Love in Action

25 years ago, my leadership skills were on life support, but over time my toxic patterns were broken as I repeatedly chose to perform actions that created value, built community, and increased my influence. Neuroscience and positive psychology research have led us to a better understanding of how to improve our leadership behaviors and shift from a fixed to a growth mindset. To take neuroscience for a test drive and begin to reshape your own brain to become a better leader, there are three time-tested decisions you must make:1. Practice New BehaviorsYou become a leader by first unlearning and subtracting old habits. Then shift to a growth mindset, showing curiosity and openness. When you surround yourself with leaders exhibiting character and emotional intelligence — soak up their wisdom, and model new habits and behaviors. Then apply your new learning and knowledge, and add experience to your everyday life. “Application and practice is the key.” [3:40]2. Change“You must be willing and motivated to change and grow as a leader.” [4:30] Your intentions to become a great leader someday have to be heart-based. In other words, great leaders connect to the hearts of their followers to gain their trust. Both the head and heart need to be in the game. Without the heart, you’re stuck in autocracyland — focusing heavily on the end results while treating people like cogs — and forgetting the relationships that will achieve even greater results while making people’s lives better.3. Seek Feedback“To develop leadership skills, you must be motivated to seek out and receive feedback from others to see yourself more clearly.” [5:54] This will take great courage. You have to be willing to go down deep to explore old habits and behaviors below the surface that need to be identified and changed. In other words, unlearning and subtracting old behaviors and learning and adding new habits.Which of these ideas do you agree with? What would you add? I’d love for you to continue the conversation on LinkedIn. Tag my name and use #loveinactionpodcast. Let’s keep it going.Mentioned in this episode:Marcel Schwantes | Professional Profile | LinkedInMarcel SchwantesSend Marcel a text message!

Highlights:Leadership and Empowering PeopleTrue leadership extends beyond being in the trenches. It’s about the ability to empower people even when you’re not around - even after you’re no longer in the company permanently, your influence remains. “Leadership is about empowering other people as a result of your presence and making sure that impact continues into your absence.” [5:46]Empowerment Leadership as a TargetEmpowerment leadership can be represented by a target - the bullseye being TRUST which is the foundation. Leaders move outward with each ring representing an element that empowers people. The first ring is LOVE with the idea of: How can I set up one other person for success? The next ring is BELONGING: What can I do for a varied group? The next rings are STRATEGY & CULTURE where you truly make a difference with your influence going past the bounds of the organization, rippling out to the customers and the clients where strategy is silent. "It starts with ourselves with trust and it goes all the way past the bounds of the organization with culture." [8:38]Building a Trustworthy CultureTrust is broken down into 3 traits: authenticity, logic & empathy. Each component has a role and what’s prescribed for the lack of empathy cannot cure the diagnosis for authenticity. If your culture is broken, start with trust. Frances describes the role of each component in building a trustworthy culture. “The reason that people haven’t been able to make much progress on trust is they kept trying to move to trust without understanding its very different but comprehensive component parts.” [18:40]Love By Setting High StandardsLove is empowering people by setting high standards and revealing deep devotion to them. To bring out someone’s best, they have to feel your high standards as much as your devotion to them. Marcel comments that people often forget the leadership part of servant leadership: high standards and accountability are as important as caring. Both are necessary for a great leader. "Servant leadership in its definition, people only focus on the servant part and forget that the leadership part is setting those high standards and holding people accountable." [23:44]Diversity and Inclusivity in the WorkplaceOne of the strategies that often fails in making a workplace more diverse and inclusive — especially for women — is the recruitment process. Frances shares why the recruitment process fails - they fail to acknowledge that their recruitment system fails in attracting. She stresses that if an organization’s recruitment system is great for attracting men, keep doing that. But if an organization is looking to attract highly qualified women using the same recruitment system, it’s not going to work. Acknowledging who your system attracts is the first step in creating diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. "If women are not applying, your systems are great for attracting men. Keep doing it every time you want to attract men but acknowledge that it's failing at attracting women. So now, how do you recruit differently for different demographics?" [42:31]A Leader’s TakeawayFrances wants leaders to take away this point: if you notice something wrong, address it now. “Meaningful change only happens quickly,” she argues. “Meaningful change happens when the thing you want to change is your number one priority…So when you see something, address it; address it with all your might, close it, & move on to the next thing.” [51:06]Mentioned in this episode:Frances Frei on LinkedInSend Marcel a text message!

Cynthia Covey Haller is an author, teacher, speaker, and active community member. She has contributed to the writing of several books and articles, most recently she co-authored her late father, Stephen Covey’s final book, “Live Life in Crescendo”. Cynthia has held leadership positions in women’s organizations, served as a PTSA president, was an organizer for refugee aid and food pantry volunteer, and she is currently working as a service volunteer helping with employment needs. She graduated from BYU and lives with her family in Salt Lake City, Utah.Highlights:Live Life in CRESCENDOThis musical symbol builds with energy and passion and keeps getting louder and stronger. The physical symbol starts at a small point and spreads out. This idea represents The Crescendo Mentality, we should always be growing and striving to do more, as Cynthia quotes her late father, “Don’t look in the rearview mirror at what you’ve accomplished, look ahead”. [11:38]The MidlifeAt this point in life are you where you want to be? The Midlife is defined in the book in two perspectives: Being successful in your most important roles beyond monetary gain and Using resourcefulness and initiative to take control of your life. These perspectives as a part of the crescendo mentality is to not accept your life for what it is, you have the power to change it and make it what you want. Marcel summarizes this point as “The Crescendo Mentality is really a mindset shift to see your life differently”. [20:59]The ParadigmAt every age and stage in your life, you handle what comes with a paradigm shift. Cynthia shares a story from the book about a horrible crime and false conviction, and the person convicted begins to live in diminuendo but breaks his three years in silence, to comfort a convict in the neighboring cell. And he shifted and chose to live in crescendo, with this power and beacon of life he was able to eventually prove his innocence and be released after 30 years in prison. Stephen Covey originally said, “If you wanna make small changes in your life, change your attitude. If you wanna make large and primary changes, work on your paradigm”. [23:00]The Pinnacle of SuccessYou think you’ve done it all, are you going to rest on your laurels and go enjoy the warm sunny retirement community in Florida? Most people that are successful, if they don’t continue to serve people all along, they don’t feel much meaning in their lives. At the pinnacle of success, there is so much to continue to contribute, even as a regular person without the resources of past presidents. Every person no matter the means has what it takes to meet someone's need, one kindness and act of service at a time. Cynthia explains, “My father taught that life is about contribution, not accumulation”. [32:42]The Ultimate HopeYour most important work and contributions can still be ahead of you. If you do decide to retire, continue to look forward and make contributions around you. Look down deep, what is your mission? Stephen Covey taught as relayed by his daughter Cynthia, “Life is a mission, not a career”. [39:10]Mentioned in this episode:Live Life in Crescendo: Your Most Important Work Is Always Ahead of You (The Covey Habits Series)Cynthia Covey Haller on LinkedInCynthia Covey Haller on Instagram Send Marcel a text message!

Mark C. Crowley is a renowned global thought leader, speaker, and the author of the leadership classic, “Lead From The Heart.”Highlights: “I have science that proves that the heart actually plays an enormous role in influencing human behavior.” [7:45] Mark explains the sentiment behind his original book and new revision Lead From The Heart.“The strength of a heart-based leader is to see the potential in others and have the belief in them that they don’t have in themselves.” [14:40] Marcel comments on the change that can happen in an employee when working with a leader who truly believes in them and sees what they don’t see within themself. “The heart and the mind are actually connected and the heart actually sends more communication to the mind than the other way around.” [27:50] Mark gets into the science behind his idea of leading from the heart in which feelings genuinely influence our mind. He shares research from Heart Math that explains when people are working in a positive, appreciated environment they operate in their most optimal performance in what they call coherence. “Recognize that just because you have an opening, and someone comes who wants the job is the right fit for it.” [37:08] Mark explains the principle of Hiring from the Heart, having a high-performing team is about using great discipline in how you hire.“You have to adapt to your employees; so you have to know what it’s important to them and know how to support them.” [37:11] Building a Relationship Mark says is not just spending time with your staff but getting to know their needs and wants and how you can help them be successful, that builds trust and provides a positive environment. “If you’re a manager, you know something about what your employees do all day…so teach them, coach them, give them your time.” [40:15] Giving Time is an investment that Mark shares as an important responsibility and commitment for leaders.“There is a significant gap between what people feel from their manager and what managers think they’re doing for them.” [41:45] Mark encourages leaders to make real Recognition a priority for their employees.“Any act of kindness, coaching, validation, or appreciation….is a micro manifestation of love.”[54:38] What does it mean to love your people? Mark wants leaders to know that these positive emotions are not the romantic version of love but real authentic professional ways to do business and lead. Mentioned in this episode:Mark C. CrowleyLeadership & Sales Management Consultant, Professional Speaker - Mark C. Crowley & Associates | LinkedInEmotional: How Feelings Shape Our Thinking HardcoverThe Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain: Paul, Annie MurphyInfluence Is Your Superpower: The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things HappenPermission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive eBook: Brackett, Ph.D., MarcSigal Barsade: The Power of Emotions - Knowledge at WhartonLove 2.0: Creating Happiness and HSend Marcel a text message!

Authenticity may be a big buzzword in the leadership space, but what does it mean? Marcel Schwantes breaks down what it means and why it’s important to be an authentic leader in 8 simple points.Highlights:“They Show Up with Their True Selves: Authenticity is showing up with your best self. It's leading from your mind and your heart.” [2:33] Marcel explains that leaders with authenticity show up with emotional honesty, excellence in everything they do, a great attitude, openness to receiving feedback, and self-awareness.“They Treat Themselves (and Others) as Human Beings: Great leaders display authenticity by making room daily for laughter and joy while accepting that they're not perfect and that they make mistakes.” [3:45] Marcel highlights that leaders create a safe environment to display trust for admitting mistakes themselves AND their teams“They Approach Conflict by Looking at All Sides: Authentic leaders don't assume and jump to conclusions. They look at difficult situations from several angles.” [4:20] Marcel explains that authentic leaders make educated decisions by getting clarity and multiple perspectives. “They Speak Their Truth: Being authentic means you don't say things to sugarcoat, to try to please others or to try to look good in front of your peers.” [5:10] Authentic leaders have great reputations because as Marcel says, they speak clearly, honestly, and with integrity. “They Are Teachable: Another way of being authentic is to gladly accept the role of a learner.” [5:43] Marcel reminds listeners that good leaders are willing to ask questions and have a genuine interest in the answers.“They Listen to Understand: Authentic leaders listen to understand, which is a rare and forgotten leadership skill.” [6:12] Marcel shares that these leaders reflect back on their employees with a goal of connection and helping them succeed. “They Are Accessible: Authentic leaders are out in front of the organization sharing plans for the future, and being open and transparent even during hard times.” [7:10] Marcel explains here that authentic leaders are out in front, communicating.  “They Promote Trust: In trustworthy organizations, people respond to leaders they can trust and are motivated to another stratosphere because they feel safe.” [7:37] The previous seven points from Marcel culminate with this ultimate leadership practice. Mentioned in this episode:Marcel Schwantes | Professional Profile | LinkedInMarcel SchwantesSend Marcel a text message!

Emotional Intelligence is an integral part of leadership and navigating business. Marcel Schwantes shares 9 Questions from Daniel Goleman, for a self-assessment on Emotional intelligence.Highlights:“Emotional intelligence does its best work to get you promoted to the next level when the stakes are higher.” [1:57] Marcel Schwantes presents the research behind the importance of Emotional Intelligence. “To get a better understanding of where you measure up against the high bar of emotional intelligence, I will leave you today....with nine questions that Daniel Goleman, the foremost authority on emotional intelligence, has offered for your own self-assessment. Your only job is to answer with an honest ‘yes’ or ‘no.’” [3:20] Marcel shares the 9 questions you need to ask when it comes to assessing Emotional Intelligence.Are you usually aware of your feelings and why you feel that way?Are you aware of your limitations, as well as your personal strengths, as a leader?Can you manage your distressing emotions well -- e.g., recover quickly when you get upset or stressed?Can you adapt smoothly to changing realities?Do you keep your focus on your main goals, and know the steps it takes to get there?Can you usually sense the feelings of the people you interact with and understand their way of seeing things?Do you have a knack for persuasion and using your influence effectively?Can you guide a negotiation to a satisfactory agreement, and help settle conflicts?Do you work well in a team setting?“As you think about improving your leadership for the rest of 2022, which of these questions can you confidently answer with a resounding "yes"? And which do you feel are a work in progress or an area for growth?” [5:40] Join Marcel on LinkedIn to continue the conversation!Mentioned in this episode:Marcel Schwantes | Professional Profile | LinkedInMarcel SchwantesDaniel Goleman - Senior ConsultantSend Marcel a text message!

Closing the loop on the recent discussion of vulnerability on the Love in Action podcast, Marcel Schwantes reflects on past interviews. Marcel quotes past guests and business leaders to prove why Vulnerability is not a weakness but instead a strength and a realistic approach to the reality of life and business. Highlights“Some welcome it [vulnerability] as an emotional leadership strength to build trust and connect with people, while others see it as a weakness and they reject it as a leadership practice deemed as too emotional, too touchy-feely for people in positions of power.” [1:10] Which is it? Marcel begs the question: is vulnerability a strength or a weakness?  “In my study, observations, and interviews of leaders, I have found that when leaders model vulnerability, whether it's by admitting blind spots or truly listening to the views of others, it creates a culture where everyone feels empowered to bring ideas forward that will grow the business.” [1:50] Over the course of Marcel’s research he has discovered the importance and powerful impact leaders with vulnerability have.  "Our jobs make up a large portion of our lives, and to turn off your emotions for eight hours every day invites emotional disconnectedness in all aspects of life, and undermines self-confidence” [2:48] Marcel quotes Jason Tan, CEO of Sift, on why he finds Vulnerability to be not only an important part of leadership but an important part of life.  “I asked Amy Edmondson to define vulnerability in her own terms, as the word has undesirable connotations. She says ‘To me, vulnerability is a simple statement of fact; If you are a vulnerable leader, you are simply willing to acknowledge reality.’” [3:50] In episode 87, linked in the show notes, Marcel interviewed Amy Edmonson and Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, two of the foremost organizational psychologists of our time. Marcel quotes Amy in her striking statement equating vulnerable leadership to recognizing reality.Mentioned in this episode:Marcel Schwantes | Professional Profile | LinkedInMarcel SchwantesLove in Action: Vulnerability, Not Bravado with Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and Amy Edmondson on Apple PodcastsJason Tan - San Francisco, California, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedInSiftDr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic - Chief Innovation Officer - ManpowerGroup | LinkedInAmy Edmondson - Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management - Harvard Business School | LinkedInSend Marcel a text message!

Sabrina Horn is an award-winning CEO, communications expert, and author. Sabrina is an advisory board member to several organizations and founded Horn Group, becoming one of the few female CEOs in Silicon Valley in the early 90’s. Her book, Make It, Don’t Fake It: Leading with Authenticity for Real Business Success, aims to help executives make the right decisions as they start and grow their businesses for long-term success.Highlights: (THIS IS A REPLAY OF OUR 4TH MOST LISTENED-TO EPISODE)The phrase ‘fake it til you make it’ has bred and normalized dishonesty to get ahead, Marcel says. It encourages people to lie or twist the truth for personal gain, which sabotages your success and destroys your reputation. [3:17]“Technology is often misunderstood or not understood,” Sabrina claims. “I made a living out of helping people who would otherwise never meet, connect with each other; and making complex things simple to move things forward. That’s essentially an act of love to me because you’re making the world a better place that way.” [7:42]Running a business with integrity and authenticity is difficult because taking the shortcuts to avoid that is easier, Sabrina says. By definition, integrity means truth, but the reality is that sometimes truth hurts. “If your product has a flaw and you have to do a recall or if the market’s turning sour and you have to do a layoff, that’s hard to face,” she remarks. [13:00]Marcel asks Sabrina to discuss why core values and transforming your workplace and brand are important. “My advice to every entrepreneur is to determine what you stand for and what your company has to offer before you start,” she replies. “Think about every business process you’ll have in your company and how your values will integrate into them.” [21:00]In recreating and revamping your company culture, you should first elaborate on how your values manifest through the culture and what you will and will not tolerate. You must also lead by example. “I also suggest that leaders overcommunicate with their teams, especially coming out of the pandemic,” she adds. “In the midst of all this uncertainty and doubt, you need to know what is unknown. You need to acquire a bias for information and overcommunicate with your people to remove that uncertainty and doubt.” [25:46]Marcel asks Sabrina how leaders can show love at work. “A leader loves well by creating an environment where values and culture matter, where people feel like they can stay and grow and build their careers, where they feel like they can be themselves… when you give that kind of care [to your people], that ultimately translates into better financial performance, more employee retention, and a stronger brand; all of it pointing to a more successful business,” she responds. [33:12]Mentioned in this episode:Sabrina Horn on LinkedInSabrinaHorn.comMake It, Don’t Fake ItSend Marcel a text message!

Bill George is former CEO of Medtronic and currently a professor at Harvard Business School. He’s written two leadership classics of all time: Authentic Leadership and True North. Highlights: “Why shouldn’t we lead with our hearts in business, and bring our whole humanity there?” [5:25] Bill George shares the heart and inspiration of True North: Emerging Leaders Edition, as today’s leadership moves from past eras of leading with your hands or head and instead from the heart.“Employee’s today have agency. They say if you don’t care about me…I don’t wanna work here.” [20:53] Bill comments on the shift in our workforce that has led to the so-called ‘Great Resignation.’ His ideas and motivation for his new edition of True North is to inspire emerging leaders to create an environment that cares for everyone.“Leading with your True North means to know what that sense is of who you are and being real AND then enabling everyone around you to be real.” [23:31] How has leading with True North changed in 2022? Bill reminds that leadership is no longer about command and control but instead realness and vulnerability.“The key for people to understand is they first have to discover themselves and be introspective to arrive at this point in leadership.” [24:57] Marcel questions that this level of realness in leadership requires personal work. Bill recommends spending 20 minutes every day to reflect and learn who you are so that you can go out and inspire other people.“The three great seducers are money, fame, and power.” [26:46] Bill George lists the forces that drive many leaders away from their True North. Bill shares illustrations of leaders without a True North and the consequences of that. “What does it mean to have an integrated life? Think of your life in four buckets: Worklife, Family, Personal, and Friends/Community.” [37:30] The key to success and fulfillment is an integrated life.  Bill elaborates that there is no such thing as the “perfect balance” but encourages to question if you can lead with integrity and in the same way in all four buckets of your life?“Think of yourself as COACHing other people, to be a leader of leaders.” [42:42] Bill explains COACH, the acronym from the book. Care about your people. Organizing your team into their sweet spot. Alignment of your team into the mission and values. Challenge and encourage your team members to do better. Help your team solve problems. Mentioned in this episode: Bill George William(Bill) George on LinkedInMark Zuckerburg, FacebookElizabeth Holmes, TheranosRye Barcott – Co-Founder and CEO – With HonorTeam – With HonorJennifer Hyman – CEO, Co-Founder and Chair of the Board – Rent the RunwayRent the RunwayKen Frazier, CEO, MerckJonathan Lee Kelly, Founder, Asymmetric HoldingsSend Marcel a text message!

“Dr. Brown's viral Ted Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, has already solidified the importance of vulnerability in the workplace, and how critical it is for leaders to connect with and inspire others.” [00:45] Marcel shares Dr. Brene Brown’s philosophy on the virtue of Vulnerability as ‘the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.’“Employees and leaders who trust one another learn to be comfortable being open to one another around their failures, disappointments, weaknesses, even fears.” [1:25] Marcel explains that vulnerability-based trust is the backbone of successful leadership. “Courage sets vulnerability apart as a major strength of leadership.....so now it’s no longer weak, soft, and fuzzy.” [2:30] Sadly, many teams work together for years and still distrust one another, and others only together a short amount of time display an incredible amount of trust. Marcel drives home that the difference is having the courage to show up with emotional honesty, acceptance of shortcomings, release perfections, and have open dialogue.“Increase self-awareness, Lead from the heart, Listen to understand, Be ‘present’ with your feelings.” [3:52] How can you lead with more vulnerability? Marcel gives 4 big ideas and actions to practice becoming a model of vulnerability.  Mentioned in this episode:Marcel Schwantes | Professional Profile | LinkedInMarcel SchwantesThe Power of Vulnerability TED Talk Send Marcel a text message!