Episode 381: Helga goes solo: Respectful disagreement in the boardroom

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I share my reflections on respectful disagreement, prompted by the devastating incident involving Australian independent politician Helen Haines, and on how it has sparked broader conversations about turning down the heat while staying engaged.

I explore why boards need robust, respectful debate rather than artificial harmony. I outline two practical frameworks: psychological safety (drawing on Amy Edmondson’s work and on ways to measure and improve team dynamics) and Kim Scott’s Radical Candor model (balancing deep care with direct communication while avoiding ruinous empathy and obnoxious aggression).

I also reflect on a client conversation about values-based leadership, and I encourage you to consider what’s working in your boardroom to enable inclusive, constructive challenge.