July 14, 2025

Chief of Anything - Iceberg of Communication

15 minutes

Episode Twenty Four (English)

How do leaders truly understand what’s being said—beyond the words? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the “Iceberg of Communication,” a powerful model that reveals how most of what we communicate lies beneath the surface.

Through practical insights and stories, they unpack how assumptions, emotions, and non-verbal cues drive behavior and influence. As a leader, learning to see below the surface allows you to lead with empathy, navigate conflict better, and build deeper trust.

Some key takeaways from this episode:

Most communication is unconscious—awareness is the starting point.

Emotions, beliefs, and past experiences shape how people hear you.

Leaders who listen “beneath the words” build stronger connections.

Misunderstandings often arise from what’s not being said.

The best communicators decode tone, body language, and context.

Great leadership is iceberg-aware leadership.

About the Podcasters

Michael on LinkedIn: ► http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-portz

Christian on LinkedIn and Instagram:

► http://linkedin.com/in/christiankohlhof

► https://www.instagram.com/christian.kohlhof.leadership/

Our Book

CHIEF OF ANYTHING: Why Relaxed-Productive Leadership Improves the World

Order it today on Amazon: ► https://amzn.to/2Z5IIXh

Or listen on Audible: ► https://tinyurl.com/3swyv548

And one big request:

Subscribe to our podcast to stay informed. If it helps you become a better leader, communicate more effectively, or if you simply find it entertaining, we’d greatly appreciate a 5-star rating and a review.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

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