Coaching for Leaders
667: The Way to Handle Oblivious Leadership, with Robert Sutton
Episode guests
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Quick takeaways
- Power and privilege can make leaders oblivious to the challenges faced by their colleagues and customers.
- Leaders should actively listen, ask questions, and demonstrate empathy to connect with their colleagues and customers.
Deep dives
The Trap of Oblivion in Leadership
Leaders can fall into the trap of oblivion, where they become oblivious to the needs and challenges of their colleagues and customers. This is often fueled by the privilege and power that comes with leadership positions. Good leaders are aware of the cone of friction, the impact of their behaviors and decisions on others. They understand that they don't automatically know everything happening in the organization and must actively seek input and insights. Flexing the hierarchy is another important aspect, knowing when to flatten the hierarchy for collaboration and brainstorming, and when to make decisions and provide guidance. Leaders must also be mindful of their communication style, asking fewer questions, making fewer statements, and limiting their talking time. Lastly, leaders should actively listen, be empathetic, and make efforts to understand the work happening on the front lines.
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