In this episode of The Science of Leadership, host Tom Collins welcomes Matt Abrahams, a strategic communication lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, author, and host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. They dive deep into the concept of strategic communication, which Matt defines as the application of clear goals and purpose to our communication, whether handling a crisis or propagating a message throughout an organization.

Key ideas discussed include:

• Communication as Operationalized Leadership: Matt shares that communication is "operationalized leadership," meaning leaders lead through how they communicate.
• The Biggest Mistake in Strategic Communication: A critical mistake leaders often make is not involving communication early enough in their processes, viewing it as an afterthought rather than an integral part of problem-solving or opportunity seizing.
• Audience-Centric Communication: Effective communication is not about what you say, but "what they hear". It's crucial to understand your audience's position, orientation, and values, then tailor your message to ensure they receive the intended meaning.
• Improving Communication Skills: Matt provides practical tips for enhancing strategic communication, emphasizing three essential methods for improvement: repetition, reflection, and feedback.
• The "Must-Have" of Strategic Communication: Beyond understanding your audience, the second most important aspect is having a clear, goal-directed message. A clear goal has three parts:
  • What you want the audience to know (information).
  • How you want them to feel (emotion).
  • What you want them to do (action).
• The Value of Communication Training: Investing in formal communication training is vital for leadership success, a practice exemplified by top military leaders.

To learn more about Matt Abrahams' work, visit his website at https://www.fastersmarter.io/ and check out his podcast, Think Fast, Talk Smart. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.

If you want to learn more about The Science of Leadership, visit https://www.fourstarleaders.com/

References

Abrahams, M. (2016). Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting, 3rd ed. Kendall Hunt Publishing.

Abrahams, M. (2023). Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot. Simon Element.

Join Tom Collins on this episode of @TheScienceofLeadership as he welcomes Dr. David Ulrich, a leading authority on leadership and human resource development, and co-founder of the RBL Group.

Dr. Ulrich, author of over 30 books, including The Leadership Code, shares insights into the essential framework for leadership effectiveness, outlining its five key rules: strategy, execution, managing talent, building the future, and personal proficiency.

Discover how these timeless principles, from knowing where you're going and making progress to nurturing your people and investing in the next generation, form the "DNA code" of leadership. Dr. Ulrich and Tom delve into the importance of a leader's aspiration in an uncertain world, and how fostering an environment where individuals feel better about themselves after an interaction is a crucial test of leadership.

They explore the concept of "leadership brand," emphasizing the critical link between internal leadership actions and external customer promises, highlighting that true value creation extends beyond just shareholder returns to encompass all stakeholders.

This episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone seeking to cultivate not just effective leadership, but a truly meaningful life.

Key References:

Carnegie, D. (1948). How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. Simon & Schuster.

Carnegie, D. (1937). How to Win Friends and Influence People. Simon & Schuster.

Ulrich, D., & Smallwood, N. (2007). Leadership Brand: Developing Customer-Focused Leaders to Drive Performance and Build Lasting Value. Harvard Business Review Press.

Ulrich, D., Smallwood, N., & Sweetman, K. (2008). The Leadership Code: Five Rules to Lead By. Harvard Business Press.

Ulrich, D., & Ulrich, W. (2010). The Why of Work. McGraw Hill.

To dive deeper into the science behind exceptional leadership and gain more valuable insights, visit https://www.fourstarleaders.com/ today!

In this episode of @TheScienceofLeadership , host Tom Collins is joined by Amanda Riegel, founder and CEO of Excelle, to explore the critical role of transparency in leadership.

This intriguing conversation delves into the nuances of transparent leadership and its essential connection to trust and effective decision-making. Amanda shares her journey from education to founding Excelle, a company dedicated to empowering women leaders, and discusses how transparency and predictable processes build trust within organizations.

Throughout the episode, Amanda and Tom reveal key insights into the interaction between transparency and authenticity and its impact on organizational stability. They discuss effective strategies for fostering transparency, such as maintaining open dialogues, encouraging two-way communication, and leading with vulnerability.

Emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural dynamics in leadership, Amanda introduces practical methods for balancing transparency with discretion. Tom and Amanda also unpack the importance of transparency in both normal operations and high-pressure situations, discussing its scientific backing and its integral role in successful leadership models.

Key Takeaways:

🔸Transparency in leadership fosters trust, enhances decision-making, and contributes to team cohesion and organizational stability.

🔸Authenticity and transparency, although interconnected, are distinct concepts that support leaders in aligning personal values with their professional environment.

🔸Understanding cultural dynamics within an organization can guide leaders in maintaining the right balance between transparency and necessary discretion.

🔸Building relationships and knowing your team are crucial in determining when and how to be transparent.

🔸Promoting a transparent and open work environment can boost psychological safety, trust, and innovation among team members.

For more information about Amanda or Excelle, visit: https://www.excelle.me/

References:

Allender, D. B. (2008). Leading With a Limp. WaterBrook.

Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383.

Edmondson, A. C. (2018). The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth. John Wiley & Sons.