Michael Saltzstein Explores Why Too Much Communication Creates Confusion, Not Clarity

Modern workplaces often equate communication with transparency. If the more information employees receive, the better informed they are. Michael Saltzstein recognizes that overcommunication can overwhelm employees, bury key priorities, and create confusion instead of clarity. The problem is not sharing information itself but failing to distinguish what is essential from what is excessive. 

The Flood of Constant Updates 

Emails, instant messages, project dashboards, and daily standups all contribute to a relentless flow of updates. While each channel may serve a purpose, the sheer volume leaves employees struggling to filter what matters most. Necessary directives risk being lost in the noise of repeated reminders, status checks, and overlapping messages. Instead of supporting productivity, the constant flood of communication often delays decision-making and reduces focus. 

The Hidden Cost of Too Much Information 

When employees spend more time sorting through updates than acting on them, the hidden costs multiply. Productivity declines as workers must constantly pause to process new inputs. Information overload also increases stress, as employees fear missing a detail hidden among dozens of notifications. Over time, this environment can create decision fatigue, where people default to inaction simply because they cannot tell which task should come first. 

Why Leaders Contribute to the Noise 

Leaders often unintentionally drive over communication by assuming visibility equals accountability. Multiple updates are requested to ensure progress, yet each request adds to the growing pile of noise. Managers may also believe that frequent messaging demonstrates engagement, when in reality it signals a lack of trust in their teams. This cycle reinforces the idea that communication volume matters more than clarity, leaving employees frustrated rather than empowered. 

Creating Communication with Purpose 

Reducing noise does not mean withholding vital information. Instead, it requires being intentional about what is shared, when, and through which channel. Leaders should ask themselves whether a message provides new value or simply repeats what is already known. Clear communication frameworks, such as weekly priority updates or structured project dashboards, help employees separate critical information from a general background. This approach restores focus without sacrificing transparency. 

Empowering Employees to Seek Clarity 

Another way to counter overcommunication is to empower employees to ask for clarification rather than rely on constant updates. When teams know they can raise questions without judgment, they take greater ownership of their priorities. Training employees to identify the difference between urgent and non-urgent communication also builds resilience. A culture that values mindful communication over constant noise encourages sharper focus and stronger accountability. 

Information is vital, but when communication becomes excessive, it can do more harm than good. Michael Saltzstein stresses that organizations thrive when leaders cut through the noise and deliver clarity. By replacing constant updates with intentional dialogue, workplaces strengthen focus, improve productivity, and ensure that real priorities are never drowned out.