Ep. 107, The Hidden Crisis Behind 80% of Team Failures

The noisiest silent killer of trust and productivity: unclear communication. And miscommunication costs you far more than money. In this episode of the Joyosity Podcast, Jenn shows you how to move beyond noise and cultivate real clarity, so your team doesn’t simply hear you—you create shared meaning. Through a story about a high-heeled shoe, packed with data, you’ll learn how to stop assumptions from derailing progress and turn conversations into engines of trust, alignment, and joy.

Here’s What’s in the Episode

0:31 80% of workplace failures trace back to this issue.
2:25 The high-heeled shoe experiment: a surprising lesson in why miscommunication happens.
4:16 The data about the real costs of miscommunication.
7:40 Two proven keys to clear communication.
10:40 The one question every leader should ask and what to do right after you ask.

Key Takeaway

The goal of communication is shared meaning.

About the Host: Jenn Whitmer

Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosity™, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her upcoming book Joyosity hits shelves fall 2025, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results.

Resources & Links:

Preorder Joyosity:

Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isn’t fluff — it’s fierce strategy. This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish.

Ready to Make a Plan:

Joyosity™ Jumpstart → Get crystal clear on what you want, what’s in the way, and how to move forward with traction.

Starting the Journey:

Enneagram Navigator → Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots.

Ready to Dive In:

Joyosity™ Intensive → A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership.

A Party for More:

Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak → Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter.

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