Communication is more than a buzzword in the business and leadership space. But can everyone be a great communicator? And when should you start paying attention to your communication skills?
Over the years, I’ve coached clients across the spectrum, from youth to executive, and one thing I can tell you with certainty is this: the moment they enhance their ability to communicate, something shifts. They begin to align with a more expansive pathway, stepping into greater confidence, clarity, and professional presence.
In today’s increasingly complex and cross-functional work environments, technical expertise alone is no longer enough to advance your career. Whether you're navigating audits, managing compliance risks, or leading digital transformation projects, your ability to communicate effectively has a direct impact on your credibility, influence, and growth potential.
As leadership expert John C. Maxwell reminds us in Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, “Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them.”
In a world where technical skills are abundant, it’s your ability to connect through communication that will set you apart and open new doors for career growth.
What Is Communication, and Why Is It So Powerful for Career Progression?
Here are two helpful definitions to consider:
- General: Communication is the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium. There are four key types of communication: verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual.
- Expansive (my definition): Communication is the ability to articulate your thoughts, intentions, knowledge, and desires in a way that creates connection, influence, impact, and income growth.
This second definition reflects what I’ve seen repeatedly in coaching ambitious professionals: those who master these four elements don’t just communicate, they lead, inspire, and rise. Let’s explore them more closely.
1. Connection
Strong communicators are also strong connectors. While communication is often labeled a “soft skill,” research and real-world outcomes tell us it is anything but soft in its impact.
Effective communication is foundational for building trust, managing conflict, and establishing professional relationships. In my 2024 keynote at the Internal Audit Conference on Managing Difficult Conversations, I stated:
“Conflict management is the art of managing two egos with emotional intelligence.”
This principle applies whether you’re in audit, cybersecurity, IT, or executive leadership. When people feel heard, understood, and respected, even difficult messages can land well, and solutions can be found collaboratively.
Global research reinforces this: communication was ranked the number one soft skill sought by hiring managers in cybersecurity and audit functions alike. According to ISACA’s State of Cybersecurity 2023 report, 58% of hiring managers said communication was the top soft skill for cyber professionals. In a KPMG/Forbes survey, communication also topped the list of skills audit leaders look for in rising talent.
2. Influence
Influence is about more than persuasion; it’s about presence. It is a core component of leadership. Leadership skills enhance your career prospects. During the same conference speech I highlighted previously, I expanded on my speech on the importance of navigating ego dynamics to create win-win outcomes between auditors and auditees. This requires the ability to deliver difficult results with clarity, calm, and confidence—skills that are increasingly valued in governance and assurance roles.
A compelling communicator can gain buy-in, motivate action, and inspire collaboration. According to Audit 2025 by Forbes Insights, 62% of audit executives cited the ability to “articulate a clear point of view” as one of the most in-demand skills. Why is this? Influencing senior leaders, cross-functional teams, or auditees isn’t just about facts, it’s about framing those facts in a way that earns trust and agreement.
Whether you’re sharing your vision, leading a team, or advocating for resources, your ability to influence rests on how effectively you communicate.
3. Impact
Impact is the result of communication that resonates. It’s the ability to simplify complexity, speak the language of your audience, and turn information into insight.
In fast-moving industries like audit, IT, and cyber, being able to communicate technical insights in clear, actionable ways separates leaders from doers. Professionals who bridge the gap between complexity and clarity are often the ones who get noticed and promoted.
The Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report highlights this: IT professionals ranked interpersonal and team communication as the most valuable leadership skill, even above technical certifications. Why? Because impact comes from your ability to get buy-in, build relationships, and align people around a shared goal.
4. Income
Strong communication doesn’t just help you connect and lead, it also boosts your earning potential.
A study published by HR Dive (2023) revealed that professionals who highlight soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are promoted 8% faster than those who only list technical competencies. Even more compelling, those with strong communication and collaboration skills were promoted up to 11% faster than their peers.
Meanwhile, academic research shows that jobs requiring strong communication skills offer a 5.8% wage premium, on average. This reinforces what I often say to clients: “Your ability to speak clearly can open doors that your qualifications alone cannot.”
The message is clear: if you want to increase your value in the marketplace, communication is not optional; it’s a strategic asset.
Communicate to Lead, Not Just Inform
We are in a world where automation, AI, and algorithms are rapidly reshaping the nature of work. Yet amidst this digital evolution, communication remains a much-needed human skill.
Communication skills tie technical excellence to leadership potential. It’s how we build trust, negotiate outcomes, navigate complexity, and inspire meaningful change.
For professionals in IT, audit, and cybersecurity, a commitment to long-term career growth must also include a commitment to developing your communication skills. It’s no longer just a “nice to have,” it’s a career-defining asset.
I want to leave you with these final thoughts: don’t treat communication merely as a skill. See it as a powerful relationship-building tool, one that creates opportunity and opens doors over time. Great communicators don’t just deliver information; they create a connection.
So, as you reflect on your growth strategy, ask yourself:
“Am I just communicating, or am I connecting”?
The latter is what sets leaders apart and propels careers forward.
If you would like to discuss this or other career topics further, let's connect.