Episode 10 Courageous Conversations Part 3 of 3:Leading with Courage & Compassion

Episode #10

Title: Part 3: Leading with Courage & Compassion

Date: Jun 4, 2025

Resilient Workplace Podcast

Hosts: Kellie Tinnin & Joy Davis

In the final episode of our Courageous Conversations series, Joy and Kellie explore how leaders and HR professionals can build cultures where feedback isn’t feared—it’s expected. Learn how to lead with both courage and compassion to foster high-trust, resilient teams.

Key Takeaways:

• The Leader’s Playbook:
  
  

• • • Set expectations for open feedback from the start
      
      
    • Model vulnerability by owning mistakes
      
      
    • Learn to repair when conversations go off-track
      
      

• HR as Culture Shapers:
  
  

• • • Create feedback systems that span all levels
      
      
    • Mediate conflict with clarity, neutrality, and empathy
      
      
    • Use performance templates that empower, not punish
      
      

• Sustaining Brave Culture:
  
  

• • • Embed feedback into weekly rituals and team rhythms
      
      
    • Shift to “feed forward” — future-focused, growth-oriented feedback
      
      

• Build psychological safety through honesty and empathy
  
  

Leadership Insight:

Conflict resolution isn’t just for HR—it’s a critical leadership competency. The Word Conflict is just a realignment conversation...Let’s train for it.

Mental Health Tip:

Workplaces that normalize healthy feedback reduce shame and increase retention and trust.

Tune in and learn how to lead human-first cultures where courageous conversations are the norm—not the exception.

Follow our RWI FB/LinkedIn for Tools/Tips on Improving Communication to Build RESILIENT Teams.  

Resources: 

Check out: Leader Guide Here: https://www.resilientworkplaceinnovations.com/ on resource page.

Leader Toolkit Snapshot: The RWI G.R.O.W. Model for Coaching & Conversation

A simple framework to guide meaningful leadership moments.

• G – Goal
  “What outcome are we working toward?”
  
  Lead with curiosity, not control.
  
  R – Reality
  “What’s happening now?”
  
  Use nonjudgmental observation: “I noticed…”
  
  
  
• O – Options
  “What are some ways forward?”
  
  Collaborate instead of prescribe. Empowers choice.
  
  
• W – Way Forward
  “What will you try, and when will we check in?”
  
  Anchor in accountability + support.
  
  Hard Conversation Starters (Inspired by Jefferson Fisher)

“Can I share an observation with you?”

“What would support look like right now?”

“I want us to move forward together—can we talk about what’s getting in the way?”

Avoid: “You always…” “Why would you…” — they trigger defensiveness.

Cues that Build Trust (from Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards)

• Calm tone + open body posture = psychological safety
  
  
• Soft eye contact + nodding = nonverbal validation
  
  
• Mirror words or phrases (lightly) = subconscious rapport
  
  

Kindness is Not Passivity (from Leading with Kindness)

Kind leaders offer clear expectations + compassion.

• Kindness ≠ avoiding feedback
  
  
• Kindness = saying the hard thing in a helpful way
  “That was hard to hear, and I appreciate your honesty.”

Listen Like a Leader (from Listening Well by Adam S. Miller)

• Reflective Listening: “What I’m hearing is…”
  
  
• Validation without fixing: “That sounds frustrating.”
  
  
• Silence is a skill: Don’t rush to fill the gap—growth often lives in the pause.

Reframe Conflict as Opportunity

"Every tough conversation is a chance to model values, build trust, and create change."

Books: 

Teaming by Amy Edmondson

Cues By Vanessa Van Edwards

Leading with Kindness by William Baker, PhD. & Michael O’Malley, PhD

Listening Well by William R. Miller

The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher