Coaching for Leaders

Art Markman, a Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin, dives into the fascinating world of metacognition and knowledge gaps. He discusses how we often overestimate our expertise, underscoring the Dunning-Kruger effect. Markman emphasizes the immense value of mentorship and peer relationships, advocating for organic connections over traditional programs. He also draws parallels between jazz and networking, illustrating the importance of adaptability and learning from mistakes in career advancement.

Michal Holliday, a 26-year career military officer and colonel in the U.S. Air Force, shares valuable insights on personal leadership. He discusses the evolution of his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and emotional management. Holliday highlights how vivid vision statements can energize organizations and the necessity of immediate feedback for growth. He stresses balancing directive leadership with a coaching approach to foster trust and collaboration, ensuring that when orders are given, they are effectively followed.

Mark Allen is an educator and consultant specializing in talent management, currently a professor at Pepperdine University. He discusses how major demographic shifts, particularly the retirement of baby boomers, are reshaping the workforce. Mark emphasizes that leadership development must directly connect to business outcomes, critiquing traditional programs that lack measurable results. He advocates for a strategic, outcome-oriented approach to training, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and practical application to transform leadership into a tangible business advantage.

The discussion dives into the delicate art of sharing career aspirations with management, emphasizing a mix of ambition and humility. It also tackles the challenges faced when working under a disengaged boss, providing actionable strategies for professional growth. Mastering time management through flexible scheduling is highlighted, alongside tips for effective team facilitation and leadership. Lastly, the importance of recognizing team strengths using tools like StrengthsFinder is explored, paving the way for better organizational decisions.

Tom Henschel, an internationally recognized expert in workplace communications and self-presentation, shares insights on managing up. He distinguishes between managing up, which influences how you're perceived by your manager, and coaching up, which aims to change the relationship. Henschel emphasizes the importance of data over emotions, suggesting phrases to encourage open dialogue. He advises arriving with solutions to reduce your boss's workload, highlighting that understanding their success metrics is key to effective influence in the workplace.

Denice Hinden, president of Managance Consulting & Coaching and expert in leadership transitions, shares invaluable insights on board dynamics. She delves into the six purposes of a board and the necessity of transparency for building resilient relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of avoiding assumptions about board members' needs and nurturing open communication. Denice also addresses the importance of clear expectations for collaboration and how leaders can foster trust, ensuring effective decision-making and organizational synergy.

Nir Eyal, renowned expert on psychology, technology, and business, shares insights on controlling attention in a distraction-filled world. He emphasizes the importance of aligning your calendar with personal values, arguing that without a plan, others will dictate your time. Nir advocates for timeboxing over traditional to-do lists, highlighting the significance of commitment and structured scheduling. He also explores the internal triggers of distraction and shares practical strategies for boosting productivity and engagement.

Rita McGrath, best-selling author and professor at Columbia Business School, dives into the nuances of strategic inflection points in business. She explains how change may seem sudden but is often preceded by gradual shifts. McGrath outlines the four stages of inflection points and stresses the importance of being present at the edges of industries to spot emerging trends. She emphasizes enabling direct communication from the frontlines to leaders, encouraging a culture where even awkward insights are valued. It's all about anticipating change before it arrives!

In this discussion, Amy McPherson, founder of Advisors for Change, shares her journey towards intentional leadership aimed at creating more family time. She reveals how shifting focus from lagging to leading indicators transformed her decision-making and staff development. Amy emphasizes the importance of transparency and community in fostering a supportive organizational culture. She also highlights utilizing coaching frameworks to empower teams, showcasing innovative approaches that move beyond technical skills to enhance leadership within non-profits.

The hosts celebrate a monumental achievement of ten million downloads, reflecting on their journey since 2011. Listeners share transformative experiences, including career advancements fueled by the insights gained from the show. A standout story highlights building a successful business through nurturing existing relationships. The importance of community and personal development shines throughout, as they express gratitude for listener support and provide resources for further growth, all while looking forward to future innovations in leadership.