Welcome to another episode of The Small Business Show. Joining us today is Pete Srodoski, executive coach, business strategist, and bestselling author, to share his approach to building high-performing teams. His new book, Build Kickass Teams, Lead Boldly, Hire Intentionally, has quickly become a must-read in the business community.
“If it’s in your head and it’s not in theirs, it’s your fault”
Srodoski notes that effective leadership starts with authenticity and transparency. He clarifies that leaders have an obligation to clearly communicate their vision, expectations, and ideas to their teams. Without this, employees can become frustrated, ambiguous about priorities, and disengaged.
He emphasizes that hiring should focus on aligning with company culture and core values, rather than on resumes or salaries alone. Leaders “who emit a culture… hire for core values and.. Are authentic and purpose-driven,” Srodoski said. Those who focus primarily on skills or compensation often struggle to build cohesive, motivated teams.
Common leadership pitfalls, according to Srodoski, include failing to communicate honestly, neglecting a regular cadence of discussions, and assuming employees inherently know “what good looks like.” Transparent, consistent communication helps team members understand their roles and expectations, improving overall performance.
Srodoski also stressed the importance of collaborative culture. Leaders should solicit feedback from their teams before rolling out initiatives, making employees feel heard and valued. “People just want to be considered,” he said. “Most are comfortable if you don’t select their decision as long as they were considered.” Failure to do so, he warned, can lead to what he calls “cultural cancer,” eroding trust and morale.
Ultimately, the book draws on multiple years of Srodoski’s experience coaching CEOs worldwide. While he occasionally speaks publicly, his priority remains executive coaching, balancing his professional commitments with family, volunteer work, and youth sports.
Srodoski’s guidance offers actionable strategies for leaders seeking to hire intentionally, communicate authentically, and foster a thriving organizational culture.
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