Communication Myth 10: Great Leaders Always Quick to Speak

Leadership in 180 Seconds: The 10 Greatest Communication Myths in the Workplace

Leadership isn’t always about being quick to speak. Am I speaking to impress? Or am I slowing down to connect?

• Transcript 1

  Myth: Great leaders always know what to say.
  Reality: The most influential leaders often say less—but mean more.

  In leadership, there’s this unspoken pressure to have the answers, respond fast, and sound polished. I see it in many of the senior leaders I work with—clever, capable people who’ve learned to talk quickly, think on their feet, and lead with strong opinions.

  And it’s not wrong. That confidence and agility got them where they are.

  But here’s what’s fascinating.

  As these leaders become more grounded in their leadership identity, many of them naturally shift. They slow down. They stop trying to impress with speed or certainty. Instead, they become more present—creating space in conversation, asking better questions, and listening deeply.

  The result? Their teams lean in. Their influence increases. People feel respected and heard. And ironically, they’re morepowerful communicators—because they’ve stopped performing and started connecting.

  You don’t need all the answers. You need presence. Calm, thoughtful communication is a sign of secure leadership—not weakness.

  Slow it down. Let your silence speak. Because when you model real listening and space, your team catch the listening and space too.

  If your goal is to be a leader who leads with peace and security and great communication, give me a call.