When national tragedy strikes, leaders don’t have the luxury of silence.

In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and what it reveals about the role of leaders during moments of crisis.

This conversation isn’t about politics. It’s about leadership. It’s about how you show up when your team is already processing fear, anger, confusion—and yes, sometimes celebration.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why silence in the face of political violence isn’t neutrality—it’s complicity
• The difference between political posturing and human leadership
• Practical steps for addressing tragedy with your team while staying rooted in your organization’s values
• The hard truth about protecting culture when toxic responses to violence show up inside your workplace
• How leaders can create psychological safety and protect trust in the aftermath of tragedy

Leadership gets tested in moments like these. The way you respond shapes not only your culture today but the trust your people will have in you tomorrow.

If you’re struggling with how to navigate these conversations, Colby is available for executive coaching, organizational consulting, and leadership training at nxtstepadvisors.com
. You can also connect with him directly on LinkedIn

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• Things Leaders Do Instagram