154. Best of: Communicating Better as a Leader

"In a leadership role, so much more of communication is about connecting with people, establishing shared humanity, motivating them, inspiring them, sometimes challenging them." 


On August 1, 2024, Jonathan D. Levin (https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/jonathan-levin) , the tenth dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business, was appointed the President of Stanford University. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart (https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast)  episode from 2022, Levin reflects on the importance of communication as a leader. There is a balance, he says, in being direct with your dialogue, while also "leaving space for people to form their own opinions, to discuss ideas, to debate."






Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Jonathan Levin (https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/jonathan-levin)
• Original Episode: Ep.68 Directive vs. Dialogue: Communicating Better as a Leader Website (https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/directive-speech-vs-dialogue-communicating-better-leader) / YouTube (https://youtu.be/MOE22u96-qI?feature=shared)  





Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback ＞＞＞ thinkfast@stanford.edu
• Episode Transcripts ＞＞＞ Think Fast Talk Smart Website (https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast)
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning ＞＞＞ FasterSmarter.io (http://fastersmarter.io/)
• Think Fast Talk Smart ＞＞＞ LinkedIn Page (https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/77761391/) ,  Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/) , YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxq_lXOUlvQDgCVFj9L79kqJybW0k6OaB)
• Matt Abrahams ＞＞＞ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/)
• Stanford GSB ＞＞＞ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-graduate-school-of-business/)  & Twitter (https://twitter.com/stanfordgsb)





Chapters:


(00:00:00) Introduction


Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Jon Levin, Dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business.


(00:01:33) Evolution of Communication in Leadership


How Jon’s communication has evolved over his career.


(00:03:30) Best Practices in Leadership Communication


Communicating with clarity during times of ambiguity and challenge.


(00:06:16) The Future of Communication in Business


The role of communication in business leadership and education.


(00:07:00) Teaching Capitalism Amid Societal Issues


How Stanford GSB educates students on capitalism while addressing modern challenges.


(00:10:35) Expanding Business Education


The Stanford GSB’s initiatives to reach and educate a broader audience.


(00:13:02) The Final Three Questions


John shares his best communication advice, a communicator he admires and ingredients for successful communication. 


(00:15:17) Conclusion