The Real Leadership Challenge: Prioritizing Team Health Over Tactics

As leaders, we’re naturally drawn to strategy. How can we outperform our competitors? How do we craft the perfect go-to-market plan?

But here’s the hard truth: a brilliant strategy means nothing if the team executing it isn’t healthy.

By “healthy,” I’m not talking about surface-level perks like office birthday parties.

I’m talking about the deep culture of trust, communication, and engagement within your team.

Patrick Lencioni, in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, talks about how leaders often prioritize the “smart” of a team—strategy, marketing, and execution—while neglecting the “health” of the team. The smart stuff is measurable and exciting, but the health of the team is the glue that holds everything together.

And that health starts with listening. Not just listening in 1:1s, but as an everyday practice.

Listening is Proactive Work

Being a good listener isn’t passive—it’s about proactively creating spaces where your team feels heard. It’s about preparing for interactions and being intentional in every conversation. Let’s explore a few examples:

1. Satya Nadella (Microsoft)

When Satya Nadella took over Microsoft, the company was becoming stagnant. Nadella made listening a cornerstone of his leadership. He fostered a culture of open feedback, where employees at every level felt empowered to share ideas. This shift didn’t just boost morale; it reignited innovation and ultimately drove Microsoft’s resurgence. Nadella understood that listening was key to revitalizing the company’s culture and, with it, its performance.

2. Ed Catmull (Pixar)

At Pixar, Ed Catmull believed that creativity thrived when everyone had a voice. Catmull ensured that Pixar’s famous “Braintrust” meetings, where films were critiqued, weren’t just limited to the top creatives. He listened to everyone—animators, tech staff, and interns—to refine ideas and drive innovation. This inclusive approach built a culture of trust and collaboration, where the best ideas, regardless of rank, could surface.

3. Mary Barra (GM)

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, took the reins during a challenging time for the company. Her approach was clear: open the lines of communication. Barra held town hall meetings and implemented anonymous feedback channels so employees at every level could voice concerns. This culture of transparency helped GM navigate recalls and crises while rebuilding trust both internally and externally. Barra’s leadership shows that listening is critical in times of crisis and for long-term stability.

Healthy Teams Drive Sustainable Results

Listening isn’t just about gathering feedback—it’s about building a culture where people feel valued and understood. Healthy teams, built on trust and open dialogue, are more resilient and perform better. Leaders who make listening a priority see the benefits: higher engagement, lower turnover, and teams willing to go the extra mile.

Before your next team meeting, ask yourself: are you investing enough time in listening to your team? Strategy alone won’t drive success—team health will.