Episode 04: When Leaders Send Mixed Signals
What if the biggest risk in a high-pressure environment isn’t what leaders say — but what they consistently reward?
In this episode of The Safety Edge Podcast, we explore When Leaders Send Mixed Signals — Stated Values vs. Rewarded Behavior, and the quiet contradiction that shapes culture more powerfully than any policy or slogan.
Leaders often speak clearly about safety, learning, and speaking up. But under pressure, different behaviors are rewarded — speed over judgment, output over reflection, compliance over challenge. And teams quickly learn which signals matter most.
When what is praised conflicts with what is stated, people adapt. Not because they don’t care — but because systems teach them what truly counts.
Pausing to notice these mixed signals — and correcting them — is one of the most overlooked leadership responsibilities under pressure.
🎧 In this episode, we explore:
Why rewarded behavior shapes culture more than stated values
How mixed signals quietly erode trust and psychological safety
The gap between “what we say” and “what actually gets reinforced”
The leadership dilemma between intent and impact
How a coaching mindset helps leaders realign signals under pressure
Reflection:
Have you ever noticed a gap between stated values and rewarded behavior?
How did you respond at the time — and what signal did it send to others?
With the insights from this episode, how might you realign your actions today?
