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.