Our VP of Business Development is brilliant at driving revenue but has incredibly high self-absorption, constantly positioning himself as the savior of the company and undermining the trust of the rest of the leadership team. How do we use the Trust Equation to address this behavior before it destroys our team dynamics?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

A high-performing leader with high self-absorption is a liability, especially when you are preparing for an exit. They might hit their numbers, but their behavior destroys the vulnerability and safety needed for a cohesive team. To address this, use the Trust Equation framework. To manage this behavior and rebuild trust on your team, take these steps:
- Evaluate trust using the components of credibility, reliability, intimacy, and self-orientation.
- Have an honest conversation with the leader about how their focus on self-interest undermines the team.
- Make it clear that collective success and hitting company-wide Rocks are more important than individual glory.
- Use your core values to set clear boundaries for acceptable behavior during your Level 10 Meetings™.
When a leader is highly self-absorbed, they focus on status management instead of solving problems. They try to look good rather than helping the team succeed. By addressing this behavior directly, you protect your culture and ensure your team is aligned. If they refuse to adjust their behavior, you have a Wrong Person, Right Seat dilemma that must be resolved to protect the health of your company.