Next-Gen Business Leaders: Turning Soft Skills into Survival Skills

John Schuler
May 7, 2025
Pinnacle Team Exhibiting
What separates leaders who survive from those who thrive? In today’s volatile world, it's not just what you know — it's how you connect, inspire, and lead.

Let’s explore why Communication, Personal Branding, and Emotional Influence are paramount to surviving in today’s global marketplace.

In markets like Life Sciences, breakthroughs are measuring in concepts like molecular ingenuity.  In Manufacturing, concepts like automation redefine productivity.  And in places like Technology, disruption and change are the only constants.

In markets such as these, one thing remains steadfast: the next generation of business leaders must be exceptional communicators.  For example: presenting data is one thing, but putting a story behind that data to inspire action is another.  Let’s explore how to build trust and inspire action.

Communication is a core in building exceptional leadership architecture:

A study by the Economist Intelligence Unit found that poor communication skills lead to delayed projects, low morale, and even lost sales.  Conversely, organizations that invest in communication skills see increased productivity.

Communicating clearly is only half of the battle – true communication also involves active listening, demonstrating empathy, and using purpose to empower persuasion.

Our Personal Brand – The leadership signature:

Developing one’s own brand isn’t self-aggrandizing.  If done properly, it will support clarifying values (or an organization’s moral compass), along with defining one’s presence and credibility.

Influencing Emotion to Motivate Action:

It’s been said that “facts don’t have feelings”, and it’s because they don’t.  Emotion moves people.  To motivate another’s behavior, we must establish an emotional connectivity with our audience – that could be colleagues, investors, board members, or even personal relationships.  Through storytelling, tone, and the use of tactics like non-verbal communication, leaders can turn a status update into an entire movement.

So, what are some actionable tactics L&D Leaders can employ immediately?


·       Equip teams to master presence, not just performance
·       Implement active listening as a measurable, reportable skill
·       Embed narrative as a strategic tool for organizational storytelling
 
How can Pinnacle help?

Pinnacle Performance Company’s methodology is rooted in psychological principles that actors have used for centuries to influence emotion and motivate action.  This approach ensures that communication is not just about conveying information, but also about engaging and inspiring your intended audience.

Ready to empower your teams with performance-grade communication? Let Pinnacle show you how.