Part I: From Fear to Feedback: Rewiring Your Team’s Communication DNA

In Part 1 of Mike Lejeune’s interview with Stephen Gaffney on Strategies for Tomorrow’s Leaders, they delve into what it takes to build a consistently high-achieving team. Stephen emphasizes that trust and honest communication are essential for great teamwork. 

He and Mike discuss how leaders can create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing concerns and real feedback—without fear. Stephen explains that when people feel emotionally safe, they're more likely to speak up about problems and contribute ideas, which ultimately drives better results. In fact, he shares a story of a struggling team that turned their performance around once they made open, honest conversations a daily habit.

Another key theme of this episode is the importance of focusing on outcomes instead of just effort. Stephen challenges leaders to rethink how they define success: it's not about how hard people try, but what they actually accomplish. He offers practical tips for shifting a team’s mindset toward results, like setting clear goals and rewarding achievements. Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear real-world examples and simple strategies that any leader can use to boost trust, encourage open dialogue, and keep their team focused on what really matters.

Highlights

• Why people don’t tell the truth at work: Stephen shares the top reason and how to fix it
• A team transformed: How a struggling team turned around once honest feedback became the norm
• Results vs. effort: The culture shift that happens when you reward outcomes instead of hours worked
• Inviting tough feedback: Stephen's tips for making it safe for your team to speak up (even with bad news)
• No more “shooting the messenger”: What to do as a leader when you hear uncomfortable truths
• Consistency in performance: Why high-achieving teams focus on repeated wins, not one-off successes

Key Takeaways

• Create psychological safety for honesty. Teams perform best when people feel safe to speak up with the truth.
• Measure success by results, not effort. Emphasize outcomes achieved instead of hours spent or “trying hard.”
• Invite candid feedback often. Regularly ask your team for honest input and listen without getting defensive.
• Lead by example. Admit your own mistakes and share your honest thoughts respectfully – it sets the tone for everyone else.
• Make accountability a team effort. Encourage team members to hold each other responsible for results, not just rely on the boss.
• Focus on solutions, not blame. When things go wrong, discuss how to improve and reach the goal next time rather than pointing fingers.

Connect with Steven Gaffney on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevengaffneycompany/

Your Free Leadership Gravitational Pull Assessment:
https://stevengaffney.com/leadership-gravitational-pull/