Don’t Make People Guess Where You’re Going
You’re driving behind someone when they suddenly slow down.
No brake problem. No obstruction.
Then the car turns.
The turn signal starts blinking halfway through the turn—as if the driver is announcing something everyone already discovered.
A turn signal isn’t primarily for the person using it.
It’s for everybody around them.
NHTSA research describes turn signals as an explicit way drivers communicate their intentions to other road users.
That’s leadership.
Clear Leadership Communication Comes Before the Turn
1. Tell People Before You Change Direction
Leaders often spend weeks thinking through a decision.
By the time they announce it, they’ve processed the reasons, possibilities, risks, and benefits.
The team hasn’t.
They just got the turn signal.
NIST’s Baldrige leadership guidance emphasizes communicating your vision clearly so people understand the direction and can make decisions that support it.
When you’re changing direction, communicate before the turn whenever possible.
Give people time to understand where you’re going.
2. Don’t Assume Everyone Sees What You See
From the driver’s seat, your intention seems obvious.
You’re slowing down. You know the intersection is approaching. Your hand is already moving toward the wheel.
The driver behind you doesn’t have that information.
Business leaders make the same mistake.
“We’ve talked about growing this department.”
“Everyone knows this customer is our priority.”
“I thought they understood what I wanted.”
Those sentences often reveal a leadership communication gap.
NIST’s leadership guidance specifically connects clear communication with helping employees understand and share responsibility for organizational direction.
If the message matters, don’t make people infer it.
3. Communication Creates Reaction Time
There’s a reason the signal belongs before the turn.
It gives everyone else time to respond.
Employees need that too.
A new expectation announced Friday afternoon and required Monday morning creates confusion.
Changes to responsibilities, schedules, goals, or priorities need enough warning for people to adjust.
NHTSA’s research into vehicle communication distinguishes explicit signals, such as turn indicators, from implicit clues such as speed or lane position.
Strong leaders don’t rely only on clues.
They communicate.
Final Tune-Up
Think about one change you’re planning.
Does everyone affected know what’s coming?
More importantly, do they understand why?
Don’t wait until you’re halfway through the turn to start blinking.
Leadership isn’t making people follow your direction. It’s giving them enough clarity to understand where you’re going.
Next Step: If you want one practical idea each week to strengthen your leadership, simplify your business, and keep everyone focused on what matters, join the Weekly Business Tune-Up. Each week, we’ll inspect one part of the business and look for a small adjustment that helps you move forward with less wasted effort.
