
The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast
Using over 1.5 million assessments from leaders across the world, renowned psychometrician Joe Folkman and leadership legend Jack Zenger are here to settle the debates and let the data speak for itself. Each week they analyze different leadership traits, trends, and what it really takes to get to the 90th percentile. These short episodes feature compelling stories, research, and actions that leaders can take to improve. To learn more visit https://zengerfolkman.com/podcast/.
Latest episodes

Nov 21, 2023 • 19min
Episode 126: The Hidden Pillar of Trust—Expertise
Details There is a leadership behavior that ignites a lot of conversation. It is trust. Many people have observational theories and experiences that influence their views on how trust is earned and maintained. At Zenger Folkman, we wanted to strip away all of the emotions and biases and purely analyze what the data says about … Continued
The post Episode 126: The Hidden Pillar of Trust—Expertise first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Nov 8, 2023 • 16min
Episode 125: People Focus vs. Task Focus—Managing Remote Workers
Details The narrative surrounding the impact of remote work on productivity has taken unexpected twists and turns. Initially, the prevailing wisdom during the early days of the pandemic was that remote work was a boon for productivity. Yet, as the pandemic’s grip waned and remote work persisted, reports began to suggest a dip in productivity … Continued
The post Episode 125: People Focus vs. Task Focus—Managing Remote Workers first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Nov 1, 2023 • 20min
Episode 124: How Modern Leaders Champion Change
Details Every organization is experiencing change. Some of the changes come from the external environment, such as customer expectations, government regulations, global competition, or new domestic competitors. Other changes are coming from within the organization; such as changing employee expectations, hybrid work schedules, redesigned teams and structures, automated activities that minimize drudgery, reengineered corporate culture, … Continued
The post Episode 124: How Modern Leaders Champion Change first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Oct 23, 2023 • 19min
Episode 123: The Leadership Tent—Balancing Specialization and Generalism
Details Leadership can be a little complicated so in this episode we wish to reduce that complexity to a model of leadership that is more easily understood. You see, Leadership behaviors are knit together, much like the complex network of the human brain. There is a great deal of interdependence between them. Research shows that … Continued
The post Episode 123: The Leadership Tent—Balancing Specialization and Generalism first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Oct 18, 2023 • 16min
Episode 122: Why Middle Managers are So Unhappy
Details Have you ever stopped to wonder who the unhappiest individuals within your organization are? Those weary souls who navigate the daily grind with an invisible weight on their shoulders, all while hiding behind their smiles? And what’s driving them crazy? Well, They may not be who you think they are. At least they were … Continued
The post Episode 122: Why Middle Managers are So Unhappy first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Oct 11, 2023 • 19min
Episode 121: Unlocking Leadership Potential with Strength Builders
Details In this enlightening podcast interview, Joe Folkman and Breanne Okoren explore the revolutionary concept of “Strength Builders” in leadership development. Drawing parallels between non-linear approaches and skill enhancement, this discussion challenges traditional linear methods and offers fresh insights into improving leadership skills. Download a free copy of The Extraordinary Leader eBook. Key Learnings Here … Continued
The post Episode 121: Unlocking Leadership Potential with Strength Builders first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Sep 26, 2023 • 13min
Episode 120: The Mirrors of Leadership that Lead to Change
Details In today’s fast-paced, complex world, leaders need mirrors. The mirrors they need, however, go far beyond reflecting their physical appearance. Leaders need mirrors that reflect their behavior and the impact their behavior has on others. That requires much more than a piece of glass with a thin layer of metallic silver on the back. … Continued
The post Episode 120: The Mirrors of Leadership that Lead to Change first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Sep 20, 2023 • 17min
Episode 119: 10 Fatal Flaws That Derail Leaders
Details Poor leadership in good times can be hidden, but poor leadership in bad times is a recipe for disaster. We have found the number one leadership behavior that direct reports expect and need from their boss is the ability to inspire and motivate others. Sadly, it is also the leadership behavior that is ranked … Continued
The post Episode 119: 10 Fatal Flaws That Derail Leaders first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Sep 13, 2023 • 0sec
Episode 118: What Separates Great HR Leaders from the Rest
Details HR seems to have become every manager and employee’s favorite corporate punching bag, vying with IT for the dubious title of most-irritating function. We have seen a parade of articles recently calling for HR to be blown up, split in two, or at the very least, redesigned. Perhaps this is a good moment to evaluate what it … Continued
The post Episode 118: What Separates Great HR Leaders from the Rest first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Sep 6, 2023 • 16min
Episode 117: Your Boss Should Care More About Your Relationship Building Skills
Details Do personal relationships have the power to shape a leader’s perception of individual performance? The significance of fostering healthy workplace relationships cannot be underestimated. Extensive research has shed light on our ability to connect with diverse individuals, revealing that we are not only happier but also more productive in doing so. However, how much … Continued
The post Episode 117: Your Boss Should Care More About Your Relationship Building Skills first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.