342: Shane Snow - The #1 Skill Of An Effective Leader (Intellectual Humility)

Dec 9, 2019

Guest Shane Snow, an effective leader with intellectual humility, discusses the importance of intellectual humility in effective leadership. He explores the challenges of changing one's mind, the role of ego, and the significance of cognitive diversity. Practical ways to develop intellectual humility are highlighted, along with the importance of intentional communication and reading.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Exploring Leadership Skills, Intellectual Humility, and Team Dynamics

01:33 • 2min

A Special Day with a Hero, Pigeon Tasting, and Gratitude

03:28 • 3min

Exploring Intellectual Humility in Leadership

06:16 • 29min

Developing Intellectual Humility and Separating Ego from Intellect

34:48 • 25min

The Importance of Travel, Words, and Reading

59:47 • 3min

Finding More Information Online and Recomending an Assessment

01:03:15 • 2min

Building a Committed Organization and the Power of Reading

01:05:13 • 2min

The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

#342: Shane Snow - The #1 Skill Of An Effective Leader (Intellectual Humility)

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Notes:

Commonalities of leaders who sustain excellence:
- Pattern recognition - The ability to connect ideas and people
- Systems thinking - Connect dots, zoom out
- The ability to continue to question yourself, a hunger to improve, a "voracious learner" (Liv Boeree)
- Must relearn how to humble yourself
- The #1 skill is intellectual humility -- The ability to sit between gullibility and stubbornness
Why are people so unwilling to change their mind?
- "So much of our ideas are attached to our identities."
- "You must separate your ego from intellect."
What is a solution (as a leader)?
- If you're the one in power, invite people with a different perspective to the table.
- Don't invoke identity. Just ask for perspective.
- Leave space to change your mind... "I could be wrong but..."
Strength and flexibility should not be in conflict
Ben Franklin idea:
- Use idea, leave space for change, set opinion, but use phrases less defensive, only change your mind based on evidence. Say things like:
  - "I could be wrong but..."
  - "The research suggests..."
  - "The evidence suggests..."
Elon Musk -- His pattern to persuade people...
- It's purpose based leadership ("to make life multi-planetary")
- The strength is in his vision and his purpose. He's seen as strong by being willing to change his mind.
Compliance versus Committed = Cult vs Culture
- Difference between a cult and culture:
  - Cult - Must act and think in a certain way
  - Culture - Asked to contribute your ideas in your way
Key part of leadership: "Understand what matters to your people."
Intellectual humility:
- Respect for others' viewpoints
- Lack of intellectual overconfidence
- Separating your ego from your intellect
- Being open to revising your viewpoints
- Openness to new experiences
Separate feelings/thoughts from facts
Trying something new creates new opportunities
Advice:
- Learn about intellectual humility - take Shane's assessment
- Frame changing your mind as a strength -- reward others for doing this
- Habits: Instead of saying "I feel" say "I think." Words matter.
Separate facts from stories
Why joining The Learning Leader Circle is a good idea

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