Coaching for Leaders

Dan Dworkis, Chief Medical Officer at The Mission Critical Team Institute and author of *The Emergency Mind*, shares insights on thriving under pressure. He emphasizes that emergencies demand a collective mindset, highlighting the importance of clear communication and labeling situations effectively. Dworkis advocates for gradual preparation and self-organization, while also encouraging leaders to embrace humor during 'suboptimal' moments. Lastly, he discusses how maintaining composure, or 'sang-froid,' is a skill that can be cultivated with practice and experience.

Andrew C.M. Cooper, an executive leader and author of "The Ethical Imperative," discusses the power of unconventional relationships for personal growth. He emphasizes investing in diverse connections, like 'shifters' who offer valuable insights and 'connectors' who broaden professional networks. Cooper also highlights the benefits of engaging with challenging individuals, noting that those who seem adversarial can provide critical lessons. His experiences during Operation Warp Speed underline the importance of empathy and adaptability in leadership.

Laura West, a seasoned leader and researcher, shares her expertise in managing stakeholder requests when resources are tight. She emphasizes the importance of creative problem-solving and encourages leaders to take a proactive approach rather than a quick 'no.' West advocates for transparency by showing the work done and presenting multiple options to stakeholders. Highlighting data trends further supports informed decision-making. Overall, her insights promote resilience and communication in navigating resource constraints.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Rogelberg, an organizational psychologist and Chancellor’s Professor at UNC Charlotte, shares his expert insights on structuring effective one-on-one meetings. He emphasizes that these meetings should prioritize the direct report and advocates for a flexible agenda that invites employee participation. Steven highlights the value of skip-level meetings for fostering communication across hierarchies and urges managers to shift away from mere status updates towards meaningful dialogues that promote growth. His research-backed strategies aim to transform how leaders engage with their teams.

Maurice Ashley, the first Black Chess Grandmaster in history, shares his journey from library discovery to championship success. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a beginner's mindset to foster growth and adaptability. The discussion highlights how elite performers learn from mistakes instead of avoiding them. Ashley also reveals insights about managing overconfidence and the significance of preparation during high-pressure moments. His life lessons, drawn from chess, resonate with personal leadership and continuous improvement.

Marshall Goldsmith, a renowned executive coach and bestselling author, shares insightful strategies to overcome habits that hinder leadership success. He delves into the dangers of winning too much and the need for mindfulness in communication. Goldsmith emphasizes the impact of self-awareness, urging leaders to combat biases and redefine their identities. He also warns against being overly goal-obsessed, suggesting that fulfillment comes from aligning achievements with purpose. Additionally, he explores the fusion of leadership with technology to enhance growth.

Mary Murphy, a Professor at Indiana University and founder of the Equity Accelerator, dives into the intricate dance between growth and fixed mindsets within teams. She reveals how team culture can either stifle or elevate a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of collaboration in fostering an inclusive atmosphere. Murphy also challenges the notion that growth cultures lack data focus, advocating for a nuanced approach to competition that aligns incentives for organizational support. Discover strategies to transform performance evaluations into growth opportunities!

Maureen Dunne, a cognitive scientist and neurodiversity expert, discusses the often-overlooked biases against neurodiversity and its potential benefits for organizations. She highlights the importance of a strengths-based approach, drawing parallels with honeybees that thrive on diverse behaviors. Maureen advocates for universal accommodations that support all employees, emphasizing how embracing neurodiversity can drive innovation and sustainability. She also urges leaders to align their policies with inclusive values to create thriving workplace cultures.

James Rhee, a former high school teacher turned private equity investor and CEO, shares his revolutionary insights on leadership. He reveals how leaders can create a culture of kindness by intentionally changing the rules that often stifle it. Rhee emphasizes the power of childhood truths and the necessity of aligning emotional intelligence with analytical thinking. He argues that kindness is a deliberate practice that not only enhances workplace dynamics but also drives significant results. Discover how fostering care can transform organizations and empower communities.

Lisa Cummings, the founder of Lead Through Strengths and a Gallup-certified strengths coach, dives into empowering leadership through strengths-based approaches. She shares insights on how to identify and leverage your core strengths, steering clear of burnout caused by focusing on weaknesses. Cummings emphasizes reframing leadership challenges by applying your top strengths. The conversation highlights the importance of fostering team dynamics through ongoing discussions about strengths, ultimately transforming leadership and enhancing fulfillment.