Why Communication Is Your Leadership Superpower
(Part 1 of 6) The Hidden Skill That Builds (or Breaks) Everything
By Rona Lewis, CXO, Dancing Dragons Coaching Collective
Let's talk about something that doesn't get enough credit: communication. And no, I'm not talking about the "I send a lot of emails" kind. I'm talking about real, intentional, human-centered communication — the kind that turns teams into collaborators, managers into leaders, and meetings into momentum.
If you're a leader (or aspire to be one), your ability to communicate isn't just helpful. It's everything.
Communication Isn’t a Soft Skill — It’s a Power Skill
For years, we called communication a "soft skill," almost like it was erroneous or optional. But when you look at what actually makes a great leader — someone who inspires, connects, and gets results — it's not spreadsheets or systems. It's how they show up in conversation.
Think about it:
- Every vision you cast? Communicated.
- Every conflict you resolve? Communicated.
- Every person you coach, mentor, redirect, or empower? Yep. Communicated.
Studies on leadership even name communication as one of four essential skills for success, alongside business acumen, analytical thinking, and personal effectiveness. In other words, it's the glue. And when that glue is weak? Everything starts to fall apart.
Why It’s Harder Than It Looks
Here’s the deal: most of us think we're pretty good communicators. We talk all day, right? We post. We email. We Zoom until our eyes cross. But real communication, the kind that moves people forward, is way more than just words.
It’s framing. It’s clarity. It’s listening. It’s tone. It’s knowing when to speak and when to stop. It’s the message and the moment. And most of us? We weren’t exactly taught how to do that.
According to one PayScale survey, 46% of managers said communication was the soft skill most lacking among new hires. And they’re not wrong, but it’s not just new hires. I’ve coached C-suite execs who still struggle to say what they mean in a way that lands.
The truth is: communication takes practice. It’s a muscle. And the more we strengthen it, the more we start to see results.
Where to Start: The Awareness Audit
Before we dive into tactics in upcoming posts, I want to give you something simple but powerful:
