Communication is the KING of the so-called “soft” skills that are essential in the modern workplace. Yet most of us have had little or no training in how to communicate effectively, particularly under pressure.
We haven’t been taught the FOUNDATIONS of GREAT communication.
In Soft is the New Hard: How to Communicate Effectively Under Pressure, communications and soft-skills specialist, Leah Mether, gives you the complete solution: a step-by-step process that underpins communication and lays the foundations for success.
METHER’S PROVEN STRATEGIES WILL HELP:
defuse conflict
manage yourself under pressure
inspire individuals and teams to action
influence decisions and outcomes
lead your team through change, restructure or transition
deliver difficult messages
communicate clearly in an emergency or crisis
No-one is a perfect communicator, everyone can improve. And with this book, Mether shows you how.
This book is a masterclass in communication. Packed with case studies, stories and research it has a perfect blend of anecdote and data. Soft is indeed the new hard, and sometimes it’s real hard. But as Leah has shown with succinct and elegantly simple concepts, it’s a skill that can be learned. Full of many eye-opening, “wow!,” moments and many, more reassuring “phew, it’s not just me” moments, this isn’t just a book for leaders, it’s a book for life.
— Rachael Robertson Antarctic Expedition Leader, Leadership Expert and Author of Leading on the Edge: Extraordinary Stories and Leadership Insights from the World’s Most Extreme Workplace
"I wish I'd had this book as a reference when I started my leadership career. I'm glad it's been written now. This will be a go-to book in my organisational leadership and coaching practice. I'll be buying it for many of my clients. There are so many concepts in here that I value, it's hard to choose one. Yet this, for me, sums up the book "Respect is everything as a leader. And to get it, you need to communicate in a way that connects." If you want to ensure you're on top of your communication game, you simply must read this book.
— Maree McPherson Leadership and Executive Coach, Professional Mentor, and Author of Cutting Through the Grass Ceiling: Women Creating Possibility in Regional Australia
In 'Soft is the New Hard', Leah has created a very practical guide that gives all of us the opportunity to become more effective communicators under pressure. Being aware of what drives and motivates us and influences our choices in communication, enables all of us to step into a conversation in a very different way. Understanding our own impact and taking 'control' of the choices we make and the way in which we engage others, creates very different outcomes - ones that enable us to move forward and remain 'above the line'. The compelling stories that she shares throughout the book and the practical examples offered for us to test and explore also make this content very real and current. We are looking forward to continuing to use it ourselves and recommending it to others.
— Gayle Hardie and Malcolm Lazenby Co-Founders, Global Leadership Foundation ideas and concepts in everyday life.
"If you are a leader who wants to be heard in the 21st century, this book decodes the future of communications."
— Oscar Trimboli Author & Award Winning Podcaster of Deep Listening
Amazing Book! I have always loved Leah's approach to communicating and problem solving and this book gives me all her wisdom in one spot. I reference it often and can not wait for her next book. Thank you Leah.
— Mel | Booktopia
Loved the book from start to finish. An easy read and a great book with lots of real life examples that I can relate to . Not just for professionals but for everyday people. Everyone needs to know this stuff.