From Noise to SIGNAL: Cutting Through the Chaos of Leadership Today

At Common Purpose our SIGNAL Leadership model is built on a different premise: That true leadership emerges not by broadcasting noise, but by tuning into what truly matters.

From static to signal

Most people can’t tell the difference between signal and noise. They react to whatever is loudest, newest, or most urgent. SIGNAL leaders are different. They know how to:

Filter out the distractions.

Focus on systems, not symptoms.

Speak with intention, not volume.

Listen before they lead.

They understand that leadership isn’t about making your voice heard, it’s about creating coherence in complexity.

The cost of leadership noise

When leaders react impulsively, chase trends, or avoid depth, they create confusion and burnout. Teams become cynical. Strategy becomes performative. And trust erodes.

In contrast, SIGNAL leaders bring:

Clarity where there is confusion

Coherence where there is contradiction

Calm where there is panic

They don’t just survive in the noise. They transmit signal - messages, actions, and values that cut through.

How to lead with SIGNAL

Get quiet enough to hear your own values.

Seek patterns instead of quick wins.

Cultivate your network to sense what’s emerging.

Learn constantly, especially from discomfort.

Lead with the long term in mind.

In an age of noise, SIGNAL is leadership that resonates.

David O'Connor

David O’Connor is Director of Strategy & Innovation at Common Purpose. In his role, he leads the development of new approaches, and learning experiences that push the boundaries of leadership development. David is passionate about redefining how we prepare leaders to navigate complexity, and is driven by the belief that disruptive thinking can unlock powerful, inclusive impact in communities and organizations.