Matthew Krayton: Avoid the Echo Chamber

Communicast: A Communication Skills Podcast

Get out of the echo chamber. Solid leadership advice from my guest, Matthew Krayton. Matthew is the founder of Publitics, a public affairs, politics, PR, and strategy consultancy. In this episode, we discuss the importance of patience in communication, why empathy matters, and how the combination of the two will help you to avoid appearing tone deaf.

I hope you enjoy.

Additional Resources:

► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond

► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/

► Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkrayton/

► Subscribe to the podcast:

https://communicast.simplecast.com/

► Learn more about Communispond:

https:www.communispond.com

Key Moments:

The importance of authenticity in communication [00:09:23]

Discussion on how great communicators understand their strengths and deliver messages authentically.

The role of empathy in effective communication [00:11:32]

Exploration of how leaders tap into people's emotions and channel empathy in their communication.

Being true to oneself in communication [00:12:14]

Importance of understanding and embracing one's natural communication style to maintain authenticity and credibility.

The lack of empathy in workplaces [00:18:54]

Discussion on the lack of empathy and tone deafness in workplaces, and the importance of making employees feel included.

Leaders surrounding themselves with like-minded people [00:19:53]

Exploration of how leaders may create an echo chamber by surrounding themselves with people who think similarly, hindering effective communication.

The power of sharing struggles and being transparent [00:24:18]

Importance of sharing personal struggles and being transparent as a leader to foster empathy and create a culture where team members feel comfortable seeking help.

The importance of open communication [00:27:55]

Discussion about the negative impact of shutting down conversations with employees and the benefits of openly discussing struggles and learning processes.

Managing teams and making decisions [00:28:53]

Exploration of the challenges of managing teams and making decisions in the campaign space, emphasizing that being in charge doesn't mean excluding others from the decision-making process.

Patience and conflict resolution [00:30:18]

Highlighting the communication skills of patience and conflict resolution, and the importance of observing situations, understanding motivations, and treating conflicts as negotiations.

The importance of emotional journey in sales pitches [00:37:40]

Discussion on how sales pitches that evoke emotions and take listeners on a roller coaster journey are effective.

The undervalued importance of communication skills [00:38:50]

Emphasis on the lack of emphasis on communication skills in educational experiences and the misconception that other skills are more important.

The significance of being observant and present in communication [00:40:19]

Advice on the importance of being observant, noticing feedback, and understanding how people are reacting in order to improve communication skills.