Leadership Jam Session

In this episode, I sit down with Jovan Antunovic, an international business leader with over 25 years of experience across the specialty pharmaceutical, medical device, medical equipment, and diagnostics industries. Jovan brings a wealth of global insights, having led cross-functional teams in the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Jovan shares his guiding principles of honesty, transparency, and "walking the talk" in leadership, explaining their critical role in building trust and effective teams.Jovan recounts pivotal moments from his career, such as advocating for a valuable team member against initial directives and the integrative approach of incorporating cultural sensitivities into leadership. He also emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and adapting leadership styles to suit various cultural contexts.Rob and Jovan further discuss the value of international experience in accelerating personal and professional growth, and how these opportunities shape more adaptable and knowledgeable leaders.Key takeaways:Honesty and transparency are paramount in leadership, fostering trust and genuine communication.Adapting to cultural differences is crucial for effective global leadership.Mentorship and the ability to make and learn from mistakes are invaluable components of career growth.Engaging team members and involving them in decision-making processes enhances trust and productivity.International experience not only broadens personal perspectives but also enhances professional capabilities and adaptability.Understanding and addressing the needs of your team members leads to better engagement and improved organizational outcomes.For those considering international assignments, the support of family is vital, as their adaptation plays a critical role in overall success.Tune in for an insightful jam session on navigating the complexities of international leadership and cultivating a growth-centric mindset in challenging environments.Contact info:jovan@strat2tact.comhttps://strat2tact.com/

In this episode, I sit with Rob Carman, Senior Director of L&D for NASCAR. Rob shares his insights on leadership, team development, and the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering a positive and productive work environment. He emphasizes the crucial role of trust, honesty, and passion in leadership, likening emotional intelligence to "the force" in Star Wars, highlighting its power to guide and influence.Rob shares personal anecdotes to illustrate his leadership journey, including mistakes made and lessons learned, underscoring the importance of understanding and adapting to individual team member's needs and strengths. Rob also discusses strategies for effective change management, the significance of leading by example, and the power of positive influence over authoritative power in motivating teams.Key takeaways:Leadership is fundamentally about building trust and fostering honest, transparent relationships.Emotional intelligence is a critical skill for leaders, enabling them to connect with and understand their team members' motivations and needs.Effective leaders lead by example, demonstrating the behaviors and attitudes they wish to see in their team.Adapting leadership style to individual team member needs and strengths is crucial for maximizing team performance and development.Engaging in regular, constructive feedback and open communication helps prevent surprises and facilitates continuous growth and improvement.Change management should be approached proactively, involving team members early in the process to mitigate resistance and foster buy-in.Recognizing when to exercise authority and when to leverage influence is key to effective leadership and team motivation.

In this episode, I have a dynamic conversation with Dr. Robert DeFinis, exploring various aspects of leadership, generational dynamics, and the unique qualities of Generation X (Gen X) leaders. Dr. DeFinis, who has worked with children, athletes, coaches, leaders, and organizations for over 20 years has a diversified background with extensive experience in education, leadership, law enforcement, and behavioral analysis. We get into his book, Gen Exceptional, How the Unique Traits of Generation X Can Transform Leadership. The discussion begins with Dr. DeFinis sharing insights into Gen X leadership; highlighting the adaptability of Gen Xers to change and addressing stereotypes about Millennials.We also delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by Generation Z. Dr. DeFinis discusses the digital native status of Gen Z and suggests addressing gaps in their entry into the workforce. The conversation concludes with advice for leaders, urging Gen Xers to lean in, practice kindness, and cultivate talent across generations. Throughout the episode the key takeaways are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, autonomy, and bridging generational gaps for effective leadership in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.Key TakeawaysGen X· the forgotten generation, holds a unique position bridging baby boomers and millennials in leadership.· can play a crucial role in facilitating the transition of leadership from boomers to the emerging generations, bringing a balanced approach to work dynamics.· autonomy and adaptability are defining traits of Gen X, shaped by their experience as the latchkey generation.· can play a crucial role in facilitating the transition of leadership from boomers to the emerging generations, bringing a balanced approach to work dynamics.· the importance of work-life balance is highlighted, with Gen X understanding and emphasizing personal responsibility in achieving this balance.· Gen X bridges the gap between baby boomers and millennials, offering valuable adaptability and autonomy in leadership.· Gen X leadership style emphasizes hiring and retaining talented individuals while allowing them the autonomy to excel.· Gen X's potential Achilles heel lies in skepticism and reluctance to engage actively, hindering representation in leadership roles.Millennials· loyalty may manifest differently, with conscious decision-making based on environmental and social impact; leaders should recognize and appreciate these differences.· may benefit from space and opportunities for independent decision-making, counteracting the effects of helicopter parenting.Generation Z· They are the digital natives, and leaders need to address gaps in their entry into the workforce.Contact:Book: https://www.amazon.com/Gen-eXceptional-Unique-Generation-Transform-Leadership/dp/B0CNJDDCZ9/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?crid=1Q0YTOXDDX1ME&keywords=Dr.+robert+definis&qid=1705968653&sprefix=dr.+robert+definis%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1-fkmr1

In episode 91 of the Leadership Jam Session, I sit with the King of Clarity, Steve Woodruff, to talk about his new book titled "The Point: How to Win with Clarity-Fueled Communications." The book is an expansion of Woodruff's previous work, "Clarity Wins," and it offers a practical and universal formula for clear communication applicable to any type of communication within an organization. The key focus is on overcoming common communication challenges, such as information overload and the need to engage the human brain effectively.Key Takeaways:A Universal Communication Formula: "The Point" provides a practical and universal formula for clear communication that can be applied across various contexts within an organization.Four Rules for Effective Communication:1. Have a Point: Clearly define the purpose and focus of your communication.2. Get to the Point: Quickly convey the relevance of your message to the audience.3. Get the Point Across: Ensure shared meaning and memory by engaging the audience.4. Get on the Same Page: Aim for alignment, agreement, and shared action.Eight Communication Tools for Leaders:1. Simple Statements2. Snippets3. Specifics4. Stories5. Stakes (Emphasizing the risk and benefit)6. Symbolic Language (Using symbols, illustrations, analogies)7. Side by Sides (Comparisons)8. Summaries (Condensing information into brief points)Leadership Communication: Leaders should focus on providing a clear and tangible focus, emphasizing the purpose and mission, and being specific about expectations to avoid ambiguity.Repetition for Clarity: Leaders should repeat their vision and mission at least five times more than they initially think necessary to ensure understanding and retention among team members.Communication Design: Woodruff introduces the concept of communication design, emphasizing the importance of structuring information effectively through stratification, starting with the most critical points.Competing with Noise: Acknowledge the constant competition for attention, especially in a world where people spend significant time in front of screens. Communication needs to be compelling to cut through the noise.Application Across Teams: Encourage teams to standardize around good communication practices, starting with clear communication during development days or team retreats.Impact on Project Management: Highlight the impact of clear communication on project management, emphasizing its role in preventing costly misunderstandings between stakeholders and vendors.Clarity as a Leadership Virtue: Woodruff emphasizes that clarity is a virtue, and lack of clarity can be considered unkindness. Leaders should prioritize making their communication clear to avoid misunderstandings and wasted time.Contact:Book: https://www.stevewoodruff.com/booksLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/swoodruffhttps://www.stevewoodruff.com/

In episode 90 of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, I sit with Jonathan Cinelli, a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Jonathan is the host of the People First Then Construction podcast and is also the author of Kick Your Ego Aside and Put People First. He shares his leadership journey and transformation after adopting a people-centric approach as well as the importance of coaching, self-improvement, and setting clear boundaries and expectations.The interview touches on topics such as avoiding burnout, effective communication, and the power of curiosity in leadership. Jonathan highlights the role of coaching in changing his perspective and improving team dynamics, advocating for a more intentional and empathetic leadership style.Key TakeawaysPeople-Centric Approach:Lead with a people-centric approach to bring about positive transformation in team dynamics and overall successUnderstand that employees genuinely care and empowering them with information leads to successCoaching for Leadership Growth:Embrace coaching as a tool for personal and professional developmentAsk thought-provoking questions that lead to insights and encourage a culture of continuous learningSetting Boundaries and Expectations:Establish clear boundaries for focused communication and avoid distractions that disrupt workflowCommunicate expectations openly, allowing team members to contribute autonomously and take responsibilityAvoiding Burnout:Recognize that avoiding burnout requires personalized approaches, considering individual uniquenessPrioritize boundaries and expectations, fostering a healthy work-life balanceLeadership Evolution:Acknowledge the transformative power of intentional leadership, emphasizing personal growth and being the best version of oneselfApproach leadership with curiosity, consistently seeking to understand and improve interpersonal dynamicsContact:Book: Kick Your Ego Aside and Put People First Podcast: People First Then ConstructionLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cinelli-pmp-acc-103b841ba

In this episode, I sit with Kim Catania, a successful strategic and leadership development consultant, to discuss the challenges and nuances of coaching and leading the younger generations in the workforce, specifically Millennials and Generation Z. Kim is member of LTEN, the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association, and is a guest lecturer at Sacred Heart University.We dive into the distinct characteristics of each generation, emphasizing the impact of technology on Gen Z's learning style and preferences. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting coaching approaches to align with the preferences of these generations, emphasizing open-ended questions, quick and efficient communication, and the incorporation of technology in learning and development. The discussion also touches on the evolving concept of work-life balance and the need for leaders to understand and accommodate the expectations of the younger workforce.Key Takeaways:Adapt Coaching Styles: Tailor coaching approaches to suit the preferences of Millennials and Gen Z, incorporating open-ended questions and interactive methods rather than a directive style.Embrace Technology: Leverage technology in coaching and learning programs, recognizing the preference of younger generations for quick, bite-sized information and interactive platforms.Prioritize Work-Life Integration: Recognize the shift from traditional work hours to a more flexible and 24-hour approach, understanding the importance of work-life integration for the younger workforce.Encourage Continuous Learning: Foster a culture of continuous learning and development, acknowledging the rapid pace of change and the desire of Millennials and Gen Z to acquire new skills and knowledge.Build Emotional Intelligence: Emphasize emotional intelligence in leadership, as younger generations exhibit heightened self-awareness and a desire for meaningful, well-rounded success.Acknowledge Diversity and Inclusion: Address the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, recognizing that these aspects hold significant value for Millennials and Gen Z.Provide Immediate Feedback: Align with the preference for quick feedback, incorporating timely and constructive feedback into coaching sessions to keep younger employees engaged and motivated.Encourage Patience and Perseverance: Recognize the importance of instilling patience and perseverance in Millennials and Gen Z. These generations, accustomed to quick information and feedback, may benefit from understanding the value of experience and learning through challenges over time. Encourage them to embrace the journey, make mistakes, and grow from experiences, emphasizing that success often involves patience and the ability to navigate setbacks.Contact:www.cataniacommunications.comkim@cataniacommunicaitons.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-m-catania-1312196?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B75JTOYyAQiOxG3OwhUShUA%3D%3D

In this episode, I sit with Dr. Yvonne Bleam, Senior Director of Training and Development at Geron Corporation and author of "A to Z of being the best leader you can be, leading through the alphabet," discusses the importance of teaching leadership concepts to children. Yvonne emphasizes that adults have a responsibility to raise tomorrow's leaders and that her book is a valuable tool for this purpose.The book introduces leadership concepts in an easy-to-understand A to Z format, with colorful illustrations and relatable characters. Yvonne highlights the significance of teaching children about bravery, courage, and empathy. She also shares how these concepts can benefit adults by reinforcing positive behaviors and encouraging emotional intelligence.Key Takeaways:Teaching leadership concepts to children from a young age can shape them into better leaders in the future.Embrace the concept of bravery and have the courage to stand up and make the right choices in both personal and professional life.Leadership is about influence, and teaching children how their behavior and decisions can influence others is crucial.Use Yvonne's book as a tool to encourage children and adults to develop emotional intelligence and social skills.Encourage risk-taking and learning from failure, as it's essential for personal and professional growth.Model positive leadership behaviors for children to learn from, as actions speak louder than words.Recognize that leadership skills, such as bravery and vulnerability, apply to both parenting and corporate leadership.Never stop learning and improving as a leader, as even experienced leaders can benefit from revisiting essential concepts.Explore the book "Leadership and Self-Deception" by the Arbinger Group as a valuable resource for personal and professional growth.Encourage team members to take risks, be courageous, and leverage each other's strengths to collectively succeed.

In this episode, I sit with Tim McElderry, a Director of Commercial Leadership Training in the biopharmaceutical industry. Tim shares his leadership journey, including the creation of his personal leadership model, and how he intends to apply his expertise in leadership in a bid for public office.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Tim's leadership journey started with a transition from a successful commercial sales leader career to commercial leadership developmentHe created a personal leadership model based on qualities (work ethic, humility, attitude, team first) and behaviors (caring, clear expectations, higher purpose, lead by example, connecting)Tim emphasizes the importance of connecting with individuals to understand their intrinsic motivators, a skill he has honed in leadership.He sees running for public office as a growth opportunity and a way to apply his leadership skills to benefit his communityTim's leadership model serves as the foundation for his campaign platform, focusing on connecting with constituents and addressing local issues with a leadership-oriented approach

In today's fast paced and ever evolving world, the success of any organization hinges on the skills and expertise of its employees. But how can organizations ensure that their workforce is equipped with the right knowledge and abilities to thrive in a highly competitive landscape?That's where training and coaching come into play. Joining me today are two exceptional guests who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of learning and development and sales leadership. Mark Jarvis and Brian Reardon both hold Director of Commercial Training and Development roles in their respective organizations, and have guided numerous individuals towards reaching their professional goals while fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement, accountability, and trust. Together, they shed light on the value of training employees and the art of distinguishing when coaching or training is the ideal solution.KEY TAKEAWAYSAs a leader, it's your job to coach, teach, guide, and pull through what the training team has developedThe training team is not responsible for the execution, i.e., what happens in front of customers. That's the responsibility of the front-line leader – it's a coaching issue Through coaching, the identification of behaviors, gaps in skills or capabilities are surfaced. Then the training team can be called in for help with skills and capabilities training to enact change in behaviorsAlignment between and across relevant stakeholders is paramount and be sure to identify and align on behaviors that are needing changeTraining solutions should not be “one and done”. They should be a journey that takes place over time with pre, event, and post-event activities for learning sustainmentIf you want better training solutions, involve the leaders early on and include a coaching element. Front-line leader pull through is the key to any successful training journey

This is part two of a two-part recording where I sit with several coaches that participated in a recent Emerging Leaders program that I create and facilitate. These are seasoned leaders, hand selected by the organization to help coach assigned participants throughout the entire duration of the program. You'll hear perspectives around the importance of people development, different approaches, timing, etc.If you haven't listened to the previous episode, episode 84, I would encourage you to listen to that one first as this episode dovetails on that conversation where I sit with participants, a.k.a., emerging leaders who went through the program and shared their leadership development journey. Below are key takeaways from the coach's perspective.KEY TAKEAWAYSThere's a misconception that leadership is about having direct reports; it's really about your ability to influence and coachLeadership skills are developed and cultivated. No one is born a natural leaderCoaches and mentors are also on a continuous learning journeyThere's tremendous value in have a cross-section of employees in a leadership development program. The varied perspectives from people in different roles is pricelessIf you're going to build a leadership development program, make it an imperative to have seasoned leaders be part of the program to help shape and mold the next set of future leaders

For many of my clients, I create and facilitate what's called an Emerging Leaders program. It's designed to prepare emerging leaders for their first management positions. Participants learn and apply foundational leadership skills throughout a multi-phased experiential journey.At the core of the program is the use of internal managers to serve as coaches and mentors. These are seasoned leaders, hand selected by the organization to help coach their assigned participant throughout the entire duration of the program.As a two-part recording, joining me today are Scott Dumler, Josh Key, Brian Fagan, and Elizabeth Martin, who went through my program as participants and are now leading people. You'll get to hear leadership development from a learner's perspective, and what a participant is going through during their leadership development journey, their ‘aha' moments, etc.In the next episode, you'll hear from the coaches who helped shepherd the participants to gain their perspective on mentoring these emerging leaders during the program.KEY TAKEAWAYSAdapt to different styles when communicating. The same conversation with two different people has a dramatic impact if you're not meeting their style and what they're looking to get from the conversationUtilize your peer set and other leaders to gather insight and advice. No one person as all the answersIt's ok to say, “I don't know”. You can always figure out how to get the best answers for your peopleConsider developing people by giving them exposure to other teams, functions; people who are not in the same role. This makes the practice of leadership the common denominatorSelf-awareness is key

In this episode, I sit with Rob DiTota, vice president of US commercial for a large medical device organization and has over 25 years of healthcare experience with 15 years of leadership experience. Rob has a unique background where you will hear him talk about his leadership experience as an officer in the fire services, as well as his leadership experience in the corporate world. I think you'll find tremendous value in hearing him talk about his thoughts on team culture and his approach to how he turned around challenged cultures into great ones.KEY TAKEAWAYSCulture is your values and behaviors. It drives the vision and mission of the organizationTo diagnose cultural issues, first ensure that everyone is on the same page with your definition of cultureTransparency and trust is critically important in building teams, building a culture, and driving performanceWhen working through tasks of turning around culture, decentralize the command. This means give your team the autonomy to make decisions on their own; to leadKeep things simple. The more complexity you add to your strategy and leadership style the higher the likelihood things don't get doneDon't be afraid to own your mistakes. You don't become a strong leader without challenges, obstacles, and failuresAct as one team!

In this episode, I sit with Michael Lyons, who serves as president and general manager of oncology at Myriad Genetics, where he brings over 20 years of experience in the biotech, MedTech, and pharmaceutical space. Michael was recognized by PharmaVoice Magazine as one of the top 100 most inspiring global leaders, and Pharmaceutical Executive Magazine also named him as one of the top emerging leaders in the world.KEY TAKEAWAYSTo have leadership, you need to have followership. And that doesn't mean that people report to you in an organization. It means that they'll follow you from organization to organizationWhether there's a reporting structure, dotted line, straight line, up, down, left, right, leadership is about taking the time to listen to your colleagues, making certain that they're okay, being empathetic, understanding their challenges, etc. Our job as leaders is to clear hurdles and have everyone operating at their very bestHave strong work ethic, treat people fair, remain humble, and focus on what's most important Vision and culture can never be just words on a page. It can never be the aspect where you forget about it, or you just say it at your quarterly business reviews. You need to hire against it. You need to onboard against it. You need to do merit evaluations against it. Because if that piece becomes compromised, then everything will fail

In this episode, I sit with Sandy Black who's Vice President of North America Commercial Operations at LivaNova, a global medical technology company. Sandy's responsible for several departments within the commercial side of the organization including commercial data and analytics, sales incentives, commercial excellence and training, customer service contracts and pricing, as well as case management and clinical nurse education. Sandy shares her journey how solving problems in R&D led her to leading commercial teams.KEY TAKEAWAYSSeek to understand, ask questions, and don't make assumptionsYou can't make assumptions about teams just sitting in your office. You must get out there and connect with peopleUsing questions during heated conversations can help deescalate situationsIt's OK to allow teams to fail especially when the decisions aren't business critical. It can be a great learning experience for allWhen leading large projects, it's critical to have advocates and buy-in at all levels to not only support your mission, but to help with pull-through at the ground level

In this episode, I sit with Edgar Butler Jr. Edgar is a seasoned leader with a background in the insurance industry. Edgar is also a leadership and employee development coach and author of Clarify, Construct, and Control Your Career. We discuss Edgar's early days that shaped and molded his leadership style with great tips and a framework for leading your people. KEY TAKEAWAYSManage process. Lead people Help your teams by putting them in the best position to create success for themselves while achieving company goals Your team, individually, wants to know you care about them The words you use with your team, and about your team, really do matter so choose wisely We're pouring (ourselves) into individuals because we want to understand who they are as people We're pulling the ‘greater' out of people especially when they may not be hitting the mark We're pushing because we see the potential in them to go on and become successful LEADERSHIP RESOURCESBook: https://www.amazon.com/Clarify-Construct-Control-Your-Career/dp/1979634815/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ITQTQKDHTNIF&keywords=clarify+construct+and+control+your+career&qid=1666619830&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjkyIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=clarify+construct+and+control+your+career%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1 (Clarify, Construct, and Control Your Career: Practical Principles To Help You Develop And Advance Your Career) https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgar-butler (https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgar-butler) http://edgarbutlerjr.com/ (http://edgarbutlerjr.com/)

In this episode, I sit with Dr. Calvin Lawrence. Dr. Calvin is a motivational speaker and a leadership consultant. He has over 40 years of experience teaching and leading in the educational system at the high school and collegiate level. He also has a doctorate in educational leadership and administration. We discuss the successes and mistakes learned and earned in mentor and mentee relationships.  KEY TAKEAWAYS “Going across the room” – as a mentor, you shouldn't wait for people to come to you seeking mentorship. Proactively meet others and you'll see who could use mentoring or should be mentored based on potential  Be intentional with your leadership and mentoring role. Same goes for being a mentee  Having an ‘open door policy' is not enough. The door can stay open, but what good is it if no one walks in?  As a mentee, do not assume that leaders are too busy to mentor. If you're in a mentorship, leadership has accepted the role of mentoring and they are ready to support you  Mentorship is a two-way street. As a mentor, you may feel you are the only one ‘giving' in the relationship, but remember, you are also learning from your mentee  LEADERSHIP RESOURCES https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinlawrence-edd (https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinlawrence-edd)  http://www.calvinlawrencespeaks.net/ (calvinlawrencespeaks.net ) 

In this episode, I sit with co-authors Sean Georges and Dr. John Buford to talk about their recently published book titled, On mission: Your Journey to Authentic Leadership. The book serves as a resource for personal leadership development, crafted by Sean and John, two former marine officers with a combined 80 years of leadership experience in military, business, nonprofit, and education.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Authentic leadership is both authenticity in the human being who is influencing another person in the direction of a shared mission and authenticity in who they are and how they engage  Leadership does not work the way an org chart looks. It is relationship driven, mission focused, and can work in any direction within a hierarchy  If you want to gain commitment, influence others, and change ways of thinking, your people must know you care for them. We call that leading with love  LEADERSHIP RESOURCES https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Your-Journey-Authentic-Leadership/dp/B0B72B6MSQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ULGTZ66JBGG2&keywords=on+mission+your+journey+to+authentic+leadership&qid=1662424481&sprefix=on+missiion%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-1 (On Mission: Your Journey to Authentic Leadership)

In this episode, I sit with several leaders during a Leaders Jam Session monthly call. Our discussion focused on employees who tender their resignation because they've received an offer for another job that pays more. How would you handle this situation?  KEY TAKEAWAYS Very rarely does someone leave a job strictly based on money. Ask good questions to understand motivations Keep in mind, while this is about them, it may also be about you, so take time to reflect when appropriate Consider how this event will impact the rest of your team Approximately 50% of employees who accept a counteroffer leave their job within 12 months LEADERSHIP RESOURCES https://hbr.org/2016/09/why-people-quit-their-jobs

In this episode, I sit with Dr. Matt Sowcik, Assistant Professor of Leadership Education at the University of Florida, and author of a new book titled, “The H Factor: The intersection between humility and great leadership”. Dr. Matt and I talk about humility as key factor in leadership, some of its underpinnings, and how to overcome the widely felt notion that having humility in leadership is a sign of weakness. KEY TAKEAWAYSThree things can fly in the face of humility – our apprehension to be imperfect, to be incomplete, and that we are permanent There is a sweet spot where we can be seen as not overconfident as leaders, but we're not underconfident either Humility is that characteristic that brings us to the middle. It's our counterbalancing trait Things that help us develop humility is our experiences and our ability to reflect, make changes, and grow Humility helps you realize the importance of others LEADERSHIP RESOURCESBook - The H Factor: The intersection between humility and great leadership”, Matthew Sowcik, Ph.D. https://www.amazon.com/H-Factor-intersection-between-humility-leadership-ebook/dp/B0B5FSSVCY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QBN401U36BGZ&keywords=the+H+factor&qid=1657370968&sprefix=the+h+factor%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-1 (https://www.amazon.com/H-Factor-intersection-between-humility-leadership-ebook/dp/B0B5FSSVCY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QBN401U36BGZ&keywords=the+H+factor&qid=1657370968&sprefix=the+h+factor%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-1)  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sowcik-192b236/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sowcik-192b236/) 

In this episode, I sit with the Chief of Police for the Yardley Borough (Pennsylvania) police department, Joe Kelly. Prior to joining the Yardley police department, he spent 23 years with the New Jersey transit police retiring at the rank of a deputy.  Chief Kelly and I talk about his leadership journey, his approach, and what leadership looks like within the police organization. I think you might be surprised to hear some of the similar approaches and challenges that we come up against in the private sector. His leadership journey also includes how he survived a shooting incident last year.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Center all discussions, both positive and negative, around your organizations' core values, as they will be your guiding light  The job of a leader is to make people better. If your employee is operating at 65%, get them to 75%. Don't push unrealistic expectations  Care for your team as individuals, not just as co-workers  Understand that the difference between supervision and leadership takes time and experience to develop   LEADERSHIP RESOURCES  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-kelly-iii-39677249?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BZYEy3LVjR2SMsuCCppGZjQ%3D%3D (linkedin.com/in/joseph-kelly-iii-39677249) 

In this episode, I sit with leadership expert and organizational psychologist, Dr. Ciela Hartanov, who was part of the founding team of the Google School for Leaders as well as Head of Next Practice, Innovation and Strategy at Google, where she developed projects designed to shape the future of leadership and work.   Dr. Ciela currently runs humcollective, a boutique strategy and innovation firm that helps companies, executives, and teams make sense of the forces, shaping the future and helps them prepare strategically. Her book, Reclaiming Sensitivity, will be out in 2023.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Leadership is an act, and not a personality. It's the act of wayfinding   Sensitive Leadership – the ability to sense and respond to emergent terrain in a more humane way; one that isn't always driven by data   Sensitive leaders are those who lead from behind, step forward when required, but are not the center of attention  Become great at asking effective questions. If you're not questioning then you're just stating, and then you only know what you know  Become a sense giver – share something that the rest of your team isn't always privy to and help them make sense of the information with the right context. This helps others also become sense givers  LEADERSHIP RESOURCES https://www.linkedin.com/in/cielahartanov/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cielahartanov/)  https://www.humcollective.co/ (humcollective.co ) 

In this episode, I sit with experienced neuropsychologist Dr. Julia DiGangi, who shows you how to expand the power of your nervous system to hold more emotional voltage. As a brain scientist, Dr. Julia knows that your nervous system is your portal to power. She will show you how to take the pain in your life - your stress, your struggle, your suffering - and transform it into your power.  Dr. Julia brings tremendous expertise and decades of applied experience serving leaders at the highest levels of power, including The White House, top leadership at global companies, and Special Forces.  Having worked with leaders who've endured some of the highest-stakes, highest-stress situations on the planet, Dr. Julia will show you what it takes to unlock new dimensions of your emotional power as you face defining challenges in your own life. KEY TAKEAWAYSWe know, scientifically, that the brain wants to avoid the very thing that will set you free. To overcome our experience of emotional pain, our anxiety, or fear of stress, etc., we must do the counter intuitive Emotional Intelligence first starts with understanding yourself and how you might react or behave in times of uncertainty If you want to be a strong, emotionally intelligent leader, figure out how to work with your triggers until you aren't triggered anymore In times of leadership uncertainty, contextual cues have gone away, so all eyes are always now on the leader The days that make you grow are the same days that put you in your ‘pain' LEADERSHIP RESOURCEShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/juliadigangi/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliadigangi/) http://www.neurohealthpartners.com (www.neurohealthpartners.com)

In this episode, I am in the middle of a Leaders Jam Session – a monthly group jam session that I host where participants get to share and learn from one another on how to tackle daily leadership challenges. Here, we're talking about best practices for how to plan and run a successful team meeting, whether it's a one or multi-day meeting.  Key Takeaways Today, there's even greater value in bringing everyone together  Set Goals and Objectives, for example, 1) build team bonds, 2) learn from each other, and 3) have fun  Get feedback on your agenda from your team, including your boss  Include just the right amount of content for the length of your meeting. Trying to cram too much into your meeting will make you run over on time, potentially wear people out, and have an opposite effect on what you're trying to accomplish  Guests – consider having them, but keep in mind, will the guest fit into the overall meeting objectives, or will this idea be disruptive  Team building activities – you want to have them, but you also need to know when to push back on ideas that your experience says ‘maybe we shouldn't do this'   LEADERSHIP RESOURCES  HBR article: Off-sites that work. https://hbr.org/2006/06/off-sites-that-work (https://hbr.org/2006/06/off-sites-that-work) 

In this episode, I sit with two-time guest Major General (ret.) Craig B. Whelden. General Whelden spent 30 years in the U.S. Army, followed by seven in the private sector, and another nine as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) with the U.S. Marine Corps. General Whelden has had a very interesting military career including being present when the Berlin Wall fell. We spend some time talking about the war between Russia and Ukraine, where he provides an interesting perspective. General Whelden is also a motivational speaker on leadership and performance excellence, and an award-winning, best-selling author of Leadership: The Art of Inspiring People to Be Their Best. General Whelden is also President at Velontra, a company focused on transporting satellites into Low Earth Orbit. LEADERSHIP RESOURCES https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173384113X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=173384113X&linkCode=as2&tag=sartoleadersh-20&linkId=cf440ff1f349340b29b7af7da278b5b1 (Leadership: The Art of Inspiring People to Be Their Best), by Craig B. Whelden https://www.craigwhelden.com/ (https://www.craigwhelden.com/) Andy Milburn, Chief Executive Officer at The Mozart Group, https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmilburn2020/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmilburn2020/) Debtbook Diplomacy - https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/debtbook-diplomacy (https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/debtbook-diplomacy)

The topic of work-life balance is always top of mind for new and tenured leaders, and it means something different to all of us. In this episode, James and I tackle this topic which was inspired by some dialogue from a LinkedIn post I was tagged in. Tune in for a tips and advice on how to encourage work-life balance with your teams (and with yourself)! KEY TAKEAWAYS  Lead by example and sending the right message to your people (2:14)  We all think about work-life balance differently so do what works for you (3:51) Two questions you can ask yourself as a leader; what do I control, and can I mitigate burnout with what I can control? (5:31) Get to know your people, both personally and professionally (6:06) Pick up on the flags that say your people take on too much (10:33) Take a beat; re-evaluate your priorities and implement changes (11:05)   LEADERSHIP RESOURCES https://sartoleadershipgroup.com/captivate-podcast/027/ (Episode 27: Do Less and Think More, with Tracey DeSilva)

In this episode I sit with Brad Dalton. Brad is a motivational and inspirational speaker, an empowerment and success coach, and a lifelong educator. We discuss his best-selling book DNA of a winner, eight steps to building the soul print of a winner. Warning - Brad's positivity and energy are contagious! KEY TAKEAWAYS  Great leaders are great teachers (5:02)  Stay out of the weeds and feed the P's; positive people (11:46)  Success is a choice (13:55) The importance of positive communication (16:14)  LEADERSHIP RESOURCES LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradtdalton/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradtdalton/) Book: https://www.amazon.com/DNA-Winner-Steps-Building-Soulprint-ebook/dp/B08XGNFK32/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1W3X9AO1RILG&keywords=the+dna+of+a+winner+brad+dalton&qid=1648815608&sprefix=the+dna+of+a+winner+brad+dalton%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1 (DNA of a winner, eight steps to building the soul print of a winner)

In this episode, I sit with previous guests Kim Metcalf and Paul Catanzaro to discuss leadership lessons from the hit series, Ted Lasso. There are so many leadership learnings and awesome quotes from this show, we thought we should take the time to unpack a few. Key Takeaways:Know and respect your people (3:29) Trust and Accountability (5:17) Competence and Commitment (6:33) Optimism and Positivity (8:46) Don't treat everyone the same (11:22) Why every leader needs a Coach Beard (12:09) Motivation (13:38) Creating Psychological Safety (15:44) Active Listening (20:14) Authenticity (20:43) Favorite Ted Lasso quotes (26:52)

In this episode I sit with Martine Kalaw, MPA. Martine is an Organizational Development expert, author, speaker, and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consultant and trainer for corporate executives with more than a decade of experience increasing the performance and productivity of fortune 500 companies and tech startups. We discuss her latest book, The ABCs of Diversity: A Manager's Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the New Workplace. KEY TAKEAWAYSChallenges Human Resource departments have with DEI (1:53) Why DEI has to a business imperative (3:20) Much of DEI is already being done by you, the manager, and it starts with the basics of leadership (11:46) Widening your talent pool (19:30) LEADERSHIP RESOURCEShttps://martinekalaw.com/ (https://martinekalaw.com/) Free DEI Masterclass for Human Resource professionals: https://martinekalaw.com/masterclass/ (https://martinekalaw.com/masterclass/) Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PKHLL17 (The ABC's of Diversity: A Manager's Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the New Workplace)

Looking to create a strong bond with your team?   In this episode I sit with https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrej-baranek/ (Andrej Baranek), a Vice President of Strategic manufacturing and tenured leader of global teams. We discuss Andrej's leadership journey as he shares several useful tips and advice for creating high-performing teams, including an initiative he launched during the pandemic called “Sparkles of Curiosity”.  KEY TAKEAWAYS  Building a Bond – how a simple carpool became the catalyst for building strong bonds (5:40)  'Sparkles of Curiosity' – a non-work-related initiative that brought colleagues together through learning about one another (15:31)  HBR Article - Ferguson's formula (17:41) HBR Article - How will you measure your life? (19:44)  LEADERSHIP RESOURCES  HBR Articles:   https://hbr.org/2013/10/fergusons-formula (https://hbr.org/2013/10/fergusons-formula)  https://hbr.org/2010/07/how-will-you-measure-your-life (https://hbr.org/2010/07/how-will-you-measure-your-life) 

In this episode I sit with Aric Burkhart, who is a senior national sales director, with over 16 years of healthcare industry experience and more than 12 years of leadership experience. We discuss Aric's leadership journey as he shares several useful tips and advice for leading teams, including an initiative he launched with his team called ‘Chase the Why'.  Key Takeaways  Learning from setbacks (9:58)  Taking inventory – how are you investing your time and reflecting on the impact your having (11:34)  Telling a top performer, they're not great all the time (13:11)  The importance of creating a shared vision and expectations (18:03)  ‘Chase the Why' program (21:46) 

How can leaders become better communicators? Steve Woodruff is a well-respected speaker and workshop facilitator, known as the 'king of clarity' throughout the business world. Steve has over 25 years of consulting experience in the life sciences training industry. He is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book "Clarity Wins. Get Heard. Get Referred". Steve joins me to discuss the challenges of good communication, how to network through ‘story-asking', and the importance of personal branding. Key Takeaways - How to communicate with clarity (00:00) - The inspiration behind Steve's best selling book (01:37) - The importance of personal branding (04:07) - Essential networking techniques (17:45) - The biggest challenge for communicators (23:37) - How to secure your listener's attention (30:23) Leadership ResourcesEmail: AskSteve@impactiviti.com https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.impactiviti.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=D13uQKv98XT_xbAIFLGUaVOV07KH8-Y0awefu2rT1ic&m=r5SpbK-OYu3s-pcDg8Riavxa-Gldn8Kfj0NofIzUTJ0&s=y0PbCPZhsO92NNCBPARsYyfcMCzZCaUqpgNrRYwhzOo&e= (www.impactiviti.com) LinkedIn: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.linkedin.com_in_swoodruff_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=D13uQKv98XT_xbAIFLGUaVOV07KH8-Y0awefu2rT1ic&m=r5SpbK-OYu3s-pcDg8Riavxa-Gldn8Kfj0NofIzUTJ0&s=dZPWbnzPMO8mspstx_DjO3U9Qcj6ylwJlcl0sImG-VA&e= (https://www.linkedin.com/in/swoodruff/) Clarity workshops: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__impactiviti.com_get-2Dtraining_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=D13uQKv98XT_xbAIFLGUaVOV07KH8-Y0awefu2rT1ic&m=r5SpbK-OYu3s-pcDg8Riavxa-Gldn8Kfj0NofIzUTJ0&s=y51GPDIp_rrEf-Euhao27TrOepVAhxNaC14rPgWu12Q&e= (https://impactiviti.com/get-training/) Newsletter: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.linkedin.com_in_swoodruff_detail_recent-2Dactivity_posts_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=D13uQKv98XT_xbAIFLGUaVOV07KH8-Y0awefu2rT1ic&m=r5SpbK-OYu3s-pcDg8Riavxa-Gldn8Kfj0NofIzUTJ0&s=oLB3mwD1sL4_jpnDRT3uSkoKS4uaWCGIzyQ4nbokBtw&e= (https://www.linkedin.com/in/swoodruff/detail/recent-activity/posts/) (click on one to see the Subscribe button) Facebook (professional): KingOfClarity Book: https://www.amazon.com/Clarity-Wins-Get-Heard-Referred-ebook/dp/B07KLR233R/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=clarity+wins&qid=1640870464&sr=8-3

As 2021 comes to an end, I wanted to thank my audience and guests for their support and valuable contributions. To discuss some of the essential leadership themes we covered on the podcast, I welcome James Christie, my podcast producer. Tune in to learn our top leadership tips and lessons from 2021. We also discuss the challenges leaders will be facing in 2022 and the tools and skills required to tackle them. Key Takeaways - Leadership lessons from 2021 (00:00) - How to know if you're a good leader (03:40) - Leadership lessons from my time as a firefighter (04:07) - Top tips from the Coach's Jam Session panel (08:09) - The challenges leaders will face in 2022 (13:35) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

How can leaders keep their vision alive and consistent with their teams? In our latest Coach's Jam Session, we discussed the best techniques and approaches to keep your vision alive throughout the year. Tune in to learn our tips on creating an impactful and purposeful message for your vision. We'll also discuss the importance of understanding different learning styles and leveraging technology to reinforce your message. You'll learn why a strong vision statement is the foundation that ultimately gets teams through difficult times. Key Takeaways - How to keep your vision alive (00:00) - Creating an impactful message (01:56) - The anchor metaphor (02:36) - How to get your team on board with your vision (08:45) - Why repetition and reinforcement is crucial (17:44) - Leveraging technology to keep your vision alive (19:32) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

What is the difference between managing field-based vs. home office teams? In our 'Ask Rob' series, people reach out to me through my website asking for leadership advice. To help me tackle this particular question, I sat down with James Christie, my podcast producer. Tune in to learn our tips on how to manage teams in both scenarios successfully. We discuss why the fundamentals of leadership apply in both field and home office management. You'll also learn the tactical differences you'll need to consider when managing in both environments.  Do you have a question or challenging scenario you'd like to run by me?  Go to https://sartoleadershipgroup.com/leadership-jam-session-podcast/. Click on 'Ask Rob' and send your request. I'll respond with some guidance on your scenario! Key Takeaways - Managing field-based vs. home office teams (00:00) - The tactical differences you need to apply (03:31) - How to avoid perceptions of favoritism (07:46) - The challenges of managing in a hybrid environment (10:07) - Keeping track of field-based teams (17:23) - Why the fundamentals of leadership remain constant (19:23) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

How can leaders keep their employees engaged during extended COVID lockdowns? During our latest Coach's Jam Session, we examined the challenges and benefits of working in a hybrid workplace. Tune in to learn how to keep your people motivated in times of uncertainty. We discuss the importance of developing a supportive leadership style and understanding your employee's needs.  You'll also learn how to provide your people with a sense of belonging and foster professional growth. Key Takeaways - How to keep employees engaged in a hybrid workplace (00:00) - What teams look for in leader during uncertain times (01:56) - The most essential leadership skill to develop in this situation (05:39) - Understanding your employee's needs (06:30) - How to promote team bonding in a hybrid workplace (12:28) - Why uncertain times provide an excellent opportunity for development (14:52) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

How can you be more effective and impactful in your work? Carson Tate is the Founder and Managing Partner of Working Simply. We discuss her Productivity Style Assessment, designed to help you learn your cognitive style and become more efficient at work. We'll also talk about her view on my scores after taking the assessment! Carson and her consulting firm work with business leaders and employees to enhance workplace productivity and engagement.  She's also a best-selling author, and her newest book is called Own It. Love It. Make It Work.: How to Make Any Job Your Dream Job. Tune in to learn the best strategies for your own productivity style, plus Carson's tips on how to leverage your team's diverse styles. Key Takeaways - The productivity style assessment (00:00) - Carson's background and journey (02:04) - The goal of the productivity style assessment (05:05) - The four cognitive styles: How the assessment works (06:31) - Diving into my scores and what they mean (10:06) - Why this assessment is different from other models (16:43) - How to take the assessment (23:20) Leadership ResourcesTake the Productivity Style Assessment here: https://www.workingsimply.com/productivity-training/ (https://www.workingsimply.com/productivity-training/) How are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

What is situational leadership, and what are some of its benefits? I've always been a big fan of the situational leadership model. To me, it's the very backbone of leadership, and in today's 'Ask Rob' segment, I explain precisely why.  I break down the model's four stages, and I share a few examples of how it works. I also explain why new managers should learn about the situational leadership concept. Tune in to learn how you can develop situational leadership skills to become a better leader. Do you have a challenging scenario you'd like to run by me?  Go to https://sartoleadershipgroup.com/leadership-jam-session-podcast/. Click on 'Ask Rob' and send your request. I'll respond with some guidance on your scenario! Key Takeaways - What is the situational leadership model? (00:00) - Why this model is the backbone of leadership (03:26) - The four levels of the situational leadership model (06:11) - The mistake all leaders do (12:17) - Why this model applies to all leaders (12:23) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

What are some attributes that successful leaders and teams share? Jon Macaskill is a retired Navy SEAL commander who served in the military for almost 24 years. He joins me to discuss four attributes of successful leaders he has witnessed throughout his career.  Today, Jon uses his experience and personal stories to help organizations overcome some of their day-to-day challenges. He is also the host of the 'Men Talking Mindfulness Podcast,' where he brings mindfulness and meditation practices to high-performing teams.  Tune in to learn more about the challenges Jon had to overcome, his advice on team building, and how to recognize a confident leader. Key Takeaways - Why Jon decided to join the Navy (02:27) - Why military leaders do so well in the corporate world (07:53) - The challenges of managing in organizations (11:02) - The traits of high-performing leaders and teams (14:08) - How to recognize a genuinely confident leader (18:19) - Dealing with toxic team members (24:02) - A look into Jon's 'Men Talking Mindfulness' podcast (25:51) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

Can you reduce the amount of time it takes to build trust with your employees? This is a question that regularly comes up in my workshops. And in this new installment of our ‘Ask Rob' series, that's precisely what I'm discussing. I share a few techniques I use to reduce the timeline of building trust with my employees. I also examine some of the reasons the journey of building trust can be elusive. So, tune in to learn more about the art of building trust with your employees - the fast way! Do you have a challenging scenario or some advice you want me to weigh in?  Just go to https://sartoleadershipgroup.com/leadership-jam-session-podcast/. Click on ‘Ask Rob,' and you'll be able to send your request. You'll hear back directly from me!  Key Takeaways - How to gain your employees' trust quickly (00:00) - The one question all employees have (03:11) - How I approach building trust as a manager (05:04) - What is the most significant challenge managers face? (09:39) - The key to reducing the timeline of building trust (14:05) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

As a manager, you'll often find yourself trying to hire for an open position. While this is a standard process, choosing the right applicant can sometimes get tricky. How do you determine who the person sitting down in front of you truly is? Moreover, how can you find out whether or not they have or lack self-awareness? Today's episode will consist of a discussion during one of my workshops called the Coach's Jam Session. We break down the best practices when assessing whether or not somebody has self-awareness in an interview.  We also discuss why interviewing is all about asking the right questions and picking the right cues. Finally, we'll share some tips on how to create a comfortable environment during interviews. Key Takeaways - How to approach professional interviewers (01:37) - The importance of creating a comfortable environment (04:06) - How to leverage your team's input during interviews (12:00) - The two questions you should always ask (14:51) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

What are the fundamentals of good leadership? Today's guest is Captain Dave Forman, US Navy Submarine Captain and founder of Wolfpack Leadership. Dave provides his clients with practical training and the application of proven leadership methods from US submarines. He has over 20 years of experience at all leadership levels, from line manager to chief executive. Dave leverages his success and experience as a nuclear submarine Captain to accelerate his clients' leadership skills. In this Leadership Jam Session Podcast episode, Dave shares his most significant leadership victories and challenges. Tune in to learn why the fundamentals of good leadership apply to both the private and military sectors. We'll also discuss how to keep your team engaged, plus Dave's advice for new leaders. Key Takeaways - Episode intro (00:00) - How Dave joined the Navy (01:02) - Dave's biggest challenge as a submarine captain (05:04) - The importance of employee engagement (08:27) - Military vs. private sector (11:38) - Dave's most notable leadership victory (13:41) - Why mentorship is vital (21:21) - Dave's advice for new leaders (25:58) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

The matrix environment: When you have employees reporting to you and reporting to other managers on a dotted line. Getting everyone on the same page with this type of team alignment can get a little confusing.  Nevertheless, a matrix environment defined by sincerity, humility, and communication can yield impressive results. So, what are the most significant challenges and benefits of managing employees in this environment? In today's Leadership Jam Session Podcast episode, I welcome two of my former colleagues, Lisa Wynja and Lindsay Luke, to help us navigate this discussion.  Each has vast experience dealing with these scenarios, so they'll be sharing their insights and experiences with managing in a matrix environment.  We'll discuss the importance of building relationships and fostering healthy communication, plus our advice for new managers on successfully dealing with a dotted line relationship. Key Takeaways - Episode intro (00:00) - Why managing in a matrix environment is so challenging (01:51) - The importance of humility (03:10) - Dealing with complex scenarios (06:26) - How to build trust with other managers (11:25) - Why successful relationships are based on communication (13:06) - The advantages of dotted line reporting (16:49) - Episode recap (18:28) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com/ (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

How do great leaders approach team management? Today's guest is Scott Holmes, a good friend who used to work with me at a previous company. Scott is a great leader and has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. He is currently the vice president of the commercial business group at a startup biotech company. In this week's episode of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, Scott joins me to talk about his experiences as a leader, why trust is the key to team building, and the importance of giving back to your employees and the community. We'll also talk about one of the most critical aspects of team management; the little things we do as managers that impact our employees personally. Key Takeaways - Episode intro (00:00) - Scott's leadership style (01:25) - The challenges of team-building in the healthcare industry (03:28) - The problem with favoritism (05:14) - How to support your employees (06:58) - The best way to build trust (15:35) - Why our experiences shape our beliefs (19:05) - Scott's advice on managing teams (25:12) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

Many of you reach out to me from time to time with a challenging management scenario, where you'd like to get guidance on how to approach that. Today's episode will feature a new format that we rolled out called ‘Ask Rob'. Today's question is from Doug, who is from Colorado: "Hi, Rob. I was recently promoted into a management position about eight months ago,and I often hear you talk about transition and the need to understand that there's a difference between managing a process and becoming a leader. My question to you is, how do you know when you've made that transition? Or at least know that you are a good leader?" In this episode of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, I'll address Doug's challenging scenario. I'll talk about why true leaders are the ones that get validation from the teams they lead. I'll also share some of my life experiences that shaped my approach to leadership.  If you're dealing with a challenging scenario, feel free to reach out to me through my website at https://sartoleadershipgroup.com/leadership-jam-session-podcast/ (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com/leadership-jam-session-podcast/). Click on 'Ask Rob,' and you'll be able to send your scenario to me.  We care about your privacy, so everything will be held confidential. Key Takeaways - Episode intro (00:00) - How to get featured in ‘Ask Rob' (00:36) - How do you know if you're a good leader? (01:25) - Why only your people can give you that validation (03:00) - The signs that you're on the right track (04:10) - Leadership lessons from my life experiences (05:27) - Episode recap (09:54) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

Today's episode will focus on a prevalent yet challenging scenario that plagues all of us: How do you deal with an employee who lacks self-awareness?  As leaders, we've all been there, and I'm confident you've seen this scenario time and time again.  However, objectively assessing the situation can get tricky. Sometimes, it may even boil down to a difference in communication styles or personal values and not necessarily a lack of self-awareness. But then, how do you know when you're genuinely dealing with somebody who lacks self-awareness?  Fortunately, there are some strategies and specific techniques you can apply when dealing with a situation like this. In this episode of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, I'm joined by a group of seasoned leaders to discuss how to manage an employee with a low degree of self-awareness effectively. We'll talk about why it's essential to validate your perceptions with other managers and how to have a fruitful coaching discussion with your employee. Key Takeaways - Episode intro (00:00) - How do you know when an employee isn't self-aware? (01:27) - Why it can be challenging to have this discussion (02:50) - Why perspective is crucial (07:41) - How to have a successful coaching discussion (16:13) - Why feedback is all about trust (18:56) - How to increase your employee's engagement (21:39) - Why timing is vital (27:57) - Episode recap (31:57) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

Earlier this week we released the first part of our tribute to the 20th anniversary of 9/11, where I shared a bit about my time as an officer in the Fire Department of my hometown, Kenilworth, New Jersey. I talked about some of the leadership lessons I learned during those years and how I led a firefighters company into New York City on 9/11. So, today's episode is the second part of our tribute to 9/11. I'm joined by two of the firefighters that were part of that team on 9/11: Bobby Walker, who was the Deputy Chief at the time, and Joe Padula, also a captain who's still active with the department.  We'll talk about our memories from that day and some of the perspectives of what went on behind the scenes spending time with New York City Firefighters as we moved into the staging area in Staten Island, where we got our assignment.  Key Takeaways  - Episode intro (00:00) - What happened after our team got called (01:25) - How we joined the NYC Fire Department in Staten Island (04:50) - Why communication was a significant problem (12:04) - What happens behind the walls of a firehouse (16:94) - How we spent the night at the firehouse (21:16) - Remembering the firefighters we lost that day (27:20) - Why we'll never forget (31:20) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

As the Leadership Jam Session Podcast is approaching its 50th episode, I want to thank all of my listeners for investing your time to tune in and listen to my podcast.  In this episode I share a little bit about my time as an officer in the Fire Department of my hometown, Kenilworth, New Jersey, and some of the valuable lessons on leadership I got to learn during those years. The fantastic people working in this department were all volunteers, from the firefighters up to the chief. It was a very humbling experience to be there, and the experience deeply impacted me and shaped my entire approach to leadership. So, this episode of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, along with the next episode, are dedicated to the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and I hope it also serves as a reminder that we should never forget what happened that day, especially for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  Key Takeaways - Episode intro (00:00) - Why working at the fire department was a humbling experience for me (03:12) - The three basic principles my leadership approach is based on (06:21) - Why feedback has to go both ways (08:12) - My experiences on 9/11 (09:45) - How my team got called to help (17:21) - Leadership lessons from that day (22:50) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com) Check you my https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOrbbnE0oT6DPy1Byc9qO5A (YouTube Channel) for a video of our interview

Today's episode will feature a new format we're launching called 'Ask Rob', where I answer questions I've received from listeners on how to handle challenging scenarios related to managing teams. This episode is based on a question I recently received asking me how to manage two employees who are not getting along but need to work together to achieve a common goal.  To help me tackle this specific, challenging scenario, I brought in Eddie Dowling, a seasoned leader and a dear friend of mine who's also been on the Leadership Jam Session podcast before. We'll discuss why it's essential to take a step back and understand the context of the conflict and that it didn't happen overnight. And we'll also talk about why it's in your employee's best interest, and yours, to get them to work it out themselves. If you have a challenging scenario that you'd like to get my thoughts on, please go to my website at leadershipjamsession.com and look for the ‘Ask Rob' logo. There, you'll find out more about how you can submit your challenging scenario to me - which could get featured right here on the jam session. Key Takeaways - Episode intro (00:00) - How to handle two employees who are not getting along (01:27) - Trying to find a shared purpose (02:43) - Why it's important to expect and encourage healthy debate (06:03) - Why a leader's role is to be a guardrail for the team (08:08) - Assessing your role in the conflict (13:35) - Episode recap (15:26) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

How do you handle getting directions passed down from your boss that you don't necessarily agree with? And how do you communicate these decisions to your team? There may be cases where these directions are coming from high up in the organization, and there's not much you can do about it. But you need to know that sometimes it's okay to push back, especially if you understand the environment you're operating in and assume positive intent on what the company is trying to accomplish. Situations like these can get tricky to solve since much is determined by context, but you can do a few things to make these processes run as smoothly as possible. In this week's episode of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, seasoned leaders Cherie Tofthagen, Brian Reardon, and Mike Sabol join me to discuss the best strategies to adopt in these scenarios. We'll talk about why transparency and communication are crucial, how to give ownership to your team, and the importance of mentorship and building advocates. Key Takeaways - Episode intro (00:00) - Why you need to develop a global mindset (02:38) - How to get your team involved (04:54) - It's okay to push back (06:45) - Why transparency is vital (12:34) - The importance of employee engagement (18:51) - Why you need a strong communication plan (22:04) - Episode recap (24:37) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

What does it mean to be an authentic leader? And how can you develop that mindset? Today's guest is Sean Georges, a former Marine Corps officer who graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy and currently serves as a Senior Vice President and General Counsel for a publicly traded company.  Sean's experiences during his years in the Marine Corps provided him with a vast repertoire of valuable leadership insights and team-building skills.  However, one of the most profound lessons Sean has learned on authentic leadership springs from the story of a near-fatal car accident involving his daughter. He witnessed the power of teamwork towards accomplishing a shared mission embodied in the bold actions of the rescue team. In this episode of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, we'll discuss what lies at the heart of genuine leadership, the difference between managing and leading, and how to develop an authentic leadership mindset. Key Takeaways - Episode intro (00:00) - What inspired Sean's message (01:15) - Leadership lessons from Sean's daughter's car accident (03:39) - How to develop authentic leadership (07:52) - Your job as a leader is not to have the answer (16:10) - What is my best and highest role? (24:00) - What the essence of authentic leadership is (25:12)  Leadership Resources How are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)

The COVID pandemic drastically changed the way we think about business and community-building. Virtual environments have practically become the new workspace for a significant part of the worldwide workforce. As a leader, building and maintaining your team's trust in such strange times can be challenging to get right. Perhaps your team doesn't get along too well virtually, or the strategies you have adopted to build this trust haven't worked at all. What can you do then? Fortunately, there are indeed some tools and actions that can help you boost your team's sense of unity and camaraderie during those long Zoom calls. Getting to know each of your team members' personalities and different communication styles can go a long way. Having one-on-one conversations with them will allow you to build and maintain a sense of trust and connection in a virtual space. And sometimes, it can be better for you to lay low and stay behind the scenes. For example, having your team meet periodically without you can also make a big difference to help that team build the connectivity you're looking for. In today's episode of the Leadership Jam Session Podcast, we'll welcome a panel of leaders who are participants in a new program I recently launched called the Coach's Jam Session to discuss how to build and maintain trust with your team in a virtual environment.  Key Takeaways - Episode intro (00:00) - Why it comes down to communication (01:18) - The importance of one-on-one conversations (02:06) - How technology can bind teams together (03:00) - Why you can't force trust (05:23) - Understanding different communication styles (08:17) - How to build a cohesive team online (12:30) - Why sometimes you need to step back (17:00) - Episode summary (20:55) Leadership ResourcesHow are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com (https://sartoleadershipgroup.com)