Effective communication is the cornerstone of great leadership. Yet, it’s also one of the most challenging skills to master. Michelle Gladieux, author of Communicate with Courage and a seasoned leadership coach, knows this firsthand. With over 20 years of experience helping professionals sharpen their communication skills, Michelle offers practical advice for navigating tough conversations, overcoming communication pitfalls, and building stronger relationships.
The Foundation of Being a Courageous Communicator
At its core, communication courage is about facing fears and stepping outside your comfort zone to build stronger connections. Whether it’s delivering feedback, speaking up in meetings, or addressing interpersonal conflicts, fear can hold us back from saying what truly needs to be said.
Courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear, it means acknowledging it and choosing to communicate anyway. Courageous communication allows leaders to address sensitive topics head-on, foster transparency, and inspire trust within their teams.
Four Hidden Challenges That Undermine Communication
Michelle identifies four common barriers that prevent leaders from speaking candidly. These challenges often operate beneath the surface, making them difficult to recognize but impactful when addressed.
1. Hiding from Risk
Many leaders avoid difficult conversations or fail to share bold ideas out of fear of rejection or judgment. We are afraid of exposing a real or perceived weakness so we keep our thoughts to ourselves. This hesitation can lead to missed opportunities and unresolved issues. Michelle recommends reframing risks as opportunities for growth. For example, when initiating a challenging conversation, set the tone by saying, “This is hard for me to say, but I care deeply about this team’s success, and I want to address something that I believe will help us improve.”
2. Defining to Be Right
When leaders become overly confident in their perspectives, they may unintentionally shut down collaboration. If your team doesn’t think you’re willing to listen or you’re difficult to give criticism to, they don’t offer critical feedback or important alternative perspectives. Michelle suggests leaders practice humility by actively seeking input from others. Ask your team for feedback on your behavior and ideas, and encourage them to challenge your assumptions. This not only builds trust but also leads to better decision-making.
3. Rationalizing the Negative
Sometimes, leaders convince themselves that certain communication efforts won’t make a difference. They believe that someone won’t listen, the person won’t change even when given the feedback, and ultimately speaking up doesn’t matter. This pessimistic mindset can create a self-fulfilling prophecy where relationships and outcomes suffer. Instead, Michelle advocates that we choose optimism. Approach communication with the belief that positive outcomes are possible, even in difficult situations.
4. Settling for Good Enough
In the rush to complete tasks, it’s easy to settle for mediocrity in communication. We set the bar at ‘just getting by’ instead of aiming for rich discussions and engagement. This can hold us back from speaking up when it matters. Michelle encourages leaders not to settle, but to push for clarity and speak their thoughts, even if it extends the conversation. She notes that a little extra effort in communication can lead to big results.
Practical Tips for Courageous Communication
Michelle urges everyone to set and share their intention when communicating. Before initiating a conversation, ask yourself: What is the purpose of this communication? Whether you’re giving feedback, sharing updates, or resolving a conflict, being clear about your goals helps you stay focused and ensures your message lands effectively.
Another approach Michelle spoke about was the use of silence. Silence can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a powerful tool for creating space and encouraging participation. After asking a question, pause for at least five seconds to give others time to think and respond.
Communication is a skill that requires continuous improvement. Michelle spends time every evening reflecting on her interactions. What went well? What could I have done differently? This is a strategy everyone can employ. Taking a few minutes to replay these conversations and identify what we want to keep doing and how we can improve helps us more quickly develop courageous communication skills.
In addition to self-assessment, Michelle believes in the importance of gathering feedback from others. The “Fighter Wing Feedback Challenge” involves asking colleagues two simple questions:
What do you appreciate about working with me?
What do you wish I would do differently?
This exercise fosters transparency and helps build a culture of continuous learning.
The Role of Emotional Awareness
Great communication starts with self-awareness. Leaders who recognize and manage their emotions are better equipped to navigate high-stress situations and respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. If you’re stressed, distracted, hungry or tired, you may not be showing up with the tone or word choice that you’d otherwise have embodied.
Michelle emphasizes the importance of checking in with yourself before difficult conversations. Even a single deep breath can be a game changer. Take a moment to assess your emotional state and set an intention for how you want to show up.
Courageous communication is not about being perfect; it’s about being intentional and authentic. As Michelle reminds us, “The best communicators balance kindness with directness. They create an environment where feedback flows freely and relationships thrive.”
As a manager, your willingness to communicate with courage can transform your team’s dynamics and drive success. Whether it’s having tough conversations, seeking feedback, or simply listening more deeply, every step you take toward better communication makes a difference.
Listen to the entire episode HERE to learn more about the power of courageous communication.
Keep up with Michelle Gladieux
Guest Bonus: FREE PDF Download of 10 Tips to Turn Up Your Courage as a Communicator
Michelle is providing members of Podcast+ a Free PDF download of 10 Tips to Turn Up Your Courage as a Communicator. This tip sheet is exclusively available to Modern Manager Podcast+ members!
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