Steve Dennis, a strategy consultant and author specializing in transformational leadership, discusses vital strategies for leaders in a rapidly changing world. He emphasizes the importance of asking for help while cautioning against entitlement. Dennis highlights the necessity of adaptability and learning from diverse sources, not just competitors. He advocates for embracing discomfort to foster growth and relevance, drawing on his experiences from the decline of Sears to illustrate the need for proactive change in leadership.
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Sears's Slow Decline
Steve Dennis recounts Sears's decline from retail dominance to near-oblivion during his 12-year tenure.
He emphasizes the company's slow reaction to changing market dynamics and competition from Walmart, Home Depot, and others.
insights INSIGHT
Recognizing and Adapting to Change
Many companies experience slow decline despite recognizing the need for change, like Sears's 20-year slide.
Steve Dennis highlights that 98% of CEOs acknowledge the need for business model change, but struggle with execution.
insights INSIGHT
Self-Sufficiency as an Obstacle
Self-sufficiency, while often seen as a virtue, can hinder leaders in a rapidly changing world.
Clinging to the idea of having all the answers can prevent necessary adaptation and openness to new ideas.
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In this influential business book, Clayton Christensen shows how even the most outstanding companies can lose market leadership when they fail to adapt to disruptive innovations. Christensen explains why companies often miss new waves of innovation and provides a set of rules for capitalizing on disruptive technologies. The book uses examples from various industries, including the disk drive, mechanical excavator, steel, and computer industries, to illustrate trends that lead to success or failure in the face of disruptive technologies.
Leader's Leap
Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption
Steve Dennis
Leader's Leap explores how to transform companies rapidly in the face of disruption. It provides a framework for agile and flexible leadership, emphasizing the importance of bold changes and strategic pivots. The book delves into the challenges of navigating uncertainty and chaos, offering practical strategies for building resilience and adaptability. It also highlights the significance of courageous leadership in driving innovation and achieving sustainable growth. The book is a valuable resource for leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing business environment.
Remarkable Retail
How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption
Steve Dennis
In "Remarkable Retail," Steve Dennis explores the strategies and tactics that retailers need to adopt to win and retain customers in today's dynamic market. The book emphasizes the importance of creating exceptional customer experiences and building strong customer relationships. It delves into various aspects of retail operations, including marketing, technology, and customer service. Dennis provides practical advice and actionable insights for retailers of all sizes. The book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their retail business and achieve sustainable growth.
Steve Dennis: Leaders Leap
Steve Dennis is a strategy consultant, advisor, speaker, and author focused on transformational leadership and the impact of digital disruption. He is the president of SageBerry Consulting and host of the Remarkable Retail podcast. He's the author of the book Remarkable Retail and his newest book Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption*.
Every leader needs to stay relevant in order to serve well. In this conversation, Steve and I explore the mindset and tactics that will help us lead in the context of an ever-changing world.
Key Points
Self-sufficiency is a virtue, until it’s not. Learning to ask for help is a key practice for leaders.
Be cautious about a deserving attitude. High expectations may be correlated with low resilience.
Seek insight everywhere. It’s no longer sufficient just to gain ideas from direct competitors.
Turning pro means showing up and doing the work, especially when we don’t feel like it.
We must go through discomfort, not around it. Radical acceptance of truth will help you stay relevant in changing times.
Resources Mentioned
Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption* by Steve Dennis
Interview Notes
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