Learn how to connect, not just communicate.

Most leaders know what they want to say. The real challenge is whether others understand what they mean.

You’ve got the vision, the message, the direction—but if the people around you don’t know what you’re talking about, they can’t act on it. And action is how the business runs best. This isn’t about dumbing things down—it’s about articulating clearly. Speaking in a way that meets people where they are. Leadership isn’t just about being heard—it’s about being understood, so that others can move with you.

Most people want to trust you. They want to follow your lead. But sometimes, even when you mean well, you lose them.

Strong leadership requires more than clear vision—it takes emotional intelligence and self-awareness to make sure your message truly lands.

It’s not because you’re unclear. It’s because how you say it doesn’t always match how they hear it.

Real leadership takes self-awareness. You’ve got to notice—did my words land? Or did they float right past?

Here are four common ways people get disconnected, even when they’re trying hard to lead:

1. Big Thinker Who Speaks in Ideas

They say: “We need to shift the culture and show up differently.”

What others think: “What does that actually mean for me?”

You’re inspired. You see what’s possible. But you speak in leaps—and most people need steps. Without clear actions, people feel lost.

2. The Kind One Who Talks Too Much

They say: “I just really want to hold space for your experience and share that this reminds me of a time when I…”

What others think: “Wait—what am I supposed to do with this?”

You want to connect. You want to make people feel safe. But you soften the message so much, they don’t know where to go next.

3. The Smart One Who Leads with Data

They say: “If you look at the numbers, this direction makes total sense.”

What others feel: “But do you see how hard this has been for us?”

You’re prepared and sharp. But without emotion, your message feels cold—even if you’re right.

4. The Problem-Solver Who Says Nothing

They say: “Don’t worry. I handled it.”

What others feel: “Was my opinion even needed?”

You move fast. You fix things. But when you skip the conversation, people feel left out.

Leadership Means Paying Attention—Even When You Think You’re Clear

Because emotional intelligence matters. As Harvard Business Review notes, “The most effective leaders all have a high degree of emotional intelligence”—empathy, self-awareness, relation-skills—not just IQ or technical skill. 

I used to say things like, “Just get into your body.” It meant something to me. But people stared blankly or tuned out.

Now I say:

“Ever said yes, but felt tight in your chest or sick in your gut? That’s your body talking. That’s the moment I want you to notice.”

Same truth. Better access.

That’s leadership. Not being louder. Being more available.

This week, try this: when you speak, are people getting it?

Not in your head—in the room. Are you being understood?

Don’t let shame sneak in. This isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about practicing something real.

Because shame doesn’t just make you self-conscious—it takes you out of the moment.

It clouds your clarity. It turns your attention inward just when you need to be fully present.

That doubt? It’s like static. And your message—your impact—gets lost in the noise.

So take a breath.

Stay here.

Stay with them.

Leadership isn’t just having something to say.

It’s making sure it lands.

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Want to talk about this? Let’s have a real conversation about how you’re speaking and leading. Sometimes the simplest shift in how you say something changes everything.

And yes—this is connected to how you eat, how you think, and how you live.

Clarity starts in the body. Learn more about how lifestyle supports clear thinking in this article about Boulder’s culture of health and performance.

Kate Galt Primal Leadership Business Coaching

Kate Galt coaches and challenges leaders at all levels— from entrepreneurs to seasoned executives— to sharpen their vision, articulate key messages so they connect and inspire, and make decisive, strategic moves that drive real business growth. Based in Boulder, Colorado, she works with individuals and teams to strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, and achieve measurable results.

Her coaching is rooted in Primal Leadership—because the strongest leaders move with instinct, command presence without force, and create unshakable trust through raw, real connection.

Like any driven person, Kate is always figuring out how to do it all—running a business, raising two kids with her equally involved husband, and still making time for the adventure that brought her to Colorado in 1998. Whether it’s snowboarding, mountain biking, or chasing an ultimate frisbee, she knows the best leadership isn’t just learned—it’s lived.

The bottom line? Kate makes good leaders great.

Curious about what makes her coaching style so impactful? Book a call and experience it for yourself at CoachTheLeaders.com.