The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast

Jack Zenger, a leadership expert and co-founder of Zenger Folkman, dives into the balancing act of speed and quality in the workplace. He reveals insights from over 50,000 leaders, showcasing that top performers don’t choose between urgency and excellence. Zenger discusses five key behaviors that enable leaders to achieve dual performance and argues that while AI boosts productivity, it cannot replicate human judgment. He also highlights how task interruptions can undermine quality, emphasizing the need for focused, uninterrupted work.

Discover the secrets behind extraordinary teams with insights from Zenger Folkman's latest research. Learn about ten game-changing behaviors like empowered decision-making and strategic alignment that set high performers apart. Understand how simple pulse-check questions can assess team health. Small changes can lead to significant impacts—practical strategies are shared to promote cooperation, celebrate achievements, and enhance overall team dynamics. Get ready to transform your leadership approach and drive your teams to success!

Shanna Goodell, Head of Learning and Development at Druva, emphasizes that well-being is a leadership imperative and not just a perk. She discusses how personalizing wellness strategies fosters engagement and productivity. Shanna highlights the critical role of self-awareness for leaders and how employee resource groups like Druva's Women’s ERG tackle vital issues such as women's health. Ultimately, she illustrates how creating a supportive and inclusive culture directly impacts employee performance and satisfaction.

Rose Christensen, Senior Learning & Development leader at Wright Service Corp., discusses innovative leadership strategies for a diverse workforce. She reveals how COVID reshaped hiring practices, enabling remote roles focused on skills. Rose emphasizes flexible workplace policies and engaging learning methods for field employees. She shares success stories of scalable leadership programs and the contagious nature of leadership behavior. Her insights on building strong relationships and executive buy-in offer a roadmap for L&D growth.

Mark Schaff, a seasoned leader in coaching and talent development, explores the intriguing intersection of AI and leadership. He discusses how AI can help managers feel more prepared and confident in coaching, providing structure without replacing the critical human element of trust and empathy. Mark highlights the effective FUEL model that complements AI tools, ensuring coaches can still foster meaningful connections. He also tackles concerns about privacy and the importance of balancing AI assistance with personal interaction in leadership development.

In this discussion, Paul Leboffe, a seasoned facilitator of team development, delves into the misconception that individual leaders alone drive performance. He argues that true growth stems from collective intelligence within teams. Paul highlights the dangers of 'being too nice,' which can undermine trust without anyone realizing it. With remote work becoming the norm, he emphasizes the urgent need for intentional support in diverse teams to bridge communication gaps. Tune in for fresh insights on integrating team development into leadership strategies.

Explore the revival of Control Graph Theory and its significance in modern leadership. Discover how the balance of influence vs. control impacts team engagement and performance. The discussion reveals the downsides of authoritarian leadership styles, especially in times of crisis. Real-world examples, like Amazon's management systems and Toyota's Andon cord, illustrate the power of shared influence. Learn practical strategies for leaders to foster a culture where employees feel valued and empowered, promoting innovation and reducing turnover.

Details There’s a need to greatly increase the frequency and the quality of the recognition they give to their colleagues. That means recognition for people who report to them, their peers, and, yes, even their boss. The reality is that people in every direction in your organization need recognition. While the “great resignation” may have … Continued The post Episode 89: Employee Recognition– Improving the Substance and Delivery first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Join Bard Parnell, Senior Manager of Learning and Development at Mesa Labs, as he dives into the essence of effective leadership amidst constant change. He highlights the importance of sticking to foundational skills rather than chasing fleeting trends. Bard emphasizes that true development is a continuous process, not just training. He discusses how clarity and alignment can empower leaders to earn trust during disruptions and shares insights on the value of reflection and cultivating a learning culture for lasting impact.

Details In this episode, we’re diving into resilience—a critical skill for today’s leaders—with Evelyn Swanson, Vice President of Learning and Organizational Development at Core & Main. As a leading distributor of water, sewer, storm drain, and fire protection products, Core & Main has declared this year the “Year of the Resilient Leader.” Evelyn shares valuable … Continued The post Episode 162: Building Resilient Leaders: Lessons from Core & Main first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.