Peak Performance Leadership Soft Skills to Steely Leadership | Leah Mether | Episode 277
In uncertain times, leaders face the challenge of guiding their teams through change while inspiring confidence and maintaining accountability. In our latest episode of Peak Performance Leadership, guest speaker Leah Mether sheds light on the importance of clarity, communication, and emotional intelligence during times of uncertainty.
Leah emphasizes the need for leaders to acknowledge the uncertainty that their teams may be experiencing, while also expressing their commitment to leading them through it. By setting clear expectations and having conversations about baseline behaviors, leaders can create a foundation for accountability and navigate potential conflicts that may arise during change.
Understanding the human experience and caring about the emotions and feelings of team members is vital for effective leadership. Leah highlights the role of emotional intelligence in achieving results and discusses the significance of genuinely caring for employees and supporting them throughout change. This approach leads to smoother transitions and more resilient teams.
The episode also delves into the differences between leadership and management, debunking the misconception that they are interchangeable. Leah explains that while management is task-oriented and hierarchical, leadership is about empowering people and investing in the "people part" of leading. By focusing on building strong relationships and creating a culture that promotes accountability, leaders can unlock their team's peak performance.
Additionally, Leah shares insights from her upcoming book, "Steer Through the Storm," which explores the art of leading through change that is not necessarily within the leader's control. Whether it's responding to government decisions, adapting to new regulations, or navigating shifts imposed by the parent organization, leaders at all levels can benefit from the strategies shared in this invaluable resource.
Meet Leah
With more than 15 years’ experience working with thousands of clients, and two acclaimed books to her name, Leah knows what it takes to communicate under pressure. Like you, she knows the challenge of conflict, personality clashes, and difficult conversations.
Winging it in communication simply won’t cut it and avoidance only makes problems grow. There is a structure that works, and it starts with you.
Leah is renowned for her practical, engaging, straight-shooting style. Utilizing her Five Cs® model of communication, she helps leaders and teams shift from knowing to doing, and radically improve their effectiveness.
Her clients represent a diverse range of industries, government agencies, and businesses across Australia – including AGL, Optus, Latrobe Community Health Services, and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Timestamped Overview
- [00:06:40] - Importance of Providing Clarity and Confidence
- [00:09:12] - Accountability During Times of Change
- [00:13:18] - Caring for People's Emotions and Feelings
- [00:16:45] - Creating Desired Experiences
- [00:20:32] - Understanding the Human Response to Change
- [00:23:58] - Leadership vs. Management
- [00:27:10] - Modeling Vulnerability and Encouraging Growth
- [00:31:05] - The Importance of Soft Skills
- [00:34:22] - Leading Through Change
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