How do we handle a highly vocal leader who goes completely silent and stonewalls the team the moment their specific department is challenged or receives a red metric on the scorecard?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Passive-aggressive silence during a Level 10 Meeting™ is just as damaging as loud insubordination. When a leader shuts down, crosses their arms, or gives one-word answers because their department is facing scrutiny, they are actively breaching the Trust pillar of your company charter. They are prioritizing their personal ego over the health of the company. You must address this behavior immediately after the meeting in a private one-on-one session. Do not let it slide, and do not try to force them to talk in front of the group, which only deepens their defensive posture. Use the core values of being Humbly-Confident and practicing open communication. Point out the specific physical and verbal cues they exhibited during the meeting. Explain that as a member of the leadership team, they do not have the luxury of checking out when things get uncomfortable. If they cannot handle constructive friction or collaborate when their numbers are red, they might be in the wrong seat or lack the GWC™ for leadership. During the next meeting, if they begin to stonewall, the facilitator must gently but directly draw them back in by asking: We need your perspective on this solution to make it work. Are you fully aligned with this direction? Force them to voice their commitment.