Ep. 10: Charting the Course: Navigating Leadership Dynamics with ELS
May 28, 2024
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Erik Therwanger, founder of ThinkGREAT, discusses leadership development, military tactics for business success, importance of effective leadership and intentionality, organizational identity, and inclusive leadership in a dynamic exploration of leadership dynamics.
Leadership can be cultivated by all individuals, not confined to formal roles.
Continuous leadership development is crucial from recruitment to career growth.
Understanding 'how' of leadership execution is as vital as the 'why' motivation aspect.
Deep dives
Importance of Inclusive Leadership Development
Inclusive leadership development is emphasized as a crucial component to empower individuals within organizations. The discussion highlights how everyone can act as leaders, regardless of formal positions, advocating for inclusive leadership models. The speaker shares insights from their experience in the military, where leadership is taught to all personnel. The belief in leadership as a learned philosophy rather than innate talent is emphasized, promoting the idea that every individual can cultivate and exhibit leadership qualities.
Transitioning from Military Leadership to Business Professionalism
The podcast delves into the speaker's transition from a military background to the business realm, showcasing the distinctive leadership development approaches in the military. With a focus on leadership development from the early stages, such as during recruitment, the military instills leadership qualities in individuals from the onset. The speaker highlights the crucial aspect of ongoing leadership development throughout one's military career, leading to a deeper understanding of practical leadership application in various settings.
Leadership How vs. Leadership Why
A critical discussion on the importance of understanding the 'how' of leadership rather than solely focusing on the 'why' is put forth. The podcast underlines that while the 'why' serves as a motivational element, the 'how' of leadership execution is equally vital. Emphasizing the need for leaders to seek continuous improvement and actively develop their leadership skills, the speaker advocates for a comprehensive approach that combines purpose-driven leadership with practical strategies for effective leadership.
Establishing Leadership Truths for Organizational Identity
The significance of defining and upholding 'leadership truths' within organizations to foster a cohesive identity is discussed. The concept involves setting foundational principles that guide organizational behaviors and decision-making. By aligning individuals with core values, vision, and a shared crusade, organizations can cultivate a unified team bound by common leadership elements. The emphasis is on creating a collective commitment to a mission-driven approach that resonates with the team's core values.
Empowering People Through a Meaningful Crusade
The incorporation of a 'crusade' within organizational missions is explored as a transformative element for inspiring and engaging individuals. The podcast highlights the value of a crusade in uniting individuals toward a common purpose that transcends routine objectives. By instilling a sense of purpose and deeper meaning through a crusade, organizations can empower people to align with shared values and contribute to a larger collective goal. Ultimately, a crusade serves as a catalyst for mobilizing individuals and fostering a sense of belonging within the organization.
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Organizational Sherlocks! In this episode, titled "Charting the Course: Navigating Leadership Dynamics with ELS," we are honored to host Erik Therwanger, the visionary founder of ThinkGREAT and the creator of the Elite Leadership System (ELS). As a distinguished military veteran, Erik brings a wealth of experience and a mission-driven approach to developing great leaders.
