We’re surrounded by words every day. Yet even simple phrases can land in unexpected ways. It’s not just the words we use—it’s the tone, nonverbal cues, assumptions, and personal filters that shape what’s heard.
Whether at home, work, or in meetings, the quality of our communication shapes trust, clarity, and connection—and it’s essential to effective communication in leadership.
That’s where Conversational Intelligence® and a simple tool called Double-Click come in.
Miscommunication Happens, Even with Good Intentions
Here are a few real-world stories I’ve heard (or lived!) that show just how easy it is for conversations to go sideways:
- A client said, “The person camped out until Lynn came in.” I pictured a blanket, tent, Yeti cooler. What he meant? He was just hanging around waiting.
- A meeting is scheduled for 7:30 AM. One person shows up at 7:25, drops off their things, leaves for water, and returns at 7:35. Another arrives at 7:30 and takes a phone call. The third arrives at 7:25 and waits. All believe they were “on time.” The meeting starts at 7:45.
- Sue says, “I’ll send a message soon.” Joe checks his phone within 15 minutes. Nothing. Sue meant tomorrow.
- A father asks, “Will you mow the lawn when you have the time today?” The son replies, “Sure.” At day’s end, the lawn isn’t mowed. The father is frustrated. The son didn’t think “today” meant now.
Each situation reveals that miscommunication isn’t just about poor listening. It’s about assumed meaning.
These everyday misunderstandings often come down to one thing: assumptions. We assume we know what someone means… and we move on. And yet, what if we didn’t?
What if we paused, got curious, and asked instead?
That’s where tools like Double-Click come in—small shifts that change the way we connect.
Use Conversational Intelligence® to Build Clarity
Judith E. Glaser, the pioneer behind Conversational Intelligence®, explored how conversations shape trust, performance, and relationships. One of her most practical and powerful tools is the Double-Click—a simple habit that creates shared understanding.
🎥 Watch this powerful 2-minute clip of Judith Glaser and Marshall Goldsmith discussing Double-Click in action:
Put Double-Click Into Practice
Just like double-clicking a file opens more detail, a Double-Click in conversation means pausing to ask:
“What do you mean by that?”
“What does that look like to you?”
“When you say ‘soon, do you mean later today or this week?”
Double-Clicking helps you:
– Avoid assumptions
– Build psychological safety
– Strengthen trust
– Create clarity
– Improve communication
This tool helps improve effective communication in leadership by reducing assumptions and increasing clarity in everyday interactions.
Build a Shared Language for Trust
In my coaching work, I encourage clients to use the phrase Double-Click out loud—like:
“Let me double-click on that, as I need to check an assumption I’m making here,” or “Let me double-click to make sure I heard you correctly.”
These simple phrases become shared language that fosters clarity, trust, and connection. They act as cues—a way for teams, partners, or families to pause and say, “Let’s make sure we truly understand each other.” That small shift builds a culture of curiosity, psychological safety, and mutual respect.
Double-Click for Effective Communication in Leadership
You can use Double-Click anywhere people talk:
– Team meetings
– Feedback conversations
– Emails and texts
– With clients or family
It’s a habit that makes you a better leader, listener, and communicator.
Try This in Your Next Conversation
Next time, someone says something that could mean more than one thing…Pause. Ask. Clarify. You’ll be surprised how often what you thought they meant isn’t actually what they actually meant!
What might shift in your relationships if you made curiosity your default?
Call to Action
Want to strengthen leadership communication and reduce team friction?
Let’s bring Conversational Intelligence® tools like Double-Click into your business or team. Small shifts in language lead to powerful changes in connection and performance.
If you didn’t watch video clip on this tool shared earlier with Judith Glaser and Marshall Goldsmith do it now: Double-Click Leadership.
Your next level regarding effective communication in leadership is in sight reach out to learn more about Conversational Intelligence schedule a time to chat.
