Playing In The Sandbox Tammy J. Bond

One of the most common misunderstandings about leadership is the belief that it's always about being in control. But that's not the whole story. In this episode of Playing In The Sandbox, we'll explore why leadership is more than just being in charge. So, grab your pen and notebooks, and let's debunk this leadership myth together. 
1. What is a leader?
Facebook Meme: When you think of a leader, do you envision someone barking orders? 
What leadership is: Leadership isn't about being in charge. It's about nurturing those in your charge. Taking care of your staff and team gives them the confidence to deliver exceptional customer services and goods.
2. Workplace Title
Your title means nothing: The title you carry within the workplace does not mean you’re in charge. In reality, you’re in service to those around you. 
Underdogs matter more: The ones reporting to you are your top priority as a leader. Putting your focus on them helps them deliver positive outcomes to clients and customers. 
3. Servant Leadership
What is servant leadership?: It’s a leadership style that prioritizes others' needs to help them perform at their best within the organization. 
Why it works: This approach fosters trust and a sense of collaboration, making leaders and employees feel like they are part of a team, which is key to success.
4. Transforming Employee Engagement Through Leadership Prioritization
Low work engagement: Only 34% of employees are engaged at work. This leaves a large number of employees in the background, quietly waiting for retirement to come.
Leaders can change it: When leaders take responsibility and prioritize their team's well-being and development, they can transform these employees into highly engaged individuals. 
The changes: Highly engaged employees outperformed their peers by 147% in earnings per share. This shift in engagement, driven by the leaders, can increase revenue and customer success, empowering the organization.
5. Impactful Leadership Example
Pepsi’s former CEO: Indra Nooyi's leadership at Pepsi resulted in impressive 80% revenue growth. 
How she did it: Her focus on performance with purpose and employee wellness not only connected the employees more deeply to the company but also significantly contributed to its success. 
Motivation works: Leaders who inspire and motivate their teams, like Nooyi did, can increase employees' loyalty and bring success to organizations.
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast  to change your mindset and behaviors so you can elevate your communication and leadership! We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our YouTube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios."

Imagine setting a visionary goal that transforms your leadership and ignites a fire within your team. Join me in this episode of the "Playing in the Sandbox" podcast as we venture into "Leadership Moonshots"! Discover what a moonshot really is, why it's vital for your leadership, and how it can set you and your team on a path to unprecedented success.
1. Understanding the Leadership Moonshot
What is a Leadership Moonshot?: If you're unfamiliar with the term, a leadership moonshot is an ambitious, seemingly impossible goal that pushes boundaries and inspires greatness.
Historical Example: Consider when JFK challenged the US to land a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s. This bold vision ignited the nation's imagination and efforts, demonstrating the power of setting audacious goals.
Inspiration for Greatness: A leadership moonshot motivates and drives collective effort towards remarkable achievements.
2. The Danger of Imitating Others' Moonshots
Avoid Emulating Others: Resist the temptation to replicate others' moonshot ideas. This lack of originality and enthusiasm can lead to failure because it doesn't align with your values and vision.
Learn from Past Failures: Consider the downfall of companies like Kodak and Blockbuster, which failed to innovate and keep up with trends.
Create Your Own Vision: Your moonshot should reflect your distinct vision and values, empowering you to stand out and thrive.
3. Defining Your Leadership Moonshot Create Your Unique Goal: Define your leadership moonshot by setting a bold, ambitious goal that aligns with your strengths and values.
Take the Reins: Take charge and craft a vision that reflects your unique perspective.
Align with Your Team: Share these goals with your team to ensure everyone is aligned and working towards the same vision.
4. Embracing Setbacks as Feedback
Setbacks are Part of the Journey: Every great journey will encounter setbacks.
Mindset Shift: View these setbacks as feedback, not roadblocks.
Accelerate Learning: This perspective accelerates learning, helps you correct mistakes swiftly, and keeps you on the path to progress.
5. The Power of Belief in Achieving Moonshots
Believe in Your Goal: Your belief in your goal is crucial. If you don't believe in it, how can anyone else?
Unwavering Optimism: Maintain a strong, positive outlook to inspire your team. This optimism helps to shape and sustain the collective vision of achieving ambitious, "moonshot" goals.
Leadership and Motivation: When leaders genuinely believe in their team's ability to achieve these goals, it fosters motivation and drives the team to accomplish remarkable results.
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast to change your mindset and behaviors so you don’t become a quitter! We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.

Are you ready to elevate your leadership game and transform your communication with your team, colleagues, and loved ones? In this powerful episode of Play in The Sandbox, I share the untapped potential of a simple yet profound concept: "Clarity is Kindness."
Discover how clarity fosters trust, enhances productivity, and creates a harmonious environment where everyone thrives. My practical tips and strategies will revolutionize how you lead and connect with others.
1. Why is clarity in leadership communication important? Clarity is essential in leadership communication to ensure everyone understands your message. To truly harness the power of clarity, it's crucial to involve yourself and your team in the process. Try self-assessments and team feedback. This will not only allow you to make adjustments but also empower you and your team to improve alignment and understanding within the organization.
2. To help others understand the urgency of your message, start setting boundaries and managing expectations when delivering directives or urgent messages. Integrating proactive communication strategies and follow-up mechanisms ensures that urgent matters are addressed promptly without compromising clarity or causing confusion.
3. Leaders who encourage open dialogue and feedback loops among team members can empower individuals to address challenges collaboratively and constructively. You can also provide skill development and coaching to help team members enhance their conflict resolution abilities, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and trust within the organization. 
4. Consider using self-awareness tools to drive continuous improvement and progress tracking in team management. Establishing clear expectations and regular check-ins enables leaders to monitor progress effectively and promptly address challenges. 
5. Leaders can promote team cohesion and productivity by setting clear expectations and providing consistent feedback. Through continuous engagement, feedback, and skill development, leaders can empower teams to navigate challenges, achieve goals, and foster a culture of collaboration and success.
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast  to change your mindset and behaviors so  you can elevate your communication and leadership! We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.

Transitions in a company are always challenging for those in leadership positions. However, hearing from someone else's experiences can give you an idea of what to expect.
In this episode of Playing in the Sandbox, I continue my conversation with Mike Nassar, an incredible leader known for his relational approach and strategic vision. Listen to Mike's insights on leadership, curiosity, and empathy in today's complex business environment.
A deep sense of fulfillment drives Mike's leadership journey. He finds joy in guiding individuals and teams to unlock their full potential and seeing their careers flourish. This personal growth and fulfillment are the true rewards of leadership.  Try helping your team cast a vision for success to motivate and guide them through challenges. Leaders who remind their team members that winning is possible directs them toward goals despite current setbacks.  Mike's commitment to continuous learning and curiosity is a testament to his belief in personal and professional growth. He shares his practice of constantly exploring the company's internal workings, competitors' strategies, and the best practices from other industries. With this commitment, each day at work is a new learning opportunity, ensuring continuous growth and excellence. It’s exciting when mid-level managers and employees suggest feedback, isn’t it? Mike shares why it’s essential for leaders to welcome feedback and ideas from workers at all levels of the company. This practice enhances the customer experience and operational efficiency. When a company puts value into diverse perspectives, it drives the organization toward success.  If you ever feel as though there’s a misalignment between your values and the company’s, consider a career change. Mike shares that those who stay in a working environment where values clash often experience dissatisfaction and conflicts. No matter how much you love your position, if it doesn’t align with your personal values, it can impact job satisfaction. Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast to change your mindset and behaviors so you can elevate your communication and leadership! We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on  Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.
 

I'm delighted to have Mike Nassar, a distinguished leader, join us. His journey, from various managerial positions to the presidency and then the COO role of a major international company, is a shining example of strategic leadership and value-driven management. 
In this episode,  we delve into the crucial topic of aligning personal values with organizational goals. Don't miss this conversation, as Mike's wisdom will provide invaluable insights for aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals.
It’s essential for businesses to align their personal values with those of the organization during transitions. In addition, middle managers should stay true to their core values and choose employment that aligns well with their personal beliefs. This will allow you to make the right decisions for the company and yourself.
During the transition phase, provide updates to every employee under your guidance. A leader who ensures good communication represents the company effectively to the staff.
Amidst the changes, it's crucial to remember the value of employee feedback. While it may seem challenging with the many tasks at hand, taking the time to listen and respond to your team's input not only upholds company standards but also makes them feel valued and heard.
Connecting with as many employees as possible is essential for those leading large organizations. Mike shares insights on the importance of connecting with people face-to-face across various locations and the challenges and rewards it brings.
Promote an employee only if he or she meets specific criteria. Mutual success only happens when employees' and managers' goals align.
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast to learn how to build up your management skills. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.

It’s time to get curious! In today’s episode of Playing in the Sandbox, I’m bringing you a topic from the vault that digs deep into how we ask questions. Instead of seeking to be understood, first, it’s important that we seek to understand. If you find yourself asking questions that lead to defensiveness, confusion, or other unexpected responses, this episode is for you.
 
More often than not, people hear questions as accusations. Framing questions from a curious perspective can move our team members out of a defensive mindset. 2.            If your work environment is breaking down, examine how others answer the questions you are asking – they will expose their perspective (and their baggage if it exists).
 
3.            Asking powerful questions gets you to the core of who someone is and moves past the facade.
 
4.            If you give “point-and-shoot” instructions to your team, the team may feel demoralized. Try taking a “point-and-ask” approach.
 
5.            Pay attention to cultural differences. For example, if you’re an East Coast leader working with a West Coast team, think about how your team members communicate and create space for clarity.
 
6.            It’s important to address the pink elephant in the room! If there’s something no one wants to discuss, expose the issue and seek to rectify it without blame.
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast to learn more about asking powerful questions! We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.