About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of clear and candid communication in building trust within teams, especially during tense conversations.

Communication can make or break trust on a team, especially when the conversation gets tense. In this episode, Whitney Putnam and GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talk about one of the most common leadership challenges: how to communicate with clarity, candor and care when the stakes are high. They unpack a real moment from a recent GLN all-staff meeting, where a public challenge created tension, required follow-up and ultimately helped sharpen strategy. Whitney and David explore why leaders often think they are being clear when others are hearing something different, how trust makes hard conversations possible, and why "keeping short accounts" can prevent tension from becoming toxic. This conversation gives leaders a practical look at how honest communication, handled with humility and follow-through, can strengthen both the work and the relationship.

People in this episode

Host: Whitney Putnam

Guest: David Ashcraft

Topics covered

• communication
• trust
• leadership
• candor
• team dynamics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Global Leadership Network

More episodes of The Global Leadership Podcast

• Ep 213: Our Favorite Moments, Spring 2026—Four Leadership Lessons for Uncertain Seasons (with Whitney Putnam and Eric Case) · July 15, 2026 · 30 min
• Ep 212: Why Productivity Starts with Clarity (with David Ashcraft) · July 8, 2026 · 22 min
• Ep 211: On Calling, Counsel and Courageous No's (with Priscilla Shirer) · June 17, 2026 · 38 min
• Ep 210: What Leaders Miss About Motivation, Purpose and Progress (with Chris McChesney) · June 10, 2026 · 46 min
• Ep 208: Leading When the Plan Falls Apart with Craig Groeschel · May 20, 2026 · 45 min
• Ep 207: Leading Through Leadership Hijacks with Edgar Sandoval · May 13, 2026 · 50 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Global Leadership Podcast podcast page.