Happy 2022 and welcome back to Coffee With Kim! I believe we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. We should be listening more than speaking. I know, it’s easier said than done!
So, to kick off the 2022 season we’re speaking with Stephen Shedletzky about listening and leadership, two of my favorite topics.
This Executive Coach and Advisor is a pro at all things leadership, behavior, and culture.
His message especially resonates at the start of the year as many step into new leadership roles. We discussed ‘The Great Power Shift’, articulating values, building trust, leading remotely and more. Enjoy the conversation, I’ll send you the notes!
You’ve heard of The Great Resignation but how about The Great Power Shift?
Stephen explained over the past two years those in power, aka those who hold possession over valued resources, have changed from the bosses to the talent.
“Traditionally, bosses held the power. But workers are leaving due to low pay, awful culture, and no flexibility, bringing a higher demand for talent, and putting the power in their hands.”
These “great” resignations, shuffles, and shifts have proven people leave bosses not companies. Workers are looking for better culture and more flexibility and will take a pay cut to get it. Stephen and I agreed discussing leadership and listening at this time is important so leaders know how to treat people and make them feel like they matter, because they do.
When I asked Stephen how to choose new leaders he started by dispelling a myth, stating, “Leadership isn’t about being in charge, it’s about taking care of others in their charge.”
He then gave three checkpoints of advice:
Define Leadership – Have a standard definition of leadership. Remember leadership is about vision, care, and trust. Others are willing to go the extra mile for those who make them feel valued.
Select Better Leaders – Avoid selecting high performers who could potentially be toxic leaders by seeing if they align with the above definition. Also, be sure they’re secure in their own abilities and strengths.
Support Leaders Better – Did you know there’s usually a 12 year gap between when someone gets their first leadership role and formal management training?! *Mind Blown* Teach your leaders new skills and help them build their attributes.
As a leader you’re going to have to be emotionally available. But how do we know where to set the boundaries? Stephen says start with compassion.
“Having empathy is saying, “I feel what you feel”, but it isn’t always available because it’s impossible to live out everyone’s experience. Compassion is genuinely caring about what someone is feeling even if you don’t fully understand it.”
Remember, when relationships increase so do results. (Tweet this!)
According to Stephen, Culture = Values x Behavior, and the more power you have the more you influence it. (Tweet this!) Company leadership and culture go hand-in-hand, so having defined values is imperative. Stephen says to articulate values as verbs or action phrases. For example, ‘Do More Great Work’ > Excellence as a value.
Are you still learning to master leading remotely in this post COVID era?
Here’s Stephen’s advice: “The organizations who have the advantage are those who use technology as their friend. For example, using LinkedIn for networking or allowing a single mother to remain WFH. Having a fully diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization means you’re not leaving anyone behind.”
Pro Tip: Download my free guide to supercharging your LinkedIn profile
With remote, temporary, and freelance work building trust could also be an obstacle.
Stephen says if you want the Disney fastpass to building trust start by listening. “Trust is like drops in a bucket, and based on behavior it could all be spilled out. Don’t feel you have to prove yourself, listen and learn from your colleagues.”
Also remember reciprocity styles matter, you’ll get further giving and building relationships than any other method.
Goals are good. Accountability partners are better. Next week we’ll discuss why they’re necessary. Plus, assess where we are, what building blocks we have in place, and how we’re going to succeed in 2022. RSVP Here!
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