Chief of Anything - Iceberg of Communication
Episode Twenty Four (English)
How do leaders truly understand what’s being said—beyond the words? In this episode, Michael and Christian explore the “Iceberg of Communication,” a powerful model that reveals how most of what we communicate lies beneath the surface.
Through practical insights and stories, they unpack how assumptions, emotions, and non-verbal cues drive behavior and influence. As a leader, learning to see below the surface allows you to lead with empathy, navigate conflict better, and build deeper trust.
Some key takeaways from this episode:
* Most communication is unconscious—awareness is the starting point.
* Emotions, beliefs, and past experiences shape how people hear you.
* Leaders who listen “beneath the words” build stronger connections.
* Misunderstandings often arise from what’s not being said.
* The best communicators decode tone, body language, and context.
* Great leadership is iceberg-aware leadership.
About the Podcasters
Michael on LinkedIn: ► http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-portz [http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-portz]
Christian on LinkedIn and Instagram:
► http://linkedin.com/in/christiankohlhof [http://linkedin.com/in/christiankohlhof]
► https://www.instagram.com/christian.kohlhof.leadership/ [https://www.instagram.com/christian.kohlhof.leadership/]
Our Book
CHIEF OF ANYTHING: Why Relaxed-Productive Leadership Improves the World
Order it today on Amazon: ► https://amzn.to/2Z5IIXh [https://amzn.to/2Z5IIXh]
Or listen on Audible: ► https://tinyurl.com/3swyv548 [https://tinyurl.com/3swyv548]
And one big request:
Subscribe to our podcast to stay informed. If it helps you become a better leader, communicate more effectively, or if you simply find it entertaining, we’d greatly appreciate a 5-star rating and a review.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!