Most leaders who feel stuck are already doing good work. It’s a ceiling in visibility, presence, and positioning that limits their ability to advance and influence.
To diagnose which gaps you may be experiencing, I’ve designed this self-assessment.
Each of the 12 prompts below is adapted from Monge’s landmark 1982 study, cited by the research community for its consistent reliability in evaluating workplace communication.
Click on each prompt that reflects your experience and you will be guided to a set of easy-to-implement recommendations.
Or, if you prefer more hands-on guidance, you can read more about the programs I lead to close these gaps.
1. I feel my command of the language could be better
Recommendation 1: Read my article on how to recover when your mind goes blank
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to respond to challenging questions
1. I feel my command of the language could be better
Recommendation 1: Read my article on how to recover when your mind goes blank
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to choose the right word
2. I feel I could be more sensitive to others’ needs
Recommendation 1: Read my article on cross-cultural communication
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on asking questions strategically
3. I feel I could get to the point faster
Recommendation 1: Read my article on how to say the right amount of information
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to speak concisely
4. I feel I could pay more attention to what others say to me
Recommendation 1: Read my article on how to ask great questions
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how leaders build trust
5. I feel I could deal with others more effectively
Recommendation 1: Read my article on how to handle interrupters
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to give bad news
6. I feel I could listen more
Recommendation 1: Read my article on effective listening in the workplace
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to impress during business meetings
7. I feel I could design stronger slides and visuals
Recommendation 1: Read my article on how to write effective executive summaries
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to present complex slides
8. I feel I could express my ideas more clearly
Recommendation 1: Read my article on how to assess the success of your presentation
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to avoid filler words
9. I feel I could be easier to understand when I speak
Recommendation 1: Read my article on the science of storytelling
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to sound authoritative
10. I feel I could improve what I say during critical moments
Recommendation 1: Read my article on remaining grounded in high-stakes situations
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to prepare for your next presentation
11. I feel I could be easier to talk to
Recommendation 1: Read my article on how to respectfully disagree
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to present complicated information
12. I feel I could respond to questions more effectively
Recommendation 1: Read my article on how to respond when you don’t know the answer
Recommendation 2: Watch my video on how to respond to challenging questions
Overall Recommendation
Research (such as performed by Rubin et. al, 1983) cautions us about self-perception. How we perceive our communication ability is often very different from what our ability actually is. If you would like to have an objective conversation about your level of workplace influence – what challenges are in the way and what goals you’re aspiring to achieve – you can book a time below. Many professionals find these consultations useful, even if they don’t go on to work with me.
I also share more practical tips on all 12 prompts from the assessment in my newsletter. You can check it out and subscribe here
