Why Contempt Kills Innovation: The Leadership Mistake You Don't Know You're Making
In this week’s Mindset Monday episode, Dr. Cara dives into the most dangerous leadership behavior you might not even realize you’re using: contempt. Backed by the research of Dr. John Gottman and illustrated through real-life leadership stories, this episode breaks down how small moments of moral superiority—eye rolls, sarcastic tones, dismissive comments—can silently erode trust, psychological safety, and team performance. You'll learn: Why contempt is the greatest predictor of team breakdown (and divorce) How to identify subtle signs of contempt in your leadership style A 3-step mindset shift to move from contempt to curiosity How to apply the Receive, Perceive, Respond framework in high-pressure moments Whether you're leading a high-stakes team or navigating daily leadership stressors, this episode will help you build a culture of safety, innovation, and connection—starting with how you respond.