Comments on: Are Top Leaders Exempt from Using Crucial Conversations Skills?

By: Anna D

Anna D — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:48:47 +0000

While this is insightful, I think it would be great to gain some intelligence on how politicians can most effectively engage their constituents, especially when they disagree with a position.

By: caroline ingles

caroline ingles — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 19:10:30 +0000

In reply to Frank Leonard. In socialinguistics, this is often called code switching and Obama was pretty good at it, especially with respect to race.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 18:33:09 +0000

Why is the difference ‘performance vs. raltionship’ and not just ‘relationship’?
In your experiment – the people were in the role of co-worker, aka peer. They weren’t in the role of boss or supervisor or VP or CEO, aka leader.

I think this could explain the difference just as well.

Or, it’s possible your experiment, even with my comments, just doesn’t address this issue at all….

By: Alexandra

Alexandra — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 20:12:29 +0000

Very insightful to point to the difference whether we strive for connection or memorability. Thank you for that perspective! Follow up question: are there other (equally effective) strategies to achieve memorability, besides instigating conflict and disagreements? Can you please share some of your thoughts around this?

By: Kate Vanstone

Kate Vanstone — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 19:30:06 +0000

Great article & vindicating after having accepted criticism for ‘tentative’ response in recent interview. Translation of communication style from one set of circumstances to another is nuanced & not as interchangeable as Lego blocks.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 18:10:50 +0000

Excellent answer to a difficult question and done so in a respectful way. Kudos!

By: Laura

Laura — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 16:03:06 +0000

This is a very clear explanation of the communication dynamics we are seeing in the media and why this will not work in the workplace. Thank you, once again, for your brilliance and heart.

By: Patricia Pitsel

Patricia Pitsel — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 15:54:50 +0000

Thought this was an very interesting and instructive column – and really found the research helpful.

By: Phyllis Marsh Boshell

Phyllis Marsh Boshell — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 15:26:25 +0000

Spread this information far and wide! Makes wonderful sense. Thank you! (and yes, I will be sharing this!)

By: Frank Leonard

Frank Leonard — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 14:58:31 +0000

You say that Top Leaders must be bilingual in their communication skills. I challenge that it is goes further than this. I believe Top Leaders are quite multi-lingual, as they are extraordinarily capable of switching their tone and presentation to suit the moment. Most people can relate to their own responses to those around them based on who they are speaking with at a given moment. Whether it be a co-worker, family member, old friend, or young child, we often change to adjust to an appropriate communication style that works best at that particular moment. Welch and Trump, I sincerely believe, are much different one-on-one than they are at the head of boardroom,(or oval office). Where they may speak to crowd in a manner larger than life, their ability to scale back to dealing with individual professional or personal issues are likely what keeps them at the helm.