Developing effective leadership communication in the technology industry

Unlock the secrets to mastering leadership communication in the technology realm with exclusive insights from industry experts. This article strips back the complexity, offering straightforward strategies to enhance dialogue with stakeholders and teams. Delve into the art of conveying technical concepts with clarity, ensuring messages resonate and inspire action.

  • Use Structured Storytelling
  • Involve Stakeholders in Problem-Solving
  • Prioritize Regular One-on-One Conversations
  • Simplify Technical Concepts
  • Focus on Non-Verbal Communication
  • Emphasize the Why Before the How
  • Clarify Expectations and Listen Attentively
  • Listen Actively and Mirror Back
  • Improve Communication Through Behavioral Interviews
  • Focus on Connecting with People
  • Ask What Is Not Being Said
  • Foster a Culture of Recognition and Trust
  • Practice Purpose-Driven Communication
  • Use a Clear Communication Framework
  • Pre-Answer Questions Before They Are Asked
  • Listen More Than You Talk
  • Translate Technical Concepts for Different Audiences
  • Adapt Communication Style to Different Audiences
  • Adjust Communication Style Based on Audience

Use Structured Storytelling

Storytelling has been a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. Whether I’m engaging with my team, stakeholders, or clients, I’ve learned that the most effective communication aligns everyone around a shared vision while offering actionable insights.

One practice that has significantly sharpened my communication skills is “structured storytelling.” For every major discussion—be it a project kick-off, a stakeholder update, or a strategic pitch—I frame my communication around three core elements:

  • The Vision: I start by painting a vivid picture of the “why”—the larger purpose or the impact we aim to create. This sets the emotional context and creates alignment.
  • The Journey: I simplify complex ideas into a relatable narrative, focusing on how we’ll navigate challenges, collaborate, and achieve success together.
  • The Takeaways: I conclude with clear, actionable steps for the audience. This ensures that the story moves from inspiration to execution.

For example, when leading a project in the healthcare domain, I’ll begin by highlighting the transformative impact of the solution on patient care. I then explain the roadmap using relatable analogies or metaphors (e.g., “building this app is like designing a digital health assistant”), and I end with specific roles and next steps for everyone involved.

This approach doesn’t just communicate facts—it builds trust, motivates action, and ensures clarity. My advice for aspiring tech leaders: prioritize clarity and empathy in every conversation. Speak not just to inform, but to inspire.

Ritesh Joshi, CTO, Let Set Go

Involve Stakeholders in Problem-Solving

One of the most valuable communication strategies I have developed is involving stakeholders in live problem-solving. Early in my career, I would map out solutions ahead of time and deliver them fully baked. While efficient, it often left others feeling like they were on the outside looking in. Now, when discussing technical challenges or new initiatives, I present the problem and involve the team or client in brainstorming the solution.

For instance, during a recent dashboard redesign, I brought the sales and client support teams into a workshop where we sketched features together. Not only did this lead to a better product, but it also gave everyone a sense of ownership in the process.

One practice that has helped me immensely is learning how to visualize data and concepts dynamically during conversations. If I am explaining how our automated bidding system adapts to changing ad performance, I sketch a flowchart or use an interactive graph to illustrate the concept in real-time. This keeps the conversation engaging and allows for immediate clarifications. Taking this hands-on approach makes even the most technical discussions collaborative and relatable, and it shows I value their input.

Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO

Prioritize Regular One-on-One Conversations

Be proactive and intentional. One practice that has been incredibly effective for me is prioritizing regular one-on-one conversations with my team. I use these sessions to create a safe space for sharing ideas, discussing challenges and aligning on team goals without the distraction of group meetings. My team is relatively small, so meeting everyone one-on-one once per week doesn’t consume a lot of time. The informal one-on-one sessions last 20-30 minutes. I approach the sessions with an open mind and listen attentively. My aim is to understand, reflect and then respond to what has been said in the best possible way.

I check in with my team members through Slack but I’m always careful not to disrupt their focus or workflow. If someone has a “Do Not Disturb” status set on their profile, I respect it and reschedule communication for a more appropriate time when they are available.

Beyond individual interactions, I also encourage intra-team communication by creating a safe environment where asking and answering questions is done politely and constructively. I regularly check to ensure no team member is blocked on delegated tasks and can handle everything assigned to them effectively. The proactive approach allows me to spot and address potential issues early.

Roman Milyushkevich, CEO and CTO, HasData

Simplify Technical Concepts

As a technology leader, honing communication skills is vital for bridging the gap between technical teams and stakeholders. One practice that has helped is actively practicing “translation”—simplifying complex technical concepts into clear, non-technical language tailored to the audience.

How This Helps:

  • Builds Trust: It reassures non-technical stakeholders that you understand their concerns and priorities.
  • Drives Collaboration: It enables smoother conversations between technical teams and business units, fostering better alignment.
  • Improves Decision-Making: Clear communication helps everyone understand the “why” behind technical decisions.

Practice empathetic listening. Before responding, focus on understanding the other person’s perspective—what they know, their concerns, and their goals. This ensures your message addresses their specific needs and avoids unnecessary jargon.

For example, when explaining a software update to a non-technical audience, instead of saying, “We’ve optimized the database query logic to reduce API latency by 40%,” you might say, “Your app will load faster, improving the user experience for your customers.”

This approach fosters clarity and connection, making you a more effective communicator.

Faraz Poswal, Website Developer, EDS FZE

Focus on Non-Verbal Communication

I’ve learned that effective communication goes beyond just the words we speak. One practice that’s significantly helped me improve my communication is focusing on non-verbal communication. I’ve come to realize that body language, facial expressions, and even tone of voice can convey just as much, if not more, than the actual message itself. For example, when explaining complex technical concepts to my team or clients, I pay attention to my posture and gestures to ensure I’m not just talking but actively engaging.

In meetings, I’ve noticed that maintaining eye contact and using open body language helps create a more collaborative environment, making others feel heard and valued. This non-verbal connection has been key in building trust and ensuring that the technical details I’m sharing are understood and well-received. I also focus on the non-verbal cues of others, looking for signs of confusion or agreement, so I can adjust my approach in real-time. Over time, I’ve found that mastering non-verbal communication has made me more approachable and effective in getting my ideas across, especially in a tech-heavy environment where clear communication is critical.

Pieter Wellens, CTO, Apicbase

Emphasize the Why Before the How

I always emphasize the “why” before diving into the “how” when communicating with my team or stakeholders. I focus on conveying its value rather than getting lost in technical jargon. This approach helps them understand the purpose and motivation behind a particular project or decision, making them more invested in its success.

For example, I highlight the purpose and potential impact of adopting a new technology before discussing its technical aspects. This approach helps to engage stakeholders and build enthusiasm for the project. It also allows for a better understanding of how the technology aligns with business goals, making it easier to gain support and resources.

My best tip is to limit yourself to one minute to ensure brevity and impact. This means addressing issues or offering praise within one minute of the event, conversation, or action. This approach ensures that feedback is specific, relevant, and fresh in everyone’s minds. Practicing this consistently has improved how quickly and effectively feedback is received and acted upon by teams.

Kevin Baragona, Founder, Deep AI

Clarify Expectations and Listen Attentively

As a technology leader, communication has been one of the most important skills I’ve had to develop over my career. Early on, I focused mainly on the technical aspects of my role, thinking that delivering results was what mattered most. However, I soon realized that no matter how good the work was, if I couldn’t communicate it effectively to my team and other stakeholders, it would limit our success.

That’s when I started to prioritize building my communication abilities. I made it a point to clarify expectations in meetings, provide clear project updates in emails, and tailor my language based on who I was addressing. I also tried to listen more attentively in conversations so I could understand other perspectives. All of this took practice and conscious effort, but it has paid off. My communication is far more effective today than 5 or 10 years ago.

Beyond daily interactions, public speaking was an area I had to work on as well. As a leader, presentations, and talks became much more frequent. To improve, I recorded myself, got feedback from others, and worked extensively on my storytelling and messaging. Over time, I’ve become much more comfortable speaking to both small and large groups.

Communication is a skill that can always be improved. But by focusing on it, being intentional about growing, and stepping outside my comfort zone, I’ve developed abilities that allow me to better lead, inspire, and collaborate as a technology executive. For any leader, it’s time well spent.

Mac Steer, Owner and Director, Simify

Listen Actively and Mirror Back

As a Technology Leader, it’s not enough to understand technology; I need to translate complex concepts into digestible information for clients ranging from tech-savvy entrepreneurs to those just beginning their digital transformation journey. This constant need to bridge the knowledge gap has significantly honed my communication skills. One proven invaluable practice is the conscious effort to “listen actively” and “mirror back” what I understand.

Active listening goes beyond simply hearing the words spoken. It involves paying close attention to the client’s tone, body language, and the unspoken nuances of their message. I strive to understand their immediate needs and the underlying concerns and motivations driving those needs. Are they frustrated with the current system? Worried about security breaches? Excited about growth opportunities? Grasping these subtle cues provides context and allows me to tailor my responses effectively.

The “mirroring back” component then comes into play. After listening intently, I summarize my understanding of the situation to my clients. For example, I might say, “So, if I understand correctly, your primary concern is the scalability of your current CRM given your projected growth over the next year, and you’re also looking for a more robust reporting feature to gain better insights into customer behavior. Is that right?” This behavior serves two crucial purposes. First, it confirms that I’ve accurately grasped their needs and allows them to correct any misunderstandings before we move forward. Second, it demonstrates genuine interest and builds trust, assuring them that I’m looking to find the best solution for their specific challenges.

This simple practice has transformed my client interactions. It minimizes miscommunication, streamlines project discussions, and fosters more profound collaborative relationships. I can offer tailored solutions, manage expectations effectively, and ultimately deliver better results by truly understanding the client’s needs and confirming that understanding. It allows me to shift from providing IT services to becoming a trusted advisor and strategic partner in their business growth. This approach isn’t just about communication; it’s about building understanding, fostering trust, and ultimately driving success for my clients and my business.

Steve Fleurant, CEO, Clair Services

Improve Communication Through Behavioral Interviews

Communication wasn’t always easy for me, especially in spoken conversations. At one point, I even questioned whether I was just naturally introverted. Over time, things changed, and now I can hold a conversation with a stranger on a plane for an hour without hesitation.

Two books played a major role in that shift. “Just Listen” by Mark Goulston and “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss taught me the importance of active listening. Voss’s book, in particular, offers practical tactics backed by his experience as an FBI hostage negotiator.

Taking on behavioral interviews at work helped even more. Initially, I turned it down, but I have a rule: if something feels difficult, I reconsider. That decision improved my ability to ask better questions, making interviews feel more natural. Colleagues often mentioned that candidates opened up to me in ways they hadn’t seen before. Body language and the right questions made all the difference.

A deep understanding of the codebase, business logic, and industry trends also makes conversations easier. When discussions happen, sharing insights, whether through direct input or thoughtful questions, adds value.

Khunshan Ahmad, CEO & Founder, EvolveDash

Focus on Connecting with People

Communication is about keeping it real and connecting with people. It’s not about fancy words or sounding clever—it’s about making sure the person on the other side gets what you’re saying and feels like you’re on the same page. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that every conversation is different, so you’ve got to stay flexible. You lose people if you’re too stuck in your own head or trying to stick to a script.

I remember working on a big project where the client was completely overwhelmed. We explained timelines, deliverables, and all the moving parts; you could see their eyes glaze over. So, I just stopped and asked, “What’s the one thing you’re most worried about right now?” They said: “The launch date.” Boom—that was our focus. I broke everything down into simple steps tied to that date, and suddenly, they weren’t stressed anymore. That shift in the conversation set the tone for the entire project.

The biggest thing? Pay attention. Listen more than you talk. People want to feel heard, not talked at. And if you can be straightforward, honest, and approachable, they’ll trust you. Trust makes everything else easier—solving problems, building a team, or just getting stuff done.

Alex Osmichenko, CEO, IT Monks

Ask What Is Not Being Said

People often focus on what they think is the problem, but the real issue is sometimes buried under assumptions or missing details. I make a habit of asking, “What is not being said here?” before responding. This helps uncover gaps in understanding and keeps discussions from going in circles. A simple question can turn a vague request into a clear action plan. It also helps avoid wasted time on solutions that do not address the real problem.

Strong communication is not just about choosing the right words. It is about recognizing when something important is left out. When I focus on what is missing, I can guide conversations toward better outcomes. This has helped me make faster decisions, solve problems more effectively, and keep projects moving in the right direction.

Tom Hamilton Stubber, Managing Director, TutorCruncher

Foster a Culture of Recognition and Trust

As a leader in managed IT services and IT consulting, I’ve learned that effective communication starts with fostering a culture of recognition and trust. One of the most impactful practices I’ve embraced is acknowledging and praising my team’s daily contributions, not just their big achievements. Employees shouldn’t have to wait for annual reviews or extraordinary moments to feel valued. A simple thank-you or a quick shout-out for resolving a challenge goes a long way in breaking down barriers and encouraging open communication within the team.

This focus on communication extends to our clients as well. For example, during a recent project to implement a VoIP phone system for a Chicago manufacturing business, our team collaborated with vendors and the client’s leadership to ensure a seamless transition. By maintaining clear, consistent communication throughout the process, we aligned everyone’s efforts, addressed concerns in real-time, and delivered a solution tailored to the client’s needs. Recognizing the contributions of all stakeholders and keeping lines of communication open made this a successful, collaborative effort.

Eric Van Overmeiren, Lead System Administrator, Go Technology Group

Practice Purpose-Driven Communication

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of purpose-driven communication. Early in my career, I noticed that when I focused too much on delivering information, I sometimes lost the audience’s engagement. To address this, I started practicing purpose-driven communication, where I ensured every message, whether in a team meeting, presentation, or email, was tied to a clear goal or outcome.

For example, when rolling out a new marketing strategy, instead of diving into the “what” right away, I began by explaining the “why” behind it—why this approach aligned with our mission and how it would drive results. This made my messages more compelling and easier for others to rally behind.

Another practice that helped was always considering the perspective of my audience. I asked myself, “What do they need to hear to understand the impact of this?” Practicing this regularly has made my communication not just more effective but also more intentional. It’s helped build trust within my team and made collaborations with cross-functional groups much smoother. The clarity and focus this approach brings have been game changers for me as a technology leader.

Steven Spieczny, VP Marketing, Kognic

Use a Clear Communication Framework

Say what you’re going to say. Say it. And then tell them what you just said.

That’s the framework I always try to communicate by. For example, in a monthly review, I might start off the meeting by saying that I’d like to introduce a product roadmap to guide Q1 efforts. Then, we’ll walk through the product roadmap that should guide Q1 efforts. And at the end of the meeting, I’ll reiterate that I want the product roadmap we just walked through to guide Q1 efforts.

The objective of communicating in this framework, using the example above, is that the product roadmap should guide Q1 efforts. By saying what you’re going to say, saying it, and then telling them what you just said, you’re able to drive home the objective for effective communication. Then, as time passes, a leader is able to return to that communication and roadmap to help keep the team focused and the company productive.

Brett Farmiloe, CEO, Featured

Pre-Answer Questions Before They Are Asked

One practice that has completely changed how I communicate as a technology leader is learning to “pre-answer” questions before they’re even asked. This might sound simple, but it’s a skill that requires intentional effort and has made my communication much more effective and clear.

Here’s what I mean: When presenting an idea, update, or solution, I don’t just share the “what” and “how”—I anticipate the “why” and the potential concerns the audience might have. For example, if I’m proposing a new tech stack, I’ll address the obvious questions upfront: Why do we need this? How does it impact the budget? Will it disrupt current workflows? By doing this, I remove ambiguity and show that I’ve already thought through their concerns, which builds trust and reduces back-and-forth.

One tip to master this is to practice perspective flipping. Before any discussion, I take five minutes to put myself in the other person’s shoes. If I were them—whether a CEO, a colleague, or a client—what would I care about most? What could hold me back from agreeing or understanding? This practice not only sharpens your message but also helps you approach communication with empathy.

Another thing I’ve done is encourage real-time feedback during presentations or meetings. Instead of waiting for the “Q&A” phase, I’ll pause and ask, “Does this make sense so far?” or “Is this hitting the key point for you?” It creates a dialogue instead of a monologue and makes me more approachable while fine-tuning my delivery based on immediate reactions.

Vishal Shah, Sr. Technical Consultant, WPWeb Infotech

Listen More Than You Talk

I discovered better communication starts with shutting up and listening. Simple concept, tricky execution. Back then, I thought leadership meant having every single answer and steering every conversation. But the more I dominated discussions, the less I absorbed what people actually said.

Then came my wake-up call: years ago there was one conversation with a developer wrestling with a problem for days. There I was, firing off solutions, trying to fix things on the spot. And then he sighed—you know, one of those deep, frustrated sighs—and said, “I just needed to talk it through.” That hit me. He didn’t need my solutions—he needed room to process.

That’s when I learned to pull back. Let silence do its work. When questions come my way, I reflect them back—”What do you think?”—before sharing mine. Amazing how often the answers already live in the room. Honestly, real communication flourishes in the spaces between words. When people feel truly heard, problems unravel faster, trust deepens, and meetings actually move things forward. That shift in approach? Complete game-changer in my career.

Milosz Krasinski, International SEO Consultant, Owner, Chilli Fruit Web Consulting

Translate Technical Concepts for Different Audiences

As an advocate for more women in tech, I believe effective communication is essential for breaking down barriers and empowering diverse voices. In my role as a technology leader, I’ve realized that strong communication skills are vital—whether managing a team, driving innovation, or engaging with stakeholders unfamiliar with the technical details.

One practice that has helped me hone my communication is staying informed about the latest trends in technology. Being up to date on industry advancements allows me to speak with confidence and identify opportunities where new technologies can make a real impact. It’s not just about consuming information but actively engaging with it—through reading, webinars, and discussions with colleagues. This continuous learning keeps me prepared to contribute insights, whether speaking to engineers or presenting to non-technical stakeholders.

Another key practice is fostering open discussions with colleagues. These conversations, particularly in diverse teams, offer valuable perspectives that challenge my thinking and refine my ideas. It’s not enough to speak the language of technology; you must understand how different teams process information. I’ve learned to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical people by understanding both perspectives. For example, when speaking with developers, I focus on technical details, but with business leaders, I simplify those details without losing the core message.

A tip that has helped me communicate more effectively is learning to “translate” technical concepts for different audiences. When discussing project timelines or resource allocation with directors, I focus on business outcomes and milestones, putting technical details in context. With engineers, I dive into the specifics but always ensure we’re aligned on how the tasks directly impact project goals. By tailoring the level of detail for each audience, I keep everyone aligned without overloading them with jargon or omitting important context.

Ultimately, I’ve learned that communication is about ensuring everyone, regardless of role or expertise, is aligned and able to contribute effectively. As a leader, especially as a woman in tech, I focus on making complex ideas accessible to diverse teams, which fosters better collaboration and decision-making. By continually refining my communication skills, I aim to lead with clarity and encourage others to pursue leadership roles in tech.

Geraldine Olea, Tech Project Manager | Diversity Advocate | Media Contributor

Adapt Communication Style to Different Audiences

My communication skills have been shaped by real-world experiences where clear and effective dialogue was essential. One instance that stands out is when we were developing a mining simulator for a client in Africa. Their operators faced challenges in explaining their needs, and our technical team struggled to align with their expectations due to cultural and linguistic differences.

To bridge this gap, I visited their site and spent time observing and listening. This hands-on approach not only helped me understand their perspective but also taught me how to tailor my communication. By simplifying technical details, using visual aids, and aligning my tone with their environment, I was able to bring clarity to both sides and foster collaboration.

This experience honed my ability to adapt my communication style to different audiences, which has been invaluable as a technology leader. My advice: prioritize listening and empathy—understanding your audience’s context can transform how effectively your message is received.

Payal Gupta, Co Founder, Tecknotrove

Adjust Communication Style Based on Audience

As the CEO, I have to communicate with various people, be it my team, our partners, or users. And what I’ve found important is that you adjust your communication style based on who you’re talking to. This concerns both the tone and the language.

So, for instance, with my team, especially those on the technical side, it’s okay to communicate as efficiently as possible. This means discussing matters more informally and using jargon, both of which help speed up our communication.

At the same time, when I speak with partners or stakeholders, this style is not suitable, and sometimes, can even come across as disrespectful. They require a different approach, where the communication is more formal and extensive. It should focus on results and strategy rather than technical aspects, which our stakeholders might find confusing or unnecessary.

So, I guess, my tip here is to read the room and adjust your communication accordingly.

Dmytro Tymoshenko, CEO, Noiz

Related Articles