Coaching for Leaders

Bonni Stachowiak, a professor of business and management at Vanguard University and the host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, shares insights on finding joy through intentional choices. She emphasizes prioritizing quality over quantity in relationships and the discomfort of saying no to societal pressures. Bonni discusses the benefits of intentional technology use, outsourcing tasks, and redefining traditions to enhance connections. Her approach encourages listeners to reflect on their true priorities for greater fulfillment in both personal and professional lives.

Kwame Christian, a business lawyer and the Director of the American Negotiation Institute, shares insightful strategies for negotiating from a position of perceived weakness. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and researching the other party to level the playing field. Kwame discusses the emotional toll of power imbalances and the necessity of self-awareness in negotiations. His tips on leveraging personal strengths and employing strategic questioning can lead to more collaborative outcomes, even in challenging situations.

Chris Deferio, a cafe quality specialist with 20 years in the specialty coffee industry and host of Keys to the Shop, shares valuable insights on employee retention. He emphasizes hiring for attitude and growth potential, while discussing innovative strategies for small businesses. Chris reveals the importance of investing in employee development beyond paychecks and practicing intentional breaks to enhance workplace culture. He also highlights the role of self-awareness and feedback in leadership, advocating for a supportive environment that nurtures loyalty.

Bar Schwartz, a Berlin-based consultant and author of *Leadership in a Time of Continuous Technological Change*, shares her journey from software engineering to creating people-first leadership strategies. She emphasizes the importance of connection for team productivity and how small, consistent actions can lead to significant change. Bar also highlights the shift from authority to empowerment in leadership, urging leaders to embrace incremental transformations and foster a collaborative environment for meaningful work.

Hassan Osman, a project management office leader at Cisco and author of 'Effective Delegation of Authority,' shares his insights on mastering delegation. He discusses the importance of defining the desired outcomes before delegating tasks and emphasizes the need for setting clear expectations and goals. Osman also highlights how effective delegation can serve as a development opportunity for team members. By utilizing structured follow-ups and fostering trust, managers can turn delegation into a powerful tool for growth and engagement.

Explore the intricacies of addressing underperformance in team members with practical strategies for clear communication and accountability. Discover how to use visual tools to enhance team performance and foster a playful workplace culture. Delve into the significance of asking 'why' versus 'what' to guide leadership decisions and align organizational goals. A wealth of resources is also shared to help unlock and enhance leadership skills, alongside insightful discussions on resilience during change.

Discover seven essential tools designed to enhance productivity and create margin in your life. Learn how Acuity Scheduling streamlines appointments while TextExpander speeds up repetitive tasks. Dive into the benefits of PipeDrive for effortless customer relationship management, along with strategies for navigating the email landscape using ConvertKit. Plus, get insights into the podcast's enhancements and a new short-form project, 'Dave's Journal,' offering quick personal reflections. It's all about making your work-life balance smoother!

Ron Williams, a veteran business leader and former CEO of Aetna, shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to corporate success. He emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions, suggesting that leaders should focus on "what" rather than "why" to drive clarity. Ron discusses how knowledge maps transformed Aetna's culture and improved business literacy. He also explores redefining the customer in healthcare, advocating for value-based approaches to boost engagement. His insights highlight continuous improvement and effective communication in leadership.

Jim Harter, the Chief Scientist for Workplace at Gallup and co-author of 'It's the Manager', shares groundbreaking insights from over 1,000 studies on workplace dynamics. He reveals that millennials and Gen Z prioritize purpose and ongoing development over mere job satisfaction. Harter highlights a shift from traditional management to coaching, advocating for continuous feedback instead of annual reviews. He emphasizes that effective managers can significantly boost team engagement by focusing on individual strengths, shaping a supportive and meaningful work environment.

Oscar Trimboli, a mentor and former Microsoft director, dives into the art of deep listening, emphasizing its transformative power in leadership. He discusses practical strategies to encourage speakers to share more, like asking, "What else are you thinking?" Trimboli highlights the importance of creating a receptive space for genuine communication. He also tackles common myths about listening, stressing that effective leaders must not only listen but also take action on what they hear, fostering a culture of open dialogue and understanding.