Six Components for Effective Communication

Effective communication is the lifeblood of successful leadership.

As management expert Peter Drucker once said, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” This insight underscores the complexity of workplace communication and its critical role in leadership.

As we continue our Leadership Core Competencies Series, learn about the six components of effective communication and how becoming a better communicator can enhance your strength as a leader.

CONGRATS: Traci & Human Potential Advisors

Traci Newkirk, HPA president and founder, was named among SC Biz News’ inaugural “In the Lead: Best Woman-Owned Business” honorees! 🎉 🎉

In addition to this great recognition, Traci provided some input and words of wisdom as it relates to leading a woman-owned business — what it means to her, challenges she faced, how she supports other women, and her proudest accomplishment.

Check out Traci's comments, more about the award, and other honoree profiles!

Speaker Series: Center for Innovative Leadership at Furman

At HPA, we’re always excited when we’re able to expand our network and find opportunities to reach more people with necessary content. This is exactly why we hope you’ll join Traci and Furman University's Center for Innovative Leadership on Wednesday, November 13th to talk about “Navigating Boundaries at Work.”

Have you ever wondered what legitimate work boundaries look like?
Have you ever felt guilty for saying no?
Do you feel boundaries are selfish?
Do you struggle with setting boundaries?

If any of these questions resonate with you, register today! We'd love to have you join us.

Learn More + Register Now

Tools & Tips: Articles on Communication

What Great Listeners Actually Do

What makes a good listener? Most people think it comes down to three components: not interrupting the speaker, following along with facial expressions, and being able to repeat back almost verbatim what the speaker has just said.

However, recent research that we conducted suggests that these behaviors fall far short of describing good listening skills.

Is Nonverbal Communication a Numbers Game?

How often have you heard someone say over 80% (or even 90%) of communication is body language or nonverbal?

The numbers represent the percentages of importance that varying communication channels have. The belief is that 55% of communication is body language, 38% is the tone of voice, and 7% is the actual words spoken. Is that true? Well, yes and no.

How Leaders Can Communicate Change to a Burned-Out Workforce

Change management is a core leadership demand, and an increasingly vital one. Whether leaders are repairing the damage the pandemic inflicted or positioning themselves for new opportunities, many are implementing new strategies, work styles, products — some are even rewriting their missions.

Leadership Is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say and What You Don't

Leadership Is Language addresses that our language in the workplace inhibits creative problem-solving and escalates uncertainty and stress. In both high-pressure situations and everyday scenarios, in each meeting and email, we have the opportunity to empower our colleagues by using the right words

The First Minute: How to Start Conversations That Get Results

The First Minute is a result of more than 20,000 conversations in both business and technical jobs. Chris Fenning has trained individuals and teams around the world in these techniques. He has worked with organizations from start-ups to Fortune 50 and FTSE 100 companies. These methods work for them all.

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity

Radical Candor is about caring personally and challenging directly, about soliciting criticism to improve your leadership and also providing guidance that helps others grow. It focuses on praise but doesn't shy away from criticism—to help you love your work and the people you work with.