If my personal preference dictated my clothing for the day, I would wear jeans and a T-shirt, except in the winter when I would put on a heavier shirt. This works fine in my home office; but when I meet with clients and prospects, I generally wear business casual. For me this means good slacks and a collared shirt. Sometimes I might wear a jacket and tie because it seems more appropriate. Other times I may slip into a slightly more casual shirt. My goal is to dress at least one level above the person I meet with.

Frequently, we will be in situations with people who require us to adjust our style of interaction. I was helping “Mickey” in a local homeowners association. Mickey was a litigating attorney accustomed to tough courtroom battles. Unfortunately he brought the same style into our neighborhood meetings. I commented about his harsh approach by reminding him that we were working with friends and neighbors not opposing legal counsel. His response was, “It’s just business.”

At times I give direction to colleagues about specific steps and actions they need to take. Frequently these instructions are multifaceted and not particularly easy to remember. I’ve learned over the years that if I watch somebody nod their head yes, they may hear and understand me; but if they fail to take good notes, I know they will not accomplish the task. I tell them that I believe they need to write the instructions down. Even then some folks decline my guidance. Frequently I ask them again to write down the instructions. I may even emphasize my concern by explaining that unless they take good notes during our discussion, I don’t believe they will be able to follow through correctly.

Most of us may become frustrated when a news commentator asks a political figure or the surrogates a question and receives a well-crafted response. Typically such an answer fails to reply to the question. While we can’t do much in these situations, we can improve our business communication.

Frequently I am in large gatherings.  My tendency is to find a corner in the room with my plate of appetizers and munch away. However, this tactic doesn’t help me get to know anyone.  So I start over with a prayer asking the Lord if there is anyone in the room I need to connect with. I ask for an open door to share the gospel, to encourage, or otherwise minister in some way. I pray this whether I’m in a mostly Christian gathering or secular.  Often the Lord steers me to a specific person. Other times I don’t feel any guidance from Lord.