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The Emperor Has No Clothes - Leading So People Feel Safe to Disagree


Episode Topic: Encouraging healthy disagreement to strengthen leadership and team performance


Episode Description: In this episode of Northbound, Chris explores how leaders can foster an environment where team members feel safe to disagree. Through personal stories—including a funny and unexpected example of an old recliner becoming a "feedback chair"—Chris illustrates the value of open dialogue and psychological safety in leadership. He explains why encouraging constructive dissent leads to better decisions, innovation, and stronger team buy-in, while also sharing actionable steps for leaders to normalize dissent and respond thoughtfully to differing perspectives.


Main Points:


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The value of disagreement – Why leaders should welcome challenges to ideas.


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Psychological safety – Creating an environment where people feel respected and comfortable speaking up.


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Leading with humility and openness – Encouraging feedback regardless of seniority or experience.


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Benefits of disagreement – Better decisions, innovation, and stronger buy-in from your team.


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How to encourage it –


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Ask open-ended questions.


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Invite alternate perspectives regularly.


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Respond respectfully and thoughtfully to dissent.



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Personal anecdotes / examples – Stories of learning from unexpected sources, like a young team member offering invaluable feedback.


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Pitfalls to avoid – Overreacting, shutting down dissent, or displaying frustration.


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Actionable advice for leaders –


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Normalize dissent as part of team culture.


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Reward honest feedback and constructive challenges.


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Model vulnerability by admitting when you're wrong or unsure.




Key Takeaways:


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Disagreement, when encouraged, strengthens both leadership and team performance.


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Psychological safety is essential for people to feel comfortable sharing different perspectives.


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Leaders must listen, respect, and thoughtfully respond to challenges and alternate ideas.


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Normalizing open communication fosters innovation and strong organizational collaboration.


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Small, creative actions—like creating spaces for feedback—can have a lasting impact on team culture.