"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