Rethinking Communication

You are almost always delivering a message beyond your words, and paying more attention to it makes all the difference when it comes to communicating well.

In this episode, I explore what lies beneath your words, and how it can help or hinder your ability to communicate through disagreement, conflict, and change.

Resources:

• Free guide: https://michaelashford.com/new-leaders-communication-playbook​
• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKsy3iZZbE4​
• Learn more about my 1:1 communication coaching: https://michaelashford.com/leadership-communication-coaching

Most leaders are promoted into their roles believing authority alone will inspire confidence, but the truth is, your communication style is what truly sets you apart as a leader.

In this episode, I reveal how many new leaders unwittingly sabotage their growth by misunderstanding what effective leadership communication actually looks like. A shift in mindset — moving from control to influence — and how to do this effectively is what's missing from nearly every leadership and development program I've come across.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why demanding to be heard often backfires and how inviting curiosity actually builds influence
• The top two communication mistakes new leaders make — and how to avoid them
• How releasing the need to control can empower you to lead with confidence, even when you lack final decision authority
• The secret power of asking open questions that turn pushback into productive dialogue

This episode is essential listening if you're stepping into or aspiring toward leadership and want to unlock the true power of your words. Whether you're managing a team, navigating cross-departmental goals, or climbing the corporate ladder, mastering leadership communication is your shortcut to advancing faster and leading more effectively.

Resources & Links:

• Download The New Leader's Communication Playbook
• Learn more about my communication coaching
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this sixth and final episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of being yourself.

Great communication values human intuition, emotional understanding, and critical thinking to create genuine connections and effective messaging, traits that AI simply cannot reproduce.

To learn more about my communication coaching, go to https://michaelashford.com.

AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this fifth episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of pausing before you respond.

I share my perspective on how taking a moment to reflect can transform conflicts into growth opportunities and improve leadership effectiveness.

Practicing the skill of pausing before you respond to criticism, feedback, ideas you don't agree with, or disrespect is difficult but essential for effective leadership. Asking questions like "What could I be missing?" opens the door to growth, with empathy and curiosity being vital tools in your communication toolkit.

To learn more about my communication coaching, go to https://michaelashford.com.

AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this fourth episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of staying present and observant.

I make the case for how being fully engaged in conversations can enhance communicative understanding and connection, which leads to better conversations and outcomes.

Remaining present and observant in the moment requires intentionality and focus with all that exists to distract you these days, but doing so is possible.

To learn more about my communication workshops and trainings for teams and groups, go to https://michaelashford.com/team-communication-training.

AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this third episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of asking questions.

I emphasize what being a great question-asker can do for you in conversations, and I detail the importance of leading with curiosity rather than weaponizing questions.

I also walk through how using my ASK then SEE approach to communication can help you bring a more curious mindset to conversations.

Sign up for my newsletter at https://michaelashford.com/newsletter

Get your copy of my book, "Can I Ask a Question?" at https://michaelashford.com/can-i-ask-a-question-book

AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this second episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of impromptu speaking, or speaking on the fly.

Despite what you might believe, the people who can confidently speak in front of a room or in front of others are not inately born with this ability. Just like other skills, communicating well — and in particular, speaking on the fly — is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. Rather than only speaking when you have your notes in front of you or shying away from the moments when you're called upon to speak or give your thoughts in an impromptu manner, follow the tips in this episode to release yourself of the pressure you might feel as a way to unlock this important communication skill. Sign up for my newsletter at https://michaelashford.com/newsletter

AI is all the rage these days, and while there are many benefits to it, I'm concerned we're outsourcing too much of our thinking to artificial intelligence.

When you do so, it's affects how you show up as a communicator.

And so, I'm releasing a 6-part series on the communication skills you need to improve in the age of AI.

In this first episode of the series, I explore the essential communication skill of storytelling.

Storytelling enhances communication, fosters connections, and inspires change, and your ability to craft relatable stories helps create meaningful moments that resonate with audiences.

I cover the key elements of effective storytelling and discuss its relevance in both personal and professional contexts, highlighted by the reality that AI cannot replicate the human experience and connection that storytelling provides.

Do you think you are a good communicator?

I've observed ove the past year that most of us think we're great at communicating when, in reality, we struggle!

Because effective communication is not just about speaking your mind; it's about inspiring and connecting with others.

So many of us are stuck in the outdated communication styles we learned in our youth, and in this episode, I walk you through what it looks like to truly communicate well as we head into a new year.

Learn more about my communication coaching at https://michaelashford.com.

In this episode, I explore the nuance and complexity involved in trying to answer the question: Who should lead the way into difficult conversations?

What about in the face of moral exclusion? What about if the other party denies your humanity? What if you are the victim?

This episode was inspired by a recent LinkedIn post I made on which Brené Brown commented, and the whirwind that followed. You can view the post here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michaeldashford_i-deeply-want-to-ask-bren%C3%A9-brown-one-question-activity-7391892434491846656-99PB