Three Key Takeaways from the Discussion

1. Courageous conversations start with intention, not confrontation.
The conversation highlighted that difficult discussions are most productive when our intention is to help, elevate performance, strengthen relationships, or improve outcomes. Before entering any conversation, ask yourself: What is my intention? What outcome am I hoping to achieve?

2. Feedback is most effective when it is consistent, future-focused, and part of an ongoing dialogue.
Rather than waiting for issues to become large problems, leaders can create a regular cadence of conversation. Recognizing people when they are doing things well and addressing concerns while they are still small helps build trust and reduces the stress associated with difficult discussions.

3. Curiosity creates better conversations than assumptions.
Whether you're addressing performance concerns, navigating a leadership transition, or seeking to understand a different perspective, curiosity is a powerful starting point. Asking questions, listening carefully, and seeking to understand before being understood allows for more meaningful and productive dialogue.

Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true

Connect directly with Jennie and Byrce on LinkedIn:

• Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/
• Byrce https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-watters-8aa1a1b5/

Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true

Connect directly with Jennie and Byrce on LinkedIn:

• Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/
• Byrce https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-watters-8aa1a1b5/

Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.

Thank you for taking the time to join us for our recent webinar. I trust you’ll agree with me as to the value of Jennie & Bryce’s conversation as they explored, with your excellent questions, how values show up in leadership, especially under pressure, and why understanding your own values is essential to making consistent, confident decisions. One of the central ideas I picked up was that values act as a filter for decision-making, shaping how we lead, respond, and show up each day.

A few key takeaways from the session:

Values are not just ideas, they are decision-making filters. When you are clear on your values, they guide how you respond in moments of pressure, shape your leadership choices, and influence how you prioritize competing demands.

Alignment drives confidence and impact. When your actions align with your values, you feel grounded and authentic; when they don’t, it shows up as tension, second-guessing, or even burnout. Paying attention to that “off-kilter” feeling is an important signal.

Your non-negotiables can help you reveal your true values. Rather than trying to define dozens of values at once, start with what you will not compromise on, these are often your most deeply held beliefs and leadership anchors.

Pressure doesn’t remove your values, it tests how well you know them. The ability to pause, regulate your response, and ask “what’s important now?” is a critical leadership habit that allows you to stay aligned rather than reactive.

Something to think about:
Take a moment over the next week to notice when you feel most energized, engaged, or “like yourself.” What values are present in those moments? How might you create more of them in your day-to-day leadership?

Follow SAIT Corporate Training on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/saitcorporatetraining/?viewAsMember=true

Connect directly with Jennie and Byrce on LinkedIn:

• Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniengilbert/
• Byrce https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-watters-8aa1a1b5/

Have burning questions about leadership that you'd like us to address? Email them to leadership.questions@sait.ca and let your voice be heard.