Order my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.com
What if your team’s biggest problem isn’t what’s said — it’s what’s left unsaid?
In this episode of Lead on Purpose, I sit down with Steven Gaffney, author of Unconditional Power and creator of the CHAT framework for consistently high achieving teams. We unpack why honesty, emotional safety, and proactive communication are the foundations of real performance — not just effort.
We cover:
- The hidden cost of withholding and how to get “the unsaid said.”
- Why emotional safety beats psychological safety every time.
- The five traits of high achieving teams — starting with “team first, position second.”
- How to separate facts from stories using the “Notice vs Imagine” tool.
- The power of reframing problems into opportunities.
- What unconditional power means and how to focus only on what you can control.
You’ll walk away with clear, actionable tools to help your team communicate honestly, perform consistently, and lead with courage and empathy.
Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/
James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Lead On Purpose Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
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