How do you define a great coach? Is it someone who simply listens, or someone who motivates, guides, and teaches with clarity? In this lesson, we unpack the art of coaching—an essential skill for everyone, regardless of their role. Whether you're managing a team, working across departments, or guiding a peer, coaching is your chance to inspire growth and impact at every level. Join us as we explore the five pivotal coaching moments in professional relationships. From establishing rapport to setting growth expectations, providing actionable feedback, and mastering the art of listening during vulnerable moments, this episode is packed with practical strategies to elevate your coaching game. Learn how to transform your feedback into motivation, avoid common pitfalls, and design the future you want for yourself and those around you. Don’t miss this dynamic conversation—it’s time to coach with clarity and compassion. *** How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join (http://www.speakbydesign.com/join). That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Did you know the best coach you'll ever have is already with you—every moment of every day? It’s you. We’ll show you how to master the art of self-coaching, turning that critical inner voice into your greatest cheerleader. Through real-world scenarios and actionable strategies, we dive into what it means to truly coach yourself. Learn how to replace self-doubt with confidence, move past mistakes with resilience, and develop the kind of nurturing inner dialogue that fuels growth. We’ll guide you through five transformative steps to quiet self-criticism, focus on progress, and unlock a stronger, more self-assured version of you. This is your moment to take control of your mindset and embrace the powerful leader within. Don’t miss this empowering episode—it’s time to become your own greatest coach. *** **This is the last month to take advantage of the Anniversary Year discounts for Speak by Design University. We've designed an amazing array of lessons and trainings to grow your leadership communication skills. Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join (http://www.speakbydesign.com/join). That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Coaching Great Writing as a Leadership Skill Leaders, here’s a reality check: the presentation may impress in the moment, but it’s the written word that endures. Your emails, memos, and documents are what people reference, share, and rely on long after the meeting is over. That’s why great leaders don’t just write well—they coach their teams to write with clarity, impact, and precision. In this episode, we’re giving you the tools to level up your own writing and guide your team to do the same. Discover how to master the 3S model of great writing: strategy, structure, and style. From crafting an outline that sets the foundation, to using vigorous language that eliminates fluff, we’re sharing actionable tips to make every word count. Whether you’re helping a team member refine their message or shaping a critical communication for your organization, these tips and tricks will transform the way you approach the written word. Tune in and learn how to create writing that’s clear, compelling, and built to last! *** How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join (http://www.speakbydesign.com/join). That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Sharing communication pet peeves with co-workers strengthens relationships and elevates communication immediately. This does more than formal performance reviews! Do you know what gets under your skin when someone speaks or communicates? More importantly, do you know what gets under your audience's skin? In this lesson, we explore the fascinating—and sometimes hilarious—world of communication pet peeves. From overused buzzwords like "manifest" and "robust" to distracting filler words and emails longer than a smartphone screen, we explore how these quirks can derail connection and productivity. But here’s the twist: these pet peeves aren’t just nuisances; they’re opportunities for self-awareness and growth. Join us as we share real-life stories from leadership teams and explore how opening up about communication pet peeves can lead to stronger relationships, clearer messaging, and even a bit of team bonding. You’ll learn how to identify your own communication blind spots, give and receive constructive feedback, and turn those pesky pet peeves into a playful and productive tool for personal development. Don't miss this lighthearted yet transformative conversation—it might just change the way you communicate forever! *** How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join (http://www.speakbydesign.com/join). That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever stopped to think about your own communication preferences? Do you expect email replies within hours? Do you prefer phone, video, email, or in person meetings? Or maybe you dread the ambiguous "check-in call" on your calendar? Here's the thing: unspoken preferences often lead to unnecessary friction and misunderstandings within teams. Leaders need to discuss communication styles with peers and team members openly—especially when working with new hires or cross-functional teams. You'll learn how small adjustments, like renaming meeting titles or sharing pre-reads in advance, can dramatically improve team dynamics and decision-making. Discover the questions every leader should ask to streamline communication and create a more collaborative, productive, and enjoyable workplace. Take this step to remove friction—your team will thank you. How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at our 25th Anniversary Edition of Speak by Design University. Register by December 31st to partake in Your Most Powerful Year: www.speakbydesign.com/join (http://www.speakbydesign.com/join). That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Registration is now open for Speak by Design University: 25th Anniversary Edition, Your Most Powerful Year Yet. speakbydesignuniversity.com/anniversary (http://speakbydesignuniversity.com/anniversary) Imagine 12 months of vibrant, career-enriching training sessions, each designed to equip you with masterful tools to influence, engage, and inspire. From dynamic communication strategies to powerful frameworks that make preparation easy and fun, this program will give you a whole new perspective on your capabilities. It’s your time to go for it. Make 2025 the year you feel brand-new, sharp, and wise. This is more than a course; it’s an enlightening experience that will transform you into a more confident, influential leader. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When you understand how power dynamics work, you can improve relationships around you immediately. This works at every level of the organization. Learn how to re-balance the power in one-on-one relationships. Maybe you need to give more power to your team members or take some power back. We will examine seven sources of power—from authority and expertise to charisma and knowledge of organizational goals—and learn how to assess and leverage them in your unique work relationships. We'll also explore common workplace politics and how to recognize when it’s not just a feeling but a real barrier. With practical insights on handling exclusion, feeling set up to fail, or lacking visibility, you'll learn to shift your mindset and take action. Whether it's building your own authority or helping your leader feel more empowered, this episode offers tools to reclaim control and foster stronger, more balanced connections in your professional life. ***** How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join (http://www.speakbydesign.com/join). That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Leaders, make your words count. Great leaders don’t clutter their speech with unnecessary descriptors or softening phrases. Instead, they use simple, clear language that sticks, crafting messages that are easily memorizable and impactful. In this episode, we delve into the art of choosing powerful words and positioning negative language to drive change without overwhelming your audience. Discover how to use language that inspires action and shapes culture. You'll learn how to identify phrases that weaken your message and replace them with assertive, forward-moving words. From avoiding "ly" adverbs and filler phrases to embracing bold verbs and positive language, this discussion explores the subtleties of leadership language. Tune in to transform your words into tools of influence and set a higher standard for yourself and those around you. Make every word count – your team and vision deserve it. *** How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join (http://www.speakbydesign.com/join). That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do you feel like your meetings are missing the mark? You're not alone! Do you want to design meetings that improve culture and drive better business results? In this lesson, you'll discover how to transform your gatherings into memorable, impactful experiences that people will actually enjoy—and remember for years to come. Through real-life stories of leaders who mastered the art of gathering, you'll learn how to foster connection, creativity, and collaboration among your team. We'll walk you through the three essential elements of a great meeting: thoughtful planning, interactive facilitation, and surprise factors. Whether you're hosting a brainstorming session, strategy meeting, or a cultural team-building event, this lesson will give you the tools to create gatherings that inspire action, strengthen relationships, and leave everyone talking long after it's over. Get ready to make your meetings the highlight of your team's week! *** How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join (http://www.speakbydesign.com/join). That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do you have disengaged colleagues? Maybe some apathetic folks? This lesson is about the leader's ability to empower their team to create the culture. It’s not about dictating the values and hoping the team falls in line. It's about empowering each team member to actively shape the culture they want to thrive in. You’ll hear real-life examples of how we’ve helped organizations and teams take ownership of their values, using simple yet profound exercises that spark motivation and align everyone toward a common vision. Wondering how you can move apathetic team members from passive to proactive? This lesson will equip you with practical strategies to foster engagement, drive ownership, and breathe new life into your team’s shared culture. Dive in and learn how you can make your team the change they wish to see. How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join (http://www.speakbydesign.com/join). That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.