The Complete New Manager

16 Muzzle Your Mouth

The most dynamic communicators don’t say much.

Instead of trying to talk louder and more forcefully than everyone else in the room, charismatic managers grab everyone’s attention by treating their words as a precious resource. They speak only when they have something to say.

Silence enhances your power. By keeping quiet, listening well, and expressing your points in the fewest words possible, you gain a persuasive edge. Your employees will know that every word counts—and they’ll give you their undivided attention as a result.

Plagued by nervousness and uncertainty, some new managers talk too much. They’ll repeat simple instructions to the point where employees feel insulted. They’ll tell long, rambling anecdotes that don’t ...