PiXL Pearls Flak Catchers
Jul 27, 2025
Discover the unsung heroes known as 'flak catchers' who absorb chaos to protect their teams. Explore how Pixar's early leadership navigated challenges and built a culture around these vital roles. Learn why recognizing and supporting these individuals is crucial for organizational success. Reflect on how to empower those who shield others from conflict and distraction, ensuring a productive and harmonious environment. This insightful discussion encourages a reevaluation of leadership dynamics as we prepare for the new year.
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Pixar's Legendary Layoff Deflection
- In 1985, Pixar was the Computer Division of Lucasfilm under financial strain, with layoffs imminent.
- Ed Catmull and Alvy Ray Smith saved their team by listing only themselves for layoffs, preserving the company's future.
Flak Catchers as Human Shields
- Flak catchers shield their teams from leadership chaos and distractions.
- They protect people to keep them focused on the organization's core work and well-being.
Protect Teams from Distractions
- Leaders must catch anything diverting their teams from key tasks and escalate appropriately.
- Prioritize and remove distractions instead of doing all the work yourself.
