When “Inmates Run the Asylum”: How Teams Drift, How Leaders Respond, and How HR Brings Culture Back to Center

Episode notes

If the real meeting happens after the meeting, you’re not alone. This week on HR Nightmares, co-hosts Lisa Leath, Amy Conway, and Beth Looney talk about what happens when culture drifts - when feedback goes quiet, side conversations take over, and the “inmates” start running the asylum. They share what it looks like to bring a team back to balance and rebuild trust before things fall apart. The group breaks down practical steps to reset culture: having direct, honest conversations that stay in the room; communicating clearly so decisions actually reach everyone; and giving employees a real voice through culture committees and open feedback. They also explore how to hire for culture add , not culture fit , and why protecting your best culture carriers keeps credibility intact. Through real client stories and lessons from the field, Lisa, Amy, and Beth show how leaders can replace fear and avoidance with healthy tension and accountability. Whether your workplace is too nice or too noisy, this episode will help you get your team back on track. We hope you enjoy this episode! Submit your anonymous workplace questions at LeathHRGroup.com.

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