What if the people around you aren't disengaged, careless, or pulling away? Specifically, what if the people who work for you are actually doing their absolute best? In this episode, I'm talking about the power of positive intent and how simply changing the story we tell ourselves about other people can completely change the way we lead.
I share a conversation with a CEO client who noticed that when budgets and timelines got tight, his anxiety would kick in and he would become more reactive and start micromanaging. The problem was that he was interpreting short replies and lack of response from his team as apathy, when in reality, they were heads down doing the very work he was so worried about.
Positive intent isn't about being naive or ignoring problems. It's about starting from the belief that the people you hired, your team, your partner, your friends, and the people you love are likely trying to do their very best.
3 Key Takeaways
1. Your assumptions shape how you lead.
When pressure rises, it’s easy to interpret silence, short replies, or delays as a lack of investment. But the story you create in your head may not be the truth.
2. Positive intent can interrupt the cycle of reactivity and micromanagement.
When you trust that your people are trying to do good work, you create space for them to work from motivation rather than fear of your reaction.
3. Pause before creating a story about someone else.
The next time someone goes quiet or their response feels short, ask: What would I assume if I believed this person had positive intent and was doing their absolute best right now?
🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:
- Positive Intent – The leadership practice of assuming that the people around you are showing up with good intentions and doing their best.
- The CEO Client Story – A client noticed that pressure around budgets and timelines caused him to become reactive and micromanage his team.
- Motivation vs. Fear – The difference between having a team that works from motivation and one that works out of fear of their leader’s reaction.
- The Story We Create – How short replies, silence, or unanswered messages can lead us to make assumptions that may not reflect what is actually happening.
✨ Reflection Prompts:
- Where have you assumed someone stopped caring when they might simply be overwhelmed or focused on solving a problem?
- What story are you creating about someone based on their silence or a short response?
- What would you assume about this person if you believed they had positive intent and were doing their absolute best right now?
🧠 Who This Episode Is For:
- CEOs, executives, and leaders managing teams
- Managers who find themselves becoming reactive or micromanaging under pressure
- Leaders who want to build teams motivated by trust rather than fear
- Anyone looking to communicate and lead with more awareness, curiosity, and joy
📩 Want to Go Deeper?
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