When you’re leading a business, you’re thinking about it constantly. Developing a vision, planning a new project, and anticipating every little detail. By the time you finally tell your team about it, it feels second nature to you. You’ve lived and breathed this plan for weeks (or even months!).
But here’s the tricky part: your team’s just hearing it for the first (or maybe second) time.
I meet so many business owners who feel frustrated when a strategy or vision doesn’t catch on immediately. The instinct is to think, “I told them about it at our last meeting—why isn’t this clicking?” The truth is, it almost never clicks right away.
Sound familiar?
Why Saying it Once Isn’t Enough
Think back to when you first came up with your latest big idea or vision. How many hours did you spend turning it over in your mind, tweaking the details, imagining how it would work? It became real for you through repetition.
But your staff? They get one announcement, maybe two. That’s not enough for your vision, new idea, or new process to sink in.
People need to hear important messages several times, in different formats, before they really understand and buy in. It’s not a matter of intelligence or motivation—this is just how our brains work.
Make Your Vision Stick
So, how do you get your message, vision, or new process to stick?
- Repeat yourself, and then repeat again. Don’t be afraid to sound like a broken record. When it comes to big changes or new directions, repeat until it becomes part of the everyday conversation.
- Use different ways to communicate. Don’t rely only on a memo or one meeting. Talk about your vision in team huddles, one-on-ones, emails, and even casual conversations.
- Share real-life examples. Tie your vision to something relatable. Show what it looks like in action, or share stories from within the company.
- Always explain the “why.” People need to understand the reason behind the change, not just the steps to get there. When you lead with your purpose, your team is much more likely to get on board.
You might worry that you’re over-communicating. You aren’t.
Most leaders err on the other side—they don’t say enough. Communicating your vision early, often, and clearly isn’t being pushy. It’s being smart. When you bring your people along with you through communication, it becomes a win for everyone.
Even Mission-Driven Organizations Need to Remind Their People
Let me share a quick story. Not long ago, I was speaking with a client who runs a truly mission-driven organization. You’d think, with such a strong sense of purpose, that everyone would automatically “get” why they do what they do. But my client was puzzled and frustrated: “I just don’t get why my team members aren’t understanding the importance of our work. They don’t seem to complete tasks on time. Where is the disconnect?”
Here’s the reality, and it’s something I see all the time, even in organizations fueled by passion and purpose: People still need to be reminded of the “why.” The why is what keeps people motivated, even when they’re faced with those everyday tasks that can sometimes feel dull or repetitive. Mission alone isn’t always enough if the message isn’t reinforced regularly and clearly.
Your Message Isn’t Redundant. It’s Essential.
Clarity takes commitment. The more you communicate, the more your vision becomes your team’s vision. Don’t settle for a half-understood idea—make it real, make it clear, make it day-to-day.
This is true whether you are a mission-driven organization or not. When people feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves, when they understand the why behind any change taking place in the organization, they will better adapt and adopt that change.
If you aren’t communicating vision and possible change within your organization, it’s time to rethink how you are doing this. These small changes can make a big difference.
Ways to Work Together
If you are feeling trapped in your business and not experiencing the freedom you want, here are the three ways we can work together.
Accelerate is a 3-month mastermind designed to help you break through business roadblocks and create lasting change. For $1500, you’ll get a 1-hour deep dive with Stephanie, weekly mastermind coaching, fast email support, and exclusive access to all German Business Consulting resources. Stop feeling stuck, isolated, or overwhelmed—Accelerate gives you the support and clarity you need to move forward. Set yourself up for success and build a business you love.
Clarity Call: Ready to build a business that gives you true freedom? I create custom solutions tailored to your industry, goals, and vision of success—so you can love your business again. Click above to schedule a call to clarify your goals, tackle roadblocks, and see how we can work together.
Business Roadmap: This is for business owners who want clear, actionable next steps—not another generic course. Get a plan tailored to your business, clarity on what matters, and the resources to move forward. Walk away knowing exactly what to do—and what to ignore—so you can save time, money, and avoid years of frustration.
A fourth way, and I know I only said three, but sometimes I can’t help myself. If you are feeling stuck and are in need of resources, reach out. I am happy to point you in the right direction and even provide an asset of my own to help you move forward.
Stephanie German is a business strategist, adjunct professor, and speaker. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and loves giving back to her community in a variety of ways. When she’s not coaching clients or writing about leadership, Stephanie is usually headed to the mountains or the beach with her family, drinking savory wine, or working on the latest project with her husband. Stephanie’s greatest desires are to raise up the next generation of leaders while raising her own children to be strong, independent, and brave. She lives in Fresno, California with her husband Blake and her three spunky daughters, Cara, Kinsey, and Peyton. She is the best-selling author of So Your Boss Can’t Lead?