Managers: How to Improve Your Communication and Truly Engage Your Teams

"Managers: Speak to Your Teams—Not Just Their Reptilian Brains!"

Communicating with your team is an art. Sometimes, it’s not your ideas that are lacking, but the way you express them. To better understand how to communicate effectively, let’s draw inspiration from the worlds of neuroscience, social science, and even pop culture. Because if Einstein, Darwin, or Netflix have something to teach us, it’s that clarity and emotion are essential to truly connect with an audience.

"Einstein Was Right: Simplify—but Not Too Much"

Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” The human brain craves simplicity, especially when processing instructions. The most primitive part of our brain—the so-called “reptilian brain”—rejects complexity. If your message is overloaded with jargon like “maximize cross-functional synergies,” your audience will check out before you've even started.

Imagine a team meeting where you want to boost motivation. Instead of saying, “We need to adopt a holistic, bottom-up strategy,” say something like, “Share your ideas—they’ll help us improve our direction.” It’s not only easier to understand but also far more engaging.

"Darwin and the Art of Adaptation: Tap Into Emotion to Survive"

Charles Darwin taught us that survival belongs not to the strongest, but to the most adaptable. In communication, this means speaking to the limbic system—the emotional core of the brain. A message without emotion is lifeless and quickly forgotten. But a compelling story or a meaningful anecdote can transform even the most ordinary information into something unforgettable.

Imagine a meeting where, instead of listing performance metrics, you recount a recent team success. Saying, “Last year, thanks to your efforts, we reached an ambitious goal,” has far more impact than showing a spreadsheet. This kind of storytelling sparks positive emotion and strengthens the bond between manager and team.

"Netflix and the Secret of a Good Storyline"

Netflix knows how to keep an audience hooked: a clear plot, relatable characters, and a satisfying resolution. Your meetings should follow the same formula. If they’re disorganized or drag on too long, you risk losing your team’s attention.

A productive meeting, like a good movie, should answer basic questions: What’s the issue? What’s the solution? Instead of spinning in circles over vague strategies, present a clear agenda and concrete steps. And remember—if your meeting runs longer than 45 minutes, snacks are non-negotiable. No one listens well on an empty stomach.

"Brené Brown and the Power of Vulnerability"

Brené Brown, renowned for her work on vulnerability and leadership, reminds us that showing our imperfections is not a weakness—it’s a strength. No manager is perfect, and your team doesn’t expect you to be. Owning your mistakes humanizes you and fosters trust.

Imagine telling your team, “I made a mistake on this project, but here’s what I learned and how we can avoid it in the future.” That kind of honesty not only enhances your credibility but also encourages your team to be more open about their own challenges.

"Aristotle and the Art of Balanced Feedback"

Aristotle believed in the virtue of balance—and that applies to feedback too. Too harsh, and you demotivate. Too vague, and you miss the chance to help someone grow. Striking the right tone means delivering feedback that combines recognition with constructive guidance.

Instead of saying, “Your report wasn’t good,” try, “There are some great ideas in your report—the structure just needs a little work. Want to go over it together to clarify a few points?” This kind of feedback taps into emotional memory and encourages employees to bring their best selves forward.

Conclusion: Communicate Like a Storyteller, Not a Robot
Communicating with your team is like telling a good story—it requires clarity, emotion, and structure. Let the wisdom of Einstein, Darwin, Netflix, Brené Brown, and Aristotle guide you. Talk less, listen more, and remember: your team isn’t there to decode cryptic messages—they’re there to collaborate with you.

So next time you're prepping for a meeting or giving feedback, ask yourself: “Is my message clear, human, and engaging?” If the answer is yes, you’ve nailed the essentials. And if not, take a breath—and let your reptilian brain sit this one out. After all, communication is an art you master over time.