Coaching for Leaders

Tom Henschel: The Look & Sound of Leadership Tom Henschel of Essential Communications supports senior leaders and executive teams. An internationally recognized expert in the field of workplace communications and self-presentation, he has helped thousands of leaders achieve excellence through his work as an executive coach and his top-rated podcast, The Look & Sound of Leadership. Have you been told you should take more initiative? Or, perhaps you’ve been telling that to someone else? Either way, this conversation with Tom Henschel will outline three key steps to help you get started. Key Points Three steps to taking more initiative: Think and talk about your work. Ideas come through conversation. Execute on your idea. Feel the fear and do it anyway. Communicate what you’ve done. Initiative is often in the eye of the beholder. Imagine a scale that goes from bold to cautious. There’s probably room for you to be at least 5% bolder. Feeling like you are waiting on others may be an indicator to take initiative. To calibrate where you land, ask yourself: “What’s my typical pattern?” In correspondence, consider asking fewer questions and making more statements. Place yourself in situations where you’ll need to show initiative. Resources Mentioned The Look & Sound of Leadership podcast by Tom Henschel Feel the Fear…and Do It Anyway* by Susan Jeffers Related Episodes Leadership vs. Management (The Look & Sound of Leadership, episode 166) 5 Strategies for Dealing with Narcissists (The Look & Sound of Leadership, episode 239) How to Answer “Tell Us About Yourself” (The Look & Sound of Leadership, episode 250) How to Talk So People Understand You (The Look & Sound of Leadership, episode 254) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.

Join Jon Fogel, a parenting educator and author of "Punishment-Free Parenting," as he shares insights on nurturing relationships with children without resorting to yelling or punishment. He emphasizes that consequences differ from punishment and explains how understanding children's emotions can lead to more effective learning. Fogel advocates for teaching natural consequences over punitive measures and highlights the importance of modeling positive behavior, empathy, and sincere communication, creating a supportive environment for kids to thrive.

Qasim Ijaz, director of cybersecurity at a leading healthcare organization, shares vital insights into the growing threat of cyber attacks. He emphasizes the importance of multi-factor authentication, password managers, and the need to freeze credit reports to protect against identity theft. Ijaz highlights that leaders are key targets for hackers and advocates for preparing through incident response exercises. He also discusses the inevitability of AI use among employees and suggests integrating this reality into prevention strategies.

Andrew Brodsky, an award-winning professor and virtual communications expert at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses navigating authenticity in tough situations. He explores how authenticity can vary in virtual settings and emphasizes that clarity and empathy are key. Brodsky shares insights on using communication mediums, suggesting that sometimes audio or text can be more effective than video. He also highlights how minor mistakes can make leaders more relatable and how vulnerability enhances connections during challenging conversations.

Paul Akers, founder of FastCap and author of "2 Second Lean," shares his journey from master craftsman to Lean manufacturing advocate. He emphasizes the power of simplicity in enhancing workplace culture and productivity. Akers discusses how to tackle small annoyances for big improvements, introducing the concept of 'one-piece flow' and the revolutionary idea of starting with bathroom cleanliness to set organizational standards. His insights inspire listeners to embrace continuous improvement through a fun and effective approach.

Joel Pérez, an executive coach and author of *Dear White Leader*, shares his expertise on cultural humility in leadership. He emphasizes that true humility begins individually but must expand organizationally. Key discussions include maintaining high standards without perfectionism, the importance of inclusive conversations, and using criticism as a tool for growth rather than immediate response. Pérez advocates for a leadership style that fosters belonging, encourages open dialogue, and treats mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.

Brooks Bradford, President of Hydrokinetics and a Coaching for Leaders Academy alum, shares his journey in motivating himself and others towards a compelling vision. He discusses the unique challenges of leadership in high-pressure industries and the importance of personal branding on platforms like LinkedIn. Bradford highlights the transformation from skepticism to action through consistent efforts and emphasizes the value of peer support in sustaining leadership growth. His insights encourage listeners to embrace manageable tasks for ongoing professional development.

Donna Hicks, an Associate at Harvard's Weatherhead Center and former Deputy Director at PICAR, dives deep into the concept of dignity and its power in relationships and leadership. She discusses how dignity differs from respect, emphasizing that everyone has dignity, regardless of status. Vulnerability and empathy are highlighted as key tools for leaders to foster trust and connection. Hicks shares insights on how recognizing dignity can transform conflicts into meaningful dialogues, ultimately bringing out the best in people and humanity.

Nanette Metzger, a sales manager in the food service industry and Coaching for Leaders Academy alum, shares her journey of building a solution-driven team. She discusses the pressures of leadership in high-stakes environments and highlights the significance of effective listening in empowering team members. Nanette emphasizes the value of experiential learning over traditional training, revealing how candid conversations and real-world challenges have transformed her approach to management, fostering ownership and confidence within her team.

Hayley Park, an alum of the Coaching for Leaders Academy and a healthcare executive leading a pharmacy team, shares her insights on navigating leadership challenges. She emphasizes the necessity of gaining a broader perspective to enhance organizational effectiveness. The discussion highlights the significance of continuous learning and building relationships with senior leaders. Hayley also underscores the power of community support in personal growth, advocating for collaboration in leadership development to foster confidence and connection.