The Leadership Growth Podcast

Leaders “take up a lot of space,” says Peter Stewart.What leaders do in that space can be the difference between great business and people results–and bad ones.In today's episode, Daniel and Peter tackle the topic of executive presence–how it's evolved over the years, what it means today, and how leaders can develop and improve it so they show up with credibility and confidence.Tune in to learn:What a modern model of Executive Presence looks likeHow decision-making impacts Executive PresenceThe one thing leaders can do to establish professional credibilityExecutive Presence is about more than just what a leader wears to work. “It's how you show up as a leader,” says Daniel. Leaders of any age, gender, and personality can develop a well-rounded presence that gets business results and people results.Questions, comments, or topic ideas? Drop us an e-mail at podcast@stewartleadership.com.In this episode:1:59 – Insight of the Week7:15 – Topic: What is Executive Presence?11:03 – The Stewart Leadership Executive Presence Model15:13 – Quadrant I: How You Show up22:52 – Quadrant II: How You Decide29:23 – Lightning RoundResources:People I (Mostly) Admire Podcast: Interview with Jonathan Levin, President, Stanford University (Freakonomics Radio Network)Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Stewart Leadership Executive Presence Model5 Executive Presence Superpowers of Quiet LeadersThe One Crucial Element that Can Boost Executive Presence for Women5 Ways Your Decision-Making Impacts Your Executive PresenceWhat Is Executive Presence?Develop a Strong Executive Presence by Focusing on These 4 Areas10 Tips that Will Improve Your Presentation Skills5 Characteristics of Leaders Who Show Up with Authority4 Steps to Effective Decision-Making5 Questions to Develop Your Personal Philosophy of LeadershipVideo: Business Results: Earning Hearts and MIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

AI is “not special,” says Dr. Allen Badeau. “It's just a bigger part of your technology strategy.”In today's episode, Daniel, Peter, and Dr. Badeau discuss the latest developments in the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape and how leaders can best leverage this rapidly evolving technology for productivity and development.Dr. Badeau is an AI evangelist with over 20 years experience building AI systems. He is the Co-Founder of Harmonic AI and the host of NowMedia's weekly broadcast “AI Today.” Dr. Badeau was also instrumental in developing Stewart Leadership's newest offering, Stewy, an on-demand AI coach trained on over 40 years of Stewart Leadership insights, models, and expertise.Tune in to learn:Why AI is like a “highly intelligent adolescent”How finding the right AI is like shoe shoppingHow leaders can balance the risks and advantages of current AI modelsJoin us for a realistic–and reassuring–look at the current AI landscape.Questions, comments, or topic ideas? Drop us an e-mail at podcast@stewartleadership.com.In this episode:1:53 – Introduction: Dr. Allen Badeau2:45 – Topic: How Leaders Leverage AI for Productivity and Development8:20 – How Business Leaders Should Approach AI20:08 – Stewy: Your Customizable, On-Demand AI Leadership Coach36:38 – Lightning RoundResources:Dr. Allen Badeau's WebsiteHarmonic AI“AI Today,” NowMediaMoore's LawStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Stewy: Your AI Leadership Coach10 Ways to Grow Your Career with Stewy, Your New AI Coach10 Cool Things Leaders Can Do With an AI CoachThe AI Integration Roadmap4 Ways to Develop a Strategy of Adaptation7 Ways to Prepare Leaders for DisruptionPlanning for Disruption: Five Ways to Future-Proof Your Organization5 Advantages of Becoming a Digitally Literate Change Leader5 Misconceptions About Digital Transformation–and Why They MatterIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“You don't know you need it till you need it,” says today's guest, Chris Hare.Chris is the host of The Storied Future Podcast and founder of The Storied Future, where he helps midmarket and enterprise CEOs create narratives that unlock a future where they can be celebrated.In this deeply personal conversation with Daniel and Peter, Chris unpacks the process he uses to guide leaders through unearthing their own stories and crafting narratives that help them “make a dent in the universe.” Often, Chris says, leaders arrive at a moment that changes everything–one that requires a new personal narrative.Chris shares wisdom and insight gleaned from both business and personal experiences and offers guidance for leaders who need to rewrite their narratives.Tune in to learn:The relationship between leadership and storytellingThree steps to uncovering your storiesThe difference between story and narrativeQuestions, comments, or topic ideas? Drop us an e-mail at podcast@stewartleadership.com.In this episode:1:20 – Introduction: Chris Hare2:22 – Topic: Midlife Leaders Rewriting Their Own Story8:01 – Digging Deep: Identifying Stories You Haven't Shared12:30 – Becoming a Better Personal Storyteller20:19 – Confronting Obstacles to Transformation Through Story25:45 – Translating Storytelling Into Goals30:15 – Internal vs. External Stories35:12 – Lightning RoundResources:The Storied Future WebsiteThe Storied Future PodcastMaslow's Hierarchy of NeedsWhat Color is Your Parachute?, by Richard N. BollesStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Storytelling: The One Powerful Leadership Tool You Probably Aren't Using EnoughThe Power of Metaphor in LeadershipWe Are What We Think: 4 Steps to Change Our Personal Stories5 Stories that Motivate ChangeSix Factors for Great In-the-Moment Coaching6 Tips to Help Build Support for Your Next Change EffortHow to Overcome the 6 Most Common Obstacles to ChangeIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“The cool thing about leadership is that your customers are right there,” says today's guest, Phil Wilson.Phil is the CEO of LRI Consulting Services, Inc., and founder of Approachable Leadership. He's the author of seven books, including the forthcoming The Leader-Shift Playbook: 4 Simple Changes to Score Big and Unleash Your Team's Potential.In this conversation with Daniel and Peter, Phil shares some powerful insights about leadership from the perspective of a consultant and a leader–including the lessons he learned from atop Mt. Stupid.Tune in to learn:Three signs of an approaching leadership trainwreckWhy imposter syndrome can be helpful for leadership growthThe four beliefs leaders need to deliver resultsPlus, Daniel, Peter, and Phil share some memories about growing up in the family business.In this episode:2:09 – Memory Lane5:26 – Topic: How to Avoid a Leadership Train Wreck13:18 – Imposter Syndrome vs. the Dunning-Kruger Effect16:10 – The Four Beliefs20:28 – The View from Mt. Stupid26:45 – The Hero Assumption32:04 – Lightning RoundLRI Consulting Services, Inc.The Leader-Shift Playbook: 4 Simple Changes to Score Big and Unleash Your Team's PotentialThe Dunning-Kruger Effect (Mount Stupid)Imposter SyndromeReal-life “Batman” Daniel Kish Demonstrates Human Echolocation (YouTube)Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:How Most People Become Leaders (Video)Develop Your Managers by Focusing on These 8 SkillsetsStart Training on These 6 Essential Skills for Managers4 Ways to Encourage a Growth Mindset Culture7 Mindset Shifts that Will Make You a Great Manager6 Tips for Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace3 Human Needs to Retain Every Employee52 Leadership Gems: Practical and Quick Insights for Leading OthersIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence is a game-changing technological advancement–one that has generated excitement, fear, nervousness, cautious optimism, and a fair amount of hype.But what are its implications for leadership development?Today's guest has some answers. “AI, to me, is a power tool supreme,” says Frank Russell, CEO of the award-winning talent development consulting firm Prositions.Of course, as exciting and powerful as AI is, we still need to balance it with a healthy dose of humanity and wisdom–just as with any technological change.In this conversation, Daniel, Peter, and Frank discuss the latest developments in artificial intelligence and how it can accelerate leadership development.Tune in to learn:The importance of safety and wisdom in implementing AIHow leaders can put learning in the flow of work in as little as 45 secondsThe one thing a leader can do to leverage technology for developmentPlus, some reflections on technological change in leadership development over the last 40 years.In this episode:1:52 – Introduction: Frank Russell, CEO, Prositions4:15 – Memory Lane8:06 – Topic: Leadership Development and AI13:38 – How Leaders Can Leverage AI Technology17:45 – How to Find Balance Between Technology and Humanity21:44 – How to Balance Your Expectations of AI Tools29:48 – How Leaders Can Leverage Nano-Learning34:14 – Lightning RoundPrositionsStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Stewy: Your AI Leadership CoachLEAD NOW! Leadership Development Model10 Ways to Grow Your Career with Stewy, Your New AI Coach10 Cool Things Leaders Can Do with an AI CoachHow to Overcome the 6 Most Common Obstacles to Change4 Questions to Help You Take Risks as a LeaderThe AI Integration Roadmap7 Things to Consider When Developing a Microlearning ExperienceIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

A good coaching session is about more than just complaints or chit chat. “Coaching sessions are not just to have a feel-good moment,” says Daniel. “They are intended to focus on action and follow up.”In this week's episode, Daniel and Peter demystify a typical coaching session. They discuss some of the questions they typically ask, the common way they begin many sessions, and the importance of both behavior change and mindset shift.Tune in to learn:The one thing a coachee should do to optimize a coaching sessionThe one thing a coachee should do right after a coaching sessionThe value of a retainer model in hiring an outside coachThrough a typical structure that's flexible enough to allow for the needs of the moment, great coaching can lead to sustained change and maximum leadership effectiveness.Plus, more insights from Gallup about common leader blind spots, and three tips on how to best recognize direct reports.In this episode:2:20 – Insight of the Week14:16 – Topic: What to Expect During a Coaching Session15:55 – What a Typical Coaching Session Looks Like20:49 – How to Balance a Long-Term Action Plan with Daily Challenges34:03 – How to End a Coaching Session40:56 – Lightning RoundGallup: “The Strengths, Weaknesses and Blind Spots of Managers”Harvard Business Review: “Do Compliments Make You Cringe? Here's Why.”Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:5 Reasons to Encourage Compliments in the Workplace6 Ways to Regulate Your Emotions for Leadership Effectiveness8 Keys to Managing Conflict Well10 Questions to Ask to Best Develop Your Individual Action Plan6 Ways to Become Aware of Your Leadership Blind SpotsEight Skills of Great Coaching Managers6 Keys to Setting Yourself Up for Success with an Executive CoachWhite Paper: Coaching for Organizational Growth: A Powerful Resource for Maximizing Human CapitalLeadership Growth Podcast Episode 29: “The 5 Steps of Great Coaching”If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Executive coaching is more than just a series of nice, but unconnected, conversations, says Peter Stewart. “It's a development process with real teeth and traction in it” to help leaders meet goals.In this episode, Peter and Daniel demystify the coaching process with a look at their five-step approach to coaching. This approach identifies clear objectives, sets measurable and time-bound goals, and integrates feedback to help leaders course correct as they progress.Anyone can benefit from a coaching engagement. “It is not about the coach,” says Daniel. “It is about what you need, and for you to be confident and comfortable to be a self-advocate for your own development.”Tune in to learn:The most common objectives leaders have when working with a coachThe value of feedback in coachingThe one thing you should know to optimize your coaching experiencePlus, insights from Gallup on the relationship between feedback and employee engagement, and a flashback to the struggles of owning a home sprinkler system.In this episode:2:08 – Memory Lane5:32 – Insight of the Week11:20 – Topic: The 5 Steps of Great Coaching13:49 – Step 1: Establishing the Objective21:16 – Step 2: Understanding Through Assessment24:20 – Step 3: Providing Feedback28:47 – Step 4: Identifying Goals32:52 – Step 5: Following Up with Support36:48 – Lightning RoundGallup: “How Effective Feedback Fuels Performance”Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal DevelopmentStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Podcast Episode 13: How to Create an Effective Action Plan for DevelopmentThe Five Steps of Great CoachingHow the Right Coach Can Ease a New Executive Transition10 Questions to Ask to Best Develop Your Individual Action Plan6 Ways to Become Aware of Your Leadership Blind SpotsEight Skills of Great Coaching Managers6 Keys to Setting Yourself Up for Success with an Executive CoachWhite Paper: Coaching for Organizational Growth: A Powerful Resource for Maximizing Human CapitalIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Over the last few decades, the attitude on leadership coaching has shifted dramatically. What was once considered necessary only when there was a performance issue is now a common piece of leadership development.“More and more leaders are seeing executive leadership coaching as actually a sign of investment and development,” says Daniel. “It's a positive thing.”But being given a coaching opportunity can raise a lot of questions. Can you choose your coach, or will your company assign you a coach? How much will your boss know about your coaching sessions? And what does a coaching session even look like?In this episode, Daniel and Peter take a look at the value of coaching, what to look for in a coach, and how to make the most of a coaching experience.Tune in to learn:The difference between a coach and a mentor–and why both can be helpful to your careerThe importance of coaching as a “safe space” for leadersThe one thing you should NOT do if you want to get the most out of your coaching experiencePlus, what we can learn from Costco's Code of Ethics, and the strategy you need to win (almost) every game of Risk (at least when you play against Daniel and Peter).In this episode:1:42 – Insight of the Week5:42 – Memory Lane8:50 – Topic: What to Expect from Your Executive Coach10:31 – Why Executive Coaching?18:21 – How Do You Choose an Executive Coach?31:56 – What Does a Coaching Session Look Like?34:40 – Lightning RoundCostco Code of EthicsThe Ultimate Risk Strategy GuideStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Choosing a Coach: How the Right Coach Can Help You Get UnstuckThe Five Steps of Great CoachingHow Do You Know if You Are Choosing the Right Executive Coach?How the Right Coach Can Ease a New Executive Transition10 Questions to Ask to Best Develop Your Individual Action PlanIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

What if AI were the key to innovation inside your company?Today's guest suggests that AI puts innovation in the hands of people who aren't necessarily scientists or programmers.Travis Hoppe is the Assistant Director of AI Research and Development at The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He co-authored The Pile, a pioneering open source dataset used for training large language models that served as a catalyst for promoting open science within the field of AI, and he holds a PhD in physics.In this conversation, Daniel and Travis discuss everything AI–from the basics of machine learning and algorithms to implications for leaders to the most promising applications of AI.“Now, people can experiment with some really good idea,” Travis says. About 20% of your organization really wants to build stuff. “Oftentimes you just need to bring them together and you need to give them the freedom to do so.”Tune in to learn:Why guardrails in AI innovation are so importantWhy leaders have a unique opportunity to be pioneers right nowWhy you don't need to fear “the singularity”Join us for a fascinating conversation about the present–and future–of AI.In this episode:1:35 – Introduction: Travis Hoppe2:53 – What is AI?9:25 – Algorithms: A Brief Review13:05 – How Should Leaders Think About AI?18:40 – AI Guidance for Teams and Businesses28:00 – AI in Practice32:40 – Lightning RoundTravis Hoppe profiles:@metasemantic on XLinkedInGoogle ScholarThe PileMemorandum M-24-10 (listed under “Memoranda 2024”)Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:4 Ways to Encourage a Healthy Failure CultureThe Power of Imagination in Planning7 Ways to Prepare Leaders for Disruption5 Advantages of Becoming a Digitally Literate Change Leader5 Ways to Help Manage Your Team's Change ExhaustionAI-Powered Talent RetentionWomen and AIIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

How do other people see you?In a world where there's more noise than ever before, many of us have lost our ability to communicate with empathy, says Stacey Hanke, executive mentor and author of Influence Elevated: Maximizing Your Connection Monday to Monday. In this conversation with Daniel and Peter, Stacey shares her insights about how leaders can learn–or relearn–how to connect with consistency across platforms and maximize their influence.“Every conversation is your opportunity to practice something,” says Stacey. Whether it's improving meetings, asking for feedback, or even watching a recorded meeting to critique their own screen presence, leaders should increase their focus on how others perceive them to maximize their influence on their teams and across their organizations.Tune in to learn:Three practical tips to improve remote meetingsTwo ways for leaders to coach their team membersOne valuable technique that can improve a leader's influenceJoin us for this practical and insightful discussion.In this episode:1:40 – Introduction: Stacey Hanke2:24 – Elevating Your Ability to Influence10:38 – What Leaders Need to Be Influential Today16:50 – Practical Tips to Strengthen Influence on Remote Teams20:34 – Guidance for Coaching Team Members32:05 – Lightning RoundStacey Hanke's WebsiteInfluence Elevated: Maximizing Your Connection Monday to MondayStacey Hanke Amazon Author PageStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Ask This One Question to Evaluate Your Leadership Skills3 Simple Words to Receive Actionable Feedback from Your AssociatesYou Do Need an Ego! But How Much?Six Secrets to Your Leadership Growth4 Ways to Encourage a Growth Mindset Culture4 Ways to Prime Your Brain to Receive Feedback10 Tips for Effective Video Meetings5 Characteristics of Leaders Who Show Up With Authority6 Tips for Improving Your Active Listening SkillsThe TIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“We don't spend a lot of time thinking about how we breathe. We just do it,” says Jamie Flinchbaugh. “But then we find out, whether we're training for sports or meditation or other things, that there's more to learn about breathing. And when we are thoughtful about it, we can do it better, more usefully.”Solving problems as a leader is similar to breathing, says Flinchbaugh. Leaders take it for granted that they can solve problems in the usual way. They're often on autopilot, and they forget to think about their roles–and the roles of others around them–in solving problems, which can lead to a “cascade of errors.”Jamie Flinchbaugh is author of the book People Solve Problems and the host of a podcast by the same name. He acts as a trusted advisor and thought partner for leaders through his firm, JFlinch. Jamie joins Daniel and Peter on this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast to talk about how leaders solve problems, some of the mistakes they can make, and how they can improve. Tune in to learn:The three roles of leaders as they solve problemsThe importance of curiosity and uncomfortable learning in problem-solvingWhy designing for optimal circumstances is a bad strategy for problem-solvingJoin us for this practical and insightful discussion.In this episode:0:55 – Introduction: Jamie Flinchbaugh1:44 – What Do Leaders Get Wrong?6:23 – Leader Role #1: System Architect17:44 – Leader Role #2: Culture Builder31:46 – Leader Role #3: Shaper36:56 – Lightning RoundJamie Flinchbaugh's WebsitePeople Solve Problems PodcastPeople Solve Problems book on Amazon.comStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:How to Prioritize Your WorkThe Difference Between Important and UrgentThe 10 Tenets of Calendar ManagementThe Accountability ScaleFour Keys to Creating Accountability4 Ways to Encourage a Growth Mindset CultureYou Do Need an Ego! But How Much?If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“Imagine if Amazon was inefficient,” says Garrett Delph, Founder and CEO of Clarity Ops.An inefficient Amazon would never reign in the very area that allowed it to disrupt the marketplace–that is, rapid, low-cost product delivery.Operational inefficiencies are organizational kryptonite, says Delph in this conversation with Daniel and Peter. Garrett Delph is a serial entrepreneur who has founded three businesses, collectively generating over $40 million in revenue. Today, Garrett is an operating partner to business executive leadership in need of transformative solutions that extend business lifetime value, increase company profits, and improve employee well-being.Tune in to learn:How the four types of leaders contribute to operational successThe most underrated tool to build a lasting businessWhat Formula 1, icebergs, and architecture have to do with operational successWith wit, insight, and clear analogies, Garrett shares his own journeys and lessons learned and offers clarity for business leaders caught in operational chaos.In this episode:1:35 – Introduction: Garrett Delph2:40 – Topic: Achieving Operational Success as a Leader6:40 – The Dangers of Inefficiencies13:10 – Sea of Chaos?18:10 – Architecting Order22:06 – The QuadCore Management Framework31:26 – Lightning RoundClarity Ops WebsiteGarrett Delph LinkedInFormula 1: Drive to SurviveStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Start Training on These 6 Essential Skills for ManagersThe 7 Critical Vital Signs of Organizational HealthHow to Identify and Develop a Core ProcessTaking a SPIN: A Simple Way to Serve Your Customers Better5 Questions to Help With Your Process Flow Analysis6 Ways to Drive Employee RetentionIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“Empathy is not being soft,” says Jevon Wooden, CEO of BrightMind Consulting Group and today's guest on The Leadership Growth Podcast.Jevon is a sought-after keynote speaker, coach, and consultant specializing in empathetic leadership. His proven strategies have been featured in major publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc. Magazine.In this episode, Daniel, Peter, and Jevon discuss in detail the role of empathy in leadership–and why, as Jevon says, empathy is key to managing any situation.Tune in to learn:The difference between being empathetic and having empathyThe role of humility in being an empathetic leaderHow people leaders can better understand technical leadersBring empathy to your leadership with Jevon's insights and tips, and watch engagement and results improve.In this episode:1:21 – Introduction: Jevon Wooden9:22 – Empathy as a Skill17:40 – Improving Business Results and People Results with Empathy24:52 – Misusing Empathy?30:15 – Lightning RoundBrightMind Consulting GroupStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:4 Ways to Prime Your Brain to Receive FeedbackFive Behaviors to Help Develop Your Emotional Intelligence6 Ways to Regulate Your Emotions for Leadership Effectiveness10 Questions to Help You Manage Up5 Executive Presence “Superpowers” of Quiet Leaders6 Keys to Working Well With Your EmployeesIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

When it comes to accountability, the traditional approach has put leaders in charge of holding others accountable. Often this approach translates into a fear-based, command-and-control, “I have the authority, and I'm going to tell you what to do” approach to accountability.But does this approach work in the modern workplace? (And, we might ask, did it ever work?)In this episode, Daniel and Peter dive into the myth of accountability–the idea that leaders must hold their people accountable. This myth often leads to micromanaging, conflict, and a kind of “parent-child” approach to leadership.Daniel and Peter suggest a better path–one that encourages a culture of self-accountability where teams work together in a partnership to deliver results.Tune in to learn:What the CMC model of accountability is–and why it worksHow to encourage self-accountability as a leaderWhat to do if your team resists an approach of self-accountabilityPlus, some thoughts on Artificial Intelligence, including a big announcement! And remembering leadership lessons on VHS (that's “Video Home System” for those of you under 40).In this episode:1:30 – Insight of the Week: Artificial Intelligence8:52 – Memory Lane: Leadership Lessons on Video–Before YouTube!14:20 – Topic: The Myth of Accountability33:46 – Lightning RoundStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Ask a Coach: How do I hold others accountable? (Video)Leadership Lesson: Employees are Like TurtlesThe Accountability ScaleFour Keys to Creating Accountability4 Ways to Create Layers of Accountability in a Virtual EnvironmentHow to Delegate Like a ProFight, Flight, or Freeze: Our Brains on FeedbackMatching Managerial Oversight to Employee Competence3 Ways to Avoid Being a MicromanagerIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Are you “all that and a bag of chips”?We all need an ego. As Peter says, ego serves a function.But too much ego might translate into steamrolling over others. And too little ego can mean withdrawing and allowing others to steamroll over you.There's a good balance between being secure in your own voice without stomping out the voice of others. Good ego management is really intentional humility.In this episode, Peter and Daniel take a deep dive into ego management–why it's important, how to bounce back from hits to our egos, and why too little ego can be just as much a problem as too much.Tune in to learn:The “antidote” to egoThe one thing to keep in mind for ego managementThe value of “safe places” in managing egoPlus, how feedback has changed–and how it hasn't–through the decades, and the balance between glory and work.In this episode:2:42 – Memory Lane: Feedback Tools Through the Generations5:58 – Insight of the Week13:18 – Topic: Ego Management32:47 – Lightning Round Resources:Freakonomics Podcast Episode 592: How to Make the Coolest Show on BroadwayGallup Q12 Engagement SurveyStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Lobsters and EgosThe Lobster and the Ego (Video)Big Bear, Little EgoYou Do Need an Ego! But How Much?Leadership: It's Not About You AnymoreIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“If you don't find absolute joy in other people's success, being a leader's probably not going to float your boat,” says today's guest, Laurie Labra.Daniel and Peter welcome Laurie to this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast for a fun and insightful conversation about leadership in a highly technical environment. Laurie is a vice president at KBR, Inc., leading the company's Science & Space Human Exploration Division.Laurie brings great expertise to this conversation about leadership, and she shares some important insights about decision-making, developing new leaders, and communication.Tune in to learn:How to balance the tension between delivering technical excellence and maintaining strong team relationshipsWhy the mirror can be your best friend before a tough conversationThe one test you can never acePlus, the value of meeting new people, and how early career lessons can stick with you for the rest of your life.In this episode:0:59 – Introduction and Background4:28 – Leadership Lessons for the Next Generation10:39 – Achieving Technical Excellence Without Damaging People15:51 – Decision Making When You Don't Have All the Info21:08 – Communication Tips27:51 – Lessons from Real Life32:59 – Meeting People35:29 – Lightning RoundResources:Laurie Labra LinkedIn ProfileKBR, Inc.Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:4 Steps to Effective Decision MakingWhat Cheetahs Can Teach Us About Decision-Making5 Ways Your Decision-Making Impacts Your Leadership Presence6 Traits of Leaders Who Deliver ExcellenceThe 5 Phases of TeamingThe Nine Dimensions of Successful TeamingThe 10 Rules for Amazingly High Performing TeamsThe 2 Levels in Every Conversation5 Questions to Answer Before Your Next Hard Conversation6 Tips for Improving Your Active Listening SkillsHigh-Performing Team GuideIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

What can leaders learn from horseshoe crabs, cottonwood trees, and polar bears?This episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast takes a fascinating dive into the lessons that leaders and organizations can take from nature. Guest Ron Amodeo, Chief Strategy Officer at UC Davis Health, shares some examples and insights from nature that can inform the way leaders direct their organizations.Join us for this fresh and unique perspective that takes us out of the stale, gray conference room and into the lively and ever-changing world around us.Tune in to learn:How concepts such as evolution and extinction apply to businessWhy operating with new constraints can help innovationHow a new environment changes everythingIn this episode:2:49 – Topic: How Nature Informs Strategy Resources:Ron Amodeo Bio, UC Davis HealthWonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History, by Stephen Jay GouldBurgess ShaleSquare-Cube LawGreat Expectations: The Saturn Cars StoryStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:4 Strategic Planning Pitfalls to Avoid4 Ways to Focus Your Strategic Action PlanScenario Planning for an Uncertain WorldLeading Through Change: How to Future Proof Your TeamPrescribed BurnsProcessionary CaterpillarsThe Power of Imagination in PlanningLeadership LessonsIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Why do people want to work for you?And perhaps more importantly, why do they want to continue to work for you?In this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast, Daniel and Peter look at how both external and internal onboarding can make or break the employee experience.As Peter points out, the talent market will continue to experience generational shifts for several years to come, and the number of people entering the workforce isn't enough to fill all the gaps. Attracting and retaining talent is more important than ever, and a great onboarding process can help everyone avoid unmet expectations, uncertainties, and unknowns.Tune in to learn:The three different levels of onboardingThe value of a team charterThe biggest mistake to avoid with onboardingPlus, wisdom from an old proverb, and how skiing is like many onboarding experiences.In this episode:2:11 – Insight of the Week10:05 – Topic: Onboarding: How to Help Prepare People for Success In Their Roles37:10 – Lightning RoundResources:Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Employee Retention: Use the First 90 Days to Keep Your Best New TalentEmployee Experience: It's the Moments That Matter6 Reasons Employee Retention Should Matter to Your OrganizationTop 10 Reasons Why Your Competitors are Getting Your Candidates5 Takeaways for Improving the Employee Experience LifecycleThe 7 Elements of Employee Experience4 Ways to Improve the Onboarding Experience in a Remote Environment4 Vital Considerations for Your Team CharterIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“I don't know what I've said until I've learned what you heard.”Daniel kicks off a robust discussion about communication with this provocative insight. He and Peter are joined in this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast by executive coach and communication expert Yosi Kossowsky.“That's something I coach leaders on 80% of the time,” says Kossowsky. Leaders often believe communication has happened, but really, it's only the illusion of communication.“We are often in the habit of talking, but not validating,” he says.Our three leadership experts discuss barriers to understanding and perception, the value of open-ended questions, and the most common leadership objection to clarifying communication.Tune in to learn:Techniques to solicit more interaction, feedback, and engagement from listenersWhy curiosity is vital to understandingThe most important question leaders should use to improve communicationPlus, how developing good communication skills is like brushing your teeth, why perceptions can change from day to day, and how Daniel and Peter really felt about childhood piano lessons.In this episode:2:52 – Topic: How to Not Assume People Understand You26:18 – Practical Guidance to Improve Communication33:38 – Lightning RoundResources:Yosi Kossowsky LinkedIn ProfileStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:6 Tips for Improving Your Active Listening SkillsThe 3 Most Important Factors in Building Trust with OthersThe Two Types of Questions Great Leaders AskThe 2 Levels in Every ConversationPlease, Help Me Communicate Better!7 Types of Difficult People (and How to Communicate With Them)If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

What does psychology have to do with business?“Absolutely everything,” says Dr. Ernest Wayde, host of the Psych in Business Podcast.Dr. Wayde joins Daniel and Peter on this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast for a discussion about how psychology can impact leadership and the workplace.In this conversation, Dr. Wayde offers some insights on how leaders can use psychology to grow and develop their leadership skills.Tune in to learn:How to improve self-awarenessWhy leaders need to be vulnerableThe most important skill you can practice to for effective leadershipWith wide-ranging expertise in everything from psychology to systems management to artificial intelligence, Dr. Wayde applies his knowledge and insights to helping companies and leaders achieve their long-term goals. He is the founder and CEO of Wayde Consulting.In this episode:3:34 – Insight of the Week7:46 – Topic: How to Use Psychology to Achieve Success in Business31:10 – Lightning RoundResources:Wayde ConsultingPsych in Business PodcastStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Five Behaviors to Help Develop Your Emotional IntelligenceIncreasing Your Emotional Intelligence: How Do Others React to You?The Three Levels of Managerial Courage6 Ways to Become Aware of Your Leadership Blind SpotsThe 3 Most Important Factors in Building Trust With Others6 Tips for Improving Your Active Listening SkillsIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

On this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast, Daniel and Peter take a deep dive into one of the most popular videos on the Stewart Leadership website: The Tale of the Three Envelopes.In this story, a new CEO receives three envelopes from the previous CEOs. The new CEO tucks them away and forgets about them. As he struggles in his role, he takes out the first two envelopes every few months and finds a new tactic to try. Unfortunately, neither of these approaches work, and he is forced to read the third letter.The third letter says only, “write three new letters.”As Daniel and Peter break down what went wrong in the fictional CEO's approach, they offer some tips and guidance about how leaders can succeed in their roles–and avoid that third letter.Tune in to learn:The risks of “boxology”The main takeaway from the Three Envelope StoryThe one thing you need for a successful restructurePlus, a helpful productivity tool for busy people, and memories of John Parker Stewart's office.In this episode:2:05 – Insight of the Week6:37 – Memory Lane: Dad's Office10:23 – Topic: The Three Envelopes35:37 – Lightning Round Resources:“Virtual coworking spaces aim to offer best of remote productivity and in-person collaboration,” Fast Company, May 9, 2023The 9 Natural Laws of Leadership, by Dr. Warren Blank, Amacom Press, 1995Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Video: The Tale of the Three EnvelopesTen Ways to Successfully Launch into Your First 90 DaysWhat C-Level Executives Need for Their First 100 DaysThe #1 Missing Element when Organizational Change Fails5 Questions to Answer Before Your Next Hard ConversationFour Keys to Creating AccountabilityIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“With every relationship, we make deposits into that trust account by the actions we take, the things we say, and the interest we show and display,” says Peter.Are you making good deposits into the trust accounts with your bosses, peers, and team members?Peter and Daniel get a little bit personal in this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast with a discussion about the most important tools you need to build strong relationships at work–and in all areas of life.Tune in to learn:The simple exercise that can help build connections on your teamThe most consistent element that science says will boost your personal happiness, wealth, and successThe three questions you can ask yourself to help manage your reactions as you build a relationshipPlus, some of the milestones in Daniel and Peter's lives, and a valuable quote about the importance of connecting with other people.In this episode:2:42 – Insight of the Week8:18 – Memory Lane: Milestones22:21 – Topic: Building Relationships in a Professional Setting36:17 – Lightning Round Resources:Harvard Study of Adult DevelopmentAn 85-year Harvard study found the No. 1 thing that makes us happy in life, CNBCSusan Pinker's TED ProfileStewart Leadership Insights and Resources:6 Tips for Improving Your Active Listening SkillsThe 3 Most Important Factors in Building Trust with OthersBig Ears Are a MustAre You an Ideal Boss?7 Ways to Become a People-First ManagerThe 2 Levels in Every ConversationFive Keys for Rapidly Developing Trusting Relationships5 Ways to Build Trust Within Your OrganizationIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“Some of the best goals out there have a 50% or 60% chance of success,” says Daniel.How effective are your change efforts? If you only have a 20% chance of success, you may be sabotaging yourself. On the other hand, if you set a goal that has an 80% chance of success, are you really making a significant change?In this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast, Daniel and Peter offer some guidelines and tips for creating an effective action plan for sustained change.“The ceiling on strengths is a lot higher than the ceiling on our weaknesses,” says Peter.Tune in to learn:The five elements of an effective action planThe right time frame to work on a new behaviorThe role of “micro-experts” in your personal action plan for changePlus, how full is your tea cup? Peter shares a Zen parable that's relevant to pursuing change. And Peter and Daniel reflect on hearing Colin Powell speak–and the unique team-building exercise developed by their dad.In this episode:2:06 – Insight of the Week8:30 – Memory Lane: Teaming Through Skiing14:37 – Topic: Creating an Effective Action Plan for Development40:40 – Lightning Round Resources:Parable of the Tea CupThe enduring impact of Colin Powell (Washington Post)Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:Five Behaviors to Help Develop Your Emotional IntelligenceEight Skills of Great Coaching Managers10 Questions to Ask to Best Develop Your Individual Action PlanThe Three Types of Learning You Need to Excel as a Leader7 Ways Leaders Develop Themselves and OthersSix Secrets to Your Leadership Growth4 Ways to Encourage a Growth Mindset CultureWorkbook: LEAD NOW! Individual Action Planning WorkbookBook: LEAD NOW! A Personal Leadership Coaching Guide for Results-Driven LeadersIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

We've all embarked on personal change efforts with great excitement and motivation–only to lose momentum and fall back on old habits or even crash and burn. Failing in our change efforts can result in frustration, discouragement, and disappointment.Is there any way to change in a truly sustainable way?In episode 12 of The Leadership Growth Podcast, Daniel and Peter offer a proven method to create sustainable personal change.Tune in to learn:The five steps of personal changeHow leaders can promote sustainable change for their team membersHow to help support someone who wants to make changesJoin our experts for a conversation about how to change–even when it's tough! Plus, are you calling your employees by the right name? And remembering 1980s technology...In this episode:1:44 – Insight of the Week7:35 – Memory Lane: Plotting Along…12:08 – Topic: The Five Steps of Personal Change38:30 – Lightning Round Resources:HP ColorPro Pen Plotter Drawing the Mask of TutankhamenUnderstanding Motivational InterviewingStewart Leadership Insights:5 Steps for Sustaining Personal Change4 Ways to Create Personal Change4 Reasons FAST Goals Beat SMART Goals (includes downloadable worksheet)You Are Not Perfect! Mistakes Are Part of Life!Six Obstacles to Change and How to Overcome Them6 Ways to Become Aware of Your Leadership Blind SpotsIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

It's an historic day over at The Leadership Growth Podcast as Daniel and Peter conduct their first podcast interview!Daniel and Peter interview Ed Evarts, founder and president of Excellius Leadership Development and author of the forthcoming book, The Bravery Trick: Four Easy Ways to Say Hard Things.In this interview, Ed shares some observations, tips, and suggestions for how to be braver in conversations with bosses, colleagues, and direct reports–while preserving psychological safety and remaining respectful.Tune in to learn:What bravery is and why it matters in the workplaceThe importance of curiosity in being braveThe one tip every conflict averse person should practice to become braverJoin Daniel, Peter, and Ed as they discuss why it's so hard to be brave at work, how to become braver, and how to foster bravery on your team and in the workplace.In this episode:1:33 – Introduction: Ed Evarts2:51 – Insight of the Week: What is Bravery?6:55 – How to Be Braver at Work17:20 – On the Other Side of Bravery23:00 – Creating a Brave Workplace31:30 – Lightning Round Resources:Excellius Leadership DevelopmentThe Bravery Trick: Four Easy Ways to Say Hard Things page (release date: May 14, 2024)Ed Evarts' Amazon Author PageStewart Leadership Insights:The Three Levels of Managerial Courage4 Suggestions for Giving Brain-Friendly Feedback4 Ways to Prime Your Brain to Receive Feedback6 Tips for Creating Psychological Safety in the WorkplaceIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Do you know the most important skill for a leader?A conversation with an old friend from high school led Daniel to think carefully about this question, and his answer?Coaching.In this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast, Daniel and Peter discuss the five most important steps to effectively coaching someone on your team.Tune in to learn:The most important foundational skill to becoming a great coachHow and when to use assessmentsThe one thing you should not do as a coachPlus, why sleep is so important to our overall function as leaders (and people), and a brief peek into what trivia nights were like in the Stewart household (hint: fingers were sprained).In this episode:1:57 – Insight of the Week8:12 – Memory Lane: Lesson from a Choir Teacher14:15 – Topic: The Five Steps of Great Coaching35:53 – Lightning Round Resources:Stewart Leadership Insights:The Five Steps of Great CoachingEight Skills of Great Coaching Managers7 Ways Leaders Develop Themselves and Others6 Tips for Improving Your Active Listening SkillsBig Ears are a Must4 Reasons FAST Goals Beat SMART Goals“Discovering the Brain's Nightly Rinse Cycle,” NIH Director's Blog, Mar 5, 2020“Sleep Loss Encourages Spread of Toxic Alzheimer's Protein,” NIH Director's Blog, Feb 5, 2019If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

What is your Personal Philosophy of Leadership?If you can't answer that question, this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast is for you!Join Daniel and Peter as they coach you through a powerful exercise in self-reflection that can help you develop your own core philosophy.Tune in to learn:The five core questions you need to answer to develop your Personal Philosophy of LeadershipThe most helpful piece of advice you need to complete your philosophyThe bonus sixth question that can refine your philosophy even morePlus, the importance of letting go, a few “poorly chosen words from the past,” and some insight into the Stewarts' personalities as they share their pet peeves (hint: one of them hates this common office supply!)In this episode:1:37 – Insight of the Week7:41 – Memory Lane: “A Few Poorly Chosen Words From the Past”11:20 – Topic: The Personal Philosophy of Leadership34:22 – Lightning Round Resources:Stewart Leadership Insights:How to Delegate Like a Pro7 Ways Leaders Develop Themselves and OthersThe Value of an Iterative ProcessHow to Leverage the Six Leadership Styles in Today's EnvironmentInternal vs. External Processing: What is Your Thinking Style?6 Ways to Become Aware of Your Leadership Blind SpotsIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“What's the value-add for each and every interaction?”According to Daniel, this is a critical question every leader should ask about interactions with customers.But it doesn't just apply to customers. Leaders have four critical relationships to manage, and each one has different needs, concerns, and desired outcomes.Managing these four relationships can make leaders feel stretched in multiple directions at once. As Peter points out, a leader who is focused on addressing the boss' needs will still feel pulled toward direct reports, peers, and customers.It is possible to successfully navigate the different needs of each relationship–without being pulled apart in the process!Tune in to learn:What each relationship needs most from a leaderWhy taking the time to address peer needs and peer learning is so critical to collaborationThe biggest trap you can fall into if you don't treat each relationship uniquelyPlus, insight into why we don't remember everything, and memories about epic Koosh Ball battles.In this episode:1:29 – Insight of the Week8:36 – Memory Lane: Koosh Ball Mayhem11:50 – Topic: Four Critical Relationships Every Leader Needs to Manage32:40 – Lightning RoundResources:Stewart Leadership Insights:The Four Critical Relationships All Leaders Must Develop6 Tips for Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace3 Human Needs to Retain Every EmployeeSix Keys to Successfully Working with Your Boss6 Ways to Become Aware of Your Leadership Blind SpotsKoosh Ball, WikipediaBrain Facts, Cleveland ClinicThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, by Patrick LencioniIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“Are you going to be curious, or are you going to be judging?”This is the question Daniel asks in this conversation about how to create shared meaning through conversations.As Daniel points out, there's a time and place for both, but in striving to understand each other in conversation, we need to emphasize curiosity over judgment.For leaders who want to create shared purpose and meaning with their teams, good conversation skills are vital. In this episode, Daniel and Peter review a number of conversational practices and principles that can improve relationships in the workplace–and in life.Tune in to learn:How to implement the power of the pauseHow to identify your personal triggers and manage your emotional responses betterWhat active listening is, and why it's so importantPlus, lessons on customer experience from a Dutch supermarket, and a trip to Stewarts' childhood living room.In this episode:1:32 – Insight of the Week6:57 – Memory Lane: The Podium10:55 – Topic: How to Create Shared Meaning in Conversations33:29 – Lightning RoundResources:Stewart Leadership Insights:The Key to Acquiring and Keeping Customers for the Long-Term4 Actions for Increasing Customer Focus6 Tips to Improve Your Executive Presence Through LanguageThe 2 Levels in Every Conversation6 Ways to Help Regulate Your Emotions for Leadership EffectivenessPlease, Help Me Communicate Better!“Dutch supermarket introduces unique slow checkout lane for lonely seniors who want to have a chat,” Aditi Bora, UpworthyRaspberry PiSolipsism, WikipediaIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

When deadlines loom and a time crunch hits, what's the first thing you or your direct reports reschedule?Too often, the answer is “one-on-one meetings.”But as Peter points out in this episode of The Leadership Growth Podcast, “It's more important to have a one-on-one than to have a perfect one-on-one!”So what makes a good 1:1 that doesn't feel like a waste of time?Daniel and Peter offer a number of tips for creating great 1:1 meetings, including:The four key questions to ask in your 1:1 meetingsThe ideal frequency and length of a 1:1 meeting (hint: it depends)The most important action you can take after each one-on-onePlus, some insights about shifting demographics, tips about using Leadership Gems, and memories of scouting adventures (or misadventures?).In This Episode:1:51 – Insight of the Week5:58 – Memory Lane: Leadership Gems12:43 – Topic: The Communication in One-on-One Meetings34:02 – Lightning Round Resources:Stewart Leadership Insights:Here Come the Zoomers!6 Tips to Help Build Support for Your Next Change Effort6 Tips to Make 1:1 Meetings More Effective (Includes link to a free downloadable guide!)Matching Managerial Oversight to Employee CompetenceThe 2 Levels in Every Conversation3 Human Needs to Retain Every EmployeeThe Two Types of Questions Great Leaders AskStewart Leadership Resources:52 Leadership Gems: Practical and Quick Insights for Leading Others, by John Parker StewartGlassdoor's 2024 Workplace Trends“Over 50 countries go to the polls in 2024. The year will test even the most robust democracies,” Jill Lawless, AP“Five Ways to Make Your One-On-One Meetings More Effective,” MIT Sloan Management ReviewIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

“Nothing is improved by accident,” says Peter Stewart.When it comes to leadership development, the need for intentional improvement is greater than ever, according to a recent report from Boston Consulting Group.In this episode, Peter and Daniel discuss the importance of behavior and emotional intelligence for leaders and warn against “boxology”--shifting organizational boxes and pursuing change for the sake of change.Daniel also shares his “spectrum of conscientiousness” theory–the observation that leaders have a spectrum of interest in pursuing behavior change.Tune in to learn:The four priorities for leadership development in 2024The one thing leaders need to be effective as leaders this yearThe one thing leaders need to be effective - organizational designPlus, some reflections on the value of reward–even just a peppermint candy!In This Episode:1:38 – Insight of the Week8:16 – Memory Lane: The “Candy Man”12:37 – Topic: Business Challenges for 202433:57 – Lightning RoundResources:Stewart Leadership Insights:4 Priorities for Leadership Development in 2024What Are the Most Desired Leadership Behaviors?The #1 Missing Element When Organizational Change FailsThe Three Types of Learning You Need to Excel as a LeaderFive Behaviors to Help Develop Your Emotional IntelligenceEight Skills of Great Coaching Managers4 Truths About Being a Compassionate LeaderOrganizational Design ConsultingLEAD NOW! ModelCreating People Advantage 2023, Boston Consulting GroupCarmen Simon - Memorable Message, BigSpeak Speaker's BureauIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Intentionality–it's an ability that can make or break so many aspects of leadership.From understanding that leaders are always setting the example to collecting insights and stories to managing time and relationships, all of us can benefit from a more deliberate approach to our lives.In this episode, Daniel and Peter look at four more of the skill sets new managers need to be successful–and all of them require being intentional and deliberate.Join them to learn:How to effectively delegate as a new managerWhy ego management is so important for leadersThe two big mistakes new managers should avoidIn This Episode:1:05 – Insight of the Week7:29 – Memory Lane: The Index Card13:24 – Topic: First Time Managers (Part 2)32:42 – Lightning Round Resources:Stewart Leadership Insights:7 Mindset Shifts That Will Make You a Great ManagerDevelop Your Managers by Focusing on These 8 SkillsetsHow Not to Listen to Your LeaderHow to Leverage the 6 Leadership Styles in Today's EnvironmentThe One Powerful Leadership Tool You Probably Aren't Using EnoughThe Ten Tenets of Calendar ManagementHow to Prioritize Your WorkYou Do Need an Ego! But How Much?The Value of an Iterative ProcessThe Four Critical Relationships All Leaders Must DevelopManager Development Programs“Remote workers spend about 13 hours staring at screens each day: survey”, The Hill“The minutes in between can be pathway to productivity”, by Vanessa Hua, DatebookIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Making the leap from individual contributor to manager can be one of the most significant–and challenging–steps in a career.It's so challenging, in fact, that it will take Daniel and Peter two episodes to talk about it.In part one, Daniel and Peter share some recent insights and reminisce about their grad school experiences before talking about the skillsets new managers need.Tune in to learn:The biggest myth about leadershipThe one piece of advice every new manager needsThe two pieces of advice for leaders who are leading new managersBe sure to tune in for Episode 4, where Daniel and Peter share the rest of the skillsets every new manager needs.1:30 – Insight of the Week8:17 – Memory Lane: Practical Lessons From Grad School14:45 – Topic: First Time Managers (Part 1)31:01 – Lightning RoundResources:Stewart Leadership Insights:7 Mindset Shifts That Will Make You a Great ManagerDevelop Your Managers by Focusing on These 8 Skillsets7 Ways to Become a People-First Manager6 Ways to Become Aware of Your Leadership Blind Spots The Value of an Iterative ProcessAsk a Coach: How can I avoid being a micromanager?Manager Development Programs“The ROI of Executive Coaching: A Comprehensive Guide,” Forbes.com2023 ICF Global Coaching StudyWhat is a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)? Agile AllianceIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

How much of your job satisfaction and engagement depends on your boss?According to Gallup, it's a lot–up to 70%, in fact!In this episode of the Leadership Growth Podcast, Daniel and Peter take a deep dive into what makes a great boss, including:The one question that can change your employee/manager relationships foreverNine characteristics of an ideal bossThe most important thing a new manager can do to start out on the right footDownload and listen for more great tips, along with some new insights and a trip down memory lane.0:00 – Intro1:08 – Insight of the Week7:15 – Memory Lane: The Ideal Boss16:20 – The Top Characteristics of the Ideal Boss33:28 – Lightning RoundResources:Stewart Leadership Insights:Are You an Ideal Boss?7 Ways to Become a People-First ManagerEight Skills of Great Coaching ManagersLeadership: It's Not About You AnymoreThe Three Most Important Factors in Building Trust with OthersYou Do Need an Ego! But How Much?It's the Manager: Moving From Boss to Coach, by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter“What is Employee Engagement and How Do You Improve It?” GallupThe Storied History of Reader's Digest, Book RiotIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

What makes a good metaphor? Leadership experts Daniel Stewart and Peter Stewart dive into some of their favorite metaphors and discuss how to make them “sticky.” Hint: Avoid pop culture references.This inaugural podcast also features insights about how to improve organizational change, a discussion about high turnover at McDonald's, and a trip down memory lane.Join us for this “historic” episode!0:00 – Introductions2:42 – Insight of the Week10:04 – Memory Lane17:18 – The Power of Metaphor30:14 – Lightning RoundResources:The #1 Missing Element When Organizational Change Fails6 Reasons Employee Retention Should Matter to Your OrganizationLeadership Lessons from John Parker StewartImages of Organization, by Gareth MorganThe Perfect Story, by Karen EberThe Power of Metaphor in LeadershipLEAD NOW! A Personal Leadership Coaching Guide for Results-Driven Leaders, by John Parker Stewart and Daniel J. StewartIf you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Welcome to The Leadership Growth Podcast, where we explore the tools, ideas, and habits to grow your ability to lead effectively. I'm Peter Stewart, and along with my brother Daniel Stewart, we're the hosts for the podcast. And we've been thinking about how to be better leaders since we were kids.  It all started with helping our father, John Parker Stewart, put together binders for leadership training events and talking about leadership theory at the dinner table. - Now, after several degrees and decades of coaching and consulting to thousands of leaders throughout the world, we're continuing the legacy of building leaders in this twice-monthly podcast. If you're interested in elevating your leadership ability and showing up as your best self each day for your team, then join us. Join us for The Leadership Growth Podcast, where we'll share practical tips and actionable insights designed for results-driven but time-starved readers. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast fix.If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend or colleague, or, better yet, leave a review to help other listeners find our show, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. For more great content or to learn about how Stewart Leadership can help you grow your ability to lead effectively, please visit stewartleadership.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.