Build with Leila Hormozi: Episode 295 - "Overpromising Is Killing Your Team"

Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host: Leila Hormozi
Podcast Title: Build with Leila Hormozi
Episode Title: Overpromising Is Killing Your Team | Ep 295

Introduction

In Episode 295 of Build with Leila Hormozi, host Leila delves deep into the detrimental effects of overpromising within leadership roles. Drawing from her extensive experience in scaling businesses and managing high-performing teams, Leila emphasizes the critical importance of setting realistic expectations to foster trust and loyalty among team members.

The Pitfalls of Overpromising

Leila begins by addressing the core issue: overpromising. She explains that even with the best intentions, making unrealistic promises can significantly erode trust within a team.

[00:02] Leila: "When you over promise, you break that trust even if your intentions are good. Be real, be consistent, show up for your team every day."

She highlights that overpromising often stems from optimism rather than malice. Leaders, driven by enthusiasm and a big vision, may unintentionally set their teams up for disappointment by making promises they can't fulfill.

[02:19] Leila: "A lot of times this is done because of insecurity. People want to be seen as generous, supportive, great leaders."

Consequences of Overpromising

Leila outlines the various negative outcomes that result from overpromising, including:

1. Broken Trust: Once trust is lost, rebuilding it is a long and arduous process.
2. Resentment and Conflict: Unrealized promises can lead to team members feeling undervalued and betrayed.
3. Cultural Deterioration: Discontent spreads quickly, fostering a culture of cynicism.

[03:05] Leila: "The team has been set up for resentment. They've been set up for conflict."

Real-Life Example

To illustrate her points, Leila shares a scenario involving a new, ambitious team member who is promised rapid promotions and significant opportunities. When these promises fail to materialize, the team member becomes disengaged and cynical, negatively impacting overall team morale.

[03:45] Leila: "If you over promise, whether it's about their career, the role in a project, or benefits, and then you don't deliver, you disappoint them."

Strategies to Avoid Overpromising

Leila provides actionable strategies to help leaders avoid the trap of overpromising:

1. State the Facts and Tell the Truth:
   Be transparent about what is achievable without embellishment.

   [07:26] Leila: "State the facts and tell the truth. I just throw that shit into their bonus."

2. Set Proper Expectations:
   Clearly communicate the realities of career growth and project outcomes.

   [07:24] Leila: "We have to set proper Expectations."

3. Say Less, Do More:
   Avoid hyping opportunities unless you are certain you can deliver beyond expectations.

   [07:53] Leila: "Say less, do more. Stop overhyping everything."

4. Be Clear About What You Can and Can't Control:
   Distinguish between aspects you can influence and those you cannot.

   [10:30] Leila: "Be clear about what you can and can't control."

5. Let Your Actions Speak Louder Than Words:
   Consistently deliver on smaller commitments to build trust gradually.

   [13:08] Leila: "Delivering on smaller promises consistently is way more powerful."

Rebuilding Trust After Overpromising

Acknowledging that overpromising can happen even to the best leaders, Leila outlines steps to rebuild trust:

1. Own Your Mistakes:
   Take full responsibility without casting blame.

   [15:12] Leila: "Take responsibility. Do not blame anybody there. It's not their fucking fault. It's your fault."

2. Explain the Why:
   Provide transparency about what went wrong and how you plan to rectify it.

   [16:01] Leila: "Explain your rationale so that people don't think you're some evil fuck who's just like, you know, over promising."

3. Start Small:
   Focus on delivering small, consistent commitments to regain trust.

   [16:58] Leila: "Start small, focus on delivering small, small, tiny commitments."

4. Be Patient:
   Understand that rebuilding trust takes time and persistent effort.

   [17:08] Leila: "Be patient. I will not be able to fix all these things at once."

Conclusion

Leila wraps up the episode by reiterating the essence of effective leadership: honesty and reliability. She emphasizes that leadership isn't about grand promises but about creating an environment where expectations are clear, and team members know exactly what they need to do to achieve their goals.

[17:30] Leila: "Stop trying to be such a good guy. Stop trying to be this amazing superhero. Be real. Be consistent. Show up for your team every day."

By fostering transparency and setting realistic expectations, leaders can build unshakeable trust and loyalty within their teams, ensuring long-term success and a positive organizational culture.

Key Takeaways

• Overpromising Erodes Trust: Even well-intentioned promises can lead to disappointment and distrust.
• Transparency is Crucial: Clear and honest communication helps set realistic expectations.
• Consistent Small Wins: Delivering on smaller commitments builds a foundation of trust.
• Accountability Matters: Leaders must own their mistakes and work diligently to rectify them.
• Patience is Essential: Rebuilding trust is a gradual process that requires sustained effort.

By adhering to these principles, leaders can cultivate a resilient and motivated team, steering their businesses toward sustainable growth and success.