopting these tips cultivates a strong “we culture” and establishes you as a credible, supportive leader. Building trust, respect, and openness is essential for effective operations and a consistently high-performing workforce.
Remember, engagement is reciprocal. When leaders proactively build genuine connections, employees respond with commitment and enthusiasm.
© Copyright 2025 Patrick Donadio, MBA, CSP, MCC. Excerpted from Communicating with IMPACT©. Patrick is a communication strategist, speaker, and coach who helps leaders and teams lead, communicate, and present with IMPACT. He has earned top designations in both speaking and coaching, a rare global distinction. Looking to elevate your communication skills? Hire him for a high-impact presentation or communication coaching to unlock your potential.
Contact: 614-488-9164 | Patrick@PatrickDonadio.com | www.PatrickDonadio.com