354. How Leaders Destroy Their Best Teams
Key Takeaways
- The #1 predictor of high-performing teams is psychological safety, not talent or structure.
- Silence in meetings is not alignment — it’s usually fear.
- Psychological safety is created or destroyed by leader behavior, not policies.
- Ego and control are the biggest enemies of healthy team dynamics.
- High standards and psychological safety are not opposites — they reinforce each other.
Actionable Insights
- Pause before reacting to bad news or feedback.
- Replace correcting with curiosity — ask questions instead of giving answers.
- Explicitly invite disagreement and reward people who challenge ideas.
- Watch for fast agreement in meetings — it’s often a warning sign.
- Separate mistakes from personal judgment; address the work, not the person.
Leadership Challenge
- In your next meeting, ask: “What’s one thing we’re not talking about that we should be?”
- When someone gives uncomfortable feedback, say nothing for 10 seconds.