The Real Test of Team Culture Isn’t Positivity—It’s Conflict

It’s easy to talk about team culture when things are going well. But what about when they’re not?

In this episode, Dr. Jen Fry gets real about what truly defines a strong team culture—and it’s not just about staying positive. While a lot of teams focus on creating upbeat environments, many fall apart the moment tension hits. That’s because positivity alone doesn’t prepare you for the hard stuff: roommate drama, losing streaks, unmet expectations, or the awkward silence when someone’s upset but no one wants to name it.

True culture shows up when things go sideways. It’s in how teammates give and receive feedback. It’s in whether they can express emotions without fear. It’s in how they handle discomfort, not just how they celebrate wins.

Jen breaks down the difference between performative positivity and real cultural strength—and why teaching athletes to navigate conflict isn’t just good for the team, it’s essential for developing whole, emotionally intelligent humans.

Because if your team can’t handle small conflicts, how are they going to handle the big ones?

Let’s talk about it.

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