My Take on “Communication Intelligence" by C.D. “Hoop” Morgan III

Let me just start by saying: I know Hoop personally—he’s a friend, a colleague, and definitely one of my go-to mentors when I need a fresh perspective on communication and leadership. So when I picked up his book, Communication Intelligence, I already had high expectations. And I’ve gotta tell you: it exceeded them.

If you’ve ever wondered how to not just handle but optimize how you connect with people—even that coworker who replies to your emails in ALL CAPS and the relative who only communicates in cryptic texts—this book offers a roadmap. Hoop doesn’t do fluff; he’s direct, insightful, and surprisingly down-to-earth, given his expertise. Below are my top five takeaways, along with some personal reflection:

Communication Intelligence: Leverage Your Strengths and Optimize Every Interaction to Work Best with Others

1. Discover Your Communication DNA

Hoop lays out a framework to identify your natural communication strengths and weaknesses. Think of it like a “communication DNA test.” We all have distinct traits we bring to every conversation—some are obvious, some are lurking under the surface. Hoop shows you how to tease those out and use them for good instead of evil.

• Why it matters: Sometimes it’s our subconscious style that gets in the way of real connection. Being aware helps us avoid stepping on people’s toes.

2. The Power of a Tailored Approach

One size never fits all in conversation (seriously, not even in socks). Hoop teaches you how to adapt your communication style to match whoever’s on the other side of the table—be it your boss, your best friend, or that skeptical client with a million questions.

• Why it matters: Tailoring your approach isn’t about being fake; it’s about meeting people where they are so you can both get something valuable out of the exchange.

3. Self-Awareness = Communication Gold

Hoop hammers home the point that self-awareness fuels better connections. This isn’t rocket science, but it is the key to not sabotaging yourself with blind spots. You know that moment when you catch yourself talking too much—or too little? Hoop’s got strategies for that.

• Why it matters: Because if you can’t see what you’re doing, you won’t change it. And change, in this case, can mean the difference between a sale closed and a partnership lost.

4. Reevaluate and Reassess Every 30 Days

This was a game-changer for me. Hoop suggests a 30-day communication check-in: basically, you pause and reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and how your circumstances (and your responses) are evolving. I can’t stress how important this is. We’re not static beings; life throws us curveballs, and we handle them differently over time.

• Why it matters: Because your communication style today might not work tomorrow—or for that new coworker you just met. Regular recalibration keeps you on your A-game.

5. Look Beyond the Book’s Framework

As much as I love Hoop’s model (and I really do), I also nudged him to weave in elements from other popular frameworks—things like Myers-Briggs, DISC, and emotional intelligence (EI/EQ). Sometimes you want that 360-degree view of yourself and others, and tapping into multiple tools can shine a brighter light on those hidden corners of our psyche. Btw, Hoop's response to my nudge? He's already working on it and I just know it's gonna be epic! Always ahead of the game, as usual. 🙂

• Why it matters: Combining different approaches can help you spot patterns and adapt more swiftly—pretty crucial in a world where everyone has a personalized communication “fingerprint.”

Final Thoughts (Real Talk)

I’ll admit, as someone who literally lives to mitigate biases and spark genuine connections, this book had me nodding my head more times than I care to admit (I probably looked like a bobblehead figurine). It’s both practical and deep, which is not an easy combo to pull off. Hoop writes like he’s giving you the inside scoop over coffee, and that authenticity shines through.

Who needs this book? Anyone who’s ever found themselves thinking: “I wish I knew how to get through to this person.” Managers, team leaders, parents, partners, that one friend who can’t figure out group texts—basically all of us.

What would make it even better? I’d love to see Hoop expand on the integration of other assessments. People are complex, and sometimes we need more than one lens to truly understand ourselves and those around us. But hey, maybe that’s the sequel—no pressure, Hoop.

Should you read it? Absolutely, yes. If you want to sharpen your conversations, dodge miscommunication disasters, and actually connect with others on a meaningful level, grab a copy. Then, do what I do: set your calendar reminder for 30 days and check back in with yourself. Rinse, repeat, grow. The results might surprise you—and your coworkers, your family, and possibly the barista who finally pronounces your name right.

So there you have it: Communication Intelligence in a nutshell, from someone who’s seen firsthand just how powerful Hoop’s insights can be. Your communication game is about to level up—trust me.