Communication is a very critical dimension of leadership. The smartest people don't always get to the top, the ones who speak and communicate well do. Implement these step by step mantras and get ready to see success bombarding in left, right and center.

STEP 1: PREPARATION

You are as good as you decide to be.

Communicate regularly-let people know, not assume.

Invest in yourself- develop some skills, do it before you hear it from your boss that it's a problem.

If what you're doing is not working, try something else. Take risk, you will be rewarded in ways you never imagined.

Don't crave for tutorials, if you can do it on your own using some book/article/material.

Develop your own style, your unique way of communicating.

STEP 2: BATTLE GROUND

Expect the expected.

If your heart is throbbing mad, it's usually a great opportunity- seize the moment and ignore the fear: you are about to witness something big.

Keep the worst case scenario in mind- hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.

Walk on stage as if you belong there.

Be consistent- let people not get confused in figuring who you really are as a person.

Just don't fake it, be authentic- don't be an actor, be you.

Most importantly, plan. Failing to plan is planning to fail.

STEP 3: ACTION

Don't just talk to your audience, talk about them.

People rarely tell you what they think, unless you insist. Stimulate discussion by getting others to participate.

Sharing your beliefs is the most authentic thing you can do.

Make it a GAME- anything repetitive becomes boring.

Do not forget the humor- that loosens up the audience.

Stretch- Learn how to be successful at doing new things and see what you are capable of achieving.

Start telling a story- storytelling helps in making your point.

Lastly, know when enough is enough.

STEP 4: WONDER MANTRAS

Be real.

Be an optimist.

Keep it simple.

Give examples.

Stand for something.

Be a straight shooter.

STEP 5:Don't catch the overnight success bug: acquiring a skill is a process; time and effort is what you'll need to invest.

STEP 6:The smart ones call not their 'mistakes' as 'mistakes', they call it 'experience'.No matter what, never stop your preparation.