Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders - by John Baldoni

In which the blogger ponders the meaning of the word "Secret"

No matter what you are doing in life, you must communicate with others in some form or another (hermits excluded). John Baldoni explores the topic of communication from a leadership standpoint, even claiming that a person can lead up the chain by communicating well. In this book, Baldoni looks at preparation, execution, and follow-up. He discusses coaching, public speaking, memos, electronic communication, and everything in between. The book is peppered with case studies of the world's best-loved communicators.

But the thing I really liked about this book is that it is really a self-study course. In each section, there are checklists, assignments, and planning worksheets, so that you can analyze your own communications style and improve it. A "must read" for any pastor, teacher, manager, CEO, housewife, politician, salesman, secretary, zoologist, etc. This great book will make you a better communicator and a better leader.

Now just a note on the word "secret" -- It seems to me that the word "secret" should become a discrete (ha!) term, connoting only that which is truly hidden from view or shrouded in mystery. There were actually no "secrets" in this book. Better titles might include Great Communication Practices of Great Leaders or Great Communication Tips from Great Leaders. But the word "secret" is a communication guffaw.