Coaching for Leaders Dave Stachowiak
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Leaders aren't born, they're made. This Monday show helps you discover leadership wisdom through insightful conversations. Independently produced weekly since 2011, Dr. Dave Stachowiak brings perspective from a thriving, global leadership academy, plus more than 15 years of leadership at Dale Carnegie. Bestselling authors, expert researchers, deep conversation, and regular dialogue with listeners have attracted 40 million downloads and the #1 search result for management on Apple Podcasts. Activate your FREE membership to access the entire leadership and management library at CoachingforLeaders.com
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Create Something Better Than Its Parts, with David Novak
David Novak: How Leaders Learn
David Novak is Co-Founder and the retired Chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands, the world’s largest restaurant company. During his tenure as CEO, Yum! Brands became a global powerhouse, growing from $4 billion in market cap to over $32 billion. After retiring in 2016, he became Founder and CEO of David Novak Leadership, dedicated to developing leaders at every stage of life. He is the author of How Leaders Learn: Master the Habits of the World's Most Successful People.
One element of powerful leadership is bringing different people and ideas together to create something entirely new. In this conversation, David and I discuss how leaders can use pattern thinking to create new value. Plus, we explore why active learning is so critical for successful leadership.
Key Points
Pattern thinking is 1+1 = 3. Create something bigger than its parts by pairing things not related to make something new.
Be curious about the world by being an active learner. Use books, travel, listening, and hobbies to come across insights you wouldn’t normally see.
Active learners seek out patterns proactively in order to create something new.
Questions to ask yourself:
The last time you came up with an especially creative idea or solution, what was your inspiration? What pattern were you applying and where had you discovered it?
How much time do you spend exploring outside your usual work and life experiences? Where are you getting exposure to different disciplines or industries?
Think of a challenge you’re facing or a problem you’ve been struggling to solve? Have you looked for patterns or ideas from unusual sources yet? If not, where could you turn next?
Resources Mentioned
How Leaders Learn: Master the Habits of the World's Most Successful People by David Novak
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
How to Solve the Toughest Problems, with Wendy Smith (episode 612)
Better Ways to Lead Brainstorming, with Jeremy Utley (episode 630)
Doing Better Than Zero Sum-Thinking, with Renée Mauborgne (episode 641)
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Ways to Move Forward Well, with Bonni Stachowiak
Bonni Stachowiak: Teaching in Higher Ed
Bonni is the host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, Dean of Teaching and Learning and Professor of Business and Management at Vanguard University, and my life partner. Prior to her academic career, she was a human resources consultant and executive officer for a publicly traded company. Bonni is the author of The Productive Online and Offline Professor: A Practical Guide.
Question from Qasim
Qasim asked our thoughts on how to break the busy cycle and actually get started with something important.
Aruj wondered how to handle a tricky situation where colleagues are gossiping lots in the office.
Alice has three great opportunities in front of her was curious our advice on how to decide between them.
Resources Mentioned
How to Decide by Annie Duke
Related Episodes
How to Start a Conversation With Anyone, with Mark Sieverkropp (episode 177)
How to Deal with Opponents and Adversaries, with Peter Block (episode 328)
The Way to Make Better Decisions, with Annie Duke (episode 499)
The Power of Unlearning Silence, with Elaine Lin Hering (episode 678)
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The Way to Handle Q&A, with Matt Abrahams
Matt Abrahams: Think Faster, Talk Smarter
Matt Abrahams is an educator, author, podcast host, and coach. He is a lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and a keynote speaker and communication consultant for Fortune 100 companies. He is the host of the popular podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart and the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot*.
One of the most common places leaders get put on the spot is when facilitating a question and answer session. In this episode, Matt and I discuss the mindset, preparation, and steps that will help you answer questions with confidence and increase credibility with your audience.
Key Points
Many presenters think about a Q&A session like playing dodgeball. It’s more helpful to frame it as dialogue.
Answering questions well allows you to project authenticity, expand on key points, and resolve objections.
Use the ADD framework to respond to a question. A: answer the question, D: detail an example, and D: describe the value. If helpful, adjust the order.
Set boundaries for the kinds of questions you’ll answer and the timeframe for them. The audience expects you to lead the conversation.
Ask yourself a question if nobody else asks one first. This might start with, “A question I’m commonly asked…”
End with an exclamation point. Sticking the landing provides you confidence and shows credibility to your audience.
Resources Mentioned
Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot* by Matt Abrahams
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
The Way to Influence Executives, with Nancy Duarte (episode 450)
How to Rehearse Before a Presentation, with Jacqueline Farrington (episode 645)
That’s a Great Question (Dave’s Journal)
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Becoming More Coach-Like, with Michael Bungay Stanier
Michael Bungay Stanier: The Coaching Habit
Michael Bungay Stanier is the author of eight books, including The Coaching Habit*, which has sold more than a million copies and is the best-selling book on coaching this century. He is the founder Box of Crayons, a learning and development company that’s trained thousands of people around the world to be more coach-like. His TEDx Talk on Taming Your Advice Monster has been viewed more than a million times.
One of the most common desires leaders espouse is wanting to get better at helping others grow. One great way to do that is to become more coach-like. In this conversation, Michael and I explore how we can do better at building this skill.
Key Points
Care deeply for others while also being disconnected from their outcomes. Give people responsibility for their own freedom.
Consider asking, “How much risk are you willing to take?” Allow the other party to define the boundaries.
Bring a difficult observation as a third point. Separate the message from the person and let them decide what’s true.
Avoid asking “why” questions of others to avoid putting people on the defensive and trying to solve their problems.
A helpful checkpoint: is this question something that’s helping me or helping the other party?
Silence is a measure of success. When you ask as question that lands, people need time to answer.
Your body leads your brain. Notice your physical presence and how it manifests when you’re listening well.
Resources Mentioned
The Coaching Habit* by Michael Bungay Stanier
Register your book receipt for bonus items from Michael
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
These Coaching Questions Get Results, with Michael Bungay Stanier (episode 237)
Leadership in the Midst of Chaos, with Jim Mattis (episode 440)
How to Lead Better Through Complexity, with Jennifer Garvey Berger (episode 613)
How to Help Others Be Seen and Heard, with Scott Shigeoka (episode 654)
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Make it Easier to Discuss Hard Things, with Jeff Wetzler
Jeff Wetzler: Ask
Jeff Wetzler is co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized innovation organization, and an expert in learning and human potential. His experience spans 25+ years in business and education, as a management consultant to top corporations, a learning facilitator for leaders, and as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America.
He is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and is an Edmund Hillary Fellow. Jeff is the author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life*.
Leaders are not the only people who need to have difficult conversations in the workplace. Yet, leaders set the tone for how much people are willing and able to talk about hard things. In this episode, Jeff and I discuss how leaders can make it easier for those important conversations to happen.
Key Points
In one study of managers, most people admitted to remaining silent with their bosses and nearly 75% said colleagues also felt uncomfortable speaking up.
Meet people on their own turf. Others are more likely to speak up if they are in a setting that’s more comfortable for them.
Leaders should consider shifting timing and/or medium to one that’s of the preference for the person who doesn’t have power.
Explain why you’re asking about a topic and your intention for a conversation at the start. Providing context prevents people from having to guess at your agenda.
Set a mutual agenda for a conversation by asking a question like, “In addition to this, what else should be part of our conversation today?”
Establish a tone for open communication by radiating resilience. Words like these might help: “If I were in your shoes, I might be feeling frustrated or even resentful. If that’s how you’re feeling, I would understand completely. Please don’t hold back.”
Resources Mentioned
Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life* by Jeff Wetzler
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
How to Ask Better Questions, with David Marquet (episode 454)
The Way Out of Major Conflict, with Amanda Ripley (episode 529)
How to Grow From Your Errors, with Amy Edmondson (episode 663)
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The Power of Unlearning Silence, with Elaine Lin Hering
Elaine Lin Hering: Unlearning Silence
Elaine Lin Hering is a facilitator, speaker, and writer who helps people build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. She is a former Managing Partner of Triad Consulting Group and Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, specializing in dispute resolution, mediation, and negotiation. She is the author of Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Your Talent, and Live More Fully.
Those of us who have struggled to speak up have been told, “Just be more confident,” or, “Say this to get started.” As Elaine and I discuss in this conversation, there’s a larger context at play…and great power for both leaders and the people they lead, in unlearning silence.
Key Points
Start with why. For change to actually happen, find something that matters more than the old behavior.
What seems obvious to us isn’t always obvious to others. Connecting the dots for others demonstrates the meaning you’re making.
Beginning a thought with, “From where I sit…” provides an entry point for what you need to say while also acknowledging different perspectives from others.
Most people want to be helpful, but don’t always know how. Tell them how they can be helpful in the moment.
Resistance is part of the process of influencing others. While it doesn’t feel good in the moment, it’s often the catalyst for creating movement.
Resources Mentioned
Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Your Talent, and Live More Fully* by Elaine Lin Hering
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
How to Speak Up, with Connson Locke (episode 546)
End Imposter Syndrome in Your Organization, with Jodi-Ann Burey (episode 556)
The Mindset Leaders Need to Address Burnout, with Christina Maslach (episode 608)
Discover More
Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.