

1859 – Embracing Creative Conflict and Leadership with HR Huntsman
Mar 24, 2024
23:18
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder & President of Leader's Edge, HR Huntsman.
HR Huntsman's approach to business growth is both strategic and holistic. He understands that for businesses to scale, they need to develop strong leadership and cohesive teams. One of the key insights HR shared was the critical transition leaders must make from being "time tellers" to "clock builders." This metaphor encapsulates the idea that leaders should concentrate on creating systems and infrastructures that function independently of their constant oversight. It's about empowering your team and setting up processes that ensure the business can thrive, even when the leader isn't present.
Another fascinating topic we delved into was the concept of creative conflict. HR believes that for a company to grow, it must cultivate an environment where different viewpoints are tolerated and actively encouraged. This culture allows for innovation and problem-solving from various perspectives, leading to more robust and creative solutions.
Leadership development and team building are also at the heart of achieving sustainable growth. HR emphasized the importance of nurturing leaders who can carry the vision and drive the company's growth. The current labor market presents unique challenges, and HR did not shy away from addressing these. He stressed the importance of adapting to employee engagement and retention dynamics.
In his view, companies should see themselves as training organizations that excel in their fields. This perspective necessitates robust onboarding and training programs that bring employees up to speed, foster their development, and encourage them to stay with the company.
Key Points from the Episode:
- Business growth strategies for small and medium-sized businesses
- Leadership development and team building
- Transitioning from "time tellers" to "clock builders"
- Fostering a culture of creative conflict and diverse perspectives
- Challenges in the labor market and adapting to changing dynamics
- Employee engagement and retention
- Viewing organizations as training companies
- Effective onboarding and training programs
- Importance of personal connection and collaboration opportunities