Once you leave the meeting room, what do you think your team is saying behind closed doors? Do they feel motivated and clear on their objectives, or are they left guessing about what comes next?
In my leadership training sessions, I often hear participants express frustration about their managers. They’ll ask, “Has our manager done this training?”
The question isn’t surprising. Why? Because fundamental practices such as asking questions instead of giving orders, clarifying expectations upfront, and providing structured feedback are often missing from their leadership experience.
Why Does This Matter?
Research from Gallup shows that one of the most significant complaints employees have is the lack of feedback from their managers. Teams thrive on feedback—both positive and constructive—and the absence of it often leads to disengagement. But it’s not just feedback. Teams frequently suffer from a lack of clarity and direction, which inevitably leads to low morale and reduced performance.
Clarity is key in leadership. Employees want to know where they are going, why they are going there, and how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture. Without this understanding, motivation dwindles.
The Danger of Misleading Narratives
I recently worked with a company that rolled out an initiative focused on cutting costs. They called it “PLATON,” with a goal to reduce costs by 12%. While the objective was clear and measurable, it triggered fear across the organization. Why? Because the message focused solely on cost-cutting without any motivating narrative to balance it. Employees began to feel as though they were just numbers in a system, and their creativity and engagement plummeted.
The truth is, it’s not enough to set a goal and tell people what to do. It’s the leader’s responsibility to frame tough objectives in a way that energizes the team. This is where the power of conversations comes in.
Building Trust Through Conversations
As leaders, we must ask ourselves, “How can we make tough goals motivating rather than fear-inducing?” This is where conversations become critical. It’s not just about communication; it’s about holding human-to-human conversations that inspire, clarify, and engage.
One concept I teach frequently in my leadership workshops is based on Judith Glaser’s work on Conversational Intelligence. It’s about reframing, refocusing, and redirecting conversations to create clarity and trust. Instead of dictating, leaders should focus on explaining the ‘why’ and sharing a vision that people can rally behind. It’s about more than just strategy—it’s about the context in which that strategy is delivered.
The Power of Clarity
Clarity is the cornerstone of effective leadership. When leaders fail to articulate a clear vision, they leave their teams operating in survival mode, which triggers the reptilian brain—the part of our mind that focuses on fear and basic survival instincts. This is not conducive to innovation or high performance.
By contrast, when leaders take the time to explain the destination and the reasons behind it, they provide a sense of direction and purpose. Even if the reality involves difficult goals, such as cutting costs, people will follow a leader they trust. Trust is built through transparency, honesty, and consistent, meaningful conversations.
Leadership, Performance, and Collaboration
Effective leadership isn’t just about making decisions and driving performance. It’s also about fostering collaboration across teams. High-performing leadership teams understand that success is a shared endeavor, not a solo mission. Leaders who model collaborative behaviors inspire the same across their organizations, breaking down silos and fostering innovation.
Incorporating collaboration into your leadership approach allows for a more agile, resilient organization. In a world where change is constant, collaboration ensures that everyone is aligned with the company’s goals and equipped to handle challenges together.
Moving Forward: Elevating Your Leadership
The path to strong leadership lies in a combination of clarity, conversation, and collaboration. If you’re a leader who’s ready to elevate your team and create a motivating, trusting environment, it’s time to start with the basics: clear communication, structured feedback, and a shared vision.
Your team deserves a leader who can inspire them to do more than just follow orders—they need someone who can guide them toward a meaningful and fulfilling future. Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level?
