Coaching for Leaders

Sandra Sucher, a Harvard Business School professor and expert on trust, dives into the art of sincere apologies. She outlines three key elements needed for an effective apology, emphasizing responsibility, explanation, and repair. The conversation also explores the power paradox leaders face, where authority can diminish empathy. Sucher further discusses the importance of follow-through to restore trust and highlights how genuine apologies can transform workplace relationships. Listeners gain insights on navigating difficult conversations and enhancing their leadership skills.

Navigating the tricky terrain of unsupportive colleagues takes center stage, with strategies for fostering collaboration and enhancing communication. The importance of professionalism and maintaining strong relationships is explored, especially in competitive environments. Listener questions bring up themes of accountability and personal development, shedding light on the necessity of understanding leadership contexts. Practical tips for boosting productivity and recommended readings add depth to the conversation, making it a treasure trove of insights for aspiring leaders.

Join Katy Milkman, an award-winning behavioral scientist and professor at The Wharton School, as she shares insights on building confidence. She discusses how self-doubt can hinder action and the power of mindset in shaping our realities. Leaders can enhance team morale by encouraging mentorship roles, while ambitious goal-setting should allow for occasional setbacks. Katy also reveals how giving advice boosts confidence and fosters personal growth. Tune in for practical strategies to elevate your confidence and leadership skills!

Jim Harter, Chief Scientist for Gallup, specializes in workplace management and well-being, with a focus on what helps teams thrive. He discusses Gallup's key findings on the connection between managers and employee well-being, highlighting five essential elements: Career, Social, Financial, Physical, and Community. Jim stresses the need for meaningful weekly feedback and open salary conversations, noting that many find interactions with managers unfulfilling. He advocates for a coaching approach, emphasizing the importance of supporting employees' overall health and satisfaction.

Manu Mazzanti, a regional talent development leader, father, and marathon runner, shares insights on making visions a reality. He explores the need for resilience and focus in leadership, using Ken Coleman’s mountain-climbing analogy. Mazzanti emphasizes that true leadership starts from within and everyone can lead without authority. He discusses the importance of forming transformative habits and making small, consistent changes inspired by James Clear. Listeners will gain practical strategies and resources to ignite their leadership journey.

In a dynamic conversation, conflict expert Amy Gallo shares her insights on preparing for difficult discussions. She emphasizes the importance of viewing conflict as a collaborative opportunity while maintaining a focus on shared goals. Gallo advocates for honesty in acknowledging the challenges of tough conversations and encourages empathy to understand opposing perspectives. Techniques for framing interactions strategically, rather than relying on a scripted approach, are also discussed, enhancing the listener's ability to foster constructive dialogue in any environment.

Amanda Ripley, an investigative journalist and bestselling author, dives into the nuances of conflict, separating healthy debate from destructive high conflict. She reveals how humiliation acts as a powerful trigger for escalating disputes and emphasizes the importance of avoiding personal attacks. Ripley shares practical strategies for navigating hostile environments, distancing from 'conflict entrepreneurs,' and fostering healthier dialogue. Listeners can learn about the 'magic ratio' of positive interactions and the role of identity in resolving deep-seated conflicts.

In this engaging conversation, Erica Dhawan, a leadership expert and author of "Digital Body Language," dives into the pitfalls of modern communication that can generate anxiety. She highlights how excessive brevity can lead to misunderstandings and emphasizes the importance of clear expectations around response times. Dhawan discusses the psychological effects of shifting communication tones and how seemingly minor decisions, like email formatting, can influence team dynamics. Her insights are a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance collaboration in the digital age.

Glenn Parker, a renowned team-building consultant and author of 15 books, shares his insights on positive leadership. He discusses the four ways leaders can positively influence others: by being supportive, teaching, motivating, and serving as role models. Glenn emphasizes the importance of recognizing past influences and paying it forward. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how supportive leadership fosters growth and success, encouraging listeners to cultivate meaningful relationships and engage in community acts of kindness.

May Busch, former Chief Operating Officer of Morgan Stanley Europe, shares her insights on career advancement after being promoted 10 times. She emphasizes the importance of a strong track record and effective communication to make a convincing business case for promotions. Instead of leveraging threats, professionals should focus on building trust and showcasing their accomplishments. May also discusses the evolving strategies needed in today’s virtual work environment and the role of feedback in aligning personal contributions with organizational goals.