Hey Leaders!
The other day, I sat down to prep for a speaking engagement and before I even opened my notes, I was already overwhelmed.
My inbox was overflowing. My phone was buzzing with texts. News alerts were popping up. Slack messages. More emails. And somewhere between all of that, I thought, “No wonder people tune out half of what they hear. We’re all drowning in noise.”
It made me stop and ask myself, “Am I adding to the noise? Or am I actually helping people cut through it?”
As leaders, we talk a lot. But here’s the hard truth: if what you’re saying isn’t helping your team focus, align, or grow, it’s just more noise.
And these days, people don’t have the bandwidth for it.
The Leaders Who Break Through Know This
Communication isn’t about how much you say. It’s about how useful it is.
I’ve been thinking about that as I balance podcast appearances, speaking gigs, and team leadership. It’s so easy to fall into the habit of sending updates, hosting meetings, or giving feedback just because it’s “what leaders do.”
But real leadership? It’s about communicating in a way that makes people feel clearer and lighter, not heavier.
Here’s How to Make Sure You’re Helping, Not Hurting
1. Prioritize Clarity Over Updates.
Not every thought needs an email. Not every update needs a meeting.
Before you hit send or hop on a call, ask:
What’s the one thing they NEED to know?
Does this help them move forward, or is it just another task to process?
Make it simple. Make it clear. Make it count.
2. Communicate to Support, Not Overwhelm.
When you’re leading through challenges or high-pressure moments, your team doesn’t need perfect scripts or motivational quotes. They need truth, clarity, and direction.
Ask yourself:
Is my message making it easier for my team to succeed?
Or am I accidentally adding more stress to their plate?
3. Be Brave Enough for Real Conversations.
Here’s where most leaders get stuck. They over-communicate the easy stuff and avoid the hard stuff.
So when tension’s high, say, “Let’s talk about this.” When there’s friction, say, “What’s really going on here?” And when feedback needs to be given, give it with honesty and kindness.
Bottom Line: Your words have power.
They can cut through the noise, help your team thrive, and position you as the kind of leader who actually makes a difference. Or, they can become part of the clutter.
So, before your next email, call, or all-hands meeting, ask: “Am I helping my team focus… or am I just adding to the noise?” Because the leaders who help people breathe through the chaos? They’re the ones people follow!
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