🌟 Word of the Day — 25 Ṣafar 1447 AH, August 19, 2025 ‘Understanding’ 🌟

Coach Ward

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3–4 min read

👋 Welcome Back

Welcome to another installment of the Business English Word of the Day series. Today’s word might seem simple at first glance, but don’t let that fool you, “understanding” is one of the most powerful words in both leadership and business. It builds bridges where walls once stood. And as I’ve learned, without it, no deal, no team, and no relationship can truly last.

📖 What Does “Understanding” Mean?

At its core, understanding is the ability to grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something. In a business context, it refers to truly comprehending the perspectives, needs, and motivations of others—not just hearing words, but interpreting intent.

Beyond intellect, understanding also carries an emotional dimension: empathy. It’s what allows professionals to resolve conflicts, negotiate effectively, and inspire loyalty.

• Everyday Language: “She has a deep understanding of her friend’s struggles.”

• Business Context: “Effective leadership requires an understanding of both people and processes.”

🧬 Word Origin: Where Does “Understanding” Come From?

The word traces back to Old English understandan (literally “stand in the midst of”), suggesting a position of comprehending by standing beneath or within a concept. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent not only intellectual grasp but also harmony between people.

🧠 Why Understanding Matters in Business

Think of the worst manager you’ve had. Chances are, they lacked understanding, of their team’s workload, of market dynamics, or of customer needs. Without understanding:

• Teams disengage.

• Clients feel neglected.

• Opportunities are missed.

But when understanding is present? Deals close. Partnerships flourish. Innovation happens.

🙋 Who Uses “Understanding” (and Why)?

• Leaders & Managers: To motivate teams and handle challenges with empathy.

• Entrepreneurs: To align products with customer needs.

• Negotiators: To find common ground and resolve disputes.

• Everyday Professionals: To strengthen workplace relationships and minimize conflict.

❤️ The Coach Ward Reflection

Running Coach Ward Business Solutions, I engage with people from every background, different countries, languages, faiths, and values. What keeps those connections alive isn’t just language fluency, but understanding.

I’ve learned that when a client feels I get them, their fears, their goals, their culture, the business relationship becomes more than transactional. It becomes transformational. And that’s when both sides win.

📌 Examples in Action

• “Her understanding of cultural nuance helped secure the international deal.”

• “They reached an understanding after hours of negotiation.”

• “A true leader works to build mutual understanding within the team.”

🚀 Your Turn

Reflect: Are you listening to respond, or listening to understand? What’s one situation this week where you can practice deeper understanding with a client, colleague, or even yourself?

👉 Let’s keep growing, one word at a time! 🌟