Kit BarberOwner, Kit Coaching · Business Coach and Mentor

Ever wonder why your team isn't performing?

14 Jan 2026 · 1 min

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0:46

In this short video, the speaker argues that a team's poor performance often stems from the leader's communication style rather than lack of talent. He shares an anecdote about a capable team leader who, before delivering a critical instruction, made "whale noises" on a call to appear playful. This undermined her authority, diluted the message, and left the team uncertain and unmotivated. The speaker concludes that clear, calm, and honest direction builds confidence and conviction in a team, urging leaders to examine whether they unintentionally dilute their messages before giving instructions.

Chapters

Your team don't listen to you because you sound like this. This literally just happened in my business. I had a team leader who was talented and she was excellent at what she did, but strangely her team were just okay. They questioned themselves, there was no fire, there was no conviction in them. Then I heard her on the phone before giving a key instruction and she started making whale noises at them. Just to be the fun boss. And in that moment, she lost authority and she diluted the message she was trying to get across. Being clear with your team builds their confidence. So if you want a stronger team, lead with clear and calm direction. Be honest, are you diluting your message before you give instruction?