Question: I feel like I communicate clearly, but my team says they’re confused. How do I fix this?

Answer: As a Legitimate leader, communication is not only about what is said but also about what is heard, understood, and experienced by others.

When a team says they are confused, it often indicates a gap between the leader’s intent and the communication’s impact. Leaders should slow down enough to check for understanding, create space for feedback and ensure alignment between their words, behaviour and expectations.

Clarity comes through repetition, consistency, context and genuine engagement. Rather than assuming the message landed, invite your team into the conversation by asking them to reflect on what they heard, what they understand their role to be and where they still feel uncertain.

Legitimacy is built through trust when people feel seen, heard, and included in the process, rather than simply instructed and compelled to align.