1. The Dilemmas of a CEO: Dig Howitt x “In Search of Excellence”
Apr 20, 2021
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A CEO discusses challenges and strategies for success in business. Topics include leadership versus management, building a strong team, embracing failure, and fostering diverse perspectives within a team. The conversation touches on the relationship between strategy and culture, the impact of different leadership styles, and navigating complexities in corporate settings.
31:48
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Quick takeaways
Effective leaders prioritize adaptability and hands-on learning over technical expertise.
Creating a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity fosters innovation and continuous improvement.
Deep dives
Leadership Journey and Adaptability
Dick Howard's journey from a math enthusiast to CEO at Cochlear showcases the importance of adaptability and hands-on learning in leadership. Facing the challenge of managing experienced individuals in unfamiliar industries, Dick highlighted the significance of leading beyond technical knowledge. By emphasizing the need to manage and guide when lacking specific expertise, he demonstrated how effective leadership extends beyond expertise to encompass mentorship and direction.
Embracing Failure and Learning Culture
Dick's approach to failure as a learning opportunity underscores the importance of fostering a culture where mistakes are viewed as stepping stones to growth. By encouraging a safe environment for innovation and risk-taking, Cochlear promotes learning through failure as a pathway to improvement. Dick's emphasis on transparency and openness around failures serves as a catalyst for organizational learning and continuous improvement.
Building High-Performance Teams and Leadership Dynamics
Dick's insights on building high-performance teams revolve around authenticity, diversity of views, and effective communication. Recognizing the value of genuine collaboration and openness to diverse perspectives, he highlights the importance of creating a leadership team that aligns with the organization's values and goals. By fostering an environment where different voices are encouraged and respected, Dick emphasizes the critical balance between strategic management and people-centered leadership for sustainable success.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be the CEO of a massive company? What do you do? What do you worry about? Michael Bungay Stanier is joined by his friend Dig Howitt, CEO and President of Cochlear, a medical device company that helps people hear and be heard. They have a conversation about modern business and what makes a company successful. Dig shares the responsibilities and difficulties that accompany his position as a high-ranking officer, and offers advice that he utilises to ensure he continues to grow and learn as a leader. Get book links and resources at https://www.mbs.works/2-pages-podcast/
Dig selected the book ‘In Search of Excellence’ by Tom J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman Jr. [reading begins at 3:40]
MBS and Dig Howitt discuss:
The book’s impact on Dig [7:42] | Leadership versus management [10:03] | The relationship between strategy and culture [11:30] | Being a follower and a leader [13:25] | Improving failure capacity within a company [16:45] | Building a strong leadership team [20:15] | Diverse views within a team [22:30]
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