A Personal Reflection on the Power of Clear Communication in Leadership

Communication has always fascinated me. It’s the glue that holds relationships, organizations, and entire societies together. And yet, it’s something so easily overlooked—especially in leadership. I’ve seen it first hand, both in myself and in others: having a powerful message is one thing, but being able to communicate it clearly is what makes all the difference.

Over time, I’ve come to realize that clear communication is an essential skill for any leader, and it’s often the deciding factor in whether a team succeeds or struggles. You could be the most visionary person in the room, but if you can’t convey that vision in a way that people understand and are motivated by, you’re only halfway there. The true mark of leadership is not just having a message, but knowing how to make that message resonate and inspire.

Here are a few reflections on what I’ve learned about the power of clear communication and how it can make or break leadership:

Simplifying the Message: Less is More

Early in my career, I was guilty of overcomplicating my messages. I thought that if I used sophisticated language and packed in a ton of information, it would make me sound more credible. But I quickly learned that people don’t need—or want—a lecture. They need clarity.

One instance stands out. I was leading a meeting to roll out a new initiative. I’d spent hours refining every detail, and I was eager to explain all the ins and outs to the team. By the end of the meeting, I felt proud of my thorough explanation. But when I asked for feedback, I was met with blank stares. I had over-explained, thrown in too much jargon, and in doing so, I had lost them. My message was buried under complexity.

That was a turning point for me. I realized that simplicity is key. Instead of trying to say everything, it’s better to focus on saying the right thing. What is the core of your message? What is the one takeaway you want your audience to remember? I now believe that if your message can’t be summarized in a sentence or two, it probably needs to be simplified.

Empathy: Knowing Your Audience Matters More Than You Think

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a leader is the importance of empathy in communication. Early on, I was often so focused on what I wanted to say that I didn’t always take the time to think about who I was speaking to. But communication is not a one-size-fits-all thing. Knowing your audience and what they care about is crucial.

I remember a time when I was working with a diverse team—some seasoned professionals, others fresh out of college. In a meeting, I delivered a technical explanation that I thought would impress everyone. It certainly impressed the senior team members, but I noticed the younger members looked overwhelmed and disengaged. I had spoken at their heads, not to them. It was a hard lesson, but it reminded me of something so simple: people need to feel understood before they’re willing to listen.

Empathy is about seeing the person behind the message. It's about meeting people where they are, understanding their concerns, and tailoring your words to fit their needs. Now, before I speak to a group or even an individual, I try to put myself in their shoes. What might they be thinking or feeling? What do they need from me in this moment? That shift has made all the difference in how my messages are received.

Credibility: Walking the Talk

I’ve always believed that trust is the foundation of leadership, but I didn’t fully appreciate how much my words and actions needed to align until I faced a situation that tested it. I was leading a team through a challenging project that required long hours and a lot of extra effort. I gave a motivational speech about the importance of maintaining work-life balance, emphasizing that everyone should take care of themselves during this busy period.

A few days later, one of my team members pointed out that I hadn’t taken a single break and was responding to emails late into the night. The message I had delivered about balance rang hollow because I wasn’t living it myself. I wasn’t "walking the talk," and that moment of inconsistency cost me some trust.

It was a wake-up call for me. From that moment on, I’ve tried to make sure my actions reflect my words. If I tell my team to take breaks and prioritize balance, I have to model that behavior. People trust leaders who live out their messages, and credibility is built by consistency between what you say and what you do.

Speaking with Purpose: Always Give a Clear Next Step

I’ve noticed that people are more motivated to act when they understand not just the "what" of a message, but also the "why" and the "how." It’s easy to forget that when you’re in a leadership role, but I’ve learned that speaking with purpose—always driving toward a clear outcome—is critical to moving people forward.

I once made the mistake of delivering a very enthusiastic presentation about a new project, but I ended the meeting without a clear call to action. I had assumed that everyone would know what to do next. Big mistake. A week later, I realized that nothing had moved forward because no one had been sure of what was expected of them.

That experience taught me to always finish with clarity. Every message, no matter how motivational or informative, should have a clear next step. Whether it’s asking for feedback, outlining an action plan, or setting a deadline, purpose-driven communication ensures that people walk away knowing exactly what’s expected of them. Now, I always ask myself before speaking: "What do I want people to do after they hear this?"

The Turn-Offs: Lessons from Bad Communication

While I’ve learned a lot about what works in communication, I’ve also seen plenty of what doesn’t work—both in myself and in others. Some of the biggest communication mistakes are surprisingly easy to fall into, but they can quickly alienate your audience and make them tune out.

Here are a few of the most common communication turn-offs I’ve encountered:

• Overcomplicating the message: Nothing makes people tune out faster than confusing language or too much detail. If people have to work too hard to understand you, they won’t bother.
• Lack of empathy: When you fail to consider your audience’s needs or emotions, your message comes across as detached or irrelevant. People want to feel seen and understood, not talked at.
• Inconsistency between words and actions: When leaders say one thing but do another, they lose credibility fast. People need to see that you practice what you preach.
• Vagueness: When a message lacks a clear point or action step, it leaves people wondering, "What’s the point?" or "What do I do with this?"
• Talking at people instead of with them: Communication should be a dialogue, not a monologue. Leaders who dominate the conversation without inviting feedback or input risk alienating their audience.

I’ve learned these lessons the hard way at times, but they’ve shaped me into a more intentional communicator.

Conclusion: The Journey to Better Communication

Clear communication is a skill I’m constantly working on. It’s not something that comes naturally all the time, but the more I practice it, the more I see the power it holds. Whether it’s simplifying my message, empathizing with my audience, walking the talk, or ensuring I communicate with purpose, these are the building blocks of effective leadership communication.

At the end of the day, communication isn’t just about speaking—it’s about connecting. It’s about making sure your words inspire trust, understanding, and action. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the way we communicate matters just as much as the message itself. When done well, it has the power to transform not only how others see us, but how they respond to the vision we set forth.

And that’s the ultimate goal, isn’t it? To lead people in a way that moves them to believe in the message, trust the leader, and take action that brings the vision to life.

Dr Victor Goh