Important Leadership and Life Lessons from Reality TV?

I have a confession to make. Many of you will judge me. That's fair.

Here it goes: I love reality competition shows. Most are garbage. Totally. But then we have the OG, Survivor.

Who knew a reality show could provide lessons on leadership, empathy, psychological safety, and showing up for people?

Me. I knew. I knew because I am still addicted to this show. This season though is like a masterclass.

Hear me out.

There are many examples (and I will probably share a few), but this week's episode was next level.

Contestant Eva had a deeply emotional reaction—what she called an “episode”—after a grueling challenge. She’d pushed through her leg of a competition but experienced tremendous pressure and frustration during. Once it was over, she broke down, clearly overwhelmed and experiencing an intense emotional response.

Many on her team tried to comfort her, but it wasn't helping that much because they didn’t understand what she needed—because they didn’t really know her and what all she was going through.

But Joe did.

Joe, another contestant who was previously on the same tribe as Eva but now on a different tribe, had formed a bond with Eva. She had confided in him that she was Autistic, and, sometimes when overstimulated, she would have these emotional episodes. She also told him exactly what kind of support helped her through it. She explained she needed someone she could trust who would know what to do.

So, when Joe saw Eva struggling, despite being on the “opposing” team and restricted by the rules, he was visibly distressed. He wanted to help. And then something amazing happened.

Jeff, the greatest host in the history of ever, noticed. And he broke the rules.

He gave Joe permission to cross tribal lines and go to Eva.

What followed was one of the most human, heart-wrenching, and powerful scenes I’ve ever seen on Survivor. Joe rushed to Eva and calmly and compassionately helped her through her episode, providing exactly what she needed to help her through.

Later, Jeff—again modeling compassionate leadership—acknowledged the moment. He asked questions with genuine care and concern. He asked Eva if she wanted to share what had happened. She did.

Eva opened up to the group. She shared her story and that confiding in Joe and knowing he understood her and the support she might need made all the difference in her feeling safe and able to really do her best.

You should check out the clip. It is amazing!

We can't know all the answers to all the questions. But maybe the answer is questions.

Simply asking the question, "How can I best support you?" or "Can you help me?" can create workplaces and communities where everyone is able to be at their best. And when everyone is able to be at their best, individuals and organizations thrive.

Tell me I am not the only one getting leadership lessons from reality shows? What is your favorite lesson you have learned?