Coaching for Leaders

Marcus Collins, an award-winning marketer and cultural translator, dives into the psychology behind consumer buying decisions. He emphasizes that identity often drives purchases more than product features. Collins explores how culture influences behavior and the power of brands as community builders, using Patagonia as a prime example. He also discusses the challenges of fan engagement in the digital realm and the importance of shifting perspectives to foster deeper connections. Understanding 'why' people buy is crucial for authentic brand engagement.

In this conversation, Amy Edmondson, a renowned Harvard Business School professor and expert on psychological safety, discusses the challenges leaders face when confronting failure. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for sharing mistakes, promoting growth through collaboration. Amy shares strategies for reframing failure as a learning opportunity, drawing on examples from various fields. She also highlights the significance of emotional resilience and self-reflection in navigating challenges, encouraging a playful and curiosity-driven approach to overcoming obstacles.

Join Joan Garry, an esteemed champion of the nonprofit sector and executive coach, as she delves into the art of aligning executives with their boards. She emphasizes the importance of shared leadership and strong partnerships, particularly between executive directors and board chairs. Joan shares insights on establishing clarity in roles, fostering trust, and effective communication. Plus, discover how to navigate the evolving dynamics of leadership, especially with younger staff in mind. Tune in for invaluable advice that can transform nonprofit governance!

David Hutchens, an expert in storytelling for leaders, shares invaluable insights on how personal narratives can enhance organizational connection. He emphasizes that an effective story should be brief, impactful, and include a clear leadership point. Hutchens discusses the balance between personal reflection and community storytelling, highlighting the significance of emotional articulation. He even introduces a storytelling tool, the Leadership Story Deck, to help leaders master their narrative skills and facilitate meaningful change within their organizations.

Robert “Cujo” Teschner, a retired F-15/F-22 fighter pilot and expert in team effectiveness, shares insights on preventing teams from repeating mistakes. He emphasizes the power of structured debriefs in both military and business contexts, advocating for a culture that turns lessons into actionable changes. Cujo discusses the importance of clear objectives during debriefs, differentiates between decision quality and outcomes, and highlights how these practices foster accountability and psychological safety, enhancing overall team dynamics.

Jen Byyny, a senior director of product design in health-tech and a graduate of the Coaching for Leaders Academy, shares valuable insights on thriving amid career changes. She emphasizes that relationships and communication are key during times of transition. Jen highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people who can champion your growth. She also discusses the need to allow space for grace, recognizing that everyone copes with change differently, and underscores the power of genuine connections to foster resilience in the workplace.

Frances Frei, a Harvard Business School professor and co-author of 'Move Fast & Fix Things,' delves into the dynamics of leadership and change. She discusses the fine line between thoughtful decision-making and the need for urgency, challenging the idea that speed is inherently reckless. Frei emphasizes empowering employees in decision-making to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. She also highlights the importance of prioritization and managing workload to navigate challenges effectively, advocating a balanced approach to leadership and organizational transformation.

In this engaging conversation, bestselling author and leadership expert David Burkus shares his insights on enhancing team performance through clarity. He emphasizes the importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities for maximizing team efficiency. Burkus advocates for structured 'huddles' where team members share what they've completed, what they're focusing on next, and any obstacles they're facing. He draws on examples from various industries, including a fast food chain and the International Space Station, showcasing how clarity fosters empathy and effective communication.

Heather Younger, a renowned keynote speaker and CEO of Employee Fanatix, shares her expertise in active listening, highlighting its crucial role in leadership. She discusses how true listening goes beyond words, involving attention to non-verbal cues. Younger emphasizes that effective listening fosters trust and empathy, enabling leaders to create deeper, more meaningful interactions. By shifting focus from what we want to hear to what we need to learn, leaders can enhance their relationships and drive greater engagement within their teams.

Sheila Heen, a Harvard Law School professor and expert in conflict resolution, dives into the art of handling tough conversations. She emphasizes that good intentions don't automatically negate negative impacts and highlights the importance of distinguishing between intent and impact. Heen shares practical questions to facilitate understanding, encouraging leaders to listen with curiosity rather than defensiveness. They discuss navigating workplace dynamics, the power of empathy, and transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth.