Episode 026: Nobody Should Be Fired by Surprise: Feedback That Builds Culture

About the Hosts: Steve Mellor and Lee Povey are seasoned high-performance coaches with decades of experience leading elite athletes, startup founders, and executive teams. As co-hosts of The Founders Catalyst, they bring the language of elite sport into business—turning messy leadership problems into clear standards, better conversations, and stronger culture.Episode Summary: Steve and Lee open with a candid check-in on energy, routines, and identity—then jump into a founder problem that quietly wrecks teams: feedback (or the lack of it).They break down why most leaders avoid feedback, how a vacuum of clarity creates anxiety and stories (“I’m going to get fired”), and why the corporate world often treats performance like a twice-a-year event instead of a daily practice.From there, the conversation expands into culture: why people thrive in environments they actually want to be in, how boundaries and standards create freedom (not restriction), and why “we’re a family” can become a convenient excuse for low accountability.They close by connecting it all to hiring and firing: when feedback is consistent and standards are clear, letting someone go becomes less emotional, less surprising, and far more humane—because the writing has been on the wall for everyone.Key Takeaways:Most teams don’t have a feedback problem—they have a feedback absence. And people fill that silence with worst-case stories.If you want high performance, treat work like performance, every day. Not just during an annual “performance review.”Start feedback with permission. “Are you open to some feedback?” changes the emotional state and lowers defensiveness.Context makes feedback land. “Here’s what I saw and why it matters” beats “Here’s what you did wrong.”Make it objective where you can. Use the “camera test”: what would a recording show, facts over feelings.Praise isn’t optional, it’s capacity. If you only give corrective feedback, you empty the “cookie jar” and people stop being able to receive anything.Boundaries create freedom. People do better when they know the rules and can be autonomous inside them.Play is a performance tool. Build intentional connection time (especially remote) so meetings are sharper and teams feel human.The Rehire Test: If they took a 3-month sabbatical, would you enthusiastically rehire them? If not, you’re already late.Resources Mentioned:The “camera test” (objective observation)The “cookie jar” model (capacity to receive feedback)Code of conduct / standards-setting with team involvementMarginal gains mindset (1% improvements)“Destination workplace” as an identity + experienceThe “Rehire after sabbatical” test (popularized in high-performance company thinking)If this episode hit home, take 10 minutes today and audit your feedback culture:Are people clear on where they stand?Do they know what success looks like—this week, not just this year?Are you refilling the cookie jar as often as you’re taking from it?Subscribe to The Founders Catalyst for more conversations that turn leadership fog into standards, clarity, and better performance.Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions to help you thrive in both your personal and professional life.Join Our LinkedIn Group!Become a part of The Founders Catalyst, a free community for founders, start-up executives, and high achievers. Network, ask questions, and participate in our free monthly Zoom meetings. Connect with like-minded individuals and expand your professional circle. Join here.