Say What You Mean | Direct | Leadership Is Language
Hello there! Welcome to my weekly LEAPS.
You’re receiving this email because you subscribed to my weekly Wednesday feature or our mailing list. Every Wednesday, I share 5 things using our LEAPS approach:
Learn: something new or an idea
Energy: an energy (good or bad) word and it’s meaning
Action: something to do
Processing: a question to consider
Shout out: something or someone that I want to celebrate or acknowledge
LEARN
Something Worth Sharing
Say What You Mean
We often assume we’re speaking the same language, but ‘saying what you mean’ shows how easily clarity slips away. What feels obvious to us is shaped by our own assumptions, experiences, and emotional cues - none of which match someone else’s.
In leadership, relationships, and everyday work, language is one of our most powerful tools, yet it’s also one of the most misused. Some words get repeated so often they lose their weight. Take “mindfulness”: for many it now conjures images of ‘sandals and candles,’ when in reality it simply means creating space for the mind to reset and refocus - whether that’s going for a run, reading a book, or anything that quiets the noise.
It raises an important question: how often do you double-check that what has been said is actually what has been understood? Alignment rarely happens by accident, yet we behave as though it does.
The same challenge plays out in organisations. Values and vision statements look great on websites, but if they’re not understood, lived, and embedded, they’re just words, and words that are rarely looked at in detail. Communication isn’t about noise, it’s about meaning - and meaning requires consistency, clarity, and shared understanding.
When we stop taking understanding for granted, conversations shift from friction to flow - building trust, strengthening decisions, and shaping cultures that actually live what they claim.
ENERGY
An emotion or energy; a stand-out word / s
Direct
The word “direct” comes from the Latin dirigere — to set straight, arrange, or guide. It combines dis (apart) and regere (to lead or keep straight). Communication works best when it is both direct and directed: clear in intention, and guided toward shared understanding - rather than left to wander through assumptions.
ACTION
Something small that you can do that might make a big difference
Check The Understanding
Once this week, in any real conversation, finish by asking:
“What did you take from this?”.
It’s a quick way to see if what you meant is what was understood - and it builds the habit of clearer, more direct communication.
PROCESSING
A question to think about and consider (you can discuss this with someone or write your thoughts down)
“Where am I avoiding being clear and direct, hoping others will ‘just understand’ - and why is this?”
Continuing the theme of communication and language, notice where you hold back from being clear and direct. Where do you drift into vagueness? What are you avoiding and why?
I’d love for you to send me your own stories / thoughts about this. Drop me a line with your answer / thoughts on this question
SHOUT OUT
Who / what I think deserves recognition - my gratitude or to be celebrated.
Speaking Up
This week I’m shouting out the courageous voice that speaks out when it matters. Saying what needs to be said - calmly and clearly - even when it feels uncomfortable and challenging.
BONUS GIFT FOR YOU
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LEAPS is a process used by our team and clients all the time - and even my own family on a daily basis.
I’ll be sharing a set of LEAPS each week with you and encourage you to do your own version:
L: what have you learned?
E: what’s your energy / feeling word
A: what’s one thing you need to do?
P: what are you thinking / processing?
S: who or what can you shout out?
