This is Part 3 of our leadership communication series, using the airline metaphor to explore how leaders guide teams through turbulence and change. In this final piece, we focus on the moments just before the shift — when leaders need more than communication. They need alignment, commitment, and action.
🧭 Turbulence Isn’t the End — It’s the Setup for Landing
In volatile times, the first communication challenge is staying calm. The second is being honest about what you can’t yet control.
But the third — and most often overlooked — is getting your team ready to land.
That’s where many leaders fall short.
They try to move forward with change, new strategy, or bold execution… before the team is truly buckled in.
✈️ Think Like a Pilot: Calm First. Then Clear. Then Directive.
By the time you’re cleared to land, the tone changes. No more loose instructions or optional action.
You hear:
“Please return to your seats.”
“Place your tray table in the upright and locked position.”
“We’ll be on the ground in 10 minutes.”
In business, leaders must do the same:
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Be calm under pressure
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Be transparent through uncertainty
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Be clear, aligned, and directive once the course is set
💬 Most Teams Aren’t Ready to Land
Here’s what misalignment looks like right before “go time”:
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Leaders assume alignment, but haven’t verified it
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Priorities are clear at the top — but muddy at the middle
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Talent plans are frozen while strategy pivots
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There’s no shared rhythm or decision-making cadence
In other words: the landing checklist hasn’t been run.
🛠️ What to Do Instead
Before you roll out the next initiative, launch the next hire, or turn the ship… make sure your team is actually ready.
Here’s how we help clients land strategy with confidence:
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Strategy Alignment Session: 90 minutes to clarify business priorities and leadership alignment
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Talent Optimization: Map roles and team strengths to what matters now
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Fractional Support: Don’t just delegate it. Let us drive it — as your partner in execution
Because the only thing worse than turbulence… is a messy landing.
📅 [Book your Strategy Alignment Session]
