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Uncommon Sense in Leadership and Teams (video)

In a world where technology and efficiency often overshadow the human interaction elements, the latest episode brings a refreshing perspective. Hosted by John Golden and featuring Thomas Gelmi, an executive coach and facilitator, the episode delves into the “uncommon sense” of human aspects in leadership, teamwork, and customer relations. This blog post will summarize their conversation’s key insights, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to help you enhance your professional interactions.

Understanding Uncommon Sense

What is Uncommon Sense?

Thomas Gelmi defines “uncommon sense” as the essential human aspects of interaction that are frequently overlooked. While concepts like emotional intelligence and effective communication may seem like common sense, they are often not practiced in everyday organizational life. Observing interactions in meetings can reveal a lack of genuine listening, where individuals may appear to listen but are actually waiting for their turn to speak.

Why It Matters

  • Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your emotions and those of others.
  • Effective Communication: Ensuring that your message is not only heard but understood and valued.
  • Human Connection: Building trust and rapport, which are crucial for successful leadership and teamwork.

The Art of Active Listening

Decline of Active Listening

John and Thomas discuss the declining practice of active listening, which involves truly understanding what the other person is saying and responding thoughtfully. People inherently desire to be seen, heard, and understood, yet distractions—especially in our digital age—often hinder this fundamental human connection.

How to Practice Active Listening

  • Eliminate Distractions: Put away your phone and focus entirely on the conversation.
  • Show Engagement: Nod, make eye contact, and use verbal affirmations like “I see” or “I understand.”
  • Reflect and Clarify: Summarize what the other person has said to ensure you understand their point.

Emotional Balance Sheet

Concept of Emotional Balance Sheet

Thomas introduces the concept of the “emotional balance sheet,” likening it to a bank account where interactions can either deposit positive emotions or withdraw them. When individuals feel seen and understood, they are more likely to engage positively in conversations.

Building a Positive Emotional Balance

  • Positive Interactions: Make a conscious effort to have positive interactions that deposit into the emotional balance sheet.
  • Avoid Negative Withdrawals: Be mindful of actions or words that could negatively impact the emotional balance.

The Importance of Presence

Being Present

The discussion emphasizes the necessity of being present and mindful during conversations. Active listening is not merely a technique but a mindset that requires genuine intent to understand the other person.

How to Be Present

  • Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay focused on the present moment.
  • Prioritize Conversations: Show respect by giving your full attention to the person you are speaking with.

Intentional Communication

Importance of Intentionality

John and Thomas stress the importance of intentionality in communication. Being aware of your behaviors and their impact on others can set you apart in a world where distractions are commonplace.

Tips for Intentional Communication

  • Set Clear Intentions: Before entering a conversation, set a clear intention for what you want to achieve.
  • Non-Verbal Cues: Be aware of your body language and ensure it aligns with your verbal messages.

The Myth of Multitasking

Multitasking vs. Task Switching

The conversation touches on the myth of multitasking, with Thomas citing studies that show it can reduce productivity by up to 40%. What people often perceive as multitasking is actually switching between tasks, which can lead to decreased efficiency and focus.

How to Avoid Multitasking

  • Single-Tasking: Focus on one task at a time to improve efficiency and quality of work.
  • Time Blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks to avoid the temptation of multitasking.

Navigating Silence

Power of Silence

John and Thomas explore the discomfort many people feel with silence during conversations. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and deeper understanding.

Using Silence Effectively

  • Pause and Reflect: Allow moments of silence to think and reflect on what has been said.
  • Encourage Thoughtful Responses: Use silence to give the other person time to formulate a thoughtful response.

Raising Awareness for Change

Importance of Awareness

To foster better communication and relationships, Thomas emphasizes the need for awareness. Organizations should encourage discussions about communication practices and the importance of being present.

How to Raise Awareness

  • Workshops and Training: Implement workshops and training sessions focused on effective communication and emotional intelligence.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Create channels for feedback to continuously improve communication practices.

Self-Management and Leadership

Self-Leadership

The episode concludes with a focus on self-management and self-leadership. Effective leadership is not confined to formal positions; anyone can demonstrate leadership qualities by being present, intentional, and aware of their impact on others.

Developing Self-Leadership

  • Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your actions and their impact on others.
  • Continuous Learning: Invest in personal development to enhance your leadership skills.

Conclusion

This episode serves as a reminder of the critical human elements that underpin successful leadership, teamwork, and customer relations. By embracing the principles of uncommon sense, individuals can cultivate deeper connections, foster collaboration, and enhance their overall effectiveness in professional settings. Implement these insights and watch as your professional relationships and communication skills flourish.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

Evolving Leadership in Manufacturing (video)

In a recent episode of the Expert Insight Interview, host John Golden sat down with Kyle Erickson, the Director of Operations at Men Star Group, to discuss the evolving nature of leadership, particularly within the manufacturing sector. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Kyle shared his valuable insights on empathy, emotional intelligence, communication across generations, continuous improvement, and the importance of organizational culture. This blog post delves into the key themes and actionable advice from their conversation, providing a comprehensive guide for leaders looking to adapt and thrive in today’s dynamic work environment.

The Journey into Leadership

Early Experiences and Learning from Athletics

Kyle Erickson’s journey into leadership began with a common scenario: being promoted without extensive guidance or training. While his academic background in organizational leadership provided a foundational understanding, much of his leadership style was shaped by his experiences in athletics. Observing coaches and their methods helped him develop a responsive approach to leadership, which he continues to apply in his current role.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn from Diverse Experiences: Leadership skills can be honed through various experiences, not just formal training. Observing and learning from different fields, such as sports, can provide valuable insights.
  • Responsive Leadership: Adapting your leadership style based on the situation and the needs of your team is crucial for effective management.

Coaching and Mentoring

Transferability of Coaching Skills

Kyle emphasizes the transferability of coaching skills across various fields, including athletics, manufacturing, and sales. Understanding the strengths of team members is crucial for driving productivity and cultural engagement. He advocates for a leadership style that is empathetic and allows for autonomy, encouraging team members to step outside their comfort zones and learn from failures.

Actionable Advice:

  • Identify Strengths: Take the time to understand the unique strengths of each team member. This can help in assigning tasks that align with their capabilities and drive better results.
  • Foster Autonomy: Encourage team members to take ownership of their work and make decisions. This not only builds confidence but also promotes a culture of innovation and growth.
  • Embrace Failures: Create an environment where failures are seen as learning opportunities. This fosters resilience and continuous improvement.

The Shift in Employee Expectations

Importance of Emotional Intelligence

As the needs and expectations of employees evolve, emotional intelligence becomes increasingly important in leadership. Kyle notes that employees cannot simply “flip a switch” to separate personal issues from work. Building trusting relationships allows leaders to better understand and support their team members, ultimately leading to improved performance and morale.

Key Strategies:

  • Build Trust: Develop genuine relationships with your team members. Show empathy and understanding towards their personal and professional challenges.
  • Support Holistically: Recognize that employees’ personal lives impact their work. Offer support and flexibility to help them manage both aspects effectively.
  • Promote Well-being: Encourage a healthy work-life balance and provide resources for mental and emotional well-being.

Communication Across Generations

Adapting Communication Styles

Communicating effectively with a multi-generational workforce can be complex. Kyle shares his perspective on the importance of adaptability in communication styles, recognizing that different generations have varying values and preferences. Leaders need to connect with their teams and adapt their approaches rather than expecting employees to conform to a single style.

Practical Tips:

  • Understand Generational Differences: Take the time to learn about the values and communication preferences of different generations in your workforce.
  • Tailor Communication: Adapt your communication style to suit the preferences of your team members. This could mean using different channels or adjusting the tone and frequency of communication.
  • Encourage Feedback: Create an open environment where team members feel comfortable providing feedback on communication methods. This helps in continuously improving and adapting your approach.

Organizational Structure and Remote Work

Balancing On-site and Remote Work

Kyle provides insights into the structure of his current organization, Men Star Group, where the workforce primarily operates on-site due to the nature of manufacturing. He contrasts this with his previous experience in a hybrid work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. While he acknowledges the benefits of remote work, he also emphasizes the value of in-person interactions for team building and spontaneous recognition of employee achievements.

Considerations for Leaders:

  • Evaluate Work Nature: Assess the nature of your work and determine the feasibility of remote or hybrid work models.
  • Foster In-person Interactions: Even in remote or hybrid settings, find opportunities for in-person interactions to build team cohesion and recognize achievements.
  • Leverage Technology: Use technology to bridge the gap between remote and on-site employees, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.

Recognizing Employee Contributions

Fostering a Positive Work Environment

The discussion touches on the tendency for leaders to focus on mistakes rather than recognizing successes. Kyle points out that having employees on-site increases opportunities for leaders to catch team members doing things right, which is essential for fostering a positive work environment.

Actionable Steps:

  • Celebrate Successes: Make it a habit to recognize and celebrate the achievements of your team members, no matter how small.
  • Provide Constructive Feedback: When addressing mistakes, focus on constructive feedback that helps employees learn and grow.
  • Create a Recognition Program: Implement a formal recognition program to consistently acknowledge and reward employee contributions.

Reinforcing Organizational Culture

Aligning with Company Values

Kyle discusses the importance of maintaining a strong organizational culture that aligns with the company’s values. He believes in the concept of extreme ownership, where leaders take accountability for their team’s performance. This approach fosters humility and encourages leaders to ensure that their values are reflected in the hiring process and throughout the organization.

Key Actions:

  • Define Core Values: Clearly define and communicate the core values of your organization.
  • Lead by Example: Demonstrate these values in your actions and decisions as a leader.
  • Incorporate Values in Hiring: Ensure that your hiring process includes evaluating candidates for cultural fit and alignment with company values.

Continuous Improvement and Employee Engagement

Driving Success in Manufacturing

The conversation shifts to the significance of continuous improvement in manufacturing. Kyle explains how engaging employees in the process of identifying inefficiencies and suggesting improvements can lead to better outcomes. Creating a culture of engagement and accountability is vital for driving success in manufacturing.

Strategies for Leaders:

  • Encourage Participation: Involve employees in identifying areas for improvement and brainstorming solutions.
  • Implement Feedback Loops: Establish regular feedback loops to gather input from employees and track the progress of improvement initiatives.
  • Promote Accountability: Foster a culture where employees take ownership of their work and are accountable for their contributions to continuous improvement.

Lean Principles in Non-Manufacturing Contexts

Applying Lean Concepts Across Industries

John shares his experience with implementing lean principles in a service-based organization, highlighting the lessons that can be learned from manufacturing. Kyle agrees, noting that many concepts in lean manufacturing, such as optimizing workflows and minimizing waste, can be applied across various industries.

Practical Applications:

  • Optimize Workflows: Analyze and streamline workflows to eliminate inefficiencies and improve productivity.
  • Minimize Waste: Identify and reduce waste in processes, whether it’s time, resources, or effort.
  • Adopt a Continuous Improvement Mindset: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement, where small changes are regularly made to enhance performance and outcomes.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Kyle shares more about Men Star Group, emphasizing its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. He invites listeners to consider the importance of wiring harnesses in various applications, underscoring the company’s expertise in producing both simple and complex solutions. John expresses appreciation for Kyle’s insights and the valuable discussion on leadership in the manufacturing sector.

This episode serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of leadership and the importance of empathy, communication, and continuous improvement in fostering a positive and productive work environment. Kyle’s experiences and insights provide valuable lessons for leaders across all industries, emphasizing the need to adapt to the changing landscape of the workforce.

By implementing the actionable advice and strategies discussed in this episode, leaders can enhance their effectiveness, build stronger teams, and drive success in their organizations.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

🎧  Evolving Leadership in Manufacturing

🎧 Evolving Leadership in Manufacturing

In this episode, Kyle Erickson, Director of Operations at Men Star Group, discusses modern leadership in manufacturing with John Golden. Kyle shares actionable insights on empathy, emotional intelligence, communication across generations, and continuous improvement. Learn how to foster trust, enhance team engagement, and adapt to an ever-changing workforce while maintaining a strong organizational culture.

Visit us on Apple Podcast You can also find SalesPOP! on all major podcast stations.

Transforming Leadership Through Strength-Based Coaching (video)

In the latest episode host, John Golden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ryan Crittenden, the leader of Excel Coaching and Development. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for leaders looking to adopt a coaching mindset.

Understanding Coaching: Beyond the Sports Analogy

Misconceptions About Coaching

John Goldin opens the episode by addressing a common misconception: many people equate coaching with the authoritative style seen in sports, where coaches dictate actions and strategies. Ryan Crittenden clarifies that true coaching in a leadership context is fundamentally different. It’s about facilitating growth rather than directing actions.

The Essence of True Coaching

Ryan emphasizes that effective coaching involves asking insightful questions that help individuals discover their own solutions. This approach fosters greater engagement and ownership of work, as employees feel empowered to take initiative and develop their problem-solving skills.

Actionable Advice:

  • Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage team members to think critically and explore different solutions.
  • Facilitate Self-Discovery: Guide employees to uncover their own answers, which leads to more sustainable growth and development.

The Shift from Micromanagement to Coaching

Embracing a Partnership Mentality

Ryan discusses the importance of shifting from a micromanagement style to a coaching approach. Leaders must recognize the value of their team members and allow them the freedom to operate independently. This shift requires a partnership mentality, where leaders support their employees in finding their paths to success.

Benefits of a Coaching Approach

Adopting a coaching mindset not only enhances team dynamics but also makes leadership more enjoyable. Leaders can alleviate the pressure of controlling every aspect of the work, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.

Actionable Advice:

  • Empower Your Team: Trust your team members to take ownership of their tasks and make decisions.
  • Support, Don’t Direct: Provide guidance and resources, but allow employees to find their own solutions.

Overcoming the Hurdles of Coaching

Building Trust

John raises the challenge many leaders face when transitioning from a directive style to a coaching approach. Ryan identifies trust as the foundational element of effective teams. Leaders must communicate openly about their intentions to adopt a coaching style and acknowledge that they are a work in progress.

The Role of Vulnerability

Ryan suggests that leaders show vulnerability by admitting they are learning and growing in their coaching journey. This openness can help build trust and encourage team members to engage in the coaching process.

Actionable Advice:

  • Communicate Intentions: Clearly explain your shift to a coaching approach and the benefits it brings.
  • Show Vulnerability: Be open about your own learning process to build trust and encourage team engagement.

The Importance of Strengths-Based Coaching

Utilizing the Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment

Ryan elaborates on his strengths-based coaching methodology, which utilizes the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment. This tool helps individuals identify their unique talents and how these can be leveraged within the team.

Fostering a Deeper Understanding

Through one-on-one sessions, Ryan helps individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses. This process fosters a deeper understanding among team members, allowing them to appreciate each other’s strengths and contributions.

Actionable Advice:

  • Implement Strengths Assessments: Use tools like the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment to identify team members’ strengths.
  • Focus on Strengths: Encourage employees to leverage their strengths in their roles and collaborate effectively.

Coaching to Strengths

Shifting the Focus in Performance Reviews

John highlights a common pitfall in performance reviews: managers often focus on areas for improvement rather than strengths. Ryan advocates for conversations centered around how individuals can apply their strengths to overcome challenges.

Enhancing Employee Morale

Focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses can lead to more productive and fulfilling work experiences, boosting employee morale and engagement.

Actionable Advice:

  • Strengths-Based Feedback: During performance reviews, emphasize how employees can use their strengths to address challenges.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate employees’ strengths and achievements.

Navigating Remote Work Challenges

The Importance of Intentional Communication

As the conversation shifts to remote work, John points out the difficulties leaders face in coaching and mentoring employees they may never meet in person. Ryan acknowledges that remote work requires a higher level of intentional communication.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging

Ryan stresses the importance of making team members feel they belong, as a sense of belonging is crucial for engagement. Consistent communication is vital to prevent feelings of disconnection, especially when meetings are frequently canceled or rescheduled.

Actionable Advice:

  • Regular Check-Ins: Schedule consistent virtual meetings to maintain communication and connection.
  • Create a Sense of Belonging: Foster an inclusive environment where remote team members feel valued and included.

Key Traits of Effective Coaches

Essential Traits and Skills

Ryan outlines several essential traits and skills that effective coaches should possess:

  1. Authenticity: Coaches should be genuine and true to themselves, as this fosters trust and connection.
  2. Education and Training: A solid foundation in coaching principles and practices is crucial for effective coaching.
  3. Reliability: Coaches must be dependable, following through on commitments and maintaining integrity in their interactions.

The Unnatural Nature of Coaching

Ryan reflects on the challenges of coaching, noting that it does not come naturally to everyone. He shares a personal story about working with another coach who struggled with team coaching. Through their collaboration, they identified strategies that aligned with the coach’s strengths, illustrating that coaching requires practice and adaptation.

Actionable Advice:

  • Be Authentic: Build trust by being genuine and transparent in your interactions.
  • Invest in Training: Continuously develop your coaching skills through education and practice.
  • Maintain Reliability: Follow through on commitments and uphold integrity in all coaching interactions.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Ryan reiterates the importance of understanding individual strengths and fostering a coaching culture within organizations. He encourages leaders to embrace their roles as coaches, focusing on building trust and open communication with their teams. John thanks Ryan for his insights and encourages listeners to explore the resources available through Ryan’s coaching practice.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a valuable resource for leaders seeking to enhance their coaching skills and create a more engaged and empowered workforce. By shifting from a directive approach to one that emphasizes collaboration and strengths, leaders can foster a more positive and productive work environment. Embrace the role of a coach, build trust, and focus on strengths to transform your leadership and drive your team’s success.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

B2B Thought Leader Guide: How to Become an Industry Authority (video)

Harnessing the Power of Authority in Marketing

John Golden had the pleasure of speaking with Frank Hussman, an internet entrepreneur from Amsterdam, Netherlands, with over two decades of experience in B2B marketing and sales. Frank’s mission is to help B2B founders and marketers establish themselves as authorities in their respective industries.

Defining Authority Marketing for B2B Companies

During our conversation, I asked Frank to define authority marketing for B2B companies. He explained that authority marketing is about becoming a recognized expert in your market by showcasing your knowledge and expertise. Frank emphasized that many people possess a wealth of knowledge but fail to share it, thereby missing out on attracting potential clients.

He pointed out that B2B companies often focus too much on their product features, neglecting to highlight the problems they solve. I agreed with Frank, adding that companies sometimes struggle to articulate how their product or service can help in specific business use cases. Frank also noted that technical founders face an additional challenge in communicating effectively with their prospects.

Overcoming Content Overload

We also discussed strategies to overcome the overwhelming volume of content in the market. Frank acknowledged the rise of AI-generated content and the decline in content quality. He suggested that companies need to have a plan and focus on a specific area to become authorities.

Frank also highlighted the effectiveness of video content in standing out and reaching a wider audience. He explained that his company creates various forms of content from one video, including blog articles, newsletters, and podcasts.

Choosing the Right Channels for Content Marketing

The importance of choosing the right channels for your content marketing efforts was another topic we delved into. Frank advised that it’s crucial to focus on one main channel and put all your efforts into it. For most clients, LinkedIn is the preferred channel, so it’s important to post organic content there and boost it with LinkedIn ads for better engagement.

However, we also acknowledged the importance of other channels like YouTube, which is often overlooked as just an entertainment platform. We highlighted that YouTube is actually the second-most-used search engine and can be a valuable tool for business people.

The Power of YouTube for Education

Frank shared his personal experience of using YouTube for educational purposes, such as learning how to do DIY projects. He emphasized that there is a wealth of knowledge available on YouTube, including B2B marketing, demand generation, and video marketing. I added that when using YouTube for educational purposes, the quality of production is not as important as the content itself. I urged people to start small and not let the requirement for expert-level production intimidate them.

The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation

We also discussed the importance of authenticity in content creation. Frank advised being authentic by sharing personal stories and experiences, including the ups and downs of the journey. This human element is crucial in building connections and trust with the audience, especially in a world where AI and automation are becoming more prevalent.

The Concept of “Edutainment”

In terms of content creation, we touched on the concept of “edutainment,” where educational content is made entertaining to engage the audience effectively.

In conclusion, our conversation with Frank Hussman was a treasure trove of insights into authority marketing, content creation, and the effective use of various channels for content marketing. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions in our upcoming podcasts.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

Leadership Training At The Collegiate Level

Leadership Training At The Collegiate Level

If you could go to school to be a leader, would you?

Early Intervention

There is a necessity to start developing students as leaders, right from the get-go. One of the things that the Doerr Institute emphasizes is early intervention. Just as with musical instruction, or playing a new sport, or learning a second language, the earlier that you introduce these skills into a person’s life, the better chance they have to develop those skills and gain expertise. The same goes for leadership. Helping young adults in their most formative years is a great strategy for developing leadership capacity.

Eliminating Trial and Error

Often times, leaders become leaders through a lot of mistakes and periods of trial and error. However, if students can cultivate skills early on, it eliminates a lot of the minutiae that comes with learning a skill on the job. If students can learn skills like emotional skills, cognitive skills, and social skills early on, they are setting themselves up for a lifetime of knowing how to lead, and lead well.

Developing Leadership Skills

There are any important skills that create good leaders. Emotional skills, cognitive skills, and social skills are among the basic requirements. In addition to these skills, it’s also important to cultivate a leader identity. Unless a leader sees themselves as a leader, they’re not likely to step up into leadership responsibility or display those behaviors. There is also a core set of practical skills that develop competence in leaders. Some of these skills include delegating, inspiring, and casting a vision, knowing how to deliver feedback, and being able to develop the people on your team. Fostering a variety of different skills helps to create a well rounded, successful leader.

Why University Programs?

Some people may be skeptical about going to college for the purpose of gaining leadership skills. After all, leaders have been made through on the job and real-life experience for years, or feel as if they got enough leadership training from their bachelor’s degree. But, going to college for four years does not turn you into a leader. You may gain a lot of knowledge, and learn how to think, but it does not turn you into an actual leader or prepare for you for leadership roles. People need to seek out leadership experiences and intentionally develop those skills. Those who participate in collegiate leadership programs such as the Doerr Institute are developing their leader identity and displaying more effective leadership skills.

Leadership & Accountability

Have you ever worked in an organization without real leadership? It’s difficult, isn’t it? Without a leader that exemplifies what it means to be part of your organization’s culture, there is no accountability for the actions of yourself or others. True leadership is defined by your everyday actions – living the missions and values of your organization 100% of the time.

This expert sales interview explores:

  • Accountability
  • Commitments
  • Making Accountability a Reality in Your Organization

Accountability

Accountability is the highest form of leadership. Either you are accountable to your people or you aren’t, and if you aren’t, then your leadership style will never work. Accountability isn’t necessarily just getting things done – it is not the same as responsibility. We are responsible for things, but we are accountable to people. It’s a commitment to a person or to a group of people. The accountable leader understands that it’s not about their people being accountable to them, it’s that they have to take the responsibility to create an environment that inspires accountability for people to be their best. This is achieved by being accountable to their people first and foremost.

Commitments

Accountability to your people manifests in commitments. One of the commitments is a commitment to the values. Organizations are great at coming up with mission statements, or vision statements. They create this list of values that goes on the wall, or in a drawer and then it’s gone. The reality is that the accountable leader is living those values, modeling those values, teaching those values, and are making decisions that are ALWAYS connected to those values. Then, and only then, they can expect their people to do the same in return.

Making Accountability a Reality in Your Organization

There are two parts to every business. There is the tactical side of your business and then there is the spirit of your business. What we tend to do is focus on the tactical side of the business and that’s when we make a mistake. What happens is no matter how good you make the tactical side of your business, it’s not going to help the spirit of who you are as an organization. This is going to connect to your organizational culture. When you focus on the spirit and the culture of your organization, people are freed to take the tactical side of the business to levels that we would have never before imagined.

To learn more about how to overcome self-limiting beliefs, watch the entire expert sales interview.

About our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

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