The Unseen Communication Gap in Leadership: Why Nobody Understands You

Leadership isn’t just about making decisions. It’s about making sure those decisions actually land with your team.

And here’s the problem: in today’s business world, the communication gap between leaders and their teams has never been wider. Productivity, employee satisfaction, and even company value are on the line.

Leaders Who Don’t Know They’re Leaders

One of the most surprising insights from communication expert Jenn Kaye is that many business owners and executives don’t even realize they’re leaders.

That gap in identity has a ripple effect. If you don’t see yourself as a leader, you’re far less intentional in how you communicate. And as Jenn puts it:

“We model and emulate the leadership that we’ve experienced.”

So if the communication you experienced in the past was poor, there’s a good chance you’re unknowingly repeating the same patterns.

Nearly Half of Your Message Is Lost

Research shows up to 40% of communication gets lost between the sender and the receiver. In today’s distraction-heavy world, that number is likely even higher.

That means half of what you think you’re saying isn’t actually being heard. Worse? Most leaders assume their message was received exactly as intended.

The Skyscraper Problem

Think of leadership like climbing a skyscraper.

On the ground floor, you’re in the middle of the action. As you move higher, your perspective broadens—but you’re also further removed from day-to-day operations.

The higher you climb, the harder it is to connect your big-picture vision to what’s happening on the ground floor.

That’s where the breakdown happens.

Become a Translator

Leaders have to learn to speak more than one “language.”

Whether it’s the language of finance, operations, or frontline experience, you need to adapt your message so your team can actually absorb it.

This isn’t about dumbing things down. It’s about making sure your ideas survive the trip from your head into theirs.

The Power of “And”

One of Jenn’s simplest yet most powerful tools: replace the word but with and.

• “You did a great job, but here’s what to improve.” → The praise disappears, and the criticism stings.

• “You did a great job, and here’s how we can build on it.” → Both truths stand side by side.

That tiny shift changes how people hear you—and how they respond.

Vulnerability Builds Trust

Strong leadership communication isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being real.

Vulnerability—done right—means being clear about what you know, what you don’t, and what you need. That honesty creates psychological safety. And when trust is present, everything moves faster in business.

Why This Matters in Exit Planning

For business owners looking toward an exit, communication becomes even more critical.

Transitions don’t start the day you sell—they start years earlier. The way you communicate during that time determines whether your team feels abandoned or inspired.

Leaders who get this right preserve employee engagement, company culture, and ultimately, company value.