The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast

Details Psychological safety is not a new term anymore, but it has matured into a foundational leadership capability, much like communication or trust no longer a “nice to have,” but a critical driver of collaboration, retention, and innovation. Drawing on Amy Edmondson’s groundbreaking research and Zenger Folkman’s data from 18,000 employees, they unpack the eight leadership behaviors that … Continued The post Episode 172: Why Psychological Safety Matters More Than Ever first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Details Dr. Susan David is a founder and co-director of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital of Harvard Medical School and an Instructor in Psychology at Harvard University. In this episode, Susan discusses her research on emotional agility and how to master challenges without getting derailed. Download the eBook of her full interview here. Guest … Continued The post Bonus Episode– Susan David, Emotional Agility first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Details In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the results of a massive leadership study — over 63,000 assessments — to answer one key question: What makes certain leaders truly unforgettable? We’ll explore the 10 specific behaviors that set the most exceptional leaders apart, backed by real-world examples from sports, business, and history. Whether you work in … Continued The post Episode 171: Memorable Leadership—10 Behaviors That Make Leaders Unforgettable first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Jack Zenger, a leadership expert and co-founder of Zenger Folkman, dives into the balancing act of speed and quality in the workplace. He reveals insights from over 50,000 leaders, showcasing that top performers don’t choose between urgency and excellence. Zenger discusses five key behaviors that enable leaders to achieve dual performance and argues that while AI boosts productivity, it cannot replicate human judgment. He also highlights how task interruptions can undermine quality, emphasizing the need for focused, uninterrupted work.

Discover the secrets behind extraordinary teams with insights from Zenger Folkman's latest research. Learn about ten game-changing behaviors like empowered decision-making and strategic alignment that set high performers apart. Understand how simple pulse-check questions can assess team health. Small changes can lead to significant impacts—practical strategies are shared to promote cooperation, celebrate achievements, and enhance overall team dynamics. Get ready to transform your leadership approach and drive your teams to success!

Shanna Goodell, Head of Learning and Development at Druva, emphasizes that well-being is a leadership imperative and not just a perk. She discusses how personalizing wellness strategies fosters engagement and productivity. Shanna highlights the critical role of self-awareness for leaders and how employee resource groups like Druva's Women’s ERG tackle vital issues such as women's health. Ultimately, she illustrates how creating a supportive and inclusive culture directly impacts employee performance and satisfaction.

Rose Christensen, Senior Learning & Development leader at Wright Service Corp., discusses innovative leadership strategies for a diverse workforce. She reveals how COVID reshaped hiring practices, enabling remote roles focused on skills. Rose emphasizes flexible workplace policies and engaging learning methods for field employees. She shares success stories of scalable leadership programs and the contagious nature of leadership behavior. Her insights on building strong relationships and executive buy-in offer a roadmap for L&D growth.

Mark Schaff, a seasoned leader in coaching and talent development, explores the intriguing intersection of AI and leadership. He discusses how AI can help managers feel more prepared and confident in coaching, providing structure without replacing the critical human element of trust and empathy. Mark highlights the effective FUEL model that complements AI tools, ensuring coaches can still foster meaningful connections. He also tackles concerns about privacy and the importance of balancing AI assistance with personal interaction in leadership development.

In this discussion, Paul Leboffe, a seasoned facilitator of team development, delves into the misconception that individual leaders alone drive performance. He argues that true growth stems from collective intelligence within teams. Paul highlights the dangers of 'being too nice,' which can undermine trust without anyone realizing it. With remote work becoming the norm, he emphasizes the urgent need for intentional support in diverse teams to bridge communication gaps. Tune in for fresh insights on integrating team development into leadership strategies.

Explore the revival of Control Graph Theory and its significance in modern leadership. Discover how the balance of influence vs. control impacts team engagement and performance. The discussion reveals the downsides of authoritarian leadership styles, especially in times of crisis. Real-world examples, like Amazon's management systems and Toyota's Andon cord, illustrate the power of shared influence. Learn practical strategies for leaders to foster a culture where employees feel valued and empowered, promoting innovation and reducing turnover.