ReLeader with Dr. Jon Chasteen Leading a Team That’s Still Healing (You Didn’t Start the Fire, But You Still Smell Like Smoke)
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Mar 12, 2026 A leader walks into a team still smelling of past leadership mistakes and examines why old habits linger. Using a campfire smoke analogy, the conversation highlights how survival reflexes mimic resistance and how to tell reflex from real toxicity. Practical ideas focus on steady, clearer leadership and predictable practices that slowly change the atmosphere.
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ReLeader Shared How Staff Still Reacted To Their Predecessor
- Jon Chasteen shares a conversation with a ReLeader who inherited a large business and felt staff still reacted to the previous leader's style.
- The leader reported getting blamed for past harms she didn’t cause, which sparked the campfire smoke analogy Jon developed into guidance.
Smoke As Leadership Residue
- Jon explains smoke as a metaphor for lingering effects of inefficient leadership: unburned particles that cling to people and culture.
- Smoke equals residue from poor leadership that shows as toxicity, low morale, and reflexive defenses long after the leader is gone.
Recognize Residue Not Rebellion
- Recognize the smoke for what it is and don't take defensive reactions personally.
- Notice survival instincts like over-explaining, side conversations, tone-reading, and punishment expectations tied to past leaders.
