Communicating Clearly When You’re Under Stress

In this episode of HBR On Leadership, featuring a segment from Women at Work, leadership coach Muriel Wilkins discusses effective communication strategies, particularly when facing stress, fatigue, or conflicting opinions. The conversation explores the importance of active listening, managing reactivity, and self-awareness to determine the right frame of mind for delivering important messages. Wilkins emphasizes the need to understand one's emotional state before communicating, the value of pausing and considering the impact of responses, and the significance of authentic appreciation in leadership. The discussion also covers strategies for handling situations where one doesn't agree with the message, and balancing personal well-being with the responsibilities of leadership.