Leaders often avoid micromanaging but then become absentee managers, failing to provide the coaching and mentorship their team needs. Striking the right balance requires recognizing when to step in and when to step back, which varies for each team member.
Leaders should distinguish between these issues: bias is unconscious, prejudice is conscious and stereotypical, and bullying is mean-spirited. They should create conversational, compensation, and career consequences for disrespectful behavior, ensuring psychological safety by soliciting feedback and discussing team norms.
Leaders may fear the consequences of admitting mistakes, such as lawsuits or loss of authority. They often avoid the DARVO response (deny, attack, reverse victim and offender) and instead should use the ACTS model: be aware, accept consequences, acknowledge publicly, and apologize, followed by change.
Upstanders can use 'I' statements to point out bias or bullying in the moment, such as 'I think this idea is similar to what was mentioned earlier.' They can also delay their response by checking in with the affected person later or create distractions to change the dynamic in the room.
Psychological safety allows team members to voice their opinions and take risks without fear of retribution. Leaders must solicit feedback, create consequences for bullying, and ensure that teamwork is a criterion for bonuses and promotions to maintain this safety and encourage high performance.
Leaders should recognize that disrespectful behavior may hinder overall team performance. They should implement conversational consequences in meetings, ensure teamwork is part of compensation evaluations, and avoid promoting bullies. If behavior doesn't improve, it may be necessary to let the person go.
Leaders should solicit feedback in every one-on-one meeting, asking questions like 'What could I do or stop doing that would make it easier to work with me?' This helps build real human relationships and ensures leaders are aware of their impact on their team.
In this episode of the Passion Struck podcast, John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author and workplace culture expert Kim Scott to explore the transformative power of honest feedback and trust in leadership. Drawing from her groundbreaking books Radical Candor) and Radical Respect), Kim delves into the core principles that help leaders foster open communication and build high-trust teams.
Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/kim-scott-foster-honest-feedback-and-build-trust/)
Call to Action: This episode is packed with valuable lessons on how leaders can model openness, encourage honest feedback, and build cultures rooted in respect and trust. Whether you're a seasoned manager or just starting your leadership journey, Kim’s wisdom offers actionable takeaways to elevate your workplace relationships and foster a more engaged and collaborative team.
Sponsors:
In this episode, you will learn:
Connect with Kim Scott: https://kimmalonescott.com/)
For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals).
Join the Passion Struck Community! Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up here.)
Speaking Engagements & Workshops Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking).
Episode Starter Packs With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks).
Catch More of Passion Struck:
If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.
How to Connect with John:
Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here) and to our YouTube Clips Channel here). For more insights and resources, visit John’s website).
Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com) and find out today!