You Already Told Me That: Why Repeating Yourself Is a Leadership Necessity

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Didn’t I already say this?” If you’re a leader, you’ve probably felt like a broken record. But here’s the deal: repetition isn’t just something you do because your team didn’t get it the first time—it’s actually a secret weapon in your leadership toolkit. Research says it takes hearing something up to seven times before it sticks. Yep, seven!

So, why is repeating yourself so crucial? Let’s identify why......

1. Because Our Brains Are Like Goldfish

Let’s face it, people have a lot on their minds. Between juggling work, home, and everything in between, it’s easy for important info to slip through the cracks. Repetition helps move that info from “Oh, I think I heard that somewhere” to “I know this, and it’s important.”

2. Consistency Is the Name of the Game

When you keep mentioning and modeling your message, it shows that you mean business. Repeating your vision, values, or goals makes it clear that these aren’t just passing thoughts—they’re priorities. Plus, consistency builds trust. Your team knows where you stand, and that kind of reliability is golden.

3. Clear as Mud? Not Anymore

Ever play the game of telephone? It’s amazing how fast a message can get twisted. Repeating yourself ensures that what you said is what’s actually heard. It cuts down on the “Wait, what?” moments and keeps everyone on the same page.

4. Create Real Action

The more you repeat something, the more likely your team is to act on it. It’s like a friendly nudge—okay, maybe more like a persistent tap on the shoulder. Either way, repetition drives home what needs to be done and keeps people accountable.

5. Lead Change Better

Change freaks people out. That’s just how it is. But if you keep repeating why the change is happening and what it means, you’re giving your team time to process and adapt. It’s like the comfort food of leadership—reassuring and reliable.

So, Yeah, Repeating Yourself Isn’t Just Okay—It’s Genius (and necessary)

Next time you hear, “You already told me that,” just smile and keep going. Repetition isn’t just a necessary, it’s how you make sure your vision actually happens. So go ahead, repeat yourself—it’s how leaders turn ideas into action.

Want more tips and support in building a healthier organization, connect with me https://linktr.ee/claracapano?utm_source=linktree_admin_share