TLP194: Dan Pink (Part III/III): To Be Great, You Have to Be Good

This is the final episode with Dan Pink, and the discussion was far-reaching. Leaders are most effective when asking great questions, and listening intently to truly understand other perspectives and points of view. Dan also discusses the moral obligation to help others get ahead, and to develop people with intention. As we face future challenges - technological and others - it's important to think across different disciplines with unbridled curiosity and an openness to other points of view. Key Takeaways [1:10] When should a leader fall on their sword? People have fewer regrets about doing the right thing than they have about making accommodations against doing the right thing. [4:35] Dan shares some of his favorite questions that he's received/asked over the years. [7:25] When you ask 'what' questions vs. 'how' questions, people tend to give you more forward-facing answers. [9:00] A good question to ask is, "What problems do people bring you to solve?" [11:35] Dan believes to be successful you need to have a mix of effort, good taste, luck, and social advantage. [16:10] As a successful person and leader, you have a moral obligation to help those behind you. [19:30] Do we get the incentives wrong when it comes to encouraging good behavior? Dan's answer is that it depends on the organization and its structure. [23:20] When it comes to the educational piece, Dan believes it's important to teach people to think across different disciplines. [24:45] Can someone be both a good man and a great man? Dan thinks in order to be great you have to be good. Quotable Quotes "A leader who has their team's back establishes psychological safety." "People have fewer regrets about doing the right thing than they have about making accommodations against doing the right thing." People need two very basic things: Freedom to think, and freedom to learn. Where to follow Dan Pink Twitter: @DanielPink Facebook: @DanielHPink Website: DanPink.com Resources and Books Mentioned When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, by Daniel H. Pink A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, by Daniel H. Pink Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, by Daniel H. Pink To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others, by Daniel H. Pink Free Agent Nation: The Future of Working for Yourself, by Daniel H. Pink Leaders: Myth and Reality, by Jason Mangone, Jeff Eggers, and Stanley A. McChrystal Team Of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World, by General Stanley A. McChrystal My Share of the Task: A Memoir, by General Stanley A. McChrystal Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value, by Bill George Courage: The Backbone of Leadership, by Gus Lee with Diane Elliott-Lee Dr. Vivek Murthy Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are, by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives, by Daniel Levitin "The Lesson to Unlearn," by Paul Graham Salesbrain.com How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth, by Amy Edmondson Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best... and Learn from the Worst, by Robert I. Sutton, Ph.D. The Leadership Podcast is Sponsored by: Cultivate Grit. Amplify Action. The Self-Reliant Leadership® Manifesto reveals the Three Pillars of a Self-Reliant Leader, which encompass the character attributes, interpersonal skills, and levers required to lead today's workforce. Get your free copy HERE. Free downloads of Quick Reference Guides on Delegation, Time Management, Sales, and more. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Strategic Partners The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called Chalk Talks. They're bitesize hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. Interested in learning more? You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org.