How to lead through gossip and negativity like a leader, not a manager

It’s Tactical Tuesday!

Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership 101 tools? Start here.

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The Thought

Did you know... Teams that don’t address gossip and negativity are more likely to suffer from low morale, poor collaboration, and burnout.
Leaders don’t silence gossip — they build a culture of honesty, trust, and direct communication.

Quote: “Culture isn’t built on rules — it’s built on what we reward and what we allow.” – Patrick Lencioni

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The Tip

Remember to…

 

  1. Define what good looks like (together) – Whiteboard two columns: Behaviors that build trust vs. Behaviors that break trust. Ask, “What do we want to be known for as a team?”
  2. Address outliers with care – Say, “I value your input, but let’s talk about how and when to bring concerns so they’re productive.” Redirect tension into trust.
  3. Create a culture of direct talk – Teach your team to talk to each other, not about each other. Encourage respectful disagreement and clarity over avoidance.

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The Tool

Short Video: Learn how to lead through gossip and negativity by building trust, safety, and direct communication on your team. See how to turn tension into transparency.

Watch the viral video on TikTok

Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn

Or watch other CLA videos here: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram

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Leadership Question of the week…

Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package. Don’t have these? Get instant access here.

❓What’s one surprising thing you’ve learned about teammate recently? 

❓How does understanding each other make us a better team? 

❓What’s one thing we do to improve our relationships? 

 

Activity of the week…

Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.

Check out my Team Meeting Activities Playlist here

 

Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools. 

Spark dialogue with your team.

Ignite engagement.

These tools, talk-tracks, tips, activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!

-> Order your 52 Say THIS, Not THAT Cards w Box. Simple Manager vs. Leader language shifts to start speaking like a leader, not a manager. Pre-order now available for the physical box. Digital version available instantly. Order today and start shifting your language from manager to leader! Limited time launch discount when you order here!

-> Digital download: Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.

Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again! 

-> Want the team meeting activity cards in a box? Order them now - ships immediately. Limited available. Order now!

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Thank you for leading like a coach out there!

-Dwight

 

P.S. Want to share this Tactical Tuesday newsletter via text, social, or email? Simply copy and paste this link: https://completeleadershipacademy.com/blogs/tactical-tuesday/how-to-lead-through-gossip-and-negativity-like-a-leader-not-a-manager

 

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