It is impossible to lead if you struggle to communicate effectively. And communication is a much deeper canvas than what comes out of your mouth. We also communicate by our actions, which as the saying goes, speak louder than words.

People may listen to you, but they are inspired far more by the direction your feet take than by the polish of your presentation. We have all fallen under the spell cast by those who talk a great game. We have also all been disappointed when they are knocked off the pedestal we have built for them—when we discover that their actions are not aligned with the values they espouse.

I still vividly remember Woody Hayes, the once revered head football coach of Ohio State, grabbing a player’s facemask and striking him on the helmet on national television. He never recovered from that moment.

Tiger Woods was worshiped as a golfing hero until we learned about the character flaws that ultimately took him off the pedestal the public had built for him. His actions communicated far more than his words and his victories ever could.

Communication also involves listening. Great leaders listen more than they talk—out of respect and for the purpose of learning. When we talk, we are often just repeating what we already know.

So yes, communication is the language of leadership. But how we use that language—in our words, our actions, and our willingness to listen—will ultimately determine our effectiveness.

So today, where could you improve your communication?