EP139: Why Most Leaders Struggle with True Collaboration (And How to Fix It)

In this episode, I dive into the art of collaborative leadership with expert facilitator Marsha Acker. We discuss why leaders often struggle to create meaningful team conversations, how to balance collaboration with decision-making, and the dangers of "Collaboration Theater."

Marsha shares actionable insights on inviting opposition, improving team dynamics, and mastering the power of listening. Whether you're a business owner or team leader, this episode will help you build trust, foster real dialogue, and lead with confidence.

Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6z1pPiLzHU

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction
01:20 - Marsha’s journey from software engineering to leadership facilitation
05:27 - Signs that a leadership team is stuck
10:49 - When to tell vs. when to collaborate
15:40 - Collaboration Theater: A leadership mistake to avoid
22:04 - The power of asking, “Where might I be wrong?”
31:33 - Why leaders feel the need to have all the answers
38:33 - How to hold effective listening sessions
48:05 - Why inviting opposition strengthens team decisions
56:10 - The importance of carving out time for real conversations
01:08:01 - Marsha’s key to building a culture of leadership

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