Schedule a free consultation. Email me at Chris@Go-Northbound.com

The Emperor Has No Clothes - Leading So People Feel Safe to Disagree

Episode Topic: Encouraging healthy disagreement to strengthen leadership and team performance

Episode Description:
In this episode of Northbound, Chris explores how leaders can foster an environment where team members feel safe to disagree. Through personal stories—including a funny and unexpected example of an old recliner becoming a "feedback chair"—Chris illustrates the value of open dialogue and psychological safety in leadership. He explains why encouraging constructive dissent leads to better decisions, innovation, and stronger team buy-in, while also sharing actionable steps for leaders to normalize dissent and respond thoughtfully to differing perspectives.

Main Points:

• The value of disagreement – Why leaders should welcome challenges to ideas.

• Psychological safety – Creating an environment where people feel respected and comfortable speaking up.

• Leading with humility and openness – Encouraging feedback regardless of seniority or experience.

• Benefits of disagreement – Better decisions, innovation, and stronger buy-in from your team.

• How to encourage it –

  • Ask open-ended questions.

  • Invite alternate perspectives regularly.

  • Respond respectfully and thoughtfully to dissent.

• Personal anecdotes / examples – Stories of learning from unexpected sources, like a young team member offering invaluable feedback.

• Pitfalls to avoid – Overreacting, shutting down dissent, or displaying frustration.

• Actionable advice for leaders –

  • Normalize dissent as part of team culture.

  • Reward honest feedback and constructive challenges.

  • Model vulnerability by admitting when you're wrong or unsure.

Key Takeaways:

• Disagreement, when encouraged, strengthens both leadership and team performance.

• Psychological safety is essential for people to feel comfortable sharing different perspectives.

• Leaders must listen, respect, and thoughtfully respond to challenges and alternate ideas.

• Normalizing open communication fosters innovation and strong organizational collaboration.

• Small, creative actions—like creating spaces for feedback—can have a lasting impact on team culture.

Northbound Approach Community -- https://northbound-approach.circle.so/c/posts/

Empowerment Over "Face-Time" - How To Showcase Your People Naturally

Episode Description:
In this episode of Northbound, Chris dives into the misguided workplace concept of "FaceTime"—the idea that employees need to spend artificial time with higher-ups to get noticed. Chris shares personal experiences from his career where forced visibility felt awkward, transactional, and unproductive. Instead, he highlights how effective leadership empowers employees, creates natural opportunities to showcase abilities, and focuses on results rather than optics. Through stories and lessons, Chris shows leaders how to support their people while avoiding the pitfalls of superficial "FaceTime."

Talking Points:

• The myth of "FaceTime" – Why leaders often emphasize it and what it really means.

• The problem with forced visibility – How artificial "FaceTime" can feel awkward, transactional, or unproductive.

• Showcasing abilities naturally – Encouraging leaders to create opportunities for employees to demonstrate skill and value through meaningful work, projects, or outcomes.

• Trust over optics – Why leadership should focus on results and competence rather than constant physical presence or attention-seeking.

• Empowerment vs. permission – How giving autonomy and real responsibility allows people to shine without "FaceTime."

• Personal anecdotes / examples – Sharing moments where natural exposure worked better than forced face-to-face meetings.

• Actionable advice for leaders:

  • Delegate high-impact projects.

  • Recognize contributions in front of peers or leadership naturally.

  • Encourage proactive reporting rather than micromanagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective leadership is about creating meaningful visibility, not forcing "FaceTime."

• Employees shine best when given autonomy and real responsibility.

• Communication up the chain should focus on results and measurable impact.

• Recognition should feel organic, highlighting genuine contributions.

• Leaders who avoid superficial practices build trust, engagement, and a stronger team.

Email your host directly at Chris@Go-Northbound.com

From Inbox to Outbox - How Efficient Leaders Give Time Back

Episode Description:
In this episode of Northbound, Chris reflects on lessons learned from his grandfather and a particularly disciplined boss. From perfectly packed camping trips to an office inbox meticulously managed by priority, Chris explores how structure, efficiency, and clear expectations can transform the way we work and lead. He shares personal stories that show how great leaders value both results and the people achieving them, creating environments where teams can thrive without staying late unnecessarily.

Main Points:

• How structured processes and prioritization improve performance.

• The importance of leaders modeling efficiency before expecting it from others.

• The impact of valuing employees' time on morale and productivity.

Key Takeaways:

• Well-designed processes give teams clarity and freedom to excel.

• Efficient leadership prevents unnecessary overtime and stress.

• Leaders who value their people's time foster loyalty, engagement, and better results.

• Time management is not just about business efficiency—it's about respecting people's lives outside of work.