I’ve been looking forward to this episode of Fire at Will for a long time. Jonathan Parker is someone I deeply admire, not just for his expertise but for the person he is. We go way back, and every time we chat, I leave the conversation better. He has this rare ability to take something as intricate as communication—arguably one of the hardest skills to master—and break it down into concepts that feel clear and actionable.

As someone who’s built an entire career around communication, this episode hit close to home. Communication is deceptively simple. You think you’re doing it well, but are you really? How often do we assume clarity when, in reality, what we’ve said is being misunderstood or ignored altogether? Jonathan pointed out the dangers of this assumption and offered practical ways to ensure the message is not only heard but understood.

One of the standout moments for me was Jonathan’s insight into communicating hard things. Let’s be honest: having tough conversations is never easy. Whether it’s delivering bad news, setting boundaries, or addressing performance issues, it’s always a challenge to find the right words. And if you’re like me, you might not naturally excel in this area. Jonathan’s advice—approaching these conversations with intentionality and framing them in a way that’s clear and empathetic—was a game-changer. He’s helped me see that communicating hard things isn’t just a skill you develop; it’s an art form you refine over time.

Another highlight was his tip on saying no to immediate conversations. As leaders, we often feel the pressure to be available all the time, but Jonathan’s suggestion to respectfully defer a conversation to a more thoughtful, scheduled time was eye-opening. It’s about valuing the other person’s concerns while also giving yourself the space to respond with the care and attention they deserve. A simple, “I’d love to dive into this, but can we schedule time later when I can give it my full focus?” can go a long way in building trust and fostering better communication.

Ultimately, this episode reminded me that great communication isn’t about perfection; it’s about intentionality. It’s about showing up, being present, and continuously working on the art of connecting with others. If you’re a leader, a communicator, or just someone trying to improve how you show up for your team or your family, this episode is for you.

Filmed and recorded at the 9/8 Central Studio in Greenville, SC. Learn more about our video podcast studio.