Brené with Erika James and Lynn Perry Wooten on The Prepared Leader, Part 2 of 2
Sep 26, 2022
auto_awesome
In this insightful discussion, Erika James, Dean of the Wharton School, and Lynn Perry Wooten, President of Simmons University, delve into their book, The Prepared Leader. They share tactical strategies for leaders to enhance resilience during crises. Topics include the importance of emotional intelligence and trust in communication, the global implications of crises, and the evolving dynamics of leadership in remote settings. They also emphasize vulnerability and the need for authenticity, offering personal stories and practical advice for aspiring leaders.
Prepared leaders must embrace vulnerability over ego to create resilience and foster effective decision-making in crisis situations.
Understanding the global repercussions of localized crises encourages leaders to adopt a comprehensive, culturally aware mindset in their responses.
Deep dives
The Essence of Prepared Leadership
Being a prepared leader requires a fundamental shift away from protecting one's ego towards embracing vulnerability and resilience. The authors argue that leaders must choose between being prepared or being protective; these two approaches cannot coexist. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging human emotions and barriers that hinder effective leadership, particularly in times of crisis. This acknowledgment assists leaders in crafting actionable strategies to navigate challenges, fostering an environment where readiness prevails over defensiveness.
Global Perspective on Crises
The podcast highlights the notion that all crises have global repercussions, encouraging leaders to adopt a global mindset when addressing challenges. The conversation articulates that events like the pandemic illustrate how localized incidents can impact the world at large. Leaders need to consider the cultural and societal dimensions of crises, understanding that their response may resonate across communities and nations. This comprehensive view prepares leaders to make informed decisions that are sensitive to the interconnectedness of modern society.
The Role of Communication in Leadership
Effective communication is identified as a pivotal component of leadership, especially during a crisis, acting as a foundation for building trust. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparent, consistent messaging that reflects organizational values while being tailored to the audience's needs. Leaders must also examine who communicates within their organizations, acknowledging that effective communication does not solely rest on the shoulders of the CEO. The ability to execute creative thinking and sense-making alongside communication efforts is required for more impactful leadership.
The Importance of Trust in Leadership
Building trust well before a crisis is essential for leaders aiming to guide their organizations through difficulties successfully. The concept of a 'trust bank' suggests that relationships are forged through small, shared moments of vulnerability and mutual support over time. Leaders who invest in these relationships are more likely to receive cooperation and loyalty from their teams during challenging times. The podcast underscores that trust is a proactive endeavor, necessitating ongoing attention rather than reactionary measures in moments of crisis.
We’re back with the second part of a two-part series with Erika James, PhD, and Lynn Perry Wooten, PhD, about their new book, The Prepared Leader: Emerge from Any Crisis More Resilient Than Before. In Part 1, we talked about what leaders can do today to prepare for what’s next, and in this episode, we dig into more tactical strategies. I have to say that I have lived this work, and this is real. It is not theoretical. This is about what it means to be human and look for grace and make very tough decisions while leading through a crisis.