Let’s Be Real: Why “Fake Harmony” Is Hurting Your Team
Let’s be real for a second.
You’re tired of the BS.
The performance issues everyone sees but nobody addresses. The accountability that somehow never applies to that person. The problems that could’ve been solved in five minutes three months ago but are now full-blown disasters.
And you’re stuck in it every day.
The Real Problem: Culture Over Conflict
This isn’t just about your coworker being difficult or your boss avoiding conflict (though maybe they are). It’s about a culture that values fake harmony over real progress.
When being “nice” becomes more important than being honest, you get:
- Important conversations that never happen
- Problems that fester until they explode
- Teams where everyone’s frustrated but no one says why
- Good people who eventually quit because they’re done with the dysfunction
What You Can Do: Real-Time Feedback
Here’s one thing you can try this week:
When something’s off, address it in real time instead of waiting for the “right moment.” Not in a calling-people-out way, but in a “Hey, I noticed this thing—can we talk about it real quick?” way.
It doesn’t have to be a Big Conversation. Sometimes, a two-minute check-in can keep a small issue from becoming a big one.
That’s what we call real-time feedback and coaching. It’s one of the most powerful tools you have as a manager or teammate.
How We Help Teams Break the Cycle
We specialize in workshops and team retreats that teach people how to have these conversations without torching relationships. How to give feedback that actually lands. How to hold people accountable without being a jerk.
Because you deserve to work somewhere people say what needs to be said—with respect, with clarity, and without all the exhausting workarounds.
Interested in what this could look like for your team?
Book a time to discuss here.
