A mission statement on a wall doesn’t shape culture - an activated identity does. In this episode, we explore what it means to have a truly alive organizational identity, using Costco as a gold-standard example. We unpack why identity must go beyond words, how leadership teams can activate it through decisions and systems, and why a clear sense of purpose creates resilience in the face of pressure. If your team feels disconnected or adrift, this conversation offers a powerful reminder of what it means to know who you are - and lead from it.

In this episode of Leading Together, Shaun and Joe explore the importance of conflict in building great teams. Join us as we discuss how effective conflict can serve as a catalyst for engagement, creativity, and stronger relationships among team members. We dive into the concept of conflict competence, emphasizing the need for psychological safety and open communication. We share practical strategies for surfacing tension early, creating shared language around conflict, and establishing common outcomes. You'll learn how to reframe conflict from a negative experience to a valuable opportunity for growth. Whether you're part of a leadership team or looking to improve your organization's dynamics, this episode provides actionable insights to help you lean into conflict effectively. Tune in for a transformative conversation that could reshape the way your team approaches challenges.

In this episode of Leading Together, we delve into the critical issue of organizational silos and how they hinder growth and innovation. Join me, Sean Lee, as I discuss with co-host Joe Ulwig the findings from a recent Bain & Company study that reveals half of all managers struggle with bureaucratic barriers that stifle collaboration. We explore how these silos often originate from leadership behaviors and mindsets, and the necessity for an org-first approach. By examining the contrasting behaviors of siloed versus org-first teams, we highlight actionable strategies for leaders to foster cohesion and shared purpose. Tune in to learn how embracing an org-first mindset not only empowers teams but is essential for organizational resilience and effectiveness.

In this episode, we explore the deep connection between psychological safety and high performance, through the lens of one of the NBA’s most admired teams: the San Antonio Spurs. Honoring the legacy of Coach Gregg Popovich, we examine how his philosophy of "people before players" and his modeling of vulnerability helped create a culture of trust, belonging, and sustained excellence. We unpack practical steps for building psychological safety, the role of intentional vulnerability, and the subtle ways leaders can either reinforce or erode trust.

Use this link to get the free Builders and Breakers of Psychological Safety Guide we mentioned in the podcast: 6levers.kit.com/buildersandbreakers

In this episode of Leading Together, I engage with co-host Joe Ulwig to tackle the critical yet often overlooked issue of organizational systems. We explore the tendency to blame individuals for performance problems rather than examining the underlying systems that shape their work. Through a compelling example from our book, At The Heart of Work, we reveal how miscommunication and unclear priorities can hinder team effectiveness. We discuss strategies for leaders to shift their mindset, emphasizing the importance of understanding both people and systems in driving organizational success. Join us as we uncover practical steps to foster a more cohesive, high-performing leadership team by addressing systemic issues head-on.