EPISODE · Jun 25, 2026 · 5 MIN
Why It's Okay to Upset People When You Lead | Joanna Howes
from The Courageous Leaders Podcast · host Joanna Howes
Why is avoidance the biggest killer of performance in teams? In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I explain why it’s okay to upset people, and why giving honest feedback without fear is a skill every leader needs.Most leaders tiptoe around their teams, scared of upsetting someone. But avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect people, it holds them back. I share why we waste so much energy “mind reading” how others will react, how that robs them of the chance to grow, and how to deliver tough feedback while staying calm, present, and human, even when someone gets upset.What We Cover:00:00 Why it's okay to upset people00:40 You can't control how someone reacts (the "mind reading" trap)01:30 Why avoiding it is really about protecting yourself02:00 My personal story: the feedback that changed everything02:55 How to give feedback without it feeling like an attack03:25 How to stay present when someone cries or gets angry04:19 Why backtracking is the worst thing you can do04:38 Show up for them, even when it's uncomfortable👍 Stay inspired by joining our YouTube community! Click the link, hit the subscribe button, leave a comment, and never miss an episode. Your support helps us empower courageous leaders like you!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ🚀 Elevate Your Leadership:Book a call for transformative leadership and team coaching:Website: https://thechangecreators.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/ → Join our newsletter for courageous leadership insights and advice. 👉 Subscribe here: https://the-change-creators.kit.com/1a5f3c9e54
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Why is avoidance the biggest killer of performance in teams? In this solo episode of The Courageous Leaders Podcast, I explain why it’s okay to upset people, and why giving honest feedback without fear is a skill every leader needs. Most leaders tiptoe around their teams, scared of upsetting someone. But avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect people, it holds them back. I share why we waste so much energy “mind reading” how others will react, how that robs them of the chance to g...
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Why It's Okay to Upset People When You Lead | Joanna Howes
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