This chapter discusses the concept of intellectual humility and its significance in effective leadership. It explores the challenges of changing one's mind and the role of ego in hindering growth and understanding. The chapter also highlights the importance of cognitive diversity and creating a safe environment for diverse perspectives.
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk
#342: Shane Snow - The #1 Skill Of An Effective Leader (Intellectual Humility)
Text LEARNERS to 44222
For full show notes go to www.LearningLeader.com
Notes:
- Commonalities of leaders who sustain excellence:
- Pattern recognition - The ability to connect ideas and people
- Systems thinking - Connect dots, zoom out
- The ability to continue to question yourself, a hunger to improve, a "voracious learner" (Liv Boeree)
- Must relearn how to humble yourself
- The #1 skill is intellectual humility -- The ability to sit between gullibility and stubbornness
- Why are people so unwilling to change their mind?
- "So much of our ideas are attached to our identities."
- "You must separate your ego from intellect."
- What is a solution (as a leader)?
- If you're the one in power, invite people with a different perspective to the table.
- Don't invoke identity. Just ask for perspective.
- Leave space to change your mind... "I could be wrong but..."
- Strength and flexibility should not be in conflict
- Ben Franklin idea:
- Use idea, leave space for change, set opinion, but use phrases less defensive, only change your mind based on evidence. Say things like:
- "I could be wrong but..."
- "The research suggests..."
- "The evidence suggests..."
- Elon Musk -- His pattern to persuade people...
- It's purpose based leadership ("to make life multi-planetary")
- The strength is in his vision and his purpose. He's seen as strong by being willing to change his mind.
- Compliance versus Committed = Cult vs Culture
- Difference between a cult and culture:
- Cult - Must act and think in a certain way
- Culture - Asked to contribute your ideas in your way
- Key part of leadership: "Understand what matters to your people."
- Intellectual humility:
- Respect for others' viewpoints
- Lack of intellectual overconfidence
- Separating your ego from your intellect
- Being open to revising your viewpoints
- Openness to new experiences
- Separate feelings/thoughts from facts
- Trying something new creates new opportunities
- Advice:
- Learn about intellectual humility - take Shane's assessment
- Frame changing your mind as a strength -- reward others for doing this
- Habits: Instead of saying "I feel" say "I think." Words matter.
- Separate facts from stories
- Why joining The Learning Leader Circle is a good idea
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