Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or your family — the way you communicate determines the depth of trust, clarity, and connection you experience.
Years ago, Jesuit priest and author Fr. John Joseph Powell laid out a timeless framework in his book Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am?
His 5 Levels of Communication offer a helpful guide for understanding how we connect… and where we often stall.
Here’s a breakdown of the levels — with a few leadership applications:
Level 5: Small Talk
Safe, surface-level chatter.
“Hey, how are you?” “How’s it going?”
📌 It’s fine to start here — but staying here leads to boredom, misalignment, and distance.
Level 4: Factual Conversation
Exchanging data without emotional commentary.
“I’m headed to a meeting.” “The report’s done.”
📌 Efficient, but transactional. Necessary, but not transformative.
Level 3: Ideas & Opinions
Where real intimacy and trust-building begin.
“This project has huge potential, and here’s why I’m excited.”
📌 Sharing what you think (not just what you know) opens the door to meaningful dialogue.
Level 2: Feelings & Emotions
Now we’re getting real.
“I’m frustrated with how that meeting went.” “I’m energized by where we’re headed.”
📌 This is where teams deepen. Vulnerability builds trust.
Level 1: Deep Insight
A rare and powerful connection.
“I’ve never told anyone this, but…”
📌 Mutual understanding, safety, and emotional resonance — this is the peak of relational leadership.
Most leaders stop at Level 3. Some never get there. But the greatest leaders? They know how to move between levels with intention — creating space for honesty, humanity, and growth.
As you lead this week, try asking yourself:
- What level am I communicating at?
- And what level does this moment actually need?
Let’s lead with depth — not just direction.
Micah Foster, Co-Owner
Micah Foster is a partner at Dream Support LLC who has been providing remote executive assistants to busy leaders who need administrative and organizational help for over five years.
He has a passion for creating and maintaining positive and productive work environments and empowering people to reach their full potential.