Reflect Forward Kerry Siggins

In the rapidly changing business landscape, transformation is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity. As we've seen in our own organization, adapting to new market conditions, technological advancements, and evolving customer needs is crucial. Why is it important for leaders to lead well through transformation? And how can they do it better? Let's explore.

The Importance of Effective Leadership in Transformation

The ability to steer the organization towards its goals while navigating the complexities of change is paramount. Leaders set the tone, pace, and direction of change. They are responsible for aligning the organization's vision with the transformative steps and ensuring that the team is not just aboard but also committed to the journey.

Why Leading Transformation Is Challenging

Leading transformation is inherently difficult for several reasons. First, it involves changing established systems and processes, which can be met with resistance. People generally prefer the familiarity of the status quo and altering that can lead to discomfort and pushback. Second, transformation requires a clear vision and a strategic roadmap, which can be challenging to articulate and implement effectively. This process often includes navigating uncertainties and unforeseen challenges, requiring leaders to be adaptable and resilient. Additionally, transformation involves a cultural shift within the organization, a gradual and often complex process. It requires changing behaviors and practices and altering underlying beliefs and attitudes.

Five Ways Leaders Can Lead Transformation Better
• Communicate with Clarity and Purpose
• Empower and Involve the Team
• Lead by Example
• Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning
• Monitor Progress and Adjust Accordingly

Common Pitfalls in Leading Transformation

However, leaders can sometimes get transformation wrong.
Common pitfalls include:

Underestimating the Resistance to Change: As we have seen in some of our past initiatives, resistance to change is natural. Leaders should anticipate it and have strategies in place to address it.

Lack of Alignment: Initiatives can fail without aligning the transformation with the organization's core values and goals. This misalignment can lead to confusion and a lack of buy-in.

Neglecting the Human Element: Focusing solely on the technical aspects and neglecting the human element – the team's emotions, fears, and aspirations – can derail transformation efforts.

Question of the Week

This week's question comes from my LinkedIn network who said, "You talk about the importance of being curious in your book. How do you foster curiosity within your team?"

Fostering a workplace culture of curiosity—where team members are motivated to pose challenging questions, disrupt the usual processes, and pursue their passions—leads to a workplace where individuals feel more recognized, valued, and inspired. Have a listen to hear the phrase I use and questions I ask to foster curiosity at StoneAge.

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Jeremy Osterberger is all about learning the leadership lessons life teaches along the way. Jeremy is the President and Chief Operating Officer of BIC Alliance and its subsidiaries (BIC Magazine, BIC Recruiting and IVS Investment Banking). For more than 20 years, Jeremy has built relationships with leading minds in the heavy industrial market, business owners, trade show producers, industry publications, vendors, including private equity groups focused on acquiring industrial service companies within the refining and petrochemical, tanks and terminals, pipeline, construction, and oil and gas sectors. Jeremy also influences the energy and heavy manufacturing conversation from live interviews to videos and podcasts.

Additionally, Jeremy has volunteered and served on the board of several downstream oil and gas and industrial association committees, including the Association of Builders and Contractors of Houston, East Harris County Manufactures Association, Texas Chemical Council, Louisiana Chemical Industry Association and the Petrochemworks.com workforce communications committee.
Episode in a Tweet: In some areas of our business, I will never be the master. And that's okay. As long as I can retain and motivate the masters we have on staff, as long as I can empower those folks who are ninjas, we will be successful.

Background: I’ve known Jeremy Osterberger for almost a decade now as he is the President and COO of BIC Alliance. In fact, BIC Magazine, one of the major brands of BIC Alliance, was the first magazine to pick up my leadership articles. In this episode, Jeremy and I discuss how he learned to be a leader, starting as a young kid and working his way up the ranks at BIC. We share so many things in common, such as an affinity to self-leadership, developing and empowering others, and staying humble as we find success. The theme throughout the show is how life teaches you leadership lessons when you pause long enough to learn from them. Please have a listen and let me know what you think!

How to find Jeremy:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bic-magazine/
Website BIC Alliance: https://www.bicalliance.com
Website BIC Magazine: https://www.bicmagazine.com
Podcast: https://www.bicmagazine.com/topics/podcast/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BICMagazine

Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Last week, my 10-year-old son Jack, and I discussed an incident in school. After listening to his story, I asked, "Why do you take what he said personally? He paused and rather than answering, he asked, "Why don't you ever seem bothered by what people say or do?" This caught me off guard, but it made me reflect. He had unwittingly touched upon a crucial trait that every leader should cultivate: the ability not to take things personally.

Why Leaders Need to Let Things Slide Off Their Backs:
Foster Objectivity: A leader's role requires making decisions based on facts, and the best interests of the organization. Emotional reactions can cloud judgment, leading to choices based on ego rather than what's best for the team.
Maintain Credibility: Leaders who react emotionally to every critique can appear insecure or unstable.

Build a Positive Culture: Leaders who take everything to heart can create a tense environment where team members are afraid to voice concerns and feedback. Leaders who can handle feedback encourage open dialogue and foster trust.

Preserve Energy for What Matters: Getting bogged down by every negative comment or action can drain a leader's energy reserves, detracting from the tasks and challenges that need attention.

Model Resilience for the Team: Demonstrating resilience can inspire their teams to be more resilient in the face of challenges.

Happiness: When you see feedback as a path to growth and are grateful for it, it's easy to not take it personally.

Five Tips on How Not to Take Things Personally

Practice Self-awareness: Understand your emotional triggers. Work on recognizing when they're activated.
Seek Clarity: Before jumping to conclusions, ask questions to understand the context and intentions behind feedback or actions.
Detach from the Outcome: Feedback is often about the task, role, or outcome, not a reflection of your worth as a person.
Surround Yourself with supportive people who can offer perspective and help you navigate challenges.
Practice Regular Reflection: Take time to assess and reflect on your reactions and behaviors.

The Counterpoint: The Importance of Listening
While it's essential for leaders to not take things personally, it's equally important not to swing the pendulum too far and become apathetic to feedback. Constructive criticism can be instrumental in personal and organizational growth. Remaining open to feedback, discerning the valuable insights from the noise can help leaders see blind spots, stagnation, and missed opportunities for improvement.

The balance lies in being emotionally resilient while staying receptive to growth. I tried to explain this to Jack. I am not sure he fully understood what I was saying, or maybe he did because he replied with, "Well you do seem to be much happier than most grownups I know. I like being happy!" And then he asked to go play Fortnite. Lol.

Question of the Week
It's time again to answer, "What you are reading now?
"Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight. I love this story.
Shoe Dog is more than just a memoir chronicling the ascent of Nike; it's a vivid portrayal of the passion, grit, and ingenuity behind its founder. Knight's transformation from selling shoes from his car's trunk to spearheading one of the world's most iconic brands serves as a powerful testament to tenacity and vision, reminding us that even the grandest companies sprout from a singular idea fueled by fervor. His relentless spirit in overcoming myriad challenges, from financial hurdles to legal confrontations, offers invaluable insights for leaders navigating their obstacles. His journey wasn't solitary. He accentuates the importance of fostering a committed team, highlighting the integral role his early Nike team, affectionately termed the "Buttfaces," played in the brand's evolution. Perhaps most poignantly, Knight's candid admission of his fears, doubts, and blunders underscores the essence of vulnerability in leadership, making "Shoe Dog" an essential read for all of u

Chantell Preston tells it like it is: when you empower yourself and your team, you build your life and leadership for impact. Chantell is the CEO and founder of Facilities Management Group (FMG), a management and consulting group based in Houston, Texas. FMG specializes in Freestanding Emergency Room, Hospital, and Ambulatory Surgical healthcare. Before FMG, Chantell built and sold her own company, Mentis Neuro Rehabilitation, which provided cognitive and physical rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury patients across the United States. Chantell also coaches, advises and speaks to high-powered women to equip them in personal, professional, and corporate growth. She provides a combination of unique mental coaching and accountability to successfully expedite real results and exponential growth with her clients personally and professionally.

Episode in a Tweet: When you empower your team and help them unlock their full potential, you not only drive corporate growth but also build a company people love to work for.

Background: I met Chantell Preston through YPO and feel so lucky to know her. She is a total rock star. During this episode, Chantell tells us how she shifted from an authoritarian leadership style to one that was more inspirational, compassionate and collaborative. Her incredible career includes founding and selling her company specializing in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, building 65 hospitals, and advising and coaching leaders nationwide.
Chantell believes women are a company's most powerful tool and that strategic growth is expedited when men understand women and women are given the tools they need to thrive. She shares why she's so passionate about helping women advance their careers. We share experiences about saying no more often and why we shouldn't devalue our time. We also talk about why building empowering workplaces is critical for business success and the power of maturing as a leader and giving back to future leaders. I know you'll love this podcast! Have a listen and let me know what you think!

How to find Chantell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellpreston
Website: www.chantellpreston.com

Order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

What do you do when you need to reduce your anxiety now? During this week’s episode of Reflect Forward, I share a story about a recent bout with anxiety and how I dealt with it. We all feel anxiety and these days, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by it. The good news is that there are steps you can take to get immediate relief.

Now for the story…
A few weeks ago, I thought I had a panic attack. I was stuck in traffic, and I was pissed off. I was late to pick up my son from golf practice. He gets nervous when I am late. I was still reeling from the horrifying images of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, my to-do list was weighing on me. “I really should be working instead of fighting traffic,” my brain said. I had even Googled “how do you know when civilization is ending?”
I sat at my desk, trying to work, and I felt disoriented and upset.
When feeling anxious, you teach the body that living under constant stress is okay. We all know that constant stress isn’t okay; it wreaks havoc on our physical and mental health, damages relationships, and makes us less effective at our jobs.

Here is what I did.

I asked myself, “What’s one stressor I am in control of that I can remove right now?” Then I deleted all news apps from my phone and committed to quit reading the news for at least a month. It has been the biggest game-changer to date. It’s incredible how much better I feel when I am not cramming my brain with doom and gloom over which I have zero control.

I went for a walk and listened to relaxing, fun music. I tried to stay in the present moment, watching the clouds pass by in the sky, seeing the birds and insects flittering about, and the sun and breeze on my skin. I took big, deep breaths imagining stress escaping with each exhalation. The combination of moving my body, listening to music I love, being in the fresh air, and taking deep breaths calmed me quickly.

Third, I picked two items on my to-do list, committing to get them done and saving the rest for the next day. After my walk, I felt more focused and completed the tasks. I still accomplished two things while taking the pressure off completing everything on my list, which was impossible anyway.

Fourth, I committed to getting a good night’s sleep. After eating a healthy dinner, I took a bath, drank herbal tea instead of a glass of wine, listened to a guided mediation, and turned the lights out by 9 pm.

The next day, I felt better.

You, too, can do these things when you are feeling anxious and stressed.

If it seems simple which doesn’t mean easy, but if you are successful for one day, you can build upon it and try it again the next day. And the next. And the next.

Question of the Week
This week’s question came from one of my employees who asked, “How do I become a better listener?” During the episode, I give examples of how to be a better listener using the suggestions below.
• Give Your Full Attention
• Practice Empathy
• Ask Open-Ended Questions
• Avoid Interrupting
• Use Nonverbal Cues
• Reflect and Summarize
• Manage Your Response
• Seek Feedback
Being a better listener is a valuable skill that can elevate your leadership in the business world. It fosters trust, enhances communication, and leads to better decision-making. By dedicating time and effort to improve your listening skills, you not only benefit your organization but also create a more inclusive and collaborative work environment. Remember, great leaders don't just speak; they listen actively and attentively.
Order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!
And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!

Don Finley makes a compelling case for working with friends. Don is the transformative force behind FINdustries, a leading product development agency that's made a monumental impact on the tech and financial sectors, shaping the product development landscape with unparalleled innovation. With a remarkable career spanning two decades, Don's expertise in fusing science, art, and technology has propelled his agency to the forefront of the industry. However, Don's journey extends beyond the conventional realms of a CEO. He embraces a visionary perspective, firmly believing that the foundation of business success lies in genuine friendship and shared values.

Rooted in transformative experiences like conquering Kilimanjaro and immersing himself in Peru's vibrant culture, Don's personal growth has redefined his approach to work and life. The seeds sown during these adventures gave rise to FINdustries ten years ago, a company with a mission that transcends mere profits. Bolstered by a global network of 60+ partners and 16,000 developers, FINdustries has left an indelible mark on the industry, enabling clients to generate over $1 billion in annual revenue. The company's focus on strategic product development addresses the common challenges businesses face, culminating in a harmonious blend of technology, camaraderie, and meaningful relationships.

Episode in a Tweet: Working with friends creates new opportunities, creativity and creation flow through our relationships. It enables us to experience the totality of life and build from a foundation of togetherness.

Background: Ten years ago, Don Finley founded FINdustries, a business dedicated to solution building, serving customized solutions to clients ranging from startups to Fortune 10 companies. He worked to develop business with clients and referrals that swiftly brought success. Putting in the necessary grind, he found the reward of material success—which helped his clients generate more than $1B in annual revenue--but realized something key was missing.

In growing FINdustries, Don was shrinking himself, burning out, and missing out on the meaning of it all. When he joined a climb up Kilimanjaro in 2018 and a subsequent trip to Peru, he began to see that he had become numb to the highs and lows of life. He began to understand I could no longer separate work from his life. As he puts it, "It was a mutiny of the soul." He realized that he only wanted to work with friends and people he loved, with shared values and fulfilling relationships at the center. This was crucial to shifting how he treated himself in business and life. And this is what we talk about in this week's episode of Reflect Forward as Don makes a case for working with friends. It's an inspiring story and mighty philosophy. Have a listen and let me know what you think!

You can find the Mind Valley Blog on the Three Most Important Questions here: https://blog.mindvalley.com/3miqs/

How to find Don:
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dfinley/
Instagram: @jawnfinley
X/Twitter: @dfinley
FINdustries website: https://fin.dustries.com/
Email: don@findustries.co

Order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes
Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO!

And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!