Blog tagged as communication

One skill I've quietly developed over the years is what I call "velvet hammer" writing. It's the art of crafting letters, announcements, and directions that are simultaneously kind (the velvet) and direct (the hammer).

You have the posters. Your mission statement is a masterpiece. Your organization has a culture manifesto. Yet, day after day, the way work actually happens tells a different story.

I like to say my hobby is collecting people. It's a fun way of saying I genuinely enjoy networking.

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up chasing the next goal and forget to celebrate the wins along the way. However, recognizing achievements isn't just nice to have.

If you're like me, you like things done in a certain way. Sometimes you get irritated when others, who don't know that, do something you don't like.

In a world where we communicate instantly and often in soundbites, the art of listening can feel like a relic of the past.

If you’re stepping into a new leadership role, here’s the truth: communication isn’t a "soft skill" add-on; it’s one of the main levers you have.

If the New Year has you taking on a new role, you need to know that it’s not all in the title. It is a fundamental shift.

Communication has two active states: speaking and listening. But speaking isn’t just about the words coming out of your mouth.

Everyone faces moments that send their temper into orbit. Sound familiar? When anger takes the driver’s seat, most of us don’t exactly morph into Zen masters.

Nonverbal cues don’t just support your message; they often decide how it lands. The classic “words vs. tone vs. body language” finding - also known as the 7-38-55 rule - gets misquoted a lot, but the core idea stands.

Psychological safety isn’t about being nice. It’s feeling safe to ask the “dumb” question, flag a risk, or say “I disagree” without getting punished. That’s how better ideas surface and fewer surprises hit your roadmap.

Having a leadership title doesn’t guarantee influence. It comes from being seen as a strategic partner who understands the business as a whole.

Strong leaders don’t just manage people; they also ensure that systems run smoothly. Understanding and optimizing your organizational processes is an essential practice of effective leadership.

Text, email, and chat are preferred methods of communication, but in business, these aren’t always the most effective.

As a leader, the questions you pose will shape your organization’s conversations about the future and unlock the innovative potential of your leadership team.

Every game-changing company begins with a team…one that collaborates, challenges, and grows together. But what really makes a group of talented individuals a winning team?

Weekly team meetings don’t have to be the routine check-ins that everyone dreads. In fact, when done right, they can become a powerful engine for team efficiency and morale.

In a time when criticism can feel louder and more personal than ever, learning to accept and grow from feedback is a vital leadership skill.

Let’s be honest, receiving feedback can feel uncomfortable. But with the right mindset, it can become not just fruitful, but even joyful.