Coaching for Leaders

Tiziana Casciaro, a professor at the Rotman School of Management, specializes in power dynamics and organizational behavior. In this engaging conversation, she discusses why leaders often struggle to understand their team's true desires, highlighting that employees frequently lack self-awareness. The power of trust, fostered by familiarity and similarity, is emphasized as key to building effective relationships. Tiziana shares strategies for leaders to uncover deeper motivations and enhance engagement, ultimately fostering a more inclusive workplace.

Sönke Ahrens, creator of Take Smart Notes and author of the bestselling book on effective note-taking, shares his insights on making reading more meaningful. He challenges listeners to move beyond mere memorization and highlights the importance of creating connections between ideas. Ahrens discusses the Zettelkasten method and emphasizes how concise notes can spark ongoing conversations with ourselves. He believes that effective note-taking is crucial for deeper learning and personal growth, particularly for leaders.

Alisa Cohn, a top startup coach known for guiding founders into powerful CEOs, shares her insights on the difficult task of firing employees. She emphasizes the importance of preparation and mindset before these conversations. Cohn introduces the CPR framework to help leaders deliver feedback effectively, focusing on patterns rather than isolated incidents. The discussion also highlights the significance of psychological safety in the workplace and the need for early checkpoints to support new hires, ensuring accountability and growth.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Bungay Stanier, bestselling author and founder of Box of Crayons, shares insights on making progress when starting something new. He emphasizes the power of looking back at past achievements to inform future endeavors. Michael advocates for manageable experiments, advising to 'fire bullets before cannonballs' to reduce risk. He highlights that struggle is a vital part of learning and encourages embracing discomfort as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.

Jennifer Moss, an award-winning journalist and author focused on workplace well-being, discusses the pervasive issue of burnout and its misconceptions. She emphasizes that self-care alone won’t solve burnout and highlights the power of curiosity and empathy in leadership. By fostering genuine conversations, like asking for highs and lows, leaders can better understand their teams. Additionally, Moss advocates for healthy dissent to combat confirmation bias and build trust through vulnerability, crucial for creating a supportive and effective workplace.

Andrew Warner, an entrepreneur and host of the Startup Stories podcast, shares insights from his extensive experience interviewing top founders. He reveals techniques to foster genuine conversations, emphasizing that sharing a bit about yourself can encourage others to open up. Using strategic phrases like “Because?” or “How so?” can deepen dialogue significantly. Warner also discusses the importance of storytelling and how non-traditional questioning can enhance communication in both personal and professional settings.

Muriel Wilkins, co-founder of Paravis Partners and C-suite advisor, shares her insights on current leadership challenges. She discusses the shift from mere acknowledgment to impactful action in diversity and inclusion. Leaders are urged to navigate their roles amidst the 'great resignation,' contemplating the implications of career choices. Muriel emphasizes the need to balance human-centric approaches with performance metrics, encouraging leaders to meet individuals where they are for effective communication and influence.

Explore the intriguing balance between friendship and management in leadership. Gain insights on essential reading habits for new CEOs and the importance of personal boundaries at work. The discussion delves into the art of reflection for effective leadership and the significance of feedback in fostering growth. Discover ways to empower teams through autonomy and open communication while maintaining professionalism. Valuable resources and strategies are shared to enhance your leadership journey.

David Schonthal, an award-winning Professor of Strategy and Innovation at Kellogg, dives into the nuances of overcoming resistance to new ideas. He discusses the critical balance between friction and fuel in driving change, emphasizing how leaders often overlook friction's impact. Schonthal introduces practical strategies like starting small with 'beacon projects' to test innovations and boost acceptance. He stresses the importance of repetition and relatable communication to ease the adoption of new concepts, making innovation more accessible.

Jodi-Ann Burey, a sought-after speaker and writer on race and health equity, discusses the widespread issue of imposter syndrome in the workplace. She challenges the common perception that individuals must tackle this feeling alone, urging organizations to examine their contributions to the problem. Burey emphasizes the need for supportive managers who can reinforce employee confidence and listen actively. The conversation also covers the importance of authentic allyship and how systemic change is required to create a healthier work environment for everyone.