In this episode, I sit down with Scott Cooksey, CSP, founder of Leadout Performance Group, to talk about building teams that can adapt and win, especially when the plan meets reality.
Scott explains why most "one-and-done" trainings fail, how to diagnose the real problem behind symptoms like conflict, and how leaders can modernize their playbook for a world reshaped by COVID and AI.
We cover his Tour de France model for team strategy (sprinters, climbers, and support), what a useful return-to-office looks like (create experiences you can only have in person), and the role of empathy and outcome clarity in every decision. We also geek out on moments of improvisation - when a surprise changes the game - and how to build rhythms that check in, learn, and adjust.
Key Takeaways
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Stop "training as a fix." Treat conflict and similar issues as symptoms—start with outcomes, diagnose culture and capability gaps, then design the right mix of workshops, coaching, and follow-through.
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Update old models. Much leadership training still leans on decades-old research; your operating environment has changed dramatically in just the last 18–24 months—act accordingly.
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Race strategy beats heroics. Think like a cycling team: you need sprinters for quick results, climbers for long grinds, and the right lead-out to put stars in position to win.
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RTO with purpose. If you bring people in, use the room: strategic work, tactile collaboration, no-laptop meetings, and connection you can't replicate on Zoom.
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Design organic connection (even remote). Create rituals, conversation hooks, and boundaries that spark human moments and reduce meeting fatigue.
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Empathy is a cheat code. Acknowledge feelings, align on outcomes, and choose the smallest meaningful adjustment that moves you closer to the goal.
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Operate in sprints. Build check-ins and "course-correction moments" into the plan so surprises become part of the process, not derailers.
Relevant Links
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Leadout Performance Group / Cooksey Connects – programs, blog, podcast, and services. Leadout Performance
- Schedule a call – direct calendar link to connect with Scott. ConnectWithCooksey.com
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