89: Leaders With Heart Make It Safe To Speak The Truth

In this episode, Heather speaks with Joe O’ Neill, CEO of G & D Integrated about his unique approach to providing psychological safety in the workplace. How he engages with his front line and uses orientation to do it. He discussed a time when he was a detached leader who stepped away from the active role of CEO and what he discovered in the process. Key takeaways:

• Have a “I work for them” attitude and not the other way around
• Ask your people to judge you and hold you accountable
• Have honest and truthful conversations with your employees
• When you don’t speak the truth to someone you manipulate them and show disrespect
• Your people need you for guidance and to be present even if it seems like they have it all handled
• Detached leadership does not work
• Nothing replaces human interaction in relationships
• It’s ok to fail as a leader. Don’t become complacent about it though.