A Student of Leadership - Where Great Leaders are Made, One Habit at a Time!

Robert Adams
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A Student of Leadership - Where Great Leaders are Made, One Habit at a Time!

Welcome to A Student of Leadership MICRO podcast, powered by UniPro Foodservice and our Leadership Development Program. I’m Rob Adams, your host and guide on this journey into the habits, routines, and behaviors that define exceptional leadership. Whether you’re stepping into your first food industry leadership role or refining your craft as a seasoned senior leader, this MICRO podcast is designed for you. Leadership is not a destination. It’s a practice. Over 25+ years of food industry leadership experience, I’ve learned that leadership is continually evolving, challenging yourself, and adopting small, deliberate actions that inspire trust, loyalty, and extraordinary results. My passion for leadership development has led me to the groundbreaking work of a behavioral approach. Join us and share with five other people who could benefit from this education. A Student of Leadership - Where Great Leaders are Made, One Habit at a Time!

  1. Episode 18 - Leadership Listening

    1D AGO

    Episode 18 - Leadership Listening

    summary In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams delves into the transformative power of active listening as a critical leadership skill. He discusses how leaders can unlock potential and foster innovation through strategic listening, illustrated by Satya Nadella's approach at Microsoft. The episode also provides practical strategies for enhancing listening skills, emphasizing the importance of intention and creating spaces for deep understanding. takeaways True listening goes far beyond hearing words.Active listening creates space for understanding and connection.Strategic listening is a powerful differentiator for leaders.Nadella's listening campaign transformed Microsoft's culture.Regular stay interviews foster ongoing dialogues with employees.Listening can lead to innovative solutions, like the adaptive controller.The intention behind listening is crucial for effective leadership.Leaders who listen strategically see higher innovation rates.Creating listening spaces enhances understanding and trust.Listening is an active leadership tool that requires practice. titles Unlocking Leadership Potential Through Active ListeningThe Transformative Impact of Listening in LeadershipSound Bites "True listening goes far beyond hearing words.""Listening has become increasingly rare.""Master the four levels of listening."Chapters 00:00The Power of Active Listening 02:14Transformative Leadership at Microsoft 03:44The Intent Behind Listening 05:17Strategies for Effective Listening 06:46Listening as a Leadership Advantage 08:08A Student of Leadership Outro.wav

    9 min
  2. Episode 17 - Leadership Trust

    APR 15

    Episode 17 - Leadership Trust

    In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams delves into the critical role of trust in leadership. He emphasizes that trust is not just a skill but the foundation of effective leadership, enabling vision, delegation, and influence. Through the example of Angela Merkel's leadership during crises, he illustrates how transparency and ethical decision-making foster public trust. The episode outlines strategies for building trust within teams and organizations, including practicing vulnerability, creating trust rituals, and systematic trust-building practices. Adams concludes with an action challenge for listeners to assess and strengthen trust in their leadership relationships. Takeaways Trust is foundational to effective leadership.Without trust, leadership skills become ineffective.Transparency and ethical decision-making build trust.High-trust environments lead to faster decision-making.Vulnerability can enhance a leader's credibility.Regular trust rituals can reinforce team trust.Trust should be built systematically within organizations.Trust audits can help identify areas for improvement.Every interaction either builds or erodes trust.Great leaders are made one habit at a time. Sound Bites "Practice predictable vulnerability."Chapters 00:00The Foundation of Leadership: Trust 01:28Angela Merkel: A Case Study in Trust 03:26Building Trust in Leadership 05:51Strategies for Trust Building 06:47Action Challenge: Conducting a Trust Audit

    9 min

  3. APR 8

    Episode 16 - Leadership Empowerment

    In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams delves into the transformative practice of empowerment in leadership. He emphasizes that true empowerment goes beyond mere delegation; it involves creating an environment where individuals feel confident taking initiative and making decisions. Using Indira Newey at PepsiCo as an example, he illustrates how empowerment can lead to significant organizational transformation. The episode also outlines strategies for cultivating a culture of empowerment and provides actionable steps for leaders to implement in their teams. Takeaways True empowerment goes far beyond simply delegating authority.Creating an environment of confidence is key to empowerment.Empowerment transforms organizational culture and capabilities.Indira Newey's leadership at PepsiCo exemplifies empowerment.Empowerment is about providing tools, recognition, and support.The real test of empowerment is stepping back and letting others lead.Empowered employees are significantly more engaged and productive.Building empowerment infrastructure is essential for success.Training and coaching are vital for developing empowerment skills.Celebrating empowered actions reinforces a culture of initiative. Titles Unlocking Leadership Potential Through EmpowermentThe Transformative Power of Empowerment in OrganizationsSound Bites "Empowered employees are 67% more engaged.""True empowerment is a systematic practice.""Great leaders are made one habit at a time."Chapters 00:00The Essence of Empowerment in Leadership 03:44Transformational Leadership: The PepsiCo Example 06:37Strategies for Cultivating Empowerment 07:52

    8 min
  4. Episode 15 - Leadership Delegation

    APR 1

    Episode 15 - Leadership Delegation

    In this episode, Rob Adams delves into the critical leadership skill of delegation, emphasizing its importance in fostering team development and organizational success. Through the example of Howard Schultz at Starbucks, he illustrates how effective delegation can empower teams, enhance innovation, and create a culture of trust. The episode also provides practical strategies for improving delegation skills, highlighting the need for clear success parameters and building partnerships for mutual growth. Takeaways Delegation is an art that involves identifying potential.Effective delegation fosters growth and builds a culture of trust.Howard Schultz's approach at Starbucks exemplifies successful delegation.True delegation requires courage to trust and discipline to step back.Delegation is about transferring ownership, not just assigning tasks.CEOs who excel at delegation achieve higher revenue growth.Teams led by effective delegators show higher engagement rates.Create clear success parameters while allowing creativity.Regular check-ins can enhance the delegation process.Effective delegation creates space for team and personal growth. Titles Mastering the Art of DelegationEmpowering Teams Through Effective DelegationSound Bites "Trust in your team's expertise.""Delegate your development.""Build delegation partnerships."Chapters 00:00The Art of Delegation 04:06Empowering Teams for Success 07:01Strategies for Effective Delegation 07:40

    8 min
  5. Episode 14 - Leadership Gratitude

    MAR 25

    Episode 14 - Leadership Gratitude

    In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the transformative power of gratitude in leadership. He emphasizes that gratitude is not merely about saying thank you but creating a culture where individuals feel valued and appreciated. Through the example of Alan Mulally, former CEO of Ford, he illustrates how intentional gratitude can lead to organizational success and employee satisfaction. The episode also highlights research showing that gratitude can significantly enhance team performance and offers practical strategies for leaders to integrate gratitude into their leadership style. Takeaways Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for building trust.Creating a culture of gratitude can inspire exceptional performance.Alan Mulally's leadership at Ford exemplifies the impact of gratitude.Specific recognition is more effective than general thanks.Gratitude rituals can make appreciation visible and contagious.Connecting gratitude to growth fosters psychological safety.Authentic gratitude is about impact, not frequency.Gratitude can reshape relationships and organizational culture.Practicing gratitude leads to higher productivity and lower turnover.Every expression of appreciation contributes to a lasting impact. Titles Transforming Leadership Through GratitudeThe Impact of Gratitude on Team DynamicsSound Bites "Gratitude isn't just about saying thank you.""Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.""Great leaders are made one habit at a time."Chapters 00:00The Power of Gratitude in Leadership 02:46Alan Mulally's Transformative Leadership 04:37Research Insights on Gratitude's Impact 06:44Practical Ways to Integrate Gratitude 07:44Action Challenge: Creating a Gratitude Map 08:22

    9 min
  6. Episode 13 - Leadership Confidence

    MAR 18

    Episode 13 - Leadership Confidence

    In this episode, Rob Adams discusses the foundational quality of effective leadership: confidence. He emphasizes that true confidence is not about arrogance but about trusting one's abilities while acknowledging limitations. The episode features the inspiring story of Ursula Burns, the first black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, who exemplified confidence during her tenure at Xerox. Rob shares actionable steps for building authentic confidence, including preparation, openness to feedback, and learning from experiences. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to identify and overcome situations where a lack of confidence has held them back. Takeaways Confidence is about trusting your abilities and acknowledging limitations.True confidence inspires others and encourages calculated risks.Ursula Burns exemplified confidence during Xerox's transformation.Confidence is built through action and stepping outside comfort zones.Authentic confidence is balanced with humility and openness.Leaders who display authentic confidence gain trust and commitment.Preparation and practice are key to building confidence.Balancing conviction with openness fosters trust and dialogue.Learning from experiences, both successes and setbacks is crucial.Confidence transforms good ideas into meaningful change. Titles The Power of Confidence in LeadershipUrsula Burns: A Leadership IconSound Bites "Confidence isn't about arrogance.""Balance conviction with openness.""Learn from every experience."Chapters 00:00The Essence of Confidence in Leadership 03:42Ursula Burns: A Case Study in Leadership Confidence 06:43Building Authentic Confidence: Strategies for Leaders 07:28

    8 min
  7. Episode 12 - Leadership Adaptability

    MAR 11

    Episode 12 - Leadership Adaptability

    In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams emphasizes the critical leadership skill of adaptability. He shares personal insights from his leadership journey and highlights the importance of flexibility in a rapidly changing world. Through the example of Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, he illustrates how proactive adaptability can lead to innovation and success. The episode concludes with actionable strategies for leaders to enhance their adaptability and an action challenge to implement them in their leadership practice. Takeaways Adaptability is the ability to adjust to change and uncertainty.Mary Barra's leadership at GM exemplifies proactive adaptability.Leaders who embrace change create resilient organizations.Feedback is crucial for refining leadership strategies.Experimentation should be viewed as a learning opportunity.A growth mindset fosters continuous learning and development.Adaptability is a skill that can be honed over time.Identifying areas for adaptability can enhance leadership effectiveness.Empowering teams to embrace change leads to long-term success.Great leaders are made through consistent practice of leadership habits. Titles Embracing Change: The Key to Leadership SuccessAdaptability: A Leader's Essential SkillSound Bites "Stay open to feedback to refine your strategies.""Identify one area where adaptability is needed.""Great leaders are made one habit at a time."Chapters Introduction to Leadership Journey 03:39The Importance of Adaptability in Leadership 06:35Strategies for Enhancing Adaptability 08:46Action Challenge for Leaders

    11 min
  8. Episode 11 - Leadership Curiosity

    MAR 4

    Episode 11 - Leadership Curiosity

    In this episode of A Student of Leadership, Rob Adams explores the vital role of curiosity in effective leadership. He discusses how curiosity drives innovation, enhances decision-making, and strengthens relationships. Through the inspiring story of Sarah Blakely, founder of Spanx, he illustrates how questioning conventional wisdom can lead to groundbreaking ideas. The episode also provides practical tips for cultivating curiosity in leadership, emphasizing the importance of asking open-ended questions and embracing diverse perspectives. Adams concludes with an action challenge to approach organizational challenges with curiosity, reinforcing that curiosity is essential for growth and creativity in leadership. Takeaways Curiosity fuels innovation and growth in leadership.Asking open-ended questions leads to deeper understanding.Curiosity can improve team performance and decision-making.Diverse perspectives can spark new ideas.A learning mindset is crucial for effective leadership.Curiosity helps in navigating challenges creatively.Every question asked is a step towards better leadership.Curiosity creates a culture of collaboration.Leaders should model curiosity by sharing what they have learned.Curiosity is foundational for creativity and discovery. Sound Bites "Embrace a learning mindset."Chapters 00:00The Power of Curiosity in Leadership 02:33Practical Steps to Cultivate Curiosity

    6 min
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    About

    Welcome to A Student of Leadership MICRO podcast, powered by UniPro Foodservice and our Leadership Development Program. I’m Rob Adams, your host and guide on this journey into the habits, routines, and behaviors that define exceptional leadership. Whether you’re stepping into your first food industry leadership role or refining your craft as a seasoned senior leader, this MICRO podcast is designed for you. Leadership is not a destination. It’s a practice. Over 25+ years of food industry leadership experience, I’ve learned that leadership is continually evolving, challenging yourself, and adopting small, deliberate actions that inspire trust, loyalty, and extraordinary results. My passion for leadership development has led me to the groundbreaking work of a behavioral approach. Join us and share with five other people who could benefit from this education. A Student of Leadership - Where Great Leaders are Made, One Habit at a Time!

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