The Learn-It-All Podcast 134: The Power of Systems: How to Create a Life That Works | Trevor Timbeck
From Command & Control to Systems Thinking: A New Approach to Leadership Effectiveness
Are you tired of trying to change your team's mindset or "fix" people's attitudes? What if there was a more practical approach to creating lasting change in your organization?
In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, Trevor Timbeck, co-author of "The Power of Systems," shares how shifting from psychological interpretations to systems thinking can transform leadership effectiveness. Drawing from his journey from computer science to leadership coaching, Trevor explains why focusing on concrete actions and systems rather than mindsets leads to better results.
This Episode Covers:
- Why attempting to change people's mindsets often fails and what to do instead
- How traditional "command and control" leadership actually demands obedience rather than inspiring change
- The power of shifting from having answers to asking better questions as a leader
- Why systems aren't just mechanical processes but can be organic and adaptive
- How to create lasting organizational change without relying on willpower or self-discipline
- The importance of building supporting systems rather than trying to maintain habits through force
- Why there's nothing wrong with you or your team - it's about finding better systems
Episode Highlights:
00:01 – The Shift from Psychology to Systems Thinking – Why most self-improvement advice focuses on the individual rather than the systems around them.
05:02 – Trevor’s Leadership Journey – How moving from computer science to sales to coaching changed his entire perspective on leadership.
12:31 – The Power of Asking Questions – Why great leaders don’t need to have all the answers—just the right questions.
19:45 – Breaking Free from the ‘Need to Be Right’ – How systems thinking helped Trevor improve his marriage, leadership, and approach to problem-solving.
28:30 – How Systems Create Lasting Change – Why focusing on small, practical system changes works better than trying to change mindsets or habits directly.
32:38 – Overcoming Barriers to Change – Why people struggle with sustaining new habits and how to design systems that support long-term success.
46:06 – Applying Systems Thinking in Leadership – How leaders can foster accountability, adaptability, and problem-solving in their teams.
About Trevor:
Trevor Timbeck is a leadership coach and author who combines technical expertise with transformational leadership principles. After earning an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, he built a diverse corporate career spanning IT, marketing, and sales at companies including TD Bank, 3M, BlackBerry, and Sun Microsystems. As SVP of Sales, he managed $40M in revenue before transitioning to Chief Talent Officer after experiencing the impact of professional coaching. He co-authored The Power of Systems with Steve Chandler and holds a Professional Certified Coach designation from the International Coaching Federation. Trevor specializes in helping leaders shift from command-and-control approaches to systems-based leadership, leveraging his unique blend of technical innovation (including a patent for mobile content distribution) and emotional intelligence.
Resources Referenced:
The Power of Systems: How to Create a Life That Works by Trevor Timbeck and Steve Chandler
Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions: A Tactical Playbook for Managers and Executives by Keith Rosen
The work of Humberto Maturana (referenced regarding objectivity and demanding obedience)
Bob Newhart's "Stop It" therapy skit
Podcast Contact Information
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: podcast@learnit.com