707: The Beliefs of Inspirational Leaders, with Stephen M. R. Covey
Nov 4, 2024
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Stephen M. R. Covey, a bestselling author and former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, shares transformative insights on modern leadership. He critiques the outdated command and control mindset still prevalent in organizations. Covey emphasizes the shift to a 'Trust & Inspire' approach, where leaders focus on unleashing individual greatness rather than controlling it. He highlights the importance of caring for the whole person and fostering internal inspiration to create a thriving organizational culture, ultimately advocating for collaboration over competition.
Shifting from command and control to a trust and inspire leadership model is essential for unlocking individual and collective potential within organizations.
Effective leaders believe in the inherent greatness of every individual, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes collaboration over competition.
Deep dives
Shifting Leadership Paradigms
Command and control leadership styles are prevalent in many organizations, despite the understanding that effective leadership should focus on trust and inspiration. A key distinction lies in the difference between authoritarian command and enlightened command, where the latter is an improvement but still treats people as tools for productivity rather than as whole individuals. Enlightened command leaders operate in a transactional mindset, viewing employees as economic units rather than recognizing their inherent value as whole beings. The paradigm shift toward trust and inspire leadership is essential for unlocking human potential, requiring a deeper appreciation for the greatness within each person and fostering a more collaborative, inspiring environment.
The Limitations of Motivation
In command and control environments, the predominant approach to leadership often hinges on external motivation through carrot and stick tactics, which can restrict the true potential of individuals. While rewards can be effective, they tend to rely on external stimuli that only provide temporary engagement. Inspirational leadership, in contrast, taps into intrinsic motivation, fostering a deep-seated passion that drives individuals to go above and beyond. By prioritizing inspiration over motivation, leaders can awaken the internal fire within their team members, fostering deeper connections and commitment to their work.
Belief in Human Potential
A fundamental belief that leaders must adopt is the understanding that every individual possesses inherent greatness. This belief should not only influence how leaders interact with their team but also guide how they communicate potential and worth to each person. Effective leaders inspire others by recognizing and articulating their strengths, creating a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to embrace their capabilities. By focusing on expressing and developing the inherent potential in team members, leaders can create a culture of growth and inspiration that transcends traditional motivational tactics.
Embracing Abundance Over Scarcity
Leaders are often caught in a mindset of scarcity, fostering competition rather than collaboration among their teams. The belief that there is enough for everyone is a critical mindset shift that can lead to a more supportive and caring work environment. Abundance is described as a choice rather than a condition, urging leaders to model behaviors that promote sharing, recognition, and empathy within their organizations. By choosing to prioritize abundance, leaders can facilitate a culture of cooperation and mutual success, ultimately enhancing team dynamics and overall organizational performance.
Stephen M. R. Covey: Trust & Inspire
Stephen M. R. Covey is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former CEO of Covey Leadership Center. He led the strategy that propelled his father’s book, Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, to become one of the two most influential business books of the 20th Century, according to CEO Magazine. He's the author The Speed of Trust and more recently Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others*.
Despite everything we know about good leadership, a lot of places still operate in a command and control mindset. In this conversation, Stephen and I explore the key ways to shift from command and control to trust and inspire.
Key Points
In spite of all progress, most leaders today are still operating from a command and control mindset.
The carrot and stick approach still dominates most organizational cultures and tactics.
The biggest barrier to becoming a Trust & Inspire leader is when we think we already are one.
People are whole people. The best leaders care for the body, heart, mind, and spirit.
There is enough for everyone. Trust & Inspire leaders elevate caring above competition.
Enduring influence is created from the inside out. The job of the leader is to go first.
All people have greatness inside them. Trust & Inspire leaders work to unleash potential, not control it.
Resources Mentioned
Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others* by Stephen M. R. Covey
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
How to Build Psychological Safety, with Amy Edmondson (episode 404)
Leadership Means You Go First, with Keith Ferrazzi (episode 488)
The Starting Point for Repairing Trust, with Henry Cloud (episode 626)
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