Elisabeth Swan, consultant in the business process performance industry for over 30 years and co-designer and lead Instructor for the Lean Six Sigma Leadership Course at University of California, San Diego (UCSD), discusses her new book on leadership and the unique approach of using illustrations to convey concepts. She emphasizes the power of storytelling in teaching and instruction, as well as in changing behavior. The chapter also explores the importance of including illustrations to effectively convey emotions and messages in leadership.
Being a leader extends beyond the workplace to social circles and families, and individuals have the ability to impact others regardless of their job titles.
Effective leaders possess skills such as clear communication, providing feedback, setting priorities, and using storytelling to connect with and inspire others.
Deep dives
Using illustrations to convey leadership concepts
In this episode of the Connecting the Dots podcast, the guest Elizabeth Swan discusses her new book titled 'Picture Yourself a Leader.' What sets this book apart is the use of illustrations to convey leadership concepts. Elizabeth, who comes from a family of artists, realized that ready-made graphics often lack the emotion necessary to capture the experiences in the workplace. By illustrating the book herself, she aimed to depict the frustration, delight, and fear that occur when people work together. Elizabeth believes that pictures have a profound impact as they allow the readers to visualize the concepts and engage with the stories on a deeper level.
Expanding the definition of a leader
One of the key ideas discussed in the podcast is the expansion of the definition of a leader. Elizabeth emphasizes that being a leader is not limited to having direct reports in the workplace. She argues that influence exists beyond work, in social circles and families as well. Elizabeth believes that individuals have the ability to impact those around them, regardless of their job titles. The podcast hosts share their own experiences and reinforce the importance of recognizing one's influence and embracing the role of a leader in various aspects of life.
Essential skills for leaders and the power of storytelling
The podcast delves into the essential skills that leaders should possess. Elizabeth highlights key skills such as instructing, listening, providing feedback, and setting priorities. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication and the ability to give both positive and constructive feedback to team members. The hosts mention the significance of developing relationships and gaining the trust of their subordinates over time. Furthermore, the discussion explores the power of storytelling in leadership. Stories help connect people on an emotional level and have a greater impact than facts alone. They provide a shared experience and enable leaders to convey their messages in a memorable and relatable manner.
Elisabeth Swan has consulted in the business process performance industry for over 30 years. She advises local nonprofits and guides Fortune 100 companies through Lean Transformations and improvement efforts generating millions in savings. She is the co-designer and lead Instructor for the Lean Six Sigma Leadership Course at University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and designs and runs Lean Six Sigma courses at UC Davis and the University of Denver. She is a co-founder of the Just-in-Time Café learning nexus, and co-host of the “Just-in-Time Café” podcast. Her latest book is, Picture Yourself a Leader: Illustrated Micro-Lessons for Navigating Change, and she also co-wrote the Problem Solver’s Toolkit: A Surprisingly Simple Guide to Your Lean Six Sigma Journey.