Communication

At a time of uncertainty and growing anxiety caused by the coronavirus pandemic, having transparent, consistent and empathetic communication with key stakeholders is more critical than ever. Darden Professor June West and Darden Executive-in-Residence Steve Soltis share four lessons in communicating through the fast-moving crisis.

What’s novel about COVID-19 isn’t just the coronavirus. It’s the sheer scale and depth of The Big Human Pivot that this tiny infectious particle has triggered. In unprecedented times, what can you do to lead mindfully through it? In this series, Lili Powell introduces a Leading Mindfully strategy: “see it, name it, tame it and reclaim it.”

Not so long ago, CEOs were not the public face of their companies. But in the age of always-on media and the rise of superstar chief executives, CEOs must constantly give voice to the organizations they lead. Professor June West and Steve Soltis share what it takes for a CEO to succeed as a communicator.

Family businesses are unique and complex; they have aspects and layers to them that are unlike any other organizations. Professor June West and Alana Wall provide 10 recommendations for the resilient family business.

It is not enough to be correct; to be an effective professional, convincing others of your thinking is an essential skill. Darden Professor Marc Lipson details how to communicate clearly and persuasively, avoiding common pitfalls.

Darden Professor Jim Detert studies courage in the workplace — the kind of courage it takes to disagree with your boss, put forth a new plan, confront a negligent co-worker or hold a difficult client to account.

Effective, persuasive analytical writing is a critical management skill. Here, Darden Professor Marc Lipson details how to write with the reader in mind and present ideas clearly and concisely.

Since the global financial crisis of 2008, many American banks have dealt with publicity crises and a tarnished public image. Wells Fargo, however, was one banking giant that never required a public bailout and managed to come out of the crisis relatively unscathed, making its self-inflicted phony accounts scandal years later more dramatic.

The more in control of yourself you are, the more likely you are to have constructive conversations. Darden Professor Lili Powell offers three techniques for mindful engagement to keep you self-possessed, whether in routine conversations or high-stakes interactions.

Leaders communicate their expectations and priorities not only through words, but through their presence and actions. In short, a leader’s credibility and reputation can depend a great deal on how — and how much — he or she embodies the message.