Communication Traps Leaders Fall Into (and How to Avoid Them)

Have you ever walk away from a conversation feeling confident, only to realize later that your message didn’t land the way you anticipated?

Business leader planning for 2025 leadership development and succession, building a strong leadership team for the future

 It happens more often than you think! Clients often tell me that communication can feel awkward in today’s workplace, and miscommunication often prevails.

The reality?

Leaders at every level fall into common communication traps that lead to confusion, lower productivity, and missed opportunities.

When you miss the chance for stellar communication, you miss your chance to influence and impact.

Want to fix it before it derails your success?

Here’s what to watch out for:

🚨 Trap #1: The “They’ll figure it out” Assumption

You had a meeting. You sent an email. They should know what to do—until they don’t. Your team wants your guidance AND they need to hear it in different ways.

💡 Solution: Make your message sticky. Reinforce it, and then do it again.

🚨 Trap #2: The “Same Approach for Everyone” Mistake

Everyone processes information differently. A one-size-fits-all approach leaves gaps.

💡 Solution: Mix up your methods. Help your team practice how they communicate. It works every time.

🚨 Trap #3: The “We all have the same perspective” Assumption

We assume our teams understand us, but may not have the same context and experience under the bells.

💡 Solution: Be explicit. Say, “I need this by Friday at 3 PM.” Clarity eliminates guesswork. 

How To Know What’s Critical

The key is getting ahead of them now. Be sure to check out my programs, “Mastering Winning Communication” and “The Leadership Leap.”

Do you want more for your team? Contact me at Shannon@LeadersExceed.com or book a complimentary discovery call on Calendly.

Written by Shannon Alter, CPM

With over 30 years of experience in hospitality and commercial real estate management, Shannon Alter has successfully applied her leadership strategies to help businesses thrive on a global scale. Read more.

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