Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work & Life

Marc Lesser on Finding Clarity and Compassionate Accountability at Work and Beyond

Nov 20, 2023

Renowned speaker and executive coach, Marc Lesser, discusses the power of communication, compassion, and accountability in our lives and work. He explores the concept of compassionate accountability and the importance of clear communication and healthy relationships in organizations. They also discuss leadership, maintaining a functional work environment, and handling emotional challenges in the workplace.

35:27

Episode guests

Marc Lesser

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Combining compassion and accountability is essential in difficult conversations and should be seen as complementary qualities, fostering healthy relationships and a positive culture.

Encouraging open dialogue, addressing issues promptly, and creating trust within a team or organization are key factors in building a positive and accountable workplace culture.

Deep dives

The Power of Compassionate Accountability

Mark Lesser discusses the importance of combining compassion and accountability in difficult conversations. He explains that compassion and accountability should not be seen as opposing forces, but rather as complementary qualities. Mark emphasizes the significance of effective communication in personal and professional relationships, and how it should balance both compassion and accountability. He explores the role of emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and self-awareness in enhancing relationships and building a healthier culture. Mark also shares his experiences from working in a Zen monastery and how it influenced his approach to leadership.

Introduction

2min

Compassionate Accountability and Clarity

13min

Leadership, Shopify, Productivity Tools, and Harvard Business Review

5min

The Fish Tank: Maintaining a Functional Work Environment

9min

Handling Emotional Challenges in the Workplace

4min

Finding Clarity and Compassionate Accountability at Work

2min

This week I was excited to speak with Marc Lesser. Marc is a renowned speaker, facilitator, workshop leader, and executive coach. He specializes in integrating mindfulness and emotional intelligence into his presentations and training sessions. Marc is the author of five books, including his latest Finding Clarity: How Compassionate Accountability Builds Vibrant Relationships, Thriving Workplaces, and Meaningful Lives. He serves as the CEO of ZBA Associates, a firm focused on executive development and leadership consulting. His podcast, Zen Bones: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times, offers insightful interviews and mindfulness practices aimed at personal development and organizational influence.

Marc is here to share his wisdom and insights on the power of communication, compassion, and accountability in our lives and work. He challenges us to question our assumptions, engage in difficult conversations, and create both a work and personal culture that fosters both compassion and truth. From his experience in running a Zen monastery kitchen to working with Google engineers, Marc has a unique perspective on leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of listening.

This was a really insightful conversation about how to both reclaim agency in the workplace and how we can begin asking the hard questions of ourselves and our employers. If you or anyone you know has been struggling with finding a degree of clarity and accountability at work or in your personal life this episode offers immense insights and reflections on how you can begin to start that process and start feeling more empowered while finding deeper meaning and agency in your life.

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