Question of Character Question of Character

In this episode Mary and I welcome Dr. Lucas Monzani, Asst. Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Ivey Business School. Lucas’s research includes a focus on Key People Indicators (KPIs), and quantifying the impact that Leader Character has on these KPIs. Lucas shares the accumulating evidence which is establishing a broad-based, strong, and positive correlation between presence of Leader Character and KPIs (e.g. psychological safety, promotability), which has the potential to radically transform organizations. In our conversation we note that Leader Character is a fundamental, root-cause approach to improving these KPIs from within people (“trickle up” effect). Lucas also discusses his current and future research which is using novel techniques and methods to measure the link between Leader Character and physiological responses, and the early results are very promising. Lucas discusses some extremely valuable insights arising from his research that demonstrates consistent cross-cultural effects and the phenomenon of “character contagion”. Lucas discusses using virtual reality techniques to deliver consistent, cost-effective and humane training methods to develop leader character (including reducing unconscious bias and improving performance management). Finally, Lucas reminds us that Leader Character is at its essence a “Human Project”, and that the human is at the front and center of our research. It is not pursued for the primary purpose of improving profitability or EPS, but to support and extend Human Flourishing to support judgment and well-being and get at the complex challenges facing us in the 21st century.



SOURCES / CITATIONS:


Ellis, C., Monzani, L., & Bruschetto, S. (2024). Character development and Mindfulness: A sustainable competitive advantage for leaders and employees. Amplify, 37(1), 8–16. https://www.cutter.com/article/character-development-mindfulness-sustainable-competitive-advantage-leaders-employees
Monzani, L., Escartín, J., Ceja, L., & Bakker, A. B. (2021). Blending mindfulness practices and character strengths increases employee well‐being: A second‐order meta‐analysis and a follow‐up field experiment. Human Resource Management Journal, 31(4), 1025–1062.https://doi.org/10.1111/1748-8583.12360 
Monzani, L., Seijts, G. H., & Crossan, M. (2021). Character matters: The network structure of leader character and its relation to follower positive outcomes. PLOS ONE, 16(9), e0255940.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0255940

Five new episodes of the Question of Character Podcast are on their way starting June 26!




EPISODE 13: Does Research support that Character matters?


EPISODE 14: Why and how do we embed Leader Character into our organization's culture?


EPISODE 15: How Can Improv support Leader Character Development?


EPISODE 16: How can the Virtuosity App deliver Individual and Organizational Excellence?


EPISODE 17: Can Leader Character apply to Formula Car Racing?

Summary: In this episode Mary and I welcome John Ossowski, President of Canada Border Services Agency. Over the last five years John has led the introduction of Leader Character into all facets of the CBSA organization. As he says, “We use it for everything!”. The accessible, practical and universal language of Leader Character makes it perfect for applications such as selection, recruiting, rewards and recognition and performance management. In particular, Leader Character has been central to a cultural transformation occurring within CBSA, including playing a key role in their EDI initiative. John discusses what first captured his imagination about Leader Character, how it is used at CBSA, how it has changed and strengthened his leadership, and the obstacles faced and overcome. When we asked John for his one piece of advice for leaders he said, “Just dive in!”. Likewise, we hope you will dive into this episode and get as much from it as we did. (~43 minutes)

In this episode Mary and I welcome Dr. Marsha Rothstein. Our conversation was inspired by an inquiry which had asked if Leader Character had anything to offer a stressed-out student population weary from dealing with a pandemic, job-hunting, social distancing and endless screen time. We thought Marsha had something to offer given her 30 years of clinical psychology in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) helping her patients address and overcome emotional difficulties. Our conversation turned out to be extremely timely, helpful and practical. Marsha’s and Mary’s conversation has a timeless quality to it and is helpful to all. The bottom line? Leader Character and CBT, working together, can have a huge impact on how you respond to the pressures of everyday life which, as we all know, have been ratcheted up tremendously by the pandemic. You can use the concepts and practices of CBT and Leader Character, established through science and practical application, to take greater control of your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, stimuli and responses. This in turn will lead to better alternatives, judgments, outcomes and well-being for yourself and others. You are not alone and working together will lead to better outcomes and well-being for all.



- 3C’s of Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1   

- Leadership Character Framework:  https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/   

- Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership:  https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/   

- Virtuosity App:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0

In this episode Mary and I welcome our special guest Ted MacDonald, Advisor to the Financial Conduct Authority in London, England and a long-time, unofficial ambassador for Ivey Business School. Ted discusses how Leader Character allows the practitioner to go beyond the letter of financial industry regulation, to the spirit of the regulation’s intent. Ted describes the effect of COVID-19 on culture, conduct, and individual well-being, and how Leader Character can provide a leader with balanced, timely and wise decisions during these unprecedented times. Ted and Mary distinguish between poor ethics and poor judgment, and how Leader Character, by focusing on judgment, can help reduce the risk of misconduct. We discuss how strength of character among the organization’s leadership sets the tone for a safe, supportive environment that will allow the aspired culture to thrive. Ted describes the concept of “tone from within” where individuals strength of character aligns with the organization’s purpose. Mary and Ted emphasize the foundational importance of individual character development in achieving culture change, how most organizations don’t take this seriously enough, and how those that do will achieve long-term, competitive, sustainable advantage. Ted also discusses how he has successfully used leader character within the FCA, and how it has been helpful to him in his personal life.  

- 3C’s of Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1   

- Leadership Character Framework:  https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/   

- Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership:  https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/   

- Virtuosity App:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0

In this episode Mary and I welcome our special guest Greg Millen, ex-NHL goalie, current NHL broadcaster, leadership consultant and college professor. In this episode we discuss the role of Leader Character in all sports, with a focus on professional ice hockey. Greg shares his experiences with character at the NHL level as a player and advisor, while Mary connects the science of Leader Character with the performance edge that professional athletes are looking for. Mary and Greg discuss their experiences working with the Carolina Hurricanes, and how Leader Character was used in draft selection. We also discuss the relevance of character to all types and levels of sport, and how athletes, coaches, administrators and management can use it to not only improve individual and team performance, but also to enhance individual well-being which will resonate and amplify to the benefit of our families, communities and society at large. Finally we make the point that the stories in sports that inspire us the most are those centered on the athlete’s character, and that these stories are equally applicable to our leaders and their organizations and institutions.  

- 3C’s of -Leadership:  https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1 

- Leadership Character Framework:  https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/ 

- Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership:  https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/ 

- Virtuosity App:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0