Love in Action

Quotes: “It’s hard to believe I’m an expert in belonging when so long in my career...I didn’t belong.” [07:55] Guest Brad Deutser shares his diverse background that led to his company, Deutser Consulting Firm, all about human approach to change! “What the research found is that belonging is actually above strategy AND culture.” [21:56] As Brad explains the levels of research that went into his book, Belonging Rules: Five Crucial Actions That Build Unity and Foster Performance, he shares this idea that belonging at work is a crucial purpose in society as a whole. He even found that people were able to work for LESS if they had more belonging at work! “In our organization, in our families, in our communities... it doesn't matter where; there are power structures that impede our progress and our ability to win.” [25:45]  Rule #1: Turn into the power, Brad dives into the first rule in his book explaining power structures and compliance that comes along with things like affirmative action, title 9, and DEI. How do we turn into the power? Pause. It’s not charging through but instead stopping, thinking, and asking questions. “When we listen with labels, we diminish people… we diminish their thinking, their ideas.” [33:30] Brad’s Rule #2: Listen Without Labels serves as a message that yes, labels can be true, but they often don’t tell the complete story. Removing labels from listening allows you to see the big picture without bias and engage differently.  “Purpose alone doesn’t give the differentiation enough to where someone says, ‘I’m going to opt in to THAT’.” [38:57] Oranizational identity is made up of purpose (the why it exists), the values, and the behaviors expected, which comes back to Rule #3: Identity over Purpose. It’s about creating a space of shared importance.  “Challenge needs to be a bigger part of our society; how we challenge needs to be different.” [42:04] Too often people confuse conflict and challenge. Rule #4: Challenge Everything. Brad explains what an effective positive challenge versus a negative conflict. He outlines how to invite challenges to incite creativity with curious and human questioning. You need to stop coming to conversations with your boxing gloves on! “Do you really tell 100% of the truth? Or do tell 100% of YOUR truth? It’s different than THE truth.” [49:45] The last rule is a tricky one, RULE #5: Demand 100% of the truth. Reject the 80% of the truth that is typical, and go after that additional 20%. There are things that our easier not to talk about; diversity, psychological safety, inclusion. These are the truths that are often not told. We don’t have to have the answers, but we do need to have the questions.  “Leadership doesn’t start at a certain time, later in our life. It starts early in our life.” [1:00:49] Brad is talking about the leadership tether, this is one of the exercises he encourages listeners to try as Brad and Marcel close out the episode. He asks listeners to go back as far as they can and create a timeline of events and opportunities where they were called on as a leader, and consider the commonalities and feelings of belonging associated with these events.  Mentioned in this episode: Deutser Cultivating Belonging In Leadership: Institute For Belonging Brad Deutser on LinkedIn Belonging Rules: Five Crucial Actions That Build Unity and Fos Send Marcel a text message!

“Patience gets a bad rap, because the doubters and skeptics tend to think that if you slow down, the flow of the business slows down.” [3:13] People too often mistake patient leaders for passive leaders. Marcel shares a real life example of how officers deescalated a dangerous situation with a slowed down, patient approach and how this translates into the workplace and high pressure environments. “When you’re face with high-stake challenges, critical decisions that need to be made… take a moment to collect your thoughts and reflect on your perspective, rather than reacting impulsively.” [5:55] Marcel highlights the patience is a super power that leaders have that can actually prevent unnecessary conflict and make way for more effective solutions. Mentioned in this episode: Marcel Schwantes on LinkedIn Marcel Schwantes Send Marcel a text message!

In this mini episode, Marcel shares quick insight on the impact of love and care throughout the leadership levels and how that impacts entire organizations inside and out. What’s next? You can look forward to upcoming content from Marcel's forthcoming book. “Leaders have an enormous responsibility to care for their people, and in those truly human places…love and care show up at every leadership level through things like empathy, inclusion, belonging, and psychological safety.” [00:54] These might not be characteristically love traits, but Marcel challenges you to consider how these actions make people feel… the overwhelming answer? ACCEPTED. He highlights how love in action not only impacts groups, teams, and peer relationships but all the way to the customer. Be on the lookout for the content coming from Marcel’s forthcoming book in Winter 2024. Mentioned in this episode: Marcel Schwantes on LinkedIn Marcel Schwantes Send Marcel a text message!

Robb Holman is an internationally recognized leadership expert, executive coach, keynote speaker, podcast host, and best-selling author who has a heart for authentic relationships and a true talent for equipping people with the skills and the knowledge necessary for their success. Quotes: “The book Lessons from Abdul, has everything to do with bringing a needed and timely balance to the receiving and the giving. But I highlight in the book the hidden power of receiving from anyone, anytime.” [15:59] Marcel Schwantes is interviewing friend, colleague, and esteemed leadership expert Robb Holman on his new book, Lessons from Abdul. Robb shares who exactly Abdul is, how he met him, and the inspiration for this important message. “Receiving falls into three buckets: one is help or support, another could be opinions or perspectives, and the third would be praises or compliments”. [22:04] Robb and Marcel discuss what receiving looks like and some of the struggles that come with receiving. Marcel opens up about pride getting in the way of receiving affirming words. Later in the episode, Robb elaborates on the barriers to receiving and steps to work through them.  “There is study upon study that just shows that when you share stories, not just professional stories, when you share personal stories and you're committed to doing so on an ongoing basis with your team members, so much magic comes in and out of that place. [32:00] As Robb shares a story from his childhood working with his coach and namesake of the book, Abdul, he breaks into an important thing he learned about storytelling and building bonds. When you share stories with your team, an unwavering trust is built that is anchored in values. And when you have a true understanding or your own unique values, you are opening your mind to learn from others.  “This exchange of receiving leads to more selfless service, not selfish service…we receive deeply so we can give more greatly.”[43:20] Bringing home the interview, Robb shares a moving story about his wife ringing the bell for her last chemotherapy treatment. He explains how they have opened their hearts to receiving and have been able to receive in so many ways during this time. He explains that it is not selfish, even the opposite of that—that on the other side, he and his wife will be able to give like they have before, and that is the hidden power of receiving.  Mentioned in this episode: Amazon.com: Lessons from Abdul: The Hidden Power of Receiving from Anyone, Anytime eBook : Holman, Robb: Kindle Store Lessons from Abdul Research Says Learning How to Receive, Not Just Give, Can Make You Happier | Inc.com Robb Holman Marcel Schwantes on LinkedIn Marcel Schwantes Send Marcel a text message!

Quotes: “There’s a growing body of research that finds organizational kindness, in how people treat each other, how leaders manage the workforce, how customer-facing employees interact with their clients....has enormous benefits. It’s just great for business.” [0:35] As Marcel opens the episode, he begins with an excerpt from his forthcoming book, expected Fall 2024. He discusses kindness and the difference it holds from just “being nice." It’s about intention, and it goes beyond surface level politeness. When you’re truly kind, it impacts everything.  “I'm going to take a break from the podcast to get this book project done and off my plate. We will be back at full strength with weekly episodes featuring world-renowned guests in April 2024.” [2:55] Marcel announces that the Love in Action Podcast will be taking a break while he puts in the work to finish the manuscript for his aforementioned book. The book is important for businesses and leaders around the world. Listeners can look forward to the podcast returning in April ‘24, until then, Marcel would love to hear from you about topics and guest suggestions for the future. Mentioned in this episode: Marcel Schwantes - Ooltewah, Tennessee, United States | LinkedIn Marcel Schwantes Send Marcel a text message!

Erica Keswin is a globally renowned workplace strategist, consultant, speaker, best-selling author, and professional dot-connector. Her latest book is The Retention Revolution. Erica first joined Marcel in the very first episode of Love in Action. Now in a post pandemic world, she returns to share the “7 Surprising (and Very Human!) Ways to Keep Employees Connected to Your Company” as written in her latest book.  Quotes: “The world of work has changed, there is no going back.” [10:00] As Erica Keswin dives into the why now of her latest book, The Retention Revolution, she explains how these pretty standard ideas and predictions on how work would progress were accelerated due to the pandemic. One point being that the young members of the workforce are no longer staying at companies for their lives; they look at work differently than previous generations, and they expect their treatment to reflect that. “[The book] is not necessarily tying them to the chair…it’s keeping them connected”. [14:50] In a 30,000 ft. view of her book, Erica gives a synopsis of the 7 Surprising (and Very Human!) Ways to Keep Employees Connected to Your Company. She compares the new ways of thinking to the old mindset when it comes to onboarding, autonomy, flexibility, professionalism, offboarding, and more.  “If you have intentional onboarding, it’s drastically related to your ability to retain your employees.” [15:45] Erica’s book explains 7 old ways of thinking and the new ideas that should replace them. She starts with something important but is often thought of as a thing before the work starts. Instead, intentional onboarding looks like strategic relationship building from recruitment and beyond. Erica shares really impactful ideas on the new way to onboard from major companies like Hulu and Gusto. “There’s a need, AKA demand for leaders to be more human.” [25:18] During the pandemic, Erica says, leaders were defaulting to a more loving and caring management style. But now, a year later, we're all but forgetting that piece, no longer checking in or asking how the staff is truly doing. The problem is that employees still need this human professionalism from their leaders.  “The people are your work now, as it should be because expectations change when you’re elevated into a leader role.” [37:00] Marcel quotes Erica’s book with a story from OC Tanner, which explains the way culture must elevate and celebrate middle managers. Often, middle managers are on the front lines, in the mess of it all, but they have the power to influence the rest of the culture in an organization, and they need the support to do so.  “Left to our own devices we are not connecting, take some time and make sure that you’re connecting, especially as we celebrate Thanksgiving…that you’re connecting with others in your personal life, your work life, and also taking time to connect with yourself.” [44:40] Erica closes out this Thanksgiving (if you’re listening from America) holiday with a special and important sentiment about connection.  Mentioned in this episode: Erica Keswin Get your electronic copy of Erica’s first book, “Bring your Human to Work.” Email Erica for your free copy: erica@ericakeswin.com The Retention Revolution: 7 Surprising (and Very Human!) Ways to Keep Employees Connected to Your Company Erica Keswin on LinkedIn Erica Keswin (@ericakeswin) on Instagram Marcel Schwantes on LinkedIn Send Marcel a text message!

Dr. Michelle K. Johnston is a renowned executive coach and business professor. She is the author of The Seismic Shift in Leadership. Dr. Johnston is a champion of connection in the workplace. She talks with Marcel in this episode on how leaders can serve their team and ultimately how connection drives results. Quotes: “You have to figure out right now how you can communicate and lead in a way that makes your people feel seen, heard, valued, respected, and appreciated.” [11:51] Dr. Michelle K. Johnston dives right into the long list of expectations for our leaders in today’s world. The center of all of these important qualities: connection.  “If you really want to build trust and safety and team cohesion, then embed time to do an offsite with your team, bring in a facilitator and start with the question: what’s your story?” [18:11] Creating an environment of psychological safety is more than just blurting out your origin story. Dr. Johnston peels back the layers of what it really means to get to know your coworkers and how that builds true trust and community. “Connecting with your team…the foundation of that is truly turning the speaking/listening equation on its head.” [29:13] Are you giving your team the space and the environment to be heard? She explains how leaders can do their job better by listening before speaking. As a servant leader, your job is to serve your team, helping them to do their job and hearing them out.  “He [Todd Graves] adds laughter and levity, he makes it fun.” [38:20] Speaking about fast food chains, Raising Cane's CEO, Todd Graves, and his success across the world, Dr. Johnston talks about his championing of what he wants to see in his organization. The future of work and leadership is encompassed by this idea of fun and enjoyment, making it more than ‘just work’. “Connection drives results.” [42:20] This is the basis for Dr. Johnston and Marcel’s entire conversation today. She explains that result oriented leaders will only accomplish goals by going back and embedding time to connect. Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Michelle K. Johnston The Seismic Shift In Leadership: How To Thrive In A New Era Of Connection Michelle Johnston on LinkedIn Communication Preference Profile Assessment | Dr. Michelle K. Johnston Marcel Schwantes on LinkedIn Marcel Schwantes Send Marcel a text message!

Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani, co-founder of Mindvalley and author of Becoming Flawsome, discusses personal transformation, authenticity, and the path to happiness. She explains the difference between behaviors and authenticity and challenges the barriers of perfectionism. Kristina also talks about combating imposter syndrome and the importance of recognizing that you may be wrong. The podcast explores the prevalence of hustle culture in Western society, the difference between self-care and self-love, and the definition of success separate from happiness and fulfillment.

Amy C. Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, and is renowned for her research on psychological safety. She is the author of Right Kind of Wrong. In this interview, Amy sets the stage for how leaders can learn and thrive through intelligent failure.  Quotes: “That is love in action, when you find work that you feel is almost meant for you and you can do it in a way that people seem to appreciate.” [13:04] Amy Edmondson shares her journey from engineer to her unlikely position at Harvard Business School where her work is world renowned.  “Mistakes are deviations from best practice in known territory whereas intelligent failures are an experiment that didn’t work out the way we’d hoped.” [17:41] Why are leaders afraid to fail? Amy explains the difference between mistakes and failures. To operate a failure free organization means there are no risks being taken. Leaders must embrace intelligent failure or fail to innovate and ultimately fail altogether.  “It’s good to have high standards, it’s good to pursue excellence but perfectionism is this crippling belief that ‘I cannot make mistakes, I cannot come up short or I'll die.’” [25:56] Explaining perfectionism, Amy draws this mode of thinking as a mindset at odds with healthy failure. Marcel and Amy discuss the small failures and how you react and respond can help perfectionist attitudes by relieving the pressure.  “If you’re a leader in an organization, get out ahead of these predictable failures in mindset and behavior that your employees and managers will fall prey to.” [37:27] Amy sets leaders up with the steps for setting up a culture that allows for healthy failure, by breaking the path to perfectionism. Leaders must start emphasizing purpose and encouraging curiosity.  “As soon as you remind yourself to be humble, you are almost naturally curious.” [42:47] How does humility connect to failure? Amy describes that humility allows the questions to arise that you don’t have all the answers. Providing opportunity for risks and chances to learn from these intelligent failures. “We are all fallible human beings, that’s just a given. Now, how do we thrive?”[55:14] As Marcel and Amy close out the episode, she answers her own question connecting it all to love in action. We thrive through intelligent failure, with love, interconnectedness, facing an unknown future together.  Mentioned in this episode: Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy Edmondson Amy Edmondson on LinkedIn Amy Edmondson (@AmyCEdmondson) on X Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and Amy Edmondson (Episode #87) Marcel Schwantes on LinkedIn Marcel Schwantes Send Marcel a text message!

“Leadership and life is about human relationships.” [1:04] Servant leadership has emerged over the last 40-50 years as a solution for leaders in the business world changing their attitude when it comes to leading their organizations “Listening lands first on my list because it’s a crucial yet frequently absent trait in leaders.” [3:08] Marcel credits Robert Greenleaf as responsible for the modern Servant Leadership movement as he dives into the characteristics of a servant leader. “Empathy has been proven to drive performance.” [3:32] Listing empathy as the second characteristic of servant leaders, Marcel explains that it is an extension of listening. Where leaders are able to be understanding and listen to others without judgment. “How have you been a servant leader?” [6:23] Marcel poses this question after he shares the other 3 characteristics of a servant leader: Self-Awareness, Foresight, and Commitment to the Development of people. Consider how you have modeled the traits of servant leadership. What would it do for your team if you were to think and act this way? Mentioned in this episode: Marcel Schwantes - Ooltewah, Tennessee, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn Marcel Schwantes Send Marcel a text message!