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Effective communication is a critical, but sometimes overlooked, aspect of leadership. Used correctly, effective and clear communication ensures that our messages get heard, our vision gets communicated, and our people feel seen and heard. Recently, podcast host and GLN VP of Marketing Whitney Putnam sat down with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft to introduce this month’s theme of effective communication, and to hear about his own best practices around communication from over 30 years of strategic leadership.
SUMMARY
Effective communication is a critical, but sometimes overlooked, aspect of leadership. Used correctly, effective and clear communication ensures that our messages get heard, our vision gets communicated, and our people feel seen and heard. Recently, podcast host and GLN VP of Marketing Whitney Putnam sat down with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft to introduce this month’s theme of effective communication, and to hear about his own best practices around communication from over 30 years of strategic leadership.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- Does David have a favorite season?
- Regarding Erwin Raphael McManus’ seven communication frequencies, how would David characterize his personal communication style?
- Over his time in leadership, what is some of the best advice David’s heard regarding communication?
- What are one or two communication habits or best practices that every leader should have?
LISTEN
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
STANDOUTS AND TAKEAWAYS
- Be prepared to adjust your style of communication to match your audience (rather than expecting them to adjust to you).
- Leaders typically undervalue the power of story in favor of the information they want to get out.
- There is a difference between teaching and communicating, and it pays to be able to balance them both.
- Candor allows potential disagreements to be handled earlier and often more easily than if you avoid being honest.
- Typically, leaders think that they have communicated something enough when in reality they need to repeat and restate their information more.
- Work hard to simplify complex ideas so that everyone can understand them. The point is not to impress people, it’s to help them understand.
LINKS MENTIONED
- Website: Leader365 and Team365
- Website: Global Leadership Summit 2025
- Website: Global Leadership Network
Related
Ep 208: Leading When the Plan Falls Apart with Craig Groeschel
In this episode, David Ashcraft talks with Craig Groeschel, founder and senior pastor of Life.Church, about how leaders can respond when leadership does not go as planned. Craig reflects on failed ideas, organizational pivots, team conflict, and the ongoing discipline of letting go as leadership expands. He also shares how humility, preparation, prayerfulness, candor and trust have shaped the way he leads through uncertainty.
Ep 207: Leading Through Leadership Hijacks with Edgar Sandoval
In this episode, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Edgar Sandoval, President and CEO of World Vision, about navigating what David calls “leadership hijacks”: unexpected events that reshape both leadership and life.
Ep 205: Our Favorite Moments, Winter 2026 — Lessons on Resilience, Presence, and Perspective (with Whitney Putnam and Eric Case)
This episode highlights key moments from recent conversations to help you stay grounded in those seasons. You’ll hear insights on perseverance from Walker Hayes, practical wisdom on resilience from David Ashcraft, and a timely reminder from John Maxwell about embracing the season you’re in. Whitney and Eric also share personal leadership challenges and what helped them keep going.
Leadership That Lasts
Team365 isn’t just a platform. It’s a commitment to grow, lead and live with purpose — every single day. Whether you’re here for content, community or clarity, you’re in the right place. Your leadership matters. Let’s keep going.
