Why Leaders Often Add Instead of Subtract

What is one behavior you repeat that may be undermining your leadership?

In episode 264 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson discuss how leaders can grow by identifying habits such as interrupting others, avoiding conflict, or deflecting discomfort with humor. Leadership advice often focuses on adding new tools, strategies, and frameworks, but sometimes the most powerful improvement comes from stopping a behavior that undermines your team. By practicing “addition by subtraction,” leaders can create healthier teams simply by removing one recurring behavior.

Topics explored in this episode:

(00:00:00) The Idea Of Leadership Subtraction

1. Patrick Lencioni introduces the concept that leaders can improve by stopping behaviors rather than constantly adding new practices.
2. The hosts frame the discussion around the Lenten tradition of giving something up and apply that idea to leadership.

(00:02:11) Personal Leadership Habits That Get In The Way

1. Patrick reflects on his tendency to interrupt others and explains how impatience and quick thinking contribute to that habit.
2. Cody shares his own leadership tendency to use humor in uncomfortable situations and how that can sometimes derail important conversations.

(00:07:56) Examples Of Leaders Who Needed To Stop A Behavior

1. Patrick shares stories of leaders who weakened their credibility by constantly talking about themselves or seeking affirmation.
2. The conversation highlights how repeated behaviors can slowly erode trust within a team.

(00:09:55) When Leaders Shut Down Or Ignore Conflict

1. Patrick and Cody discuss leaders who shut down disagreements or avoid addressing uncomfortable moments during meetings.
2. They explain how ignoring conflict or difficult conversations can damage team health and prevent productive debate.

This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.

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This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.