The plan this Friday was to share my version of the ultimate Anti-Team-Building Technique.
I sat down at my computer, all set to opine and wax poetic on the subject, when waiting in my inbox was exactly what I wanted to say… only it was written more poetically and with a third of the words I probably would have used.
So, as the kids today say, “game recognizes game,” and as old folks like me say, “if you can’t beat ’em, share ’em!” Therefore, instead of writing a longer, sub-par version of my musings, I am taking the liberty of re-posting entrepreneur, speaker, and 22-time best-selling author, Seth Godin’s version of my thoughts. Enjoy.
Seth…
Sarcasm is an easy way to amplify feedback.
It has two hidden costs:
- It reveals low status. People with power don’t need to use sarcasm to make a point. If you want to lead with status, using sarcasm undermines that goal.
- It adds emotion where it’s not always needed. The emotion is an amplifier, but it often causes division and defensiveness.
If you have confidence in your standing and your idea, then sarcasm is simply getting in the way, because it undermines both.
Back to me…
When it comes to building strong, cohesive teams, sarcasm is particularly toxic. Teams thrive on trust, psychological safety, and open communication, and sarcasm chips away at all three. Even when intended as humor or light feedback, sarcasm can leave team members feeling belittled, dismissed, or uncertain about where they stand.
Over time, this erodes the willingness to speak up, take risks, or collaborate openly. Great team culture is built on candor and respect, and sarcasm sends the message that neither is fully present.
If you want a team that performs at its best, replacing sarcasm with direct, honest, and respectful communication is not just a nicety; it’s a necessity.
Status > Sarcasm
