VER-XIV-0027
“I built a team that actually tells me when I'm wrong.”
Most leaders surround themselves with mirrors. You built something rarer — people who'll say the hard true thing to your face. That is building with, in its highest form. The instinct, once you have power, is to punish the friction. Master the moment by protecting the very thing that keeps you honest.
Your Practice
- Thank, specifically, the last person who told you something you didn't want to hear.
- Watch your own reaction to bad news. Defensiveness teaches the team to go quiet.
- Reward the messenger out loud, so the room learns truth is safe here.
- Ask one direct question this week that invites a hard answer — and sit with whatever comes.