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When Good Communication Becomes Noise
Ever try to be helpful and end up adding noise instead? That was me recently.
A team member sent a polite note asking that I coordinate with another leader before messaging them. Not because I said something wrong, but because they were tired of multiple notifications about the same thing.
While I pride myself in ensuring I keep the team informed, there are times where even my “helpful” communication can create unnecessary clutter.
As middle managers, we often sit at the crossroads between strategy and execution. We’re trying to keep our teams informed while staying aligned with leadership.
But sometimes, our good intentions, like “just keeping everyone in the loop,” could lead to multiplying messages instead of multiplying clarity.
What feels like responsiveness from our end can feel like repetition from theirs.
This moment reminded me that communication is about what’s said, how its said, how many times it’s said, and by whom.
After taking a step back, I immediately apologized for the redundancy and reflected on a few questions:
How can I be more efficient with coordinating communication?
What can I do to increase trust between me and the analysts?
What system could be designed to share broad and direct communication without great disruption?
I am still working through the specific outcomes in real time, but here are three ways I’m reframing this staff feedback:
1. Clarify communication lanes: I have been thinking about defining type of work, who should own that communication, and the frequency based on the priority. There could be one point person for seeking project updates and another for feedback loops.
2. Sync before you send: With this one, I actually followed up with the other leader that sent the same communication to share that feedback and create a plan for how we want to move forward. It’s great that we want the same thing, so it makes it easier to touch base even 30 seconds before hand to save the team from multiple interruptions.
3. Batch, don’t blast: Instead of multiple messages throughout the day, I’m thinking about create a rhythm one clear, concise update that covers what matters. Plus I can schedule emails and Microsoft Teams messages to send during particular times of the day.
A Question for You
Where might your team be experiencing “notification fatigue” not because of bad leadership, but because of well-intentioned leadership?
Sometimes our desire to stay connected unintentionally clutters the very space where focus and flow should live.
If this resonates, take 5 minutes today to audit how your team receives information. Ask one person:
“Do our communications help you focus or fragment your day?”
You might be surprised by what they say.
So I know if this has happened to me, it’s probably happened to you too!
Middle managers are constantly walking the tightrope: leading up, leading down, and trying to keep it all aligned.
I help leaders like you find your rhythm again through 1:1 leadership coaching so you can lead with clarity, strengthen your team culture, and communicate with confidence.
Book a call to join my 6-session 1:1 leadership coaching program for mid-level leaders ready to step into the next level of influence and impact.
Let’s turn your good intentions into great leadership.
Ray
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