Join George Conrades, former CEO of Akamai Technologies and current Oracle Board member, as he shares inspiring insights from his book, 'On Being a Leader.' He emphasizes the power of effective listening and how inclusiveness fosters team dynamics. Delve into the differences between transactional and transformational leadership while understanding the significance of authenticity and self-awareness. George discusses navigating change, the importance of clarity and accountability, and why loving people is at the heart of true leadership.
Effective leadership is characterized by intentional actions and clear communication, engaging teams to navigate ambiguity and support their growth.
Listening is a vital skill for leaders, fostering trust and collaboration by encouraging diverse opinions and creating an inclusive environment.
Being present in interactions strengthens emotional connections and values team members, enhancing relationships and promoting a positive leadership atmosphere.
Deep dives
Leadership Beyond Titles
Leadership is defined not by titles but by intention and actions. Effective leaders must focus on engaging their teams through clear communication and decision-making processes. For instance, great leaders absorb uncertainty and tackle ambiguity, ensuring that their teams feel supported and informed. This process involves listening, questioning, and ultimately guiding the team toward a resolution that accounts for various perspectives.
The Power of Listening
Listening is a critical skill that many leaders often overlook, yet it fosters deeper connections with team members. An effective listener not only hears what is said but also asks probing questions to understand the speaker's viewpoint fully. This two-way communication enhances trust and collaboration, as leaders demonstrate they value diverse opinions during discussions. When leaders prioritize listening, they create an inclusive environment where team members feel empowered to contribute.
Being Present Matters
Being fully present in interactions with team members is vital for effective leadership. Distractions from technology can hinder meaningful conversations and diminish the perceived value of a leader's attention. When leaders demonstrate their presence, it signals to team members that they are valued and respected. This engagement fosters emotional connections and is essential for building strong relationships within the team.
Navigating Change with Positivity
Change is an inevitable aspect of leadership, and effective leaders guide their teams through it by emphasizing its benefits. By creating emotional connections to the positivity of change, leaders help mitigate resistance and anxiety among team members. Personal experiences with change can be shared to illustrate the benefits it brings for individuals and teams alike. Emphasizing the potential for growth and innovation during periods of change allows leaders to inspire others.
The Transformational Leader
Effective leaders foster transformational relationships rather than transactional ones by motivating and inspiring their team members. This involves developing emotional connections and supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth. Leaders achieve this by understanding their team's strengths and weaknesses and utilizing those insights to create a collaborative environment. By being approachable and relatable, leaders can build trust and loyalty, ultimately driving team success.
George Conrades, the Former CEO of Akamai Technologies and Current member of Oracle’s Board of Directors joins John Kaplan and John McMahon for a conversation on leadership. Conrades is the author of ‘On Being a Leader’ where he shares how to inspire and guide others toward a common purpose.
He’s mentored countless leaders at all levels and across diverse industries, experiences and backgrounds. He shares his experience in this candid conversation.
Be sure to check out his book, On Being A Leader. All the proceeds go to the Akamai Foundation that supports STEM education in grades K-12. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DF6NVQ3V
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HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT
[00:02:06] Insights on Leadership from George's Book [00:04:13] The Power of Effective Listening [00:08:38] Inclusiveness and Team Building [00:17:08] Navigating Change as a Leader [00:20:05] Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership [00:22:55] Balancing Management and Leadership [00:24:28] Understanding Competence and Commitment [00:28:09] The Importance of Being Present [00:29:02] Leveraging Team Strengths [00:33:54] Loving People: The Heart of Leadership [00:37:16] Leadership Development Insights [00:38:23] The Power of Authenticity [00:39:03] Self-Awareness in Leadership [00:39:36] The Impact of Words and Actions [00:44:38] Recruiting the Right People [00:50:55] Creating Clarity and Setting Goals [00:52:53] Accountability and Team Dynamics [01:00:04] Guiding Principles and Urgency [01:01:35] The Importance of Humility
HIGHLIGHT QUOTES
[00:02:10] "Leadership is not about your title. Leadership is about your intention and actions." [00:02:35] "Absorb uncertainty. Great teams, full of wonderful people, can't stand ambiguity." [00:06:42] "To be present shows that you care, and that's a big emotion." [00:34:19] "Your whole job as a leader is to inspire others to do their very best. The measure of your personal leadership success is leaving behind even better leaders." [00:35:04] "You need to be vulnerable because you're going to ask questions that will expose you as a leader who doesn't know the answer." [00:36:41] "Great leaders are made, not born."
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