5 Critical Keys to Level Up Your Communication
I was spellbound. Starstruck. Suddenly impressed. How could this newly appointed VP of Marketing deliver her first message with such clarity, conviction, and courage? I had been asked to quietly observe, and what I witnessed was astonishing.
As she entered the conference room, everyone had laptops open and mobile devices in hand. Only a few muffled “good mornings.”
She spoke confidently and sure. “Good morning, everyone.” Then her first order of business. Three rules:
- “Laptops down. Better yet, don’t bring them next time.”
- “Mobile devices out of sight.”
- “And I’d like each of us to bring our full attention and full value to our meetings. Rather than 60 distracted minutes, we’ll do 40 minutes of full engagement.”
Then she did something I loved. She shared a quick story about a team she once served on where every meeting was a formality and no one was truly present. The cost? Missed opportunities and mediocre results. The room leaned in.
Then she asked them to pair up and discuss:
Immediately, people were engaged. Talking. Contributing. Removing the distractions made room for real presence. And her clear, confident direction gave the team something worth showing up for.
Sometimes teams simply need clear, confident communication. She delivered it.
If you want to level up your communication, here are 5 critical keys:
Remember, a leader’s ability to communicate clearly and effectively across the organization is one of the foundations of your successful impact. And it starts on the inside. WIN on the inside, win on the outside.
Here’s my challenge: which of these 5 keys is your growth edge?
Pick one. Practice it in your very next meeting. Small shifts in communication create transformational shifts in leadership.
Here’s to leveling up your communication and leadership!
–Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)
“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a premier leadership development company based in Scottsdale. As a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker, Steve has delivered over 2,500 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
A published author and thought leader on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve lives near Scottsdale with his wife, Julie. Together, they cherish time spent with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
