Why Great Leaders Speak Out (And How You Can, Too)

Leadership today is about more than strategy—it’s about connection. Great leaders inspire, build trust, and drive growth by speaking authentically. Research highlighted by Harvard Business Review demonstrates that connection is a crucial first step in leadership, debunking the myth that being liked isn’t important to being an effective leader. But speaking out as a leader takes courage and intention. We take a look at speaking up matters, the challenges leaders face, and how to develop your voice to lead with authenticity. Whether you’re an experienced executive or an aspiring leader, mastering effective communication is key to building transparency, trust, and driving positive change.

Why Do Great Leaders Speak Out?

Great leaders set the tone for their organisations, both internally and externally. Their words carry weight, shaping company culture, influencing behaviours, and guiding their teams through change. When leaders speak out, they show accountability, vulnerability, and a willingness to share values and beliefs. This fosters an environment of trust and transparency critical for organisational success.

Building Trust Through Transparency

Trust is the foundation of any successful team. A study by Harvard Business Review found that employees who trust their leaders are 74% less stressed and 106% more energised. When executive leaders communicate openly—whether discussing challenges, acknowledging mistakes, or celebrating wins—they create a culture where team members feel valued and aligned with the organisation’s goals.

Take the High Performance Team Scorecard to get instant results with tailored, actionable strategies to supercharge performance and team health.

Inspiring Action and Commitment

There’s power in a leader’s voice. By speaking authentically, you inspire commitment, motivate action, and demonstrate that your role goes beyond decision-making. For instance, advocating for inclusivity or openly supporting employee mental health sends a resounding message of care and responsibility.

Overcoming Barriers to Speaking Out

Despite its importance, speaking out doesn’t come naturally to every leader. Many face challenges that hold them back. However, recognising these barriers and working to overcome them is essential for growth.

Common Challenges Leaders Face

• Fear of Judgement: Many executive leaders worry about facing criticism or backlash for what they say.
• Uncertainty About Messaging: Crafting the right message can feel overwhelming, especially when addressing complex issues.
• Cultural Norms: An ingrained “say nothing” approach may discourage bold or vulnerable speech.
• Time Pressure: With endless responsibilities, some leaders struggle to make communication a priority.

Strategies to Overcome Barriers

• Invest in Executive Coaching:  Coaching for executives can help you break through communication barriers. A coach will guide you in defining your voice, identifying your strengths, and creating authentic messages without fear of judgment.
• Prepare and Plan:  Frameworks like “The 4 Ps” can help you navigate both the internal and external factors that impact crucial conversations. (We’ll go into more detail on these factors below.) 
• Gather Feedback:  Practise speaking with trusted colleagues and mentors to refine how your message resonates.
• Start Small:  Begin by speaking out in smaller circles or addressing less controversial topics until you feel more confident.

Developing Your Voice as a Leader

The most impactful leaders share one key trait—they communicate authentically. True leadership isn’t about adopting a “perfect” persona but staying true to yourself while inspiring those around you. Authentic communication, rooted in empathy and clarity, builds trust, strengthens relationships, and drives engagement. As you craft your leadership development plan, focusing on authentic communication will be a cornerstone of your growth.

The 4 ‘Ps’ of Crucial Conversations

Speaking out about matters of importance takes courage, and finding the right time, place, and way to have such conversations can be difficult. The “4Ps” framework has been designed to aid leaders in preparing for crucial conversations so that they can speak out with confidence. 

Prepare YOURSELF: 

Give yourself sufficient time to clear your thoughts and approach to the conversation. Ensure that you are truly open to what you might hear in response; consider others’ likely point of view. Reflect on your intent and purpose surrounding the conversation; is it linked to your values? What are you trying to achieve? 

Prepare the MESSAGE: 

When preparing a message, focus on clarity and understanding by setting aside personal emotions and identifying the core problem to solve. Be open to collaboration and involve others in shaping the solution, while considering how you want them to feel and what the desired outcome should look like. Use tools like mind maps to explore different approaches rather than following a script. Remember that “Clear is Kind”  and that a direct yet empathetic message can go a long way in building trust.

Prepare the ENVIRONMENT:

Consider the environment carefully when preparing for a conversation—think about privacy, location, and whether it’s face-to-face or virtual. Minimise distractions by turning off your phone, closing emails, and allocating more time than you think you’ll need. For tough discussions, ensure the other person has an easy way to exit if needed. Lastly, choose the timing wisely, avoiding Fridays and Mondays.

Prepare the OTHER PERSON:

Building strong relationships in a team is crucial for handling important conversations effectively. When scheduling a meeting, provide enough notice, share a brief overview of the topic, and consider calling rather than emailing for critical discussions. During the meeting, present relevant facts clearly, explain your reasoning, and allow time for questions, while staying focused on the main topic. Avoid giving false hope and take responsibility for delivering the message.

Empower Yourself to Speak Out

Speaking out doesn’t just benefit your organisation—it benefits you as a leader. By developing your voice, you unlock the ability to inspire action, build meaningful connections, and showcase your authentic leadership style.

If you’re ready to grow into the leader you aspire to be, consider exploring executive coaching or registering for our Dare to Lead™ program. With the right guidance, you can remove communication barriers, craft impactful messages, and lead with greater confidence. Your voice has the power to drive positive change—don’t hesitate to use it.