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THIS Leader Podcast   

70. “I’ve Got Your Back” How Leaders Shape Culture and Commitment


June 9, 2026

Have you ever been faced with an ethical dilemma at work, doubted a decision you needed to make, or run into invisible expectations that surprised you at work? I’m sure you have!

Every time we take a new job or grow into a new role, we take unknowable risks, and we look to those around us to help us understand the unwritten rules and expectations of the role. In those situations, leaders can’t always anticipate the blind spots, but they have a tremendous opportunity to shape the culture.

In this episode, I share a story about a difficult situation that left a young employee questioning himself, and the manager who stepped in with a response that changed everything. Because often, leadership isn't about having the right answer. It's about helping someone else trust themselves enough to find it.

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There will certainly be a moment in your career when your instincts are telling you one thing, the pressure around you is pushing you in another direction, and you're left wondering whether to trust yourself.

It happens to everyone – new employees, experienced leaders, experts in every field, and everyone in between. The key question is this: How do you learn how to take the better path and to trust your gut? 

In this episode, I share a personal story about a new employee who kept quiet against his own good instincts, and the manager who changed everything with four simple words: "I've got your back."

You'll discover why backing your people isn't about being nice. It's a developmental practice that helps people trust their own judgment, strengthens psychological safety, and shapes the culture of your team one interaction at a time.

I also break down the three leadership moves the manager made so effectively, giving you a practical model you can use to build confidence, capability, and trust in the people you lead.



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THIS Leader Podcast
70. "I've Got Your Back" How Leaders Shape Culture and Commitment
22:04
 

"Having someone's back isn't only protective. It's developmental. The very act of backing someone is the same act that's growing their judgment."

70: "I've Got Your Back" How Leaders Shape Culture and Commitment

What happens when a new employee ignores their own good instincts and follows the wrong advice instead? In this episode, I share a personal story about a new employee who found himself caught between what his gut was telling him and the advice of a more senior team member. It's also the story of a manager whose four simple words changed the way he saw himself and his future.

In this episode, you’ll hear about: 

  • Why the "what do I do in this case?" feeling never really goes away. It's not a beginner's problem but a human one. Every new role, manager, and team brings it back at new altitudes.
  • Why "I've got your back" is a verb, AND a feeling. The difference between the slogan and the substance is whether you actually do something visible to prove it.
  • Backing your people returns their judgment to them. When you validate good instincts and stand between someone and the risk, you give them the confidence to speak up next time.
  • The ripple effect on culture. One leader's choice to back someone or not teaches everyone watching what's safe. Those lessons compound into a culture.
  • Why instinct matters more than many leaders realize. Strong judgment isn't developed through policies and manuals alone. It grows when people are encouraged to think critically, trust their observations, and learn from experience. 

Three ways to put "I've got your back" into practice:

  1. Assume positive intent – even before you have a track record to go on. When someone's new, extend trust in low risk situations.
  2. Validate the judgment, not just the feelings. Soothing the feeling misses the transformational lesson. Affirm that their read on the situation was trustworthy.
  3. Take visible action. Pick up the phone. Correct the record. Let them see you spend a little of your own capital because this is rocket fuel for helping them feel safe.

This week's challenge: Find one person on your team who's standing in that vulnerable, stretching spot right now. Validate their judgment. Tell them their instincts are good and then do something visible that proves you mean it.

 

Resources Mentioned:

 

Subscribe & share: If this episode resonated, share it with a leader who needs to hear it. It helps more than you know!

To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, so be sure to subscribe.

Until next time, lead the way!

 

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About your Host

Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant

Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.

For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!). 

I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.

I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.

When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.

Photo of Claire Laughlin looking at her dog

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We have tons of great episodes waiting for you! Check them out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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