Episode 71: When Trust Breaks Down: The Hidden Impact of Negativity on Teams

Episode 71

When Trust Breaks Down: The Hidden Impact of Negativity on Teams

Episode Summary

Negativity doesn't just hurt feelings—it systematically destroys the vulnerability-based trust that teams need to thrive. When leaders rely on yelling and harsh criticism, they lose their steadiest contributors who suffer silently and fade away. Trust is built slowly and destroyed quickly, but recognizing the damage negativity causes is the first step toward choosing a different path.

Key Points:

• Vulnerability-based trust is the foundation of high-performing teams—when negativity dominates, people learn to hide mistakes, avoid risks, and protect themselves rather than contribute openly.

• S and I behavioral styles are hit hardest by negativity—they withdraw, go silent, and stop bringing the steadiness and encouragement that holds teams together, often suffering without complaint.

• "That's how I was coached" perpetuates dysfunction—leaders must challenge inherited patterns, separate feedback from attack, and create environments where it's safe to be human and make mistakes.

Resources

• Blog Posts:

  • Building Trust

  • How Do I Build a Strong Team?

  • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

  • Leading with Empathy: Cultivating Strong Teams Through Relationships

  • Mastering Effective Feedback: Strategies for Success

  • The Hidden Key to Thriving Teams: How Trust Unlocks Team Potential

  • Do You Get Other People

• Free Leadership Toolbox

• Words Matter Video

• Resource Page

  • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

  • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (Book Review)

Related Episodes

• Leadership and Life Bookshelf: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

• The Trust Factor: Building Stronger Teams & Relationships

• Building Stronger Teams: 3 Lessons from The Five Behaviours

• Trust, Technique, and Teamwork: Coaching for Success Without Yelling

• The Power of I Don’t Know: Vulnerability in Leadership

• Unlocking Communication: An Overview of the DISC Model

• Speak Their Language: Using DISC to Communicate with Impact

• Feedback that Fuels Growth: Tailoring Your Approach for Maximum Impact

Listen

Listen on Sound Sugar Radio Monday to Friday at 11:00 am and approximately every 75-90 minutes.

Subscribe to the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

---

---

About Jacquie:

Jacquie is the founder of Leadership and Life by Kayric Inc, where she blends the best of teaching, leadership, and the occasional The West Wing reference to help non-profits and small business build strong leaders and healthy teams. Utilizing DISC and The Five Behaviours of a Cohesive team, combined with teaching knowledge and experience, Jacquie strives to empower leaders with the skills no one taught them and to create teams who want to work together.

Formerly a junior high teacher (who loves teenagers), Jacquie brings a decade of classroom wisdom, ten years corporate training experience, a growth mindset, and a sprinkle of mild rebellion to her dynamic approach.

In her free time, Jacquie channels her passion for community improvement by volunteering with school councils, serving on non-profit boards, and generally finding ways to make her corner of the world a better place. You can also find her on the side of a soccer pitch, at Remedy Café or in her scrapbook room.

Contact Jacquie