

Coaching for Leaders
Dave Stachowiak
Leaders aren’t born, they’re made. This Monday show helps you discover leadership wisdom through insightful conversations. Independently produced weekly since 2011, Dr. Dave Stachowiak brings perspective from a thriving, global leadership academy, plus more than 15 years of leadership at Dale Carnegie. Bestselling authors, expert researchers, deep conversation, and regular dialogue with listeners have attracted 40 million downloads and over 250K followers on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Activate your FREE membership to access the entire leadership and management library at CoachingforLeaders.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 16, 2023 • 36min
659: Ways to Thrive When the Ground Keeps Shifting Under You, with Jen Byyny
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.

23 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 36min
658: How to Help Change Happen Faster, with Frances Frei
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.

17 snips
Dec 4, 2023 • 40min
657: How to Increase Team Performance Through Clarity, with David Burkus
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.

13 snips
Nov 27, 2023 • 38min
656: How to Understand People Better, with Heather Younger
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.

37 snips
Nov 20, 2023 • 39min
655: How to Help Difficult Conversations Go Better, with Sheila Heen
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.

8 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 39min
654: How to Help Others Be Seen and Heard, with Scott Shigeoka
Scott Shigeoka, an internationally recognized curiosity expert and author, discusses the transformative power of curiosity in leadership. He emphasizes that curiosity should extend beyond mere information gathering; it's crucial for fostering genuine connections. Scott highlights the value of phrases like 'Tell me more' to make team members feel seen and heard. He also addresses the fear of saying 'I don't know,' showcasing how vulnerability can enhance relationships. Inclusivity and storytelling play key roles in combating societal disconnection and fostering innovation.

48 snips
Nov 6, 2023 • 39min
653: The Path Towards Your Next Promotion, with Adam Bryant
Adam Bryant, Senior Managing Director and Partner at the ExCo Group and author of "The Leap to Leader," shares his expertise on navigating career paths. He discusses the importance of assertive communication and how it can impact perceptions in job applications. Bryant introduces a pyramid approach to career advancement, advocating for skill diversity over traditional ladders. He also emphasizes proactive mentorship and the value of collaboration, urging new managers to build relationships and tackle bigger challenges beyond assigned tasks.

13 snips
Oct 30, 2023 • 39min
652: How to Encourage Team Feedback, with Bonni Stachowiak
Dive into the dynamics of team feedback, exploring how trust and support can transform peer evaluations. Discover alternatives to traditional performance reviews that prioritize skills over static metrics. Join a heartfelt discussion on the rituals that can help leaders find fulfillment in their roles, combating feelings of thanklessness. Experience insights on servant leadership, emphasizing empathy and recognition. Reflect on your personal motives for leading and uncover strategies to enhance your leadership journey.

26 snips
Oct 23, 2023 • 40min
651: Getting Better at Reading the Room, with Kirstin Ferguson
In this insightful discussion, guest Kirstin Ferguson, a prominent company director and executive coach known for her work in leadership and gender equality, delves into the art of reading the room. She emphasizes how leaders must recognize their biases and be open to diverse perspectives. Kirstin also shares personal anecdotes, including a military hike that highlights the importance of initiating connections. The conversation advocates for empathy and awareness, particularly in understanding neurodivergent experiences, to enhance team dynamics and leadership effectiveness.

39 snips
Oct 16, 2023 • 39min
650: Where Senior Leaders Can Better Support Middle Managers, with Emily Field
Emily Field, a partner at McKinsey & Company and co-author of *Power to the Middle*, discusses the often-overlooked significance of middle managers in organizations. She reveals the unique challenges they face and argues for recognizing their role as critical to employee engagement and overall success. Emily emphasizes the need for senior leaders to support middle managers through job rebundling and talent redistribution, transforming these roles into empowering positions that enhance productivity and workplace culture.