I’ve seen CEOs who were remarkably good communicators. They listened with compassion and offered insights in ways that other people could consider them and reflect on them. I’ve also seen CEOs who were boorish and brutal toward other people.

I’ve seen front-line employees communicate clearly and with confidence and go the extra mile in ways that left other people feeling astounded by their kindness. I’ve also seen front-line workers who were so basically rude and demeaning that they left other people wondering how they could keep their jobs.

Effective communication is not based on title.

The primary drivers of effective communication are respect for other people and a desire to demonstrate respect for them when talking with them. If those two things are in place, I think you will find the other person being a great communicator regardless of his or her title.