Strong leaders energize conversations. Poor communication drains teams.
It’s useful to talk about the way you’re talking.
Use this self-assessment to reflect on how your communication impacts the people around you. Even small adjustments can lift engagement, clarify expectations, and fuel forward momentum.
Communication Self-Assessment
Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 5:
1 = Strongly Disagree 5 = Strongly Agree
I consistently…
- Listen actively and attentively to my team?
- Show genuine empathy in my interactions?
- Address conflict constructively and promptly?
- Recognize and appreciate team contributions?
- Communicate expectations and information clearly?
- Give timely, constructive feedback?
- Influence others without over-relying on authority?
- Use coaching techniques to develop others?
- Energize people during conversations?
- Ask thought-provoking questions that invite reflection and insight?
- Adapt communication to individual needs and personalities?
- Maintain eye contact?
- Use non-verbal cues that communicate interest?
- Speak in a way that makes people know where I stand?
- Pause and give space in conversations?
- Prepare for important conversations by developing key points and questions?
- Leave people feeling heard and respected after speaking with me?
- Follow up on key conversations to ensure clarity and care?
Reflect:
- Where are you strongest, and why?
- What area needs the most improvement?
- What leadership skill would most enhance your communication?
Pro tip: Use this tool with your team. Compare notes. Talk about what energizes—and what drains—team conversations.
If this stirred something in you, that’s a great place to start. Go the second mile. Ask your team to complete the survey with you in mind.
Would you expect team members to sign their assessment and share it with others?
What questions would you add to improve this self-assessment?
Which question feels most powerful to you?
Here is the assessment in a word document. Feel free to use and adapt it to your needs.
At Least 85%* are Not Self-Aware
What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It) HBR
