The Domino Effect of Leadership Communication
When you were a kid, did you ever set up a long line of dominoes just to watch them tip over one by one? I loved creating intricate setups that wound through ramps and steps across my kitchen floor. But my first lesson in the domino effect came when I accidentally bumped one in the middle of the line, sending the sequence out of order and leaving me with a chaotic mess.
As a leader, I’ve experienced the same chaotic chain reactions in communication. When you share information, it’s like tipping over the first domino in a carefully arranged sequence. If done intentionally, the process unfolds smoothly as intended. But without a strategy, the dominoes fall unpredictably, causing confusion, misalignment, and even mistrust.
“Information is power, and the currency of power is access to information.” — Thomas Jefferson
How you manage your communication can make or break trust in your leadership. Let’s explore how to set up your communication dominoes for clarity, alignment, and trust.
The Domino Effect in Communication
1. The Power of the First Domino
The moment you share information, you set the sequence in motion. That first step is critical—it determines how your message is received and interpreted. For example, announcing a restructuring without preparing your leadership team first often leads to uncertainty and anxiety across the organization.
2. Unintended Consequences of Poor Planning
Misaligned communication leads to unintended consequences like rumors, resistance, or erosion of trust. For example, sharing a significant decision with employees before informing leadership blindsides your leaders, making them feel undervalued and disconnected.
A Practical Example: Rolling Out a New Vision
Imagine you’re introducing a bold new organizational vision. Here’s how to manage your communication dominoes for maximum impact:
Step 1: Start with Leadership
Gather your leadership team first. Explain the “why” behind the vision, how it will be implemented, and what outcomes you expect. Address their questions and concerns, equipping them to share the vision with their teams confidently.
Why it matters: Leaders set the tone. If they’re uncertain, that uncertainty will ripple through the organization.
Step 2: Move to Key Stakeholders
Next, meet with department heads or key influencers. Provide tailored information explaining how the vision impacts their areas and invite feedback.
Why it matters: These stakeholders become ambassadors, reinforcing the vision at every level.
Step 3: Broader Team Communication
Now, roll out the vision to your broader team. Use a combination of channels—such as all-hands meetings, emails, or videos—to ensure everyone understands the message and feels included.
Why it matters: Consistent messaging prevents confusion and helps everyone see their role in achieving the vision.
Step 4: Public Messaging
After aligning your team internally, you’re ready for external communication. Whether through press releases or social media, ensure your message is unified and celebrates internal momentum.
Why it matters: Premature external messaging creates internal confusion and damages trust.
How to Manage the Dominoes
Let’s get practical. Here are five strategies to manage your communication effectively:
1. Identify Audience Priorities
Who needs to know first? Start with key stakeholders who can align others and amplify your message.
2. Craft Group-Specific Messages
Tailor communication for each audience. Leaders may need strategic insights, while frontline employees need practical implications.
3. Sequence Strategically
Use a cascading model: Leadership → Stakeholders → Broader Team → Public.
4. Anticipate Reactions
Think two steps ahead. Prepare for potential concerns and proactively address them.
5. Monitor and Adjust
Gather feedback as the sequence unfolds and make adjustments to clarify or reinforce the message.
The Benefits of Intentional Communication
When communication is intentional, the results are undeniable:
- Increased Trust: Clarity builds confidence in leadership.
- Alignment: Strategic sequencing ensures everyone stays on the same page.
- Clarity: Intentional messaging eliminates confusion.
Great leaders think through their dominoes, leading with integrity and intentionality.
Conclusion: Be the Architect of the Dominoes
As a leader, you’re responsible for the architecture of your communication dominoes. Each domino represents a crucial part of your process, and the way they fall shapes how your message is received. By planning the order, tailoring your message, and preparing for reactions, you can communicate with confidence, clarity, and trust.
Call to Action:
Ready to improve your communication strategy? Share this post with your team and start the conversation about how intentional communication can build alignment and trust.
Quotes for Inspiration:
- “Information is power, and the currency of power is access to information.” — Thomas Jefferson
- “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” — George Bernard Shaw
Resources for Further Learning:
- Book Recommendation: Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler
- Article: “Why Communication Matters More Than You Think” on Harvard Business Review
- Tool: Feedback Loop Templates for Communication Clarity
One More Thing…
If you found this helpful, please pass it along to other leaders (and encourage them to subscribe!).
If you’re ready to accelerate your leadership, I’d be honored to help. Visit gavinadams.com to explore my systemic approach to leadership development and schedule a 30-minute conversation.
If you’re a church leader, be sure to visit the Church Accelerator Community.
Leading With You,
Dr. Gavin Adams