Steve Adubato’s Lessons in Leadership: Simplify Your Communication

By Steve Adubato, PhD On Oct 27, 2025

In this edition of Lessons in Leadership, Steve Adubato and Mary Gamba talk with Nicole Koppel, PhD, MBA Director and Professor, Feliciano School of Business, Montclair State University, about Artificial Intelligence in higher ed, how online programs have helped working professionals, and the keys to leadership and lifelong learning. Then, Steve and Mary talk with John C. Barka, Partner-in-Charge, International Tax Services, Prager Metis CPAs, about leading change, building strong relationships and finding that work-life balance.

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We are all overwhelmed with too much information coming at us from all different directions. Emails, notifications, texts, social posts, meetings…it never stops. In many organizations, when something isn’t working, we think the “fix” is to simply communicate more. But here’s the thing. More communication isn’t the answer. In fact, it’s often the problem.

Instead, what we need is more intentional, relevant, and strategic communication. We don’t need another e-mail, data-filled presentation, or a longer meeting. One of the most underrated leadership skills today is the ability to keep things simple. If you want people to listen, act, and follow you, keep your communication clear, focused, and to the point. Consider five ways to lead and communicate with clarity:

• Stop flooding people with updates they don’t need. There’s a big difference between keeping people informed and just adding to the noise. If you’re constantly sending updates, reminders, and FYIs across five platforms, don’t be surprised when no one reads them. Or worse, they stop listening altogether. Before you hit send, ask yourself: Is this helpful? Is it actionable? Does this really need to be shared, or am I just trying to check a box? Great communication isn’t about volume. It’s about purpose.
• Don’t let data do the talking for you. We have all been there when someone puts up a slide with 12 charts and rattles off a bunch of numbers, hoping the data will speak for itself. It won’t. Data only works when it’s simplified and tied to a clear message. You can have the most accurate numbers in the world, but if your audience doesn’t understand what they mean or why they matter, it’s just noise. Use data to support your point, not to bury it.
• Cut your speech in half. This takes discipline, but it works. If you planned to talk for 20 minutes, aim for 10. Say what needs to be said, then stop. People have short attention spans, and not just because of screens. They’re busy, and they’re juggling a lot. If you can deliver your message clearly and with brevity, they’ll not only remember it—they’ll respect you for it. Give people space to ask questions, reflect, or contribute. That’s where the real connection happens anyway.
• Don’t confuse “thorough” with “clear.” When we throw everything into a meeting or presentation, we’re usually trying to protect ourselves. We’re thinking, “If I say it all, no one can say I left something out.” We believe if we include a lot of “industry speak,” jargon, and background information, our audience will be more “informed.” But that’s not leadership, and it leads to confusion. Your job is to filter the information, not dump it. Help people understand what matters most. Be brave enough to leave out the rest.
• Shorter doesn’t mean you didn’t try, it means you did. We’ve all written the too-long report or prepared that lengthy presentation. Sometimes it’s because we’re unsure of the point we’re trying to make. Other times, we think longer means more impressive. In reality, cutting things down takes more effort. It forces you to think harder, edit, and make real decisions about what matters. It’s easy to fill space. It’s hard to say something meaningful in a short amount of time. But that’s the skill worth building. Every team, every audience, every organization is looking for someone who can make things clear and concise. Start cutting the clutter. Your team will thank you, not just for the shorter meetings, but for helping them know what is most important.

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