Small Words of Leadership
The Hidden Power of Everyday Language
G. Shawn Hunter(Author)
Productivity Press
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 4. August 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
194 pages
978-1-032-99498-7 (ISBN)
Description
Small words carry enormous weight. Your words, chosen with care, are among the most powerful tools you have for making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Saying tell me more instead of moving on. Choosing we over I, or knowing when not to speak at all. These micro-decisions shape how leaders are perceived, how teams perform, and whether organizations thrive or stagnate.
Small Words of Leadership examines the often underestimated dimension of leadership communication. Companies are defined by what leaders say, and the smallest elements of language accumulate into defining our culture. Word choice, framing, tone, silence. Drawing on psychological research and real-world examples, each chapter examines a specific facet of intentional communication, including inclusive language, the strategic use of silence, the architecture of feedback, and the subtle signals that either build or erode trust and belonging.
Leadership development has long emphasized bold decisions and grand strategies. This book makes the case for something quieter and more durable. Everyday conversations are where leadership actually lives. Practical and immediately applicable, it offers leaders at every level a new lens for examining their own language habits and a concrete set of tools for communicating with greater precision, empathy, and effect.
Small Words of Leadership examines the often underestimated dimension of leadership communication. Companies are defined by what leaders say, and the smallest elements of language accumulate into defining our culture. Word choice, framing, tone, silence. Drawing on psychological research and real-world examples, each chapter examines a specific facet of intentional communication, including inclusive language, the strategic use of silence, the architecture of feedback, and the subtle signals that either build or erode trust and belonging.
Leadership development has long emphasized bold decisions and grand strategies. This book makes the case for something quieter and more durable. Everyday conversations are where leadership actually lives. Practical and immediately applicable, it offers leaders at every level a new lens for examining their own language habits and a concrete set of tools for communicating with greater precision, empathy, and effect.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Professional Practice & Development
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-032-99498-7 (9781032994987)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
approx. 08/2026
Productivity Press
€33.99
Not yet available
Book
approx. 08/2026
1st Edition
Productivity Press
€166.50
Not yet published
E-Book
approx. 08/2026
Productivity Press
€33.99
Not yet available
Person
As the President and Founder of Mindscaling, and previously VP of Leadership Solutions at Skillsoft, G. Shawn Hunter has over 20 years of experience in designing and building customized learning experiences that create real, measurable change within organizations. His team works with companies of all sizes to develop high-performing leaders and cultures that amplify the human side of business performance, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and candor.
In addition, he is a speaker, writer, and best-selling author of two books on leadership and innovation: Small Acts of Leadership and Out Think. He delivers dynamic, practical, and engaging keynotes and workshops that are tailored to each audience and based on the latest research and practices from around the world. His mission is to help leaders and organizations thrive in this rapidly changing and competitive economy by providing them with simple, actionable, and transformational insights and tools.
In addition, he is a speaker, writer, and best-selling author of two books on leadership and innovation: Small Acts of Leadership and Out Think. He delivers dynamic, practical, and engaging keynotes and workshops that are tailored to each audience and based on the latest research and practices from around the world. His mission is to help leaders and organizations thrive in this rapidly changing and competitive economy by providing them with simple, actionable, and transformational insights and tools.
Content
Chapter 1: The Weight of Words Chapter 2: Waiting to Talk Isn't Listening Chapter 3: Building Trust and Belonging One Word at a Time Chapter 4: The Strength in Saying Sorry Chapter 5: Intentional Conversations Chapter 6: Words That Open Collaboration Chapter 7: Leading Meaningful Progress Chapter 8: Encouraging Nonconformity at Work Chapter 9: Words for Uncertain Times Chapter 10: Stories That Connect Conclusion: Leading Out Loud Bibliography