Picture this: you’re walking into the office kitchen. A half-full coffee mug sits abandoned on the communal table. Not yours. No one else in sight. And yet—you’ve just been communicated with.

It’s not the mug that’s speaking, of course. It’s the absence of ownership, of accountability, of consideration. It’s a silent signal that says: someone else will take care of it. And whether it’s in the office or at home, that message lands.

We communicate with more than our words. We communicate through energy, presence, consistency—and yes, even with coffee cups. Culture is shaped in these small moments. And when we ignore them, we miss an opportunity to reinforce the values that truly matter - respect, compassion, kindness, and accountability.

The Ripple Effect in Your Coffee

We often think of communication as what happens in meetings, emails, and Slack messages. But the most powerful form of communication happens in the micro-moments—how we greet someone in the hallway, whether we follow ...

Ok, ok, I know, it’s a bit like a broken record, we’ve all heard over and over that communication is the key that opens so many doors. And for leaders, it’s more than that. It’s the foundation of trust, alignment, and momentum. When communication is clear, teams move forward. When it breaks down, even the best strategies stall.

The challenge? Strong communication isn’t simply about speaking clearly. It’s about listening deeply, navigating nuance, and showing up with consistency—verbally and nonverbally. And even seasoned leaders slip up more often than they realize.

In this post, we’re breaking down six common communication mistakes leaders make—and more importantly, how to correct them. Whether you’re leading a team of five or five hundred, these shifts will build stronger connections, resolve tension faster, and lead with more impact.

1. Not Listening Actively

Mistake: Talking more than listening

Fix: Practice active listening and encourage feedback

It’s easy to default to g...

One of our clients recently shared an all too familiar tension. Their senior team members are sharp, seasoned, and committed—but not always aligned. Deadlines slip. Priorities drift. And my client finds themselves caught in a tug-of-war between two leadership instincts: push for clarity and results, or step back and give space.

It’s a challenge many leaders face, especially when leading experienced professionals. You’re not dealing with junior staff who need task-level direction. You’re managing people who expect autonomy, and still look to you for alignment and momentum. That gap—between hands-on leadership and empowered ownership—is where things often break down.

So how do you know when to intervene versus when to let go?

Let’s break this down.

The Temptation to Overcorrect

When results stall, most leaders react in one of two ways:

• Over-functioning: You jump in. Take on too much. Fill in the gaps. It’s faster, cleaner, and it feels like leadership in action.

• Under-...

One of the biggest challenges in business isn't financial instability or market competition—it’s the fear of unpredictability and isolation. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders find themselves thinking, I'm all by myself. Nobody understands what I'm experiencing. I have to do this on my own. I know, I’ve been there. This fear can be paralyzing, and it doesn’t have to dictate success or failure. It can also be a good indication of how you can provide certainty to your clients and prospects.

The Power of Predictability

At the heart of people's fear is the unknown. Unpredictability breeds anxiety because we don’t know what’s coming next. This is why structure and proven systems are crucial. They provide a roadmap to follow, giving people a sense of control in what can often feel like chaos.

When you introduce predictability, you say, Here’s how we get to the outcome. We follow these steps, and they have worked before. This clarity becomes a stabilizing force amid the uncertainty...

Sloppy communication is everywhere. It creeps into workplace conversations, casual check-ins, and even crucial project updates. It’s that vague, non-committal response that leaves everyone assuming things will get done—until they don’t. If you’ve ever dealt with a situation where tasks keep falling through the cracks, you’ve probably been a victim of sloppy communication.

Snow More Sloppy Communication

Recently I was speaking with a client, and he gave a perfect example of sloppy communication. The manager of his building company had delegated snow removal, and the conversation went something like this:

Manager: “What’s happening with the snow removal?”
Employee: “We got it handled.”

Fast forward to the next snowfall (because in Canada there is always a “next”), and low and behold, no one was removing the snow. Why? Because “we got it handled” is not a plan, it’s not a commitment, and it’s certainly not an actionable response. It’s a vague assurance that gives the illusion of pro...

Words shape our reality. The language we use in everyday conversations—whether with employees, customers, or even ourselves—has a profound impact on our mindset and emotions. One small and powerful shift in language is how we use the word "need."

The Energy of "Need"

When you say, "I need to do this," where does that energy come from? Need is rooted in fear. It comes from a sense of lack, a place of contraction, and a focus on what is missing. It’s backward-looking, tied to worry and scarcity.

Think about how often you use the word "need."

Each statement carries a sense of pressure and obligation. It’s as if something bad will happen if the "need" isn’t met. But fear-based language doesn’t create—it constricts.

Shifting to "Will" and "Intend"

Now, let’s reframe the same statements with a different energy:

As wildfires blaze across Los Angeles, we are reminded of the unpredictable forces that can upend our lives in an instant. These fires, driven by relentless winds and fueled by dry conditions, are a stark metaphor for the unexpected challenges we can face in our personal and professional lives. While we can’t prevent every crisis, we can prepare for them—and preparation can make all the difference between survival and devastation.

The Importance of Being Prepared

Wildfires teach us that readiness isn’t optional; it’s essential. Families in fire-prone areas create evacuation plans, pack go-bags, and establish communication strategies. These steps don’t stop the fires, but they do save lives and minimize loss. Similarly, businesses must be equipped to handle unforeseen challenges. Whether it’s a sudden shift in market conditions, a global pandemic, or an unexpected competitor, the ability to adapt quickly is a hallmark of resilience.

The "What If?" Exercise

One powerful way to prepar...

As the holiday season rolls around, it often brings a mix of emotions—joy, excitement, and, for many of us, a tinge of sorrow. This year has been challenging for many, me included. Perhaps you've lost someone dear, experienced a significant change, or simply feel the weight of the world’s uncertainties. The holidays, while magical in many ways, can also amplify feelings of loss and longing. Yet, amid the challenges, there is space for healing, hope, and creating a brighter future.

Honoring the Ones We Miss

Grief during the holidays can feel like a heavy blanket, and there are meaningful ways to honor those we miss while still embracing the season’s spirit:

1. Create a Tribute Tradition: Light a candle, hang an ornament, or prepare their favorite dish. These small acts can keep their memory alive in a way that feels warm and comforting.
2. Share Stories: Gather with loved ones to share favorite memories. Laughter and reminiscing can often bring a sense of closeness and healing.
3. Give...

 Every year, Black Friday inspires a frenzy of action. From early morning doorbusters to flash sales that light up the internet, it's a day that fuels excitement, drives purchases, and creates a sense of urgency like no other. But what if you could harness that energy and apply it to your business, personal goals, or team motivation all year long?

The Black Friday mentality isn’t just about discounts; it’s about strategy, anticipation, and action. Here's how to channel that powerful mindset every day:

1. Create a Sense of Urgency

Black Friday thrives on the concept of limited time offers. When people know they only have a short window to act, they’re more likely to move quickly. You can replicate this by setting clear deadlines and emphasizing why acting now matters. 

In your business:

• Use time-bound offers or exclusive opportunities to encourage immediate action.

• Highlight the "why now" factor in communication, showing customers or team members the benefits of acting soon...

Most of us instinctively avoid friction, steering clear of the discomfort it brings. It’s natural to want smooth, effortless interactions and harmonious relationships. And that is not always possible. What if I told you that friction is actually a gift, a powerful indicator that can reveal crucial insights about ourselves? I love friction, because of what it tells me about my own inner world and what’s important to me not because I relish discomfort (although I’ve been told I am really good at having tough conversations – if you need help with this reach out, I’m always up for a challenge).

Friction as a Signal of Bigger Aspirations

Think back to a recent situation where you felt frustrated—perhaps at work, with a team member, or even in a personal relationship. That discomfort you felt wasn’t random; it was a signal from within. Friction often arises when there’s a gap between our current reality and a deeper, unfulfilled aspiration. It’s our inner compass pointing out that somet...