Conversation matters.
It drives performance, shapes culture, and builds belonging… or it doesn’t.
Right now, leaders face a deeply human challenge.
Teams are more distributed, diverse and disconnected than ever. They’re navigating pressure at every turn from rapid change, tech disruption, AI, and political and economic uncertainty. All while trying to stay productive and positive.
In this environment, communication isn’t just a “soft skill”. It’s a survival skill.
Miscommunication is rife, stress is high, and leaders are expected to stay calm in the chaos while keeping people engaged and work moving forward.
Leadership today is less about managing tasks and more about mastering conversations.
Because conversations build trust, connection and collaboration, the real drivers of performance.
Leaders create the conversational culture.
They set the tone that determines whether people stay silent or speak up, shut down or step in.
When leaders get the conversations right, teams can:
Tackle hard topics and stay in dialogue
Handle pushback and feedback constructively
Balance care and accountability
Build trust, belonging and resilience
Perform at their best, even under pressure
Leaders who balance care and courage drive both relationships and results.
Because people perform best when they feel both safe and stretched, and teams thrive when conversation fuels connection.
So, I’m curious… is now the time to invest in dialogue that drives results? Do your people need to balance the care and courage needed to maximise performance and boost belonging?
Then you’re in the right place. 😊
What is Interpersonal Intelligence?
From the politics of the boardroom to the conversations in the corridor, your interpersonal intelligence is affecting your outcomes – for better or for worse.
Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and navigate the people dynamics in a given situation.
The good news is that interpersonal intelligence is not just reserved for ‘natural social connectors.’ It’s a skill that can be learnt, improved and mastered.
The world is getting smaller, the tasks bigger and the time to get them done, shorter. We need to build relationships and trust in record time. We need influence, engagement and impact.
What you say, what you do and even what you’re thinking affects those around you. I’m obsessed with this journey and I welcome the opportunity to share my obsession with you. Get in touch if you want to work with me or take a look around our site to learn more about how we can help you when you’re ready.
Who does Anneli work with
Anneli's Media Appearances
See more here.
Books by Anneli
Read more about them here.
Looking for practical insights on communication and leadership?
These videos are up now on my YouTube channel and they’re packed with tips you can apply immediately.
What’s New?
The Dangerous Dialogue Audit is Here!
Map your own Voice Profile to see where you’re fluent, where you’re growing, and where you may be protecting something important.
Amazon best seller and 3-time award-winning book!
THE GENDER PENALTY
TURNING OBSTACLES INTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AT WORK
🥂 Congratulations, Anneli! 🥂
HR Service Provider Award (Bronze) for Learning and Development, 2024
L&D Professional of the Year, Winner - 2021
Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Business Services –10 or Less Employees
Women Helping Women - Social Change for the Women at Work Program
When Men Lead Women
Now available in Audible
When Men Lead Women: Navigating the Facts, Fears and Frustrations of Gender Equality as a Male Leader
How Anneli can help you and your organisation
Speaker
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Expert
“In organisations, real power and energy is generated through relationships. The patterns of relationships and the capacities to form them are more important than tasks, functions, rules and positions.
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