Essential Tips for Managers and Executives

Are you a team leader managing IT contractors, a client services manager, or a project manager working in IR35-compliant environments? If so, one thing is for sure: effective communication skills are the foundation of great leadership.

At IR35 Rules, we know that contractors, limited company directors, and managers in umbrella setups all face unique challenges when it comes to getting their message across. You might be negotiating with a client, dealing with a team member's concern, or simply trying to inspire your colleagues to hit the next milestone. Whatever your role, communicating like a leader helps you earn trust, drive action, and build long-term success.

Here are the essential communication tips every contractor, manager or executive should master if they want to lead effectively – even in the most regulated, fast-moving sectors.

Be Clear, Be Concise – Always

In a fast-paced environment shaped by deadlines, client expectations and sometimes IR35 complications, clarity makes everything easier. As a leader, it’s your job to ensure your instructions are easy to follow and your updates are direct and relevant. Avoid unnecessary jargon or long explanations. Whether you’re giving feedback or discussing timelines, keep things simple and actionable.

Tip: Ask yourself, “Could someone act on this after hearing it once?” If not, simplify it.

Authenticity Builds Trust

Contractors often need to build trust quickly, whether you're on a short engagement or working in a long-term leadership role. Being open about challenges, timelines or client feedback shows integrity. People trust leaders who are genuine and consistent — and who don’t pretend everything is perfect when it isn’t.

Tip: If you make a mistake, acknowledge it and explain what you’re doing to fix it.

Lead With Your Actions

Leadership isn’t only about speaking; it’s about modelling the standards you expect from others. If you expect timely communication, professionalism or careful documentation, demonstrate those behaviours first. Teams naturally follow the example you set, not the instructions you repeat.

Tip: Leadership isn’t defined by a job title — it’s defined by your behaviour.

Tailor Your Communication to the Audience

Different stakeholders need different levels of detail. Your accountant might need a full breakdown, while your client only wants a simple progress update. When you adjust your communication style to match the audience, your message lands more effectively.

Tip: Before speaking, ask yourself, “What does this person actually need from me right now?”

Empathy Isn’t Optional

Being a strong leader means understanding the pressures others face. Contractors might be juggling IR35 uncertainty, employees may feel overstretched and clients might be dealing with competing priorities. Taking the time to listen and understand helps you build stronger relationships and make better decisions.

Tip: Ask open questions such as, “How are things going on your end?”

Listening Is Leading

Good communication isn’t just about delivering messages — it’s about listening fully. Paying attention to what’s said (and what isn’t said) helps you identify issues before they escalate and shows people that you value their perspective.

Tip: Summarise key points to confirm understanding. For example, “So you're concerned about the next phase — is that right?”

Invite Feedback  And Mean It

If you lead people, you need their input. Encouraging honest feedback — whether in a formal session or a casual conversation — helps you spot blind spots and improve your approach. Anonymous feedback tools can also help when people feel hesitant to speak up.

Tip: When someone offers feedback, thank them. It shows maturity and builds trust.

Choose the Right Communication Channels

Not every message should be delivered the same way. Sensitive discussions, such as a possible IR35 reclassification, deserve a live conversation. Reminders or updates can be sent by email. Choosing the wrong channel can cause confusion or unnecessary worry.

Tip: If the message is important or emotional, choose a human-to-human format like a call or meeting.

Stay Emotionally Grounded

Contracting often involves uncertainty — shifting contract terms, urgent client requests, unexpected tax updates. Staying calm sets the tone for everyone else. When you respond with composure, you encourage others to do the same and create space for better decisions.

Tip: If things feel heated, pause. “Let’s take a few minutes and regroup” works far better than pushing ahead emotionally.

Practice Makes Progress

No one starts out as an excellent communicator. The more you lead — in client discussions, team meetings or project reviews — the more your skills develop. Reflect after conversations and keep refining your approach. Small improvements add up quickly.

Tip: With permission, record key meetings and review your tone, clarity and pacing.

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice or having every answer — it’s about how effectively you connect with the people around you. Strong communication makes you more confident, easier to work with and far more valuable to clients.

Whether you’re navigating IR35, running a limited company or guiding others through change, communicating clearly, listening well and leading by example will take you far.

Lead with clarity. Lead with empathy. And above all, lead with humanity.

FQA's

What are the five basic communication skills?

The five core communication skills are:

• Listening – paying close attention to what others are saying, both verbally and non-verbally
• Speaking – expressing your message clearly and in a way others can follow
• Reading – understanding written information accurately and efficiently
• Writing – communicating clearly through emails, reports or messages
• Non-verbal communication – using body language, gestures, facial expressions and tone to support your message

Developing these skills builds trust, reduces misunderstandings and improves your ability to lead.

What are seven good communication skills?

Seven of the most effective communication skills, especially for leaders, include:

• Active listening – fully hearing and understanding the message
• Clarity and brevity – saying what needs to be said without overcomplicating it
• Empathy – recognising and respecting others’ emotions and perspectives
• Confidence – communicating with certainty, without being forceful
• Respectfulness – valuing other people’s opinions and contributions
• Giving and receiving feedback – offering constructive input and being open to others’ views
• Adaptability – adjusting your style depending on the person or situation

These skills are essential in fast-moving environments where collaboration and trust matter.

How do you describe good communication skills?

Good communication skills involve expressing ideas clearly, listening actively and engaging in meaningful two-way conversations. Strong communicators adapt their tone and language depending on their audience, whether that’s a team member, stakeholder or client.

It also includes being aware of non-verbal cues, showing empathy during difficult conversations and being open to feedback.

What are communication skills in leadership?

Communication in leadership is about more than relaying information. Effective leadership communication includes:

• Inspiring others with clear direction and purpose
• Handling conflict with fairness and diplomacy
• Creating an open environment where feedback flows both ways
• Breaking down complex topics into simple, understandable points
• Staying calm and composed under pressure

These abilities help leaders build trust, influence outcomes and align teams — crucial for contractors who move between projects and temporary teams.

Why is communication important in leadership?

Communication is essential in leadership because it:

• Sets expectations
• Aligns people around shared goals
• Strengthens relationships and trust
• Prevents misunderstandings from escalating
• Keeps teams motivated, especially during challenges

Without strong communication, even highly skilled teams can become unfocused. Clear communicators bring stability, clarity and direction — all vital in effective leadership.

How can I improve my communication as a manager or contractor?

Practical ways to improve your communication include:

• Asking for feedback from colleagues and clients
• Practising active listening — avoid interrupting or assuming
• Keeping your language simple, especially for technical or compliance topics
• Checking understanding to ensure everyone is aligned
• Being transparent and consistent when discussing updates or decisions

Reflecting after key meetings or conversations also helps you identify what worked well and what you can refine next time.