DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

A leader’s ability to move a team toward a common goal depends almost entirely on the quality of their communication.

It is the bridge between strategy and execution. When that bridge is shaky, trust erodes, deadlines are missed, and impact scales backward instead of forward. To combat this, elite communicators rely on a specific set of principles known as the 8 C’s of Communication.

By integrating these eight pillars—Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Considerate, Collaborative, Consistent, and Connected—you can transform your dialogue from a mere exchange of information into a powerful tool for driving execution and building lasting trust.

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1. Clear: The foundation of understanding

Clarity is the first and most vital step in any communication. If a message is not easily understood, it cannot be acted upon. A common pitfall for leaders is assuming that because they understand the vision, everyone else does too. However, if you find yourself explaining the same concept three times, the issue likely isn’t the audience’s comprehension—it’s your lack of clarity.

• Philosophy: Clarity ensures your message is easily understood.
• Action: Before you speak or hit «send,» ask yourself: «What is the ONE thing they absolutely need to know?».

2. Concise: Respecting the premium of time

In an age of information overload, brevity is a sign of respect and mastery. Great leaders deliver their messages in as few words as possible without sacrificing the core meaning. Every unnecessary word dilutes the impact of the words that actually matter.

• Philosophy: Say what matters and cut everything else.
• Action: Use a simple «litmus test»: if you cannot explain the core idea in three sentences, you haven’t reached the necessary level of clarity yet.

3. Concrete: Replacing vague ideas with actionable specifics

Vagueness is the enemy of execution. Leadership communication must be grounded in specific details and examples, as specificity is what creates the momentum for action. Instead of using abstract adjectives like «better» or «faster,» ground your message in observable outcomes.

• Philosophy: Show, don’t tell.
• Action: Replace vague adjectives with descriptions of observable behaviors and tangible targets.

4. Correct: Protecting your credibility

Nothing undermines a leader’s influence faster than a factual error. Accuracy in content and facts is non-negotiable. A single mistake in a data point or a name can lead your audience to question the validity of your entire message.

• Philosophy: Accuracy is the bedrock of credibility.
• Action: Take the extra minute to verify all numbers, names, and facts before communicating.

5. Considerate: Leading with empathy

Effective communication is not about what you want to say; it’s about what the audience needs to hear. To be considerate is to adapt your message to the audience’s perspective and unique needs. By putting yourself in their shoes, you ensure the message resonates on a human level.

• Philosophy: Think deeply about who is receiving the message and what they care about.
• Action: Pause and ask yourself: «What does our audience care about right now?».

6. Collaborative: Inviting the dialogue

Leadership is not a monologue. Collaborative communication invites open conversation and feedback, which is essential for identifying roadblocks and fostering innovation. By asking questions that open doors rather than close them, you create a culture of safety and transparency.

• Philosophy: Use dialogue to uncover what is «getting in the way».
• Action: Frame your communication as an invitation for input and feedback.

7. Consistent: The power of repetition

One of the hardest lessons for leaders to learn is that they must repeat themselves far more often than feels natural. To ensure a message sticks, it must be delivered regularly and reliably. By the time a leader is tired of saying something, the team is often just beginning to truly hear and internalize it.

• Philosophy: Communicate regularly and reliably to ensure the message lasts.
• Action: Assume a message needs to be repeated at least seven times before it is fully «heard» by the organization.

8. Connected: Closing the loop

The final «C» ensures that the communication cycle is complete. Connection means ensuring there is a shared, clear understanding through active feedback. Never assume that silence equals understanding.

• Philosophy: Ensure clear understanding through deliberate feedback loops.
• Action: Close every important communication by asking: «What questions do you have?» and «What is your primary takeaway?».

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Conclusion: Scaling your impact

Communication is the primary lever through which a leader scales their impact. By mastering these 8 C’s—being Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Considerate, Collaborative, Consistent, and Connected—you move beyond simply giving orders. You begin to build a culture of trust and high-level execution where every team member knows exactly what is expected and feels empowered to deliver it.

Next time you prepare a presentation, an email, or a team meeting, use this framework as a checklist. It could be the difference between being heard and being followed.