The Communication Skills Every Leader Needs

"Every gesture, thought, and phrase is part of the story you are telling."

— James McPartland

Across the country and around the world, I’m often asked what qualities most influence the success of a leader, a business, or even a family.

Communication is always at the top of my list. It shows up in three powerful ways: how we speak to ourselves, what we express without words, and the language we choose to share with others. Each shapes the actions we take and the results we create.

A good starting point is your inner dialogue. The way you talk to yourself sets the tone for how you engage with the world. Is it encouraging or critical? Even small shifts make a difference. Changing “I can’t handle this” to “I’m learning to handle this” reshapes not only your mindset but also how you show up in conversations and relationships.

Equally important is nonverbal communication. Much of what we convey never leaves our lips. People often hear what they see more than what they hear spoken. Posture, eye contact, and expressions constantly broadcast messages. Ask yourself: If someone couldn’t hear my words, what would they understand from the way I carry myself?

And then, of course, there are the words themselves. They reveal who we are, what we believe, and what matters most. Unlike body language, words are fully within our control. Choosing them with intention gives us extraordinary influence over the direction of our lives, our work, and our relationships. A helpful practice is to select a single word each day—clarity, patience, focus—and let it guide your actions.

When you pay attention to all three—self-talk, nonverbal signals, and spoken words—you align your communication with the future you want to create. Every gesture, thought, and phrase is part of the story you are telling. The question is: What messages are you sending?

Mac 😎