Speaking To The Human, Not Just The Role

It’s easy to forget that behind every title is a person. Each has their own hesitations and areas to grow.

Leaders who communicate effectively don’t just speak to the roles people play—they speak to the humans behind those roles. They acknowledge contributions, validate concerns, and connect on a personal level.

Instead of starting with what needs to happen, they begin with why it matters. Why this goal is important. Why the team’s work is valuable. Why each person’s effort is part of a larger success.

Listening as a Superpower

It’s a scene that plays out in countless businesses: a leader delivers a motivational speech, asks, "Any questions?" and moves on before anyone answers.

But the most impactful leaders know that communication isn’t a monologue—it’s a dialogue. They don’t just speak; they listen. It’s through listening that leaders gain the insights they need to truly connect and inspire.

This is particularly important when leading a team or seeking buy-in from peers and stakeholders. When a leader steps into the room, the pressure is on, and the natural instinct might be to speak at the audience rather than to them.

But what if there was a different way?.

The Ripple Grows

Back in that room, the leader tries something different. They pause. They listen. They speak with clarity and purpose, addressing not just the tasks at hand but the people doing them.

This time, the ripple reaches farther. A team member nods, then raises a hand to share an idea. Another leans in, jotting down notes with renewed focus. Slowly but surely, the energy shifts.

In the weeks that follow, the team moves with greater alignment. And so the story continues, with every ripple carrying the promise of better communication—and better leadership—to all it touches.

What ripples will you create today?

About the Author

Communication Sabotage:
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LaDawn Townsend is a storytelling strategist and keynote speaker recognized as a leading authority on influential storytelling. With a reputation for transforming how organizations communicate, LaDawn has worked with top companies including Amazon, NASA, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, the U.S. Congressional Bipartisan Group, and a variety of nonprofits. Featured in Inc. Magazine and Fortune, she has coached high-performing brands, executives, and politicians to lead with purpose, craft compelling narratives, and create meaningful connections with their audiences. Through her dynamic approach, LaDawn empowers leaders to use storytelling as a tool for influence and impact.