Talk Is Chief: Leadership, Communication, and Credibility in a High-Stakes World

by Jack Modzelewski Narrated by Lewis Arlt, Jack Modzelewski

Overview

Leaders today spend up to ninety percent of each day communicating to make good things happen in their organizations. They communicate with colleagues, customers, shareowners, creditors, regulators, advocates, and competitors. They influence culture, opportunity, risk-taking, and risk aversion. The stakes in this new communication environment are very high, driving home Winston Churchill's statement: “The difference between mere management and leadership is communication.” These days, leaders are likely to face adversity and career-testing situations. Crisis defines leaders and their organizations. But it does not have to take them down. Talk Is Chief provides sound advice, examples, and even a list of the Ten Commandments of Crisis Management so that leaders can either avoid crises or avert worst-case scenarios when confronted with an existential threat. Jack Modzelewski's vast years of experience working with numerous Fortune 500 companies as a communications consultant tells us that too many leaders undervalue and, therefore, underperform their vital communication responsibilities. They do so at their own disadvantage, and sometimes peril, in this age of heightened activism, transparency, disinformation, and disruption.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Jack has brought to the forefront the critical skill necessary in managing complex organizations, navigating unimaginable crises, and leading companies to realize greatness. Communication aligns organizations, supports strong and transparent cultures, and is vital to respond to both opportunities and threats. Jack takes us through valuable lessons ranging from building effective communications structures able to capture the data necessary to make swift decisions to fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders. Intuitive, compelling, and practical for all leaders!” —Jim Brooks, Chief Operating Officer, Control Risks

“Jack Modzelewski has written a must-read primer for anyone being or aspiring to become a leader and/or work in the communication industry.... Read this book and learn from one of the best international communications executives." —Guillaume Herbette, Chief Executive Officer, MSLGroup, Publicis

“Jack Modzelewski has written a must-read book for both seasoned and aspiring business leaders. In Talk is Chief you will learn firsthand why culture, leadership, candid communications and a persistent focus on reinvention are the defining qualities of the world’s best-run companies.” —Dave Samson, General Manager of Public Affairs, Chevron Corporation

“Communication is the foundation for effective leadership and team harmony within any organization. In Talk is Chief, Jack Modzelewski takes the readers on a journey to prove the power of effective communications and gives leaders the principles needed for implementation within their own organizations. Modzelewski’s 40+ years in public relations clearly shine through the entirety of the book. His expertise, deep understanding and thorough market research blend seamlessly together in a must have book for management educators and business leaders. —Dipak Jain, President, China Europe International Business School

“There is no one more qualified to talk about the critical role of communication in driving organizational performance. Jack’s experiences as journalist, corporate executive, global communications agency leader and mentor mean he has insight to offer every leader, regardless of setting. And he practices what he preaches: you will be inspired, informed and entertained by this book.” —Lisa Macpherson, Fellow, Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative; Former Chief Marketing Officer, Hallmark Cards

“Modzelewski’s book Talk is Chief makes clear what many of us have known for years, which is that communication is the secret ingredient behind every great leader from Caesar to Tim Cook. It’s high time leaders of all organizations understand the power of communication and use it to their advantage.” —Paul A. Argenti, Professor of Corporate Communication, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth

"Talk is Chief is a guide to leadership at a challenging time of tweets, fake news and growing divisions within our democracy. The simple fact is that words matter - and that simple words matter the most when they speak to our values. I often say we govern by leadership or crisis. The author makes clear that leadership requires courage in both action and communication." —Leon E. Panetta, Chairman, The Panetta Institute for Public Policy

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173899323
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	12/10/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged

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