From Instinct to Intent: Communicating with Clarity

Leaders often communicate well in formal settings but can sometimes struggle in informal, in-the-moment interactions. When they revert to their “base case” habits, speaking quickly, shifting context, or sounding abrupt, it creates confusion, misinterpretation, and gaps in understanding across teams.

In this episode, host Robert Williams is joined by TMG Managing Director Liz Kelly and Director Maizie Nelson to explore why communication breaks down in these everyday moments and how leaders can improve clarity. They share practical strategies like “going to manual,” setting context quickly, and focusing on a single takeaway to ensure messages land effectively.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why leaders default to communication habits that create misalignment
• The importance of setting context and landing one clear takeaway
• Why tone, repetition, and channel choice matter more in times of uncertainty
• How to adapt communication styles for different people without changing the core message