Your Voice Isn’t the Problem—It’s the Opportunity

Let’s be real, developing as a leader can feel sacrificial. You’re constantly being told to shift, stretch, adjust.

And if you’ve ever felt like people always misunderstand you, it can get exhausting. Like… do I really have to keep adding extra words just so folks “get” me?

Short answer? Sometimes, yes.

If your voice naturally sounds direct, matter-of-fact, or even a little intense, people may read it as harsh even when your heart is in the right place. And that’s frustrating.

It can feel like you’re constantly cleaning up after how you’re received rather than being appreciated for what you actually said.

But here’s the thing: taking responsibility for the power of your voice isn’t about blame, it's about freedom.

When you become aware of how your voice impacts others, and choose to shape that impact intentionally, you stop feeling stuck in a loop of being misunderstood.

You start creating better outcomes. Better relationships. More clarity. Here’s what’s helped me:

1. Be Aware Without Shrinking

Self-awareness doesn’t mean self-silencing. It just means knowing how you show up and how others might experience you. That’s powerful information to work with not a cue to disappear.

2. Add the Extra Words (Even if it Feels Like a Lot)

Sometimes adding a sentence to explain your intention or softening your delivery feels unnecessary…but those extra words can be the difference between connection and confusion.

Think of it as a small investment with a big return.

3. Lead with Clarity and Vulnerability

People want to understand you, not just hear you. Letting others see what’s behind your words, the intention, the care, even the frustration can help them meet you where you are.

4. You Get to Rewrite the Story

When you take ownership of how your voice lands, you’re not selling out you’re rewriting the narrative. You’re choosing to lead with impact, not just intention. And that kind of leadership?

That’s transformative.

If you’ve ever been told your voice is “too much,” “too sharp,” or “too intense,” this is your reminder that your voice is not a problem to fix, it’s a tool to sharpen.

And when used intentionally, it becomes one of your greatest assets.

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