No Triangles is one of the core ideas from the Extreme Leadership Course — a practical framework developed through leading teams in one of the most challenging environments on earth.

It’s simple and memorable. And when applied consistently, it changes how teams communicate, how issues are handled, and how work gets done.

What is No Triangles?

The best way to deal with an issue is directly with the other person.

We all face difficult or troublesome situations from time to time. Experience tells us that when we make the effort to deal directly with the other person, the chances of a good outcome increase significantly.

And yet, we often hesitate.

Rather than raising the issue with the person involved, we test it elsewhere. We look for validation, we seek support, or we hope the situation resolves itself.

This is how triangles form.

Why triangles create bigger problems

Triangles rarely resolve anything. When concerns are raised indirectly, the person involved is often unaware there is an issue. Without that awareness, nothing changes, and the same pattern tends to repeat.

At the same time, new problems are introduced. Messages become diluted or distorted and context is lost. Other people are drawn into situations that do not involve them. What began as a small issue can quickly grow into something more complex.

There is also a hidden cost.

Triangles consume time and energy, particularly for leaders. They create additional conversations, follow-up, and emotional load without moving the issue forward.

Across more than 200 teams globally that have implemented No Triangles:

• 100% reported stronger respect and improved morale

• 89% reported improved productivity and energy

• 30% reported freeing up around one hour per day for leaders

Even small gains are meaningful. Regaining ten minutes a day is ten minutes that can be spent on more valuable work.

A simple rule that changes behaviour

In Antarctica, I introduced a simple rule: No Triangles.

You don’t talk to another person about me, and I won’t talk to them about you. That’s it.

When a team practices No Triangles

• conversations become more direct

• issues are addressed earlier

• trust strengthens across the team

• leaders spend less time managing indirect conversations

• energy is redirected towards productive work

It is a small shift in behaviour with a significant impact on how a team operates.

From idea to action

No Triangles is just one of the behaviours taught in the Extreme Leadership Course.

On its own, it changes culture. When combined with other simple, practical leadership behaviours, it becomes part of a broader shift in how teams think, communicate and perform.

However, like any behavioural change, it only works when it is applied consistently.

Implementation

To help you introduce No Triangles with your team, we’ve created a simple implementation pack.

It includes:

• A short video excerpt from the Extreme Leadership Course you can share with your team (17 minutes)

• A practical implementation guide to help you introduce and reinforce the behaviour

Watch the Video

Used by leaders who value clarity, accountability and trust

This approach has been used by emerging to experienced leaders across hundreds of organisations — from global companies and infrastructure groups to healthcare, financial services, education, government and community services. It’s truly universal!

“No Triangles changed the way our leaders handle conflict almost overnight.”
We’d spent years encouraging “open communication,” but this gave our people a simple, actionable standard. The shift was immediate, fewer side conversations, faster resolution, and a noticeable lift in trust across teams.
— General Manager, National Disability Provider

“It’s such a simple idea — but incredibly powerful when applied consistently.”
Our leaders now call it out in real time: “Is this a triangle? How did person X respond when you asked if you have spoken to me?” That shared language has reduced politics and improved accountability without creating tension. It’s become part of how we work.
— Head of Institutional Banking, Financial Services

“This gave our frontline leaders the confidence to have the conversations they’d been avoiding.”
The implementation guide was practical and easy to use, and the video made it real. We’re seeing stronger relationships, quicker decisions, and far less escalation of minor issues.
— Director of People & Culture, Healthcare Organisation

Explore the full Extreme Leadership Course

No Triangles is just one part of a broader leadership system.

The Extreme Leadership Course brings together a complete set of simple, practical behaviours that help leaders build accountability, strengthen culture and lead with confidence.