Speed Matters

As a leader, the speed of your communication matters far more than you might think. Whether it's returning an email, a voicemail, a text message, having a tough conversation, or sending a critical proposal, the timing and responsiveness of your communication can either open doors wide or slam them shut before you even realize what's happening.

Let me tell you a personal story that illustrates exactly what I mean.

Not too long ago, I was speaking at an event for a great company. This event was unique, it involved multiple stops, and I was fortunate enough to be paired alongside another exceptional leader and communicator. After spending a few days teaching together, connecting, and sharing ideas, this leader approached me at the end of our last session. They asked for my information because they saw the potential for us to partner on some future projects. I was thrilled.

As soon as I got home, I immediately thought about sending over my menu of services. But then it struck me: my current menu didn't feel quite right. It wasn't as polished or updated as I'd like, so I decided to revise it first. It was a Friday, so naturally, I convinced myself there was no urgency to send it over the weekend. Monday would do just fine.

When Monday came, unfortunately, I fell sick. I lost a few precious days recovering, and by the time I was back on my feet, I scrambled to complete the updated menu. Finally, I sent the information, excitedly anticipating a positive response. Days passed. A week went by. My excitement slowly transformed into anxiety.

Eventually, I reached back out, checking in with a polite follow-up email. Almost immediately, I received a reply, but it wasn't the reply I hoped for. They informed me that they'd already moved forward with another provider, not because they didn't like my work or ideas, but simply because I didn't get back to them quickly enough.

That was a hard lesson. It reinforced something I've always known but hadn't fully grasped in practice:

Speed matters.

Especially in sales and leadership, the pace of your communication conveys volumes about your reliability, your respect for others' time, and your effectiveness as a leader. Quick responses demonstrate respect, build trust, and create opportunities. Slow responses communicate indifference, disorganization, or even a lack of respect, even if unintentionally.

The truth is, if you want to see doors open, clients eager to sign, and team members who trust and respect your leadership, mastering the art of speedy communication is non-negotiable.

Here are three practical ways to ensure you communicate with speed:

1. Set Clear Response Expectations for Yourself

One of the simplest yet most powerful strategies for speeding up your communication is setting clear expectations. Decide how quickly you'll respond to emails, voicemails, texts, and proposals. For instance, establish a rule for yourself, such as "All emails get a response within 24 hours, even if just to acknowledge receipt and promise a detailed reply soon." Consistency breeds reliability and trust.

Use technology to your advantage, set reminders or alarms, or utilize productivity tools and apps to streamline your communication workflow. Tools like task management software, automated email responses, or even CRM systems can help you stay organized. When people see you consistently respond quickly, it builds an image of dependability and professionalism, increasing trust and loyalty among your team and clients.

2. Prioritize Tough Conversations Immediately

One of the most significant barriers to fast communication is our natural inclination to avoid difficult conversations. Leaders often hesitate or procrastinate when confronted with challenging issues, hoping things will resolve themselves or become easier to address with time. Unfortunately, the opposite usually happens, issues escalate and become more complicated.

Make a commitment to address difficult conversations within 48 hours. By tackling these situations head-on, you avoid prolonging discomfort or misunderstandings, and you communicate courage and integrity. Your team will appreciate your willingness to face challenging topics promptly, and you'll cultivate a culture of transparency and trust. Moreover, prompt conversations help prevent small issues from ballooning into major problems, preserving harmony and productivity within your organization.

3. Under-Promise and Over-Deliver

This principle might seem counterintuitive when discussing speed, but it's crucial. Leaders who over-promise and then scramble to deliver quickly often end up disappointing their clients or team members. The better strategy is to set realistic timelines upfront and then work intentionally to exceed expectations.

For example, if you know you can deliver a proposal in three days, promise it in five. Then deliver it in two. This approach gives you breathing room and the opportunity to impress and delight your clients, partners, or team members. They'll appreciate your honesty in setting realistic expectations, and they'll be thrilled when you exceed them. Over time, consistently exceeding expectations in this manner builds a reputation of excellence and reliability, ensuring you become the go-to person or provider in your industry or team.

As my own experience painfully illustrated, when you fail to communicate quickly enough, you risk missing valuable opportunities. Leaders who embrace timely, clear, and proactive communication consistently achieve better outcomes, stronger relationships, and greater trust.

Remember, speed isn't about rushing or sacrificing quality, it's about making communication a priority, responding promptly, and demonstrating respect for everyone involved.

Don’t let slow communication be the reason opportunities pass you by. Communicate clearly, communicate intentionally, and communicate with speed. Your leadership impact will multiply, doors will open wider, and your ability to influence and succeed will dramatically increase.

By Jason Raitz - CEO, Speak with People  With over 25 years of experience, Jason has spoken from stages across the country, inspiring and motivating his audiences with stories, laughter, and practical tools to succeed. Book Jason for your next conference or workshop.