The Leadership Podcast

Barry Siff, CEO at USA Team Handball and former President of UA Triathlon, has much to share about leadership from the world of sport, business, and nonprofits. Barry talks about how he became a Senior VP at 25, retired at the age of 42, and received both a BS and Masters without graduating high school. He also discusses what it takes for people to dream big, and how to see challenges as opportunities. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [2:53] Barry retired in 1998 from a Senior VP position at a $7 billion dollar food company. He was only 42, and then decided he wanted to be involved with sports, which led him to the Team USA Handball organization. [4:07] Barry is quite the endurance athlete. He has run over 60 marathons, the Leadville Trail 100 Mile Run, Expedition Races all over the world and 11 IRONMANs. [6:52] Staying fit helps with stamina, mental clarity, and energy. Barry sees similar lessons in athletics as business, including the need for leaders to overcome obstacles, and do what's necessary to get the job done. [9:09] While the business world mainly focuses on P&L and shareholder values, USA Triathlon is a non profit that also focuses on both the cause and the members. [20:03] Great leaders know that asking for help empowers others and gives them meaning. [21:13] People dream big when they have passion. [23:06] We can retrain our mindset to see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. [31:31] The little things, such as intently listening and asking the right questions, really make a difference in leadership. [35:39] Barry describes Handball as water polo played on a basketball court, and it is an extremely fast and physical game. It is currently very popular in many countries, and projects that it also will be a commonly known sport soon in the United States, and also a participant in the Paris Olympics in 2024. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "It's all about the goal of having something way, way out there." "You can't fake a marathon." "It doesn't matter what you are doing, just that you are passionate about it." Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook USA Team Handball Why I Taught Myself to Procrastinate Jane Goodall U.S. athletes run fast, jump high, throw hard - why are we so bad at handball? Lewis Howes Ty Reed Handball LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Caroline "Blaze" Jensen dreamt of being a jet fighter at a time when women weren't allowed to fly. Luckily, thanks to mentors and others who paved the way, she was able to live out her dream as an Air Force Thunderbird pilot. "Blaze" talks about her accomplishment of being the first mom to become a Thunderbird pilot, what her experience as a Legislative Aide for the Senate taught her, and what lessons and character traits apply to leadership and business. She also discusses the importance of taking constructive criticism, time for reflection and solitude, and accomplishing goals as building blocks. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [2:33] Caroline has an extremely impressive bio, but one of her greatest accomplishments and primary jobs is being a single mom to her 10-year-old son. [2:33] Caroline dreamt of being in the Air Force from a young age, but women weren't allowed to fly. Her dad was consistent with his support for her dream and even introduced to her Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) who became her cherished mentors. Caroline credits much of her success to the giants that blazed the trail before her. [3:36] Being a great leader doesn't mean working around the clock or sending out emails 24/7. We are more productive when we are rested, and reprioritization is an ongoing skill to make sure we are taking care of our families. [12:40] Our society is becoming less focused on gender and more focused on what it is we put out in the world, and what skills we have. Caroline looks forward to a time where gender matters even less at work. [15:28] As a Legislative Aids for the US Senate, Caroline had a great experience with hard-working people. She was blown away at how busy the members of Congress are. [22:00] Caroline was a high profile recruiter for the Air Force, and she took much pride in being a champion for the service branch. [28:14] Thunderbird pilots can fly as close as 18 inches apart at top speed. It takes complete focus and attention to detail. Caroline names the following attributes as both important in the Thunderbirds and in business: You must build trust in your team, and look out for the greater good of everyone. Not everything is learned or mastered at once. Use building blocks to meet your goals. You have to learn how to take constructive criticism and grow from it. Be open to feedback from team members and to the debriefing sessions. Learn how to succeed, but also look for the learning lesson when you don't. [37:05] While the video game revolution may produce some good fighter pilots with quick thinking and solid reflexes, leaders still need time for reflection and solitude. [39:36] Caroline's Challenge: Serve your country and community. Do something to make the lives of your fellow man better. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian careers. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "We need to make sure we are taking care of the people at home who are taking care of us." "Your skills and the way you conduct yourself, that what speaks for you, not what your chromosomes are." "I feel really fortunate that I get to recruit the future and represent the past." "Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn." "One of the easiest ways to get your point across is to lead by example." "Sometimes people learn more from failure than from winning." Twitter | Tedx Talk Air Force Thunderbirds | Facebook Air Force Capt. Nathan Nylander Oshkosh Women Airforce Service Pilots John Borling Harvard Business Review: Women Score Higher Than Men in Most Leadership Skills Ep #105: Amy McGrath's 90th Mission Betty Wall LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Brigadier General Cindy R. Jebb, 14th Dean of the Academic Board at U.S. Military Academy, West Point, joins the show this week. Cindy is the first woman to hold the prestigious position, and she graduated from the Military Academy in 1982. She has served at the National Security Agency, and has authored and co-authored three books. Cindy provides a masterclass in leadership this week, including what can and cannot be taught, the importance of character, and the need for trust. Cindy also talks about what it is like to be the first female Dean at West Point, and the five characteristics of leadership that have been critical to her success. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [3:46] BG Jebb is extremely grateful for the people she gets to serve with, and acknowledges them as a huge part of her personal success. [4:18] West Point is known for developing leaders through the four prong approach of: Character Academics Military Athletics Cindy has found that character is the most important of these prongs because it involves people counting on your word, your everyday habits, and the ability to demonstrate excellence. [7:09] Cindy is the first female Dean at West Point. Not only is this a huge step for women, but Cindy also has extra pressure in her role because of the Presidential appointment. [10:23] At West Point, despite the high demands and expectations, it is all about everyone supporting the mission and continuing to breed a mutual trust between society and the military. [18:10] Charisma is hard to teach, but learning presence and positive energy can be developed. Experiential learning also provides great experiences and resources for character building, but is something that can be worked on and shaped throughout someone's lifetime. [25:24] Real development occurs outside our comfort zone. This is where we learn about ourselves and our limits and develop confidence. [29:42] Cindy and her team at West Point are aware that future leaders need time to reflect, think deeply and develop who they really are. [34:25] Five characteristics of leadership Cindy has found helpful: Subtle discipline. Doing routine things routinely. Invest in your field and write/talk/read about it. Become an expert. Have humility and understand that you don't always have all the answers. Embrace the struggle. Don't shy away from performing outside comfort zone. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Cultivate relationship. Acknowledge vulnerability and develop empathy for fellow humans. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "We look at making sure that we are developing leaders of character that are going to live honorably, lead honorably, and demonstrate excellence." "Humble minds are open minds." "Investing in others is also an investment in yourself." "Substance wins the argument." "Mastery requires and facilitates preparedness." West Point Brigadier General Cindy R. Jebb Twitter Ep #051: Leadership is Hard Because Character is Hard Ep #095: Leadership Requires Solitude American University article - president protected from adversity LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

When you are working in a highly regulated and restricted environment, it may be more challenging to come up with creative solutions, make decisions and work within a culture that feels flexible. However, this week, Jim and Jan discuss the unique leadership challenges in the public sector, and how to still thrive. Jim and Jan answer a few listener questions and concerns regarding problems that are unique to public sector organizations, and give personal examples of times they needed to think outside the box to move things along. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [2:22] Before we look at external threats, we must first look internally and see what we are able to control. [4:03] When bureaucracy bears down and feels constrictive, great leaders are creative in problem solving. [10:46] Challenge your assumptions and be open to a different way of doing things. Highly regulated complex systems are rarely air tight, so look for the gaps. [11:13] Be crystal clear about expectations, including who does what by when and what the consequences will be if someone fails to meet the expectations. [15:03] Try to talk with the union, find a common interests and see where you can work together to find a solution for the greater group. [16:43] Control what you can, and adapt and change around those you can't. By doing this, we influence for the good. [22:09] Your network is your insurance policy, and so is learning and growing within your company and industry. It is your personal responsibility to take lessons learned when you can. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "Remove some of your assumptions, challenge them and pressure test them." "Ultimately, the thing we all have is a choice." "Control what you can." "Invent your way out of a tight box." "Learn how to adapt and change." How to Deal with Stifling Bureaucracies Find the best boss, the industry doesn't matter Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Safi Bahcall is a second-generation physicist and biotech entrepreneur. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard, and has a PhD in physics from Stanford. Safi also co-founded a biotech company developing new drugs for cancer, and served as CEO for 13 years. He joins the show to talk about how leaders can implement the ideas in his book Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries (a book Bill Gates recently highlighted). He discusses why we must investigate failure, and the differences between structure and culture. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [3:39] Safi was hungry to learn about something other than culture as a leader and manager. He would see companies with so called great cultures not have sustainable success, and wanted to get to the root of what actually made a big difference. While working with President Obama's Council of Science and Technology, he found that small changes in structure rather than culture, created an environment for radical breakthrough. [9:12] Great leaders make time to study the history and historical references that can help them leverage ideas and concepts. For example, Vennevar Bush had one of the greatest impacts on the growth of science and technology from the World War II era, but he is not a large part of commonly talked about history. [15:24] Great leaders help bridge the gap between people in a group, and balance the delicate line between radical innovation and execution. [2010} Structure is made up of many small things and attributes that drive behavior, which in turn shapes the culture. Laying the foundation for a strong structure takes a while, and is not something that should be rushed into. [30:29] You want to nurture the Loonshots, or "crazy ideas" inside the company, because competitors may instead give it a try and find it works successfully for them. [32:08] Two pieces of advice Safi has for leaders: Be a gardener, not Moses. Focus on the balance within the structure, and help when there are blockages. [38:11] The term "LSE" means we should listen to the suck with curiosity. Every innovation sucks at first, and the great innovators are the ones who can take off their rejection hats, and investigate failure with curiosity. [42:42] Safi's challenge: Think about what it you are doing today that experts are telling you could never work. Realize there are no experts of the future. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "History doesn't repeat. People repeat." Every innovation will look ugly at first." "There are no experts of the future." "Listen to the suck with curiosity." Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Loonshots The Treatment Vannevar Bush Dunbar's Number Gore Microsoft Arpanet Peter Thiel Friendster Judah Folkman

Rich Karlgaard is the publisher of Forbes magazine and author of Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement, along with four acclaimed previous books. Rich talks about his own experience as a late bloomer, why our society is so focused on early achievement, and the misconceptions of early success when it comes to neuroscience. He also discusses the harm of agism, and how those who haven't bloomed fully can arrive at the intersection of using their native gifts, deepest passions, and abiding purpose. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [3:50] Rich describes his acceptance at Stanford as a fluke. After graduation, he worked as a security guard and dishwasher while his peers were getting great jobs and starting successful companies. He was honest and upfront with his workplace that he wanted to blossom but wasn't sure why he hadn't yet, and they gave him a shot to be the Technical Editor and Writer at the Nuclear Power Division. He took the job seriously and became seriously interested in nuclear engineering. [7:43] We are impatient for success, and have created a school system that puts pressure to get into elite colleges. The competition also starts at a much earlier age, leaving teens and young adults feeling overwhelmed and possibly depressed. [9:18] When our educational system is just a "conveyer belt to early success", it leaves us with unnecessary baggage and takes the focus off realizing our natural gifts. [13:12] Our cognition peaks depends on the ability. While speed and memory may hit their stride in the teens and 20's, our 30's open up a range of abilities such as leadership, executive skills, entrepreneurialism and compassion. In the 40's and beyond, we gain higher functions of wisdom to mentor and coach. [15:35] Lean into the person that you are becoming, not the person you were. [18:00] The Silicon Valley Myth may have us thinking that innovation only happens in the early to young achievers in their mid 20's, but there is a larger picture of many successful late bloomers. [21:38] It is useful to have a greater faith that convinces you that you are here for a reason. This assures you of self worth and separates you from self doubt. [23:44] Great leaders know when persevering is the most courageous thing to do, but also is open to know when quitting and focusing time and energy on something else is the best move. [29:01] Rich believes the greatest blooming happens because of a willingness to be brave and discover what we are good at and follow our curiosity. [32:17] A lot of successful leaders talk about their time in school, and how we can redefine education for people that learn in different ways. [34:07] Three ways Rich suggests we can take the pressure off early achievement: Start kids later in traditional school work, and focus more on fun and healthy play before the age of 7. Advocate for skill trade programs. They teach tangible skills, typically pay well and can even be a very attractive background for someone pursuing higher education. Gap years can help encourage travel and learning about new environments. Mandatory military or civilian service gives a sense of purpose, belonging, and duty to something bigger than ourselves. [37:38] Agism is a tragic loss of human talent, however responsibility goes both ways. It is up to organizations to provide more opportunities, including mentorship and coaching, and up to the applicants to network and see where they can add value. [47:16] Rich's challenge: move forward with self doubt. Find peer groups who you can talk about your plans, dreams and worries. Quotable Quotes "I literally felt my brain developing and opening up at age 26 and 27." "We need to learn how to quit when we can reallocate our time, treasure and purpose towards something better." "Lean into the person that you are becoming, not the person you were." Lee Kuan Yew Carol Dweck Stanford The Electric Power Research Institute Alden Mills Dan Pink The Silicon Valley Suicides MIT, MGH Research Says Not All Cognitive Abilities Decline As You Age Dave Duffield Tom Siegel C3 Fred Luddy VMware Reid Hoffman Intel

Liz Fosslien is the co-author and illustrator of No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotion at Work. She joins the show to talk about why embracing emotions at work doesn't always mean having emotional conversations. She shares what we are missing to bring a sense of safety and commitment to the workplace. Liz also talks about her work at Humu, an organization that builds behavioral change technology that helps organizations and individuals feel and act their best. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [4:54] Great managers and leaders take the time to ask personal questions of people on their team, and point out good ideas. This makes team members feel as though someone is invested in their long term goals, and they are more likely to share and feel committed. [8:28] A happy workplace boosts ROI, productivity, innovation and saves the cost of trying to replace and retrain when there is turnover. [10:28] No Hard Feelings gives the reader internal and external tools to first understand what type of culture they work in, and then from there come up with a plan to process emotions. It also helps provide a road map for when the environment is not very vulnerable or emotion based. [13:24] With so many generations blending together in the workplace, we can each learn something from each other. The younger generation can learn more emotional intelligence, and the older generation can learn to feel more comfortable expressing emotions. [16:29] Great leaders have conversations early on so issues can be flushed out rather than waiting until the heat of the moment. [17:12] There is more understanding and less defensiveness in making observations rather than character generalizations. [18:02] Humu works with organizations to run a diagnostic survey that helps them figure out small changes that will have a big impact on how people feel. For the next 6 months to a year after the survey, they send personal nudges to help keep everyone on track with their goals. They also provide handbooks so leaders can learn the best way to communicate with their team. [26:58] Feelings aren't facts. They are valid, but it may be based on an incorrect assumption or just our perspective. [31:45] A great workshop provides tactical advice with actionable steps that can be used in the future. [36:29] With remote work becoming a larger staple in our society, it is important for leaders to provide trust, transparency and documentation. Video chats are still important with our body language and voice tone being so important to what we really hear in a conversation. [43:23] Liz's challenge: Pay attention to your envy and jealousy. It may reveal your burning desire or heart's demands. Quotable Quotes "Small actions have a big impact on how we feel at work." "It makes no financial sense if once you finally have this personal organization, you're not making the time to feel welcome there." "Bringing emotion in the workplace is not always an invitation to talk about emotion." "Lean in to jealousy, and see what it may tell you." "Feelings aren't facts." National Affairs Humu Everybody Lies What Google Learned From It's Quest To Build the Perfect Team Gretchen Rubin #018: Is Your Company Culture Dysfunctional or Positive? LinkedIn | Website | No Hard Feelings

Former NFL player, performer, and author - Bo Eason - discusses the one-man play he wrote and performed, Runt of the Litter; and his new book, There's No Plan B for Your A-Game. Bo started his career as a top pick for the Houston Oilers and continued on with the San Francisco 49ers. He discusses how to stay focused despite obstacles and setbacks, the difference between dreams and fantasies, and why we should publicly declare our dreams in a big way. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [2:27] Besides being a successful speaker, performer and former NFL star, Bo is a family man with 3 kids and a wife of 20 years. [3:44] Bo wrote and performed a one-man play called Runt of the Litter that was inspired by his own experience being the smallest athlete as a young teen. His father reminded him that it was less about brawn and more about heart and that he would just have to be faster, smarter and out perform his larger opponents. [8:27] More options doesn't always mean a better life. The more options, the less mastery. Bo's new book out soon, No Plan B for Your A Game, explains that as soon as you have a Plan B or a fallback plan, that's going to be your plan. [11:29] When you declare your dreams publicly you have the ability to attract the right people to help you and keep you accountable. [18:29] It's important to surround yourself with people that respect your dreams rather than those with a mediocre mindset. [29:33] Bo's three steps for going after our dreams: Plan out the dream as detailed as possible. Stay focus and be ready to redirect when you are off course. Go public with it, and have others help you stay accountable. [41:28] Every day we have a choice to create habits and actions that support our dreams, or we can go with the "fast food" of life that just feels good in the moment. [43:52] Fantasties live in the head, while dreams live in action. It's not at all easy either, there will be obstacles and special occasions missed. [45:45] Bo's challenge: declare what you want to be the best in the world at. Quotable Quotes "We are really courageous, we just need to be reminded of who we are." "We are born to be the best." "We have two choices, the choice of discipline or the choice of regret." Walter Payton Runt of the Litter Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

Whether it's a team of 10 or 10,000, office politics matter. Jim and Jan talk about what office politics really is, how it's changed over the years, and how to build a foundation for relationships that work for you, not against you. They also discuss why not all gossip (and humor) is bad, the importance of playing to your strengths, and adhering to ethical judgement. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [2:33] Office politics can be thought of as devious and divisive in the business world. However, great leaders remember that we are in an environment of complex relations with many variables. [4:25] While the size of our organizations has grown over time and the flow of information is faster, human condition is still the same. [6:57] We can use the power we do have in ways to influence hopefully for the good, not just improve our status. [9:17] A few of the practical steps one can take to make sure they are creating a culture of a positive office environment: Play to your strengths, and invite others to do the same. Relationships are key, and strong relationships allow you navigate the political minefield better. Don't make assumptions. If you want to avoid the bloodless coup, you have to have relationships defend you when you aren't around. Don't get over sensitized to when others talk about you behind your back. There is such a good thing as good snickering. [11:59] We spend up to 100,000 hours in our career throughout our lifetime, so it's important to make them count. [15:36] Great leaders pay attention to what's going on around them, and aim for ethical judgment 100% of the time. [20:39] Give people the chance to explain what they are looking for in an outcome and what keeps them motivated. [22:47] You do not control your brand or reputation, that is determined by the people surrounding you. [24:29] Manage your integrity and hold yourself up to the highest version of your honesty and values. Quotable Quotes "If you want to be respected and trusted, you have to respect and trust others." "If something is tough, assumptions might be making it tougher than it needs to be." "Be careful about what you say about other people." "Manage your integrity." MASH The Compass Solution My Big Fat Greek Wedding TLP023: Unlocking The True Potential of Your Team Clayton Christiansen Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders info@theleadershippodcast.com

Kim Cameron focuses his research on virtuousness in organizations (aka culture) and the relationship to performance. Kim talks about what exactly virtuous leadership is, the difference between positivity and virtue, the competing values framework, and why recognizing achievement is so important… and elusive. Kim also shares practical ways leaders can begin to implement the process in their own culture. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [1:58] Kim's past research on organizational virtuousness and the development of leadership excellence has been published in more than 130 academic articles and 15 scholarly books. [3:34] Why is seeing the importance of positive leadership is so elusive? Kim encounters many senior executives that know positive leadership is fine, but their focus is pulled instead to shareholder value, customer satisfaction, and profitability goals. Kim explains that by implementing positive and virtuous practices, they will create a significant positive impact on profitability, innovation, customer loyalty and employee engagement. [9:30] Most meeting agendas and time in leadership positions is spent filling the gap between difficult problems as opposed to celebrating all the wonderful things that happened, or the virtuous state. [13:27] There is still much research to be done, but a 5:1 ratio has emerged between positive practices and negatives in high performing organizations. For every 1 negative statement, 5 positive ones will keep an organization in high performance mode. 3:1 is too low and above 8:1 seems inauthentic and too "syrupy sweet". [18:48] A single negative holds a lot of power, but the results aren't always permanent. You can most often restore trust and relationships, however it takes an enormous balance of positive to negative, and often sacrifice to show that intentions are real. [20:38] The heliotropic effect states that humans innately have a tendency toward positive energy, or towards the light. Through conditioning, we've learned to not only ignore the positive, but to focus on the negative in order to keep us safe from harm. [30:07] It is not necessary to have a virtuous leader to create a culture of abundance, but Kim's research finds it to be much more efficient and sustainable. [37:10] Virtuous leaders understand it's not about using their team for their time and energy to create wealth. Instead, they uncover resources such as positive relational energy. [38:50] Positive energizers are high performers themselves, energize more than they extract, and also positively affect the performance of those around them. Positive energy is not personality or charisma, it's a set of behaviors that anyone can learn. They help others flourish without expecting anything in return. [43:41] Spirituality is an affinity to something bigger than oneself, and realizing it's not just all about us, and there are forces in the world we can't control. Quotable Quotes "The very best we can be, the highest aspiration, is the virtuous state." "Virtuous leaders can unlock potential." "I have 15 people that try to help me get better every day, and I've made the same covenant to them." "Spirituality simply helps us be more well rounded." "Things change remarkably and rapidly when a virtuous leader takes over." Kim Cameron Flow John Gottman Ep#27 Positivity & Performance Bad Is Stronger Than Good Markets, Bureaucracy, and Clans AstroBall How to Win Friends