LACE - The Secret To Active Communications As A Leader

What if I told you that one simple acronym could transform your leadership communication overnight?

Whether you're leading a team, managing a business, or coaching yourself as a solopreneur, communication is the backbone of success. Yet, most leaders miss the mark because they talk too much… and listen too little.

Let me introduce you to LACE: a powerful technique that stands for Listen, Acknowledge, Check, and Explore. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to use LACE to unlock deeper trust, better problem-solving, and stronger team connections. 

LACE is an active communication technique that will transform your leadership ability. Using LACE, you can build trust in your team members, build empathy, ensure that you truly are on the same page, and turn complaints and problems into joint solutions.

You can also learn more by watching my video on LACE if you click on the image below.

LACE is an acronym that stands for the four stages of active communication:

• Listen,
• Acknowledge,
• Check,
• and Explore.

The first step is to Listen.

And I don’t mean just hearing someone’s words while you prepare your rebuttal. Most managers listen just enough to respond and plan their next move, not to truly understand. Active listening is about focusing on the person speaking—no distractions, no interruptions.

Here’s how to do it:

•  Maintain eye contact, nod occasionally and give verbal confirmations like “I see” and “Go on”
•  Use neutral, open, body language.
•  Avoid distractions—put that phone away!

Why does this active listening matter?

Because when people feel truly heard, they’re more likely to share valuable insights and build trust with you. Research shows that leaders who listen effectively are perceived as more competent and trustworthy.

Here’s something to remember - When you’re tempted to jump in with your opinion, take a breath and remind yourself: Listen first, speak second."

The second step in LACE is to Acknowledge.

This is where you show the person you’ve understood them. Repeat or paraphrase what they’ve said, and validate their feelings or perspectives. The key is to show that you’ve heard and understood.

For example:

‘So, if I’m hearing you right, you’re concerned about meeting the deadline because of resource limitations. I can see that making sense given the current workload.’

Acknowledging doesn’t mean you have to agree; it’s about letting the other person know their input matters. When you do this, people feel respected and valued. Simple statements of acknowledgement build empathy and help the other person feel seen. It’s not about solving the problem immediately—it’s about creating a connection.

Before you jump in with your own thoughts, practice saying, “What I hear you saying is…” or “It sounds like you’re feeling…” to improve your acknowledgment skills.

Step 3 in the LACE technique is C for Check.

This is the step where you make sure there’s no misunderstanding. After you’ve listened and acknowledged, it is crucial to confirm your understanding. You can paraphrase what you’ve heard or ask clarifying questions like:

•  “Did I get that right?” or
•  “Can you expand on that?”

For example, you can ask: “So, what I’m hearing is that the deadline feels unrealistic because of resource constraints. Is that right?”

Checking ensures you’re on the same page before you jump into solutions. Miscommunication often happens because leaders assume they understand—don’t fall into that trap.

Finally, we get to work together and even brainstorm because the E in LACE stands for Explore. This is where the magic happens.

Once you’ve listened, acknowledged, and checked, it’s time to dig deeper. Exploration is about asking open-ended questions to uncover root causes, solutions, or opportunities.

Here are a few examples:

•  'What do you think would help resolve this?'
•  'What alternatives have you considered?'
•  'How can I support you moving forward?'

In the Exploration phase, you need to be open-minded and consider all options as viable options to be explored. Exploration shifts the conversation from surface-level problems to actionable insights and collaboration.

Now, let me give you a quick scenario to bring the LACE technique to life.

Imagine a team member comes to you and says, “I’m really struggling to meet this deadline.”

You first Listen attentively, without interrupting, and certainly without immediately giving your input to their problem.

Then you Acknowledge their challenge: “That sounds stressful. I get why this feels overwhelming.”

You Check for clarity: “Is it the timeline, or are there other obstacles in the way?”

Then you Explore solutions: “What adjustments could we make to help you succeed?” Enter into discussions and make suggestions, listen to their suggestions. Work together.

By using LACE, you turn a complaint into a productive conversation—and a stronger team bond. LACE or Listen, Acknowledge, Check, Explore—is a game-changer for any leader. It’s not just a communication tool; it’s a way to build trust, solve problems collaboratively, and empower your team to thrive.

Here’s your challenge:

Over the next week, pick one conversation—at work, at home, or even with yourself—and practice LACE. Notice how the dynamic shifts when you truly listen and engage. Share your experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear how it works for you.