Section No. 1: This week's BIG Takeaway Embrace transformative conflict; it has the power to make your team better - if done well
Video: YouTube
"It's a Bad Day When There's More F-Bombs Than Touchdowns" Tom Brady's actions leave many conflicted
The context: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady yelled at the team's offensive linemen during a game on Oct. 16; the reaction last week was mixed.
"You're so much better than the way you're f---ing playing," Brady screamed at his teammates.
However, on his podcast Brady noted he may have gone too far.
"There's a [point] where you can become too overly emotional, which I think I definitely was yesterday," Brady said. "I've got to find a better place to be at, so I can be at a better place for my teammates."
What we can learn: Leaning into conflict can be good for a team. Brady had a point, and the head coach and even the offensive line admitted as much.
While a football field is not a typical workplace, this situation does illustrate the need to have the tough conversations, especially when the goal is to try and motivate and help the team perform better.
Notice that Brady didn't say the players were terrible; he reminded them that they were not playing to their potential.
Also, what is the alternative? Wait until after the game, midseason or, worse, say nothing? How will any of those help? They won't.
My take: While the goal may have been to inspire, Brady still should have waited 46 seconds until halftime and had the conversation in the locker room.
Because he let his emotions take over, the public confrontation - while possibly motivating - also became a distraction.
Transformative conflict - the "T" in our SAFETY model - is powerful; with that said, the timing and location are as important as the message.
Leaders looking to build psychologically safe workplaces need to model transformative conflict and one of the ways to do that is to be aware of the "where" and the "when."
To recap: Embrace transformative conflict; it has the power to make your team better - if done well
Section No. 2: Other lessons from the week
Taylor Swift released her new album "Midnights."
Anti-Hero is the first single and here is the video. Question based on the video: Do you bring your alter ego to work or are you given the space to be your true and best self?
Google's Frightgeist is a fun way to get ready for Halloween. The top costume in the Cheyenne, Wyoming area is a roller coaster.
Remember that fun fits into the "S" (Social learning theory) in our SAFETY model. It shows you are human and makes it safe for others to add some levity to the day. Share the link with your team!
I learned about a site this week that attempts to prove that Dire Straits' hit“Walk of Life” is the perfect music score for the end of any movie. "The Birds" is my favorite.
This is a great example of the "Y" in our SAFETY model (Yes, and versus Yeah, but). Build on ideas and make them bigger.
The UK experienced the opposite of "quiet quitting."
U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned Thursday after her budget plans went over about as well as someone lighting up a cigarette on the Hindenburg; she lasted only 44 days, the shortest stint ever for a U.K. prime minister.
This situation makes me think of the "F" (Failure, Risk and Vulnerability) in our SAFETY model. She took a risk, it failed and then she made herself vulnerable as she stood before the world and publically resigned. An interesting lesson.
Snakes on a plane is real! People freaked out when a garter snake slithered its way through business class on a recent United Airlines flight.
This scene from the 2006 classic film pretty much sums up how we feel about leaders who stifle employees; substitute "mean leaders" for "snakes" and "office" for "plane." (NSFW)
That's all for now Thanks for reading and please remember:
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Rich Trombetta @trombettarich
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