368: Why “Team-Building Games” Like Spaghetti Towers NEVER Build Your Team's Morale (And What Actually Does)

Most leaders think leadership is about strategy and hard work—but what if the real key to building a high performance team lies in something else?

As a highly conscientious, high-performing leader, you’re already exceeding expectations—but how do you energize a team that’s burned out or disengaged?

This episode dives into a counter intuitive yet effective approach that reignites passion and builds trust while helping you step confidently into the role of a transformational leader.

By the end of this totally fun conversation with Joel Zeff (journalist turned comedian) you’ll know: 

🎉 Discover the underestimated power of the daily communication with your team that escalates performance

🚀 How to create an environment of positive support and opportunity that drives higher team performance without exhausting yourself

🧠 Unlock confidence-building tools that help you break free from perfectionism and make authentic connections.

Hit play now and learn how to transform your leadership style into one that inspires loyalty, productivity, and fun—your team (and future self) will thank you.

If you're tired of being seen as a workhorse instead of a leader and feel misunderstood or invisible to senior executives, it’s not your hard work holding you back—it’s how you're presenting yourself.

My 90-Day Executive Presence Mastery System will uncover your blind spots, equip you with the skills and strategies to communicate with confidence, and help you master the four key pillars of leadership that senior executives respect and recognize. Imagine being listened to, valued, and finally getting the promotion you deserve.

If you want personalized help to massively elevate your executive communication, our Executive Presence Mastery System, a 90-day intensive coaching program may be your ticket. Click here to set up a short meetup for us to chat about it.

About our guest:

As a national speaker, work culture expert, and humorist, Joel Zeff captivates audiences with a unique blend of hilarious improvisational comedy and essential ideas on work and life. He is a dynamic speaker, work culture expert, improvisational humorist, and author. 

He recently updated his book Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work, to include everything readers need to increase engagement, communicate more effectively, and create a positive and successful work environment.

Since 1997, Joel has inspired audiences from Wells Fargo to Samsung to KPMG and even the IRS. Yes, the IRS. Joel is a masterful keynote speaker and a nationally renowned motivator, humorist, and improvisational actor. His spontaneous humor and vital messages have thrilled audiences for more than 25 years, and he has shared his insight at more than 2,500 events.

In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities. 

By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.