The Power of Communication: Lessons from My First Week as a Father ?????

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Meet Caden, my Son ( He's doing his skeptical Hippo look )...he was just born last week....and man what a ride...

Becoming a father is a crash course in communication. In just one week, I’ve learned more about the importance of clear, responsive, and empathetic communication than I ever expected. And funny enough—these lessons apply just as much to internal communications in the workplace as they do to parenting.

Newborns may not come with a user manual (trust me, I checked ????), but they have one powerful tool: their voice. Whether it’s a soft whimper or a full-blown cry at 3 AM, they’re constantly communicating their needs. The real challenge? Learning to interpret those signals and respond effectively.

As internal comms professionals, our employees aren’t crying at 3 AM (hopefully! ??), but they are trying to tell us something. Here’s what my first week of fatherhood taught me about workplace communication.

1. It’s Not Just About Talking, It’s About Listening ????

With my newborn, I’ve quickly realized that communication isn’t about me talking—it’s about me listening. The same goes for internal comms.

Too often, companies focus on pushing out announcements, policies, and updates ??. But how often are we really listening to employees? Are we reading between the lines of their feedback, engagement levels, or even their silence?

? Lesson: Good communication starts with great listening. Employees, like newborns, will tell you what they need—if you’re paying attention.

2. Clarity is Everything—Because Guesswork is Exhausting ??

At 2 AM, when my baby cries, I’m running through a mental checklist: Hungry? Tired? Needs a diaper change? If only he could just say, “Dad, I just need a quick snack, and I’m good!” ??

Employees feel the same frustration when internal communication lacks clarity. Ambiguous emails, unclear policies, or messages buried in corporate jargon force employees to guess what’s expected of them. And guesswork? That leads to disengagement.

? Lesson: Make internal messages clear, concise, and actionable—because no one likes playing the guessing game.

3. Timing and Responsiveness Matter ???

Babies don’t believe in “later.” If they need something, they need it now. And while workplace communications may not always be that urgent, the principle still applies: Timing matters.

If employees have concerns, delays in addressing them can lead to frustration and disengagement. If a crisis arises, waiting too long to communicate can create unnecessary panic. Even positive news, when shared too late, can lose its impact.

? Lesson: Be proactive, not reactive in communication. Address employee needs in real-time when possible, and always follow up.

4. Communication is a Two-Way Street ????

One of the biggest adjustments in fatherhood? Realizing that communication isn’t just me talking—it’s a back-and-forth process. My baby might not use words yet, but his reactions guide my actions.

The same should be true for internal comms. If we’re just broadcasting messages without inviting feedback, we’re missing half of the equation. Employees need to feel like their voices matter, too.

? Lesson: Encourage two-way communication—surveys, Q&As, open forums, and leadership transparency go a long way in building trust.

5. Empathy Changes Everything ????

At the end of the day, the biggest lesson from fatherhood (so far) is that communication is rooted in empathy. Whether it’s comforting my baby or addressing an employee’s concerns, the goal is the same: Make them feel heard, valued, and supported.

When companies approach internal comms with empathy instead of just efficiency, they create cultures where employees feel safe to share, ask questions, and engage.

? Lesson: Speak with empathy, not just authority. Employees (like newborns) respond better when they feel genuinely understood.

Final Thoughts ??

If one week of fatherhood has taught me this much about communication, I can only imagine what’s ahead. But one thing is clear—great communication isn’t just about words. It’s about understanding, responsiveness, and care.

So whether you’re leading a team or trying to decode a newborn’s cries, remember: Listen, be clear, respond quickly, open the dialogue, and always lead with empathy. ??

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear my little one calling… ????

What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts (or other parents’ experiences)! Drop a comment below! ??