"Don't be afraid of tough questions. They bring out the last 20% of truth that everyone needs to hear."

Notable Moments

00:01:24 The importance of answering any question 00:03:14 Why tough questions build trust 00:07:00 How to tackle big problems as a team 00:10:21 Roundtables over rectangular tables 00:13:02 Living your values in real time

Lee Cockerell, retired Disney executive and leadership expert, shares why leaders must welcome hard questions and answer them truthfully. He recounts a leadership session where every question was fair game and explains how this builds trust and unlocks the last 20% of truth people usually withhold. He discusses practical ways to create psychological safety, handle big issues like AI, and why getting everyone in the same room beats endless meetings. Lee reminds leaders to know what they stand for. After all, your reputation depends on it.

Read the blog for more from this episode on answering the hard questions.

Resources

The Cockerell Academy

About Lee Cockerell

Mainstreet Leader

Jody Maberry

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