Are you trying so hard to be seen as “nice” that you’re avoiding the hard conversations that actually make you a great leader? In this episode, we’re diving into what it really means to lead well at the senior executive level, beyond surface-level kindness and into the kind of leadership that drives results while respecting your team. You’ll hear why high-performing executives often reach a point where development through coaching and team support becomes essential, not optional.
We’ll explore the common trap of confusing being nice with being avoidant, and how direct, respectful communication is key to accountability and trust. You’ll learn how to hold your team to high standards without being unkind, why discomfort isn’t a signal to back off, and how to make your leadership about serving others, not protecting your image.
What You’ll Learn In Today’s Episode:
- Why being “nice” isn’t always helpful to your team.
- The difference between being direct and being unkind.
- How discomfort can actually be a sign of growth.
- Why high performers need support teams.
- The real purpose of leadership coaching.
- How to balance empathy and accountability.
- The cost of avoiding necessary conversations.
- When being nice becomes self-serving.
- How to stop trying to control others’ emotions.
- What real executive-level leadership looks like.
Ideas Worth Sharing:
“When being nice to your team is not combined with holding people accountable and you’re being avoidant, it does not serve anyone. Not the team member, not the broader team and certainly not you as a senior leader.” – Elisia Keown Share on X “Being direct and being unkind are not the same thing.” – Elisia Keown Share on X “Discomfort is not a red flag to stop going and moving forward.” – Elisia Keown Share on XResources In Today’s Episode:
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