Navigating the Role of Ego in Leadership

Watch Part 1: What About Our Culture is Holding Us Back? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. Ryan is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership and The Elevated Leader: Leveling Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. Links Part 1: What About Our Culture is Holding Us Back? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson RyanGottfredson.com Is There a Correlation Between Losing Faith and Moving? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson The Research Behind Becoming Christlike | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Is Your Mindset Limiting Your Leadership? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson What Every Leader Should Consider About Community in Their Ward | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Ryan's articles at leadingsaints.org Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Find the Logan Temple ornament and other items at ShopRingmasters.com Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This is the second of a two-part podcast conversation on effective church leadership. The discussion continues with a reflection on the value of open communication and the need for leaders to encourage their team members to express their thoughts and feelings. Ryan emphasizes the significance of establishing a culture where individuals feel safe to share their vulnerabilities, which can lead to deeper connections and trust within a group. The conversation delves into the challenges leaders face when balancing the need to cover prescribed topics versus allowing for authentic, vulnerable discussions that may arise organically. Ryan suggests that leaders should prioritize creating conditions conducive to growth rather than merely focusing on outcomes. He explains the concept of "gardener-minded leadership," where leaders cultivate an environment that fosters development and flourishing among their team members. Kurt and Ryan next consider the role of ego in leadership. Ryan defines ego as the part of ourselves that prioritizes self-preservation over value creation for others. He highlights the importance of self-awareness and the need for leaders to confront their insecurities and limiting beliefs to elevate their leadership effectiveness. The episode also touches on the necessity of vulnerability in leadership, illustrating how it can lead to more meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of community. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their leadership styles, consider how they can create a more supportive environment, and recognize the importance of healing their relationship with themselves to become more effective leaders. The episode concludes with practical suggestions for leaders, including the importance of developing a clear purpose and fostering a culture of learning and openness. Overall, this episode serves as a valuable resource for leaders seeking to enhance their effectiveness and create a thriving community within their organizations. 02:09 - Encouraging Open Communication 02:39 - Establishing Psychological Safety 03:37 - Balancing Doctrine and Values 04:37 - Teaching Dilemmas in Church Settings 05:43 - Creating a Psychologically Safe Culture 06:36 - The Gardener Mindset in Leadership 07:16 - Continuous Improvement in Leadership 08:51 - The Challenge of Self-Preservation 11:15 - The Human Element in Leadership 11:58 - The Role of Ego in Leadership 20:18 - Redefining Ego for Value Creation 22:21 - The Importance of Vulnerability 26:30 - The Cost of Self-Preservation 29:37 - Healing Relationships for Better Leadership