I recently reflected on a powerful case study: a CEO who realized his monthly town halls were becoming a formality rather than a tool for connection. His solution? He started calling his employees—one by one—for 30-minute candid conversations.

In a world obsessed with “AI-ifying” everything, we often forget that growth cannot occur by cutting communication.

Three takeaways for leaders today:

Break the “Planet” Barrier: The gap between management and the front line is growing. If you don’t proactively reach across it, you’re leading in a vacuum.

Seek Radical Feedback: Real insights don’t show up in automated reports. They come from creating a space where people can speak without fear of reprisal.

Finish What You Start: One of the biggest drains on team morale is “project jumping.” Clarity and commitment to a goal are the ultimate synergies.

Technology is a tool, but community consensus is the engine. Get your house in order, listen to the “alarm bells” coming up the chain, and remember— serious feedback is where real growth begins.

Michael Martinez is a freelance strategic analyst and writer with experience in non-profit, government, and data. He has degrees in business management and intelligence management. He is also an AmeriCorps VISTA alumnus. You can read more of his work at michaelmartinez.co.

This was originally posted as a LinkedIn article on January 3, 2025.