.webp)
Effective communication is a critical, but sometimes overlooked, aspect of leadership. Used correctly, effective and clear communication ensures that our messages get heard, our vision gets communicated, and our people feel seen and heard. Recently, podcast host and GLN VP of Marketing Whitney Putnam sat down with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft to introduce this month’s theme of effective communication, and to hear about his own best practices around communication from over 30 years of strategic leadership.
SUMMARY
Effective communication is a critical, but sometimes overlooked, aspect of leadership. Used correctly, effective and clear communication ensures that our messages get heard, our vision gets communicated, and our people feel seen and heard. Recently, podcast host and GLN VP of Marketing Whitney Putnam sat down with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft to introduce this month’s theme of effective communication, and to hear about his own best practices around communication from over 30 years of strategic leadership.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- Does David have a favorite season?
- Regarding Erwin Raphael McManus’ seven communication frequencies, how would David characterize his personal communication style?
- Over his time in leadership, what is some of the best advice David’s heard regarding communication?
- What are one or two communication habits or best practices that every leader should have?
LISTEN
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
STANDOUTS AND TAKEAWAYS
- Be prepared to adjust your style of communication to match your audience (rather than expecting them to adjust to you).
- Leaders typically undervalue the power of story in favor of the information they want to get out.
- There is a difference between teaching and communicating, and it pays to be able to balance them both.
- Candor allows potential disagreements to be handled earlier and often more easily than if you avoid being honest.
- Typically, leaders think that they have communicated something enough when in reality they need to repeat and restate their information more.
- Work hard to simplify complex ideas so that everyone can understand them. The point is not to impress people, it’s to help them understand.
LINKS MENTIONED
- Website: Leader365 and Team365
- Website: Global Leadership Summit 2025
- Website: Global Leadership Network
Related
Ep 182: Dr. James Hewitt on High Performance for Cognitive Work
In this conversation with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft, James shares the connection between knowledge work and high-performance activities like professional cycling and Formula 1 racing, and some simple steps that we can take to meet the demands of leadership.
Ep 181: GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft Vision
In this episode, GLN VP of Marketing Whitney Putnam asks President and CEO David Ashcraft to share what he’s learned about vision from his decades of leading.
Ep 180: Juliet Funt on Freeing Your People (and Yourself) for High-Value Work
In this conversation with David Ashcraft, Juliet explains some of the mindset shifts that leaders need to undergo in order to be champions for “white space,” and to minimize unnecessary busywork in their organizations.
Leadership That Lasts
Team365 isn’t just a platform. It’s a commitment to grow, lead and live with purpose — every single day. Whether you’re here for content, community or clarity, you’re in the right place. Your leadership matters. Let’s keep going.
