Leadership communication can at times feel unclear. In a recent all-hands meeting, the CEO expressed disappointment that only two employees had reached out regarding a LinkedIn article about an industry acquisition. The message came across as a public reprimand to the broader organization for not engaging directly.
Because expectations were not clearly defined in advance, it created confusion. It was unclear whether employees are now expected to proactively email the CEO about industry news, and whether that outreach is being interpreted as a measure of curiosity or engagement.
When informal outreach is publicly highlighted in this way, it can begin to feel political rather than performance-based. For employees focused on execution, outcomes, and day-to-day responsibilities, this creates uncertainty about what is actually valued and how engagement is measured.
Greater clarity around expectations for executive engagement would help ensure alignment and reduce the perception that visibility outweighs results.
