Leading With Words by Smita D. Jain stands out as an essential handbook for professionals’ keen to master the art of effective communication. Smita’s tremendous and varied experience—as a TEDx Speaker, executive coach, personal empowerment life coach, and NLP practitioner—enables her to deliver a transformative guide that underscores communication as a foundational skill for career growth across industries.
The book’s narrative unfolds through engaging dialogues between Karthik Singh, CEO of an MNC, and his colleagues Rajesh Patel (Sales Head) and Priya (HR Head) during a company retreat. These conversations serve as the backbone for actionable reflections and plans at the end of each chapter, making communication principles accessible and practical.
Rather than treating communication as a mere principle, Smita presents it as a holistic tool for both professional success and personal fulfilment. She demystifies complex concepts such as leadership and workplace communication, anchoring them in simple fundamentals like conciseness, empathy, and active listening. The book addresses everyday workplace scenarios—email exchanges, team meetings, presentations, and public speaking—while also providing insights into navigating senior management interactions and difficult conversations. Notably, each chapter begins with credible statistics and ends with simulation exercises for honing performance.
Chapters like Communicating to Persuade and Influence and Giving and Receiving Feedback particularly resonate, offering practical guidance for real-world challenges. Smita’s assertion that, “Saying ‘no’ is a combination of assertiveness, empathy, and clear communication,” epitomises the book’s pragmatic approach.
Reflecting on my own career in banking, I recognise the value this resource would have offered when I started out—far surpassing the traditional textbooks that shaped my early understanding.
Leading With Words is a resource for every professional—whether you are starting out, managing teams, or leading organisations. Its relevance transcends roles and industries, making it a book you can revisit throughout your career journey. Smita D. Jain’s work reminds us that communication is not just a skill but the very engine of leadership and success. This book is indispensable for anyone who aspires to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their professional life.