The Leadership Podcast

As a leader, you're able to create the conditions where good things happen at your workplace. You can influence the environment in ways where your team can create, innovate, and solve wicked problems. In this episode, Jim and Jan discuss how to address fear, how to cultivate hope and creativity, and how leaders can strive to be better leaders with the scarcity of time we all share. Key Takeaways [3:00] There's a wide spectrum of people out there and with that comes a wide spectrum of internal motivation and what incentivizes them. [5:00] With that being said, people are also completely different at work than they are in their personal lives. [5:55] So what can leaders do if they see someone who is fearful at their job? The best thing to do is to look at yourself. How do you react when your staff presents you with new ideas? How do you react when there is a major failure in the company? As a leader, your reaction shifts the entire culture of a company. [11:15] If we are just a victim of the world around us, we are perceived as weaker. We are weaker because we have a lack of options in our lives so we might develop a victim mentality in the workplace. It's important to be active in seeking alternative options, even if you don't plan to take them because it makes you stronger. [17:00] Hope is not a strategy but it is needed in the workplace. Hope is created when people feel like they're in control and that they have multiple options to pursue. [19:55] We need creativity in the workforce but in order to cultivate it, the leader's workforce needs to be relatively happy and stress-free. [22:05] We are very confident that we can read human emotions. In reality, we're really bad at it. [27:55] Leaders are busy. They often don't have extra time to study how to be good leaders, which is why we need to surround ourselves with a good support system that will help keep us accountable. Quotable Quotes "It goes back to how people are incentivized and motivated. The baseline of those things is fear and overconfidence." "Fear doesn't always show up in the form of somebody that looks scared. Fear can show up in someone that's indecisive." "Let's find the optimal solution with the information we have, in the time we have to make it." ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called Chalk Talks. They're bitesize hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. Interested in learning more? You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Ashley Goodall is the senior vice president of leadership and team intelligence at Cisco. He is also the co-author of Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader's Guide to the Real World, and the author of two cover stories in the Harvard Business Review: The Feedback Fallacy and Reinventing Performance Management. In today's discussion, Ashley breaks down why 360 reviews about your staff are flawed, the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on the workforce, and why dedicating resources to building a 'well-rounded' employee is not always the best approach. Key Takeaways [3:55] There is an interesting connection between leadership and music. Music allows people to create and collaborate together and the same applies to leadership. [7:15] When you want to make space for someone to be creative and to help them feel comfortable with collaboration, be sure to be the leader that speaks last. [10:55] Ashley breaks down his interpretation of the theory world vs. the real world. In theory, everyone has metrics that break down what you should be doing, but in reality, people need a baseline first and then the metrics. [13:30] We think that having a well-rounded individual or employee is a good approach, but devoting resources to make them well-rounded might not make the most sense. Some of your best people are not well-rounded! They have a set of focused skill sets that make them great. [15:00] If you want to spend your time getting better, stop focusing on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths instead. [21:30] Don't find a job you love, make a job you love. Instead of focusing on work/life balance, focus on the content of what you do on a daily basis. [28:30] Ashley saw a gap between what works at work and the actual practice of what organizations were doing. This is why he and his co-author, Marcus Buckingham, wrote the book, Nine Lies About Work. [33:10] Leaders need to challenge the status quo. If they recognize that their reports about their staff's characteristics and personality are inaccurate, leaders need to speak up and challenge this thinking. [42:35] As artificial intelligence and automation get incorporated more and more in the workforce, leaders think they can now do less. In reality, leaders actually have to step up and focus more on the human aspect of the organization. [49:00] Ashley challenges you to ask your team what their thought process was when they did something great and if they can replicate that success. Quotable Quotes "The conductor makes space for people to play into." "Go look at the best people. Are they well-rounded? The answer is no." "You'll find that excellent and well-rounded are opposites, not synonyms." "The lesson from the real world is that avoiding failure repeatedly is not the same as building excellence." ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called Chalk Talks. They're bitesize hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. Interested in learning more? You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Ashleygoodall.com Nine Lies About Work, by Ashley Goodall The Feedback Fallacy Reinventing Performance Management Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Dean DiSibio is the Founder of the Colonel's Leadership Council and the Co-Author of Reel Lessons in Leadership. In Dean's book, he breaks down iconic movie characters and the leadership qualities (and flaws) that they possess. Traits and skills like self-control, negotiation, and empathy are all part of a leader's repertoire for success. Key Takeaways [4:25] Dean co-wrote the book, Reel Lessons in Leadership, with his father. [6:15] Movies are a very common connection point that all generations can relate to, which is why Dean decided to breakdown leadership lessons from important movies in our era. [7:50] Dean shares why the movie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, has some important leadership lessons in it. [12:10] In The Godfather, it all boils down to self-control. [15:05] Leaders need coaches in their corner to help guide them through troubling situations. [18:55] When it comes to leadership traits, Dean outlines in his book the traits that need to be developed vs. need to be practiced. [25:55] The military understands they have to train people. The business world… not so much. [32:35] Dean mentioned in his book that negotiation is a skill leaders must develop. This is something very few people are talking about in a leadership context. Dean believes good negotiators have the same traits as good leaders. They tend to have self-control, confidence, credibility, and good communication and are often well-prepared and forward-thinking. [38:35] Dean puts leaders into three categories, Maximizers, Overachievers, and Underachievers. [41:25] Dean presents a challenge: Pay attention to the fictional characters you love and have a curiosity as to what leadership traits they possess. Have discussions about them with your friends and family. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "Good leaders have to have self-control." "I believe folks have a high empathy muscle that they're born with. "Self-awareness is half the battle." "I believe the best leaders are inquisitive." ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. Interested in learning more? You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Colonel's Leadership Council Reel Lessons in Leadership, by Ralph R. DiSibio with Dean A. DiSibio One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest The Godfather TED Talk — "The Surprising Science of Alpha Males" Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Dan Cockerell is a former Disney Executive, and spent 22 magical years at Walt Disney World in a wide variety of management roles - rising to Vice President of the Magic Kingdom. He shares critical leadership lessons he learned at Disney, and why it was important to always be accessible and available to his team. He also shares how to keep your staff accountable while also supporting the company's mission, vision and values. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. Interested in learning more? You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [1:35] After graduating with a degree in political science, Dan took on a job at Disney parking cars and slowly worked his way up into management roles. Throughout his 22 years at Disney, he had 19 jobs. [7:35] Leaders know instinctively what they have to do, but just like why we eat junk food or do not work out regularly, it's not always the easiest path to take. [9:50] Leaders are extremely busy people. Dan offers some advice on how you can manage your time better and stop focusing solely on the urgent tasks but also on the important ones too. [16:45] How do you hold someone accountable while living out your company's mission? You recognize and reward good work from your team and use their actions as examples to inspire and educate everybody else. [24:05] Remember to give your team permission to give you pushback or to disagree with you. Diversity of thought is critical to an organization's success. [27:05] Dan shares his gap theory and how you can utilize knowledge and determination to bridge the gap you have on all of your goals. [32:15] Embrace change and be adaptable. Change is accelerating at an exponential pace. Get your team on board with the process as quickly as you can so that the change is not going to be a big shock to them. [38:25] Dan shares some fun and memorable moments about working at Disney and why it was such a magical and special place. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "Don't mistake simple for easy." "Culture is built by behaviors." "You have to give people permission to push back on the boss, or bring up an idea, or disagree." "You always have a blindspot." "It's not the strongest or fastest who survive, it's those who can adapt most quickly." DanCockerell.com Disney The Eisenhower Matrix Junior Achievement Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations, by Thomas Friedman Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Steve Justice, COO of the To the Stars Academy and Former Director of Advanced Systems at Lockheed Martin's esteemed Skunk Works, shares what it takes to lead projects when the specifications challenge the laws of physics, the stakes are literally life and death, and the nation's national security is on the line. Steve shares what it takes to develop cutting edge technology by studying the past, and setting team expectations that challenges conventional assumptions. He also describes the mission behind To The Stars Academy, and why "revolutionary is too mild a word." ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [1:44] Steve can't talk about a lot of the work he did, but he did help develop the F-22 Raptor (the coolest plane you can ever see at an air show). You will also see his name on the patent for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. [4:22] With high stakes projects, Steve had to make sure expectations were clearly stated before his team even began to work. When Steve was at Skunk Works, the programs he asked his bosses for were the ones that had a low probability of success. [7:30] Writing down the operating rules and expectations presents it in a different context than just speaking it. [9:02] Steve asks a lot of questions, but explains to his team the reasons behind it. It typically breaks down into 5 reasons: Asked an earlier question, but it wasn't answered yet. Didn't understand what you said, looking for clarification. This is new, and I'm asking questions to understand the answer - and the context. I'm educating other people in the room. I am testing your conviction. [12:27] Values such as precision, clarity, focus, and learning from mistakes really matter. [16:28] Steve is the Aerospace Division Director at To the Stars Academy, and leads the efforts of developing advanced craft using revolutionary technologies that go beyond capabilities most can only imagine. [22:28] Great leaders think beyond what is in front of them and dig for answers considering multiple perspectives. [28:51] Steve was one of the Skunk Works historians, and it's helped him think about futuristic realities. [33:38] Three important qualities of a leader: Curiosity and inquisitiveness. Do what they say they are going to do. Strong character. [42:06] We all have failings, but recognizing and learning from them is the key. [48:17} Two pieces of advice: "It's amazing what you can accomplish when no one cares who gets the credit." - Ronald Reagan Stand in the future to solve today's problems. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes Stand in the future to solve today's problems. "As a leader, your success is 100% dependent on how your team does." "As a leader, you are on 24/7." "Sitting down with a team and defining expectations is critical." "I love proving people wrong." "I'm always amazed by the dramatic amount of wonder and inquisitiveness some people can have, and the very small box other people want to live in." Lockheed Martin To the Stars Academy Kelly Johnson The Matrix Google Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Most people use humor as a great way to break the ice and keep things light and fun in the workplace. However, through cultural differences, personality types, and life experiences, the use of humor can become offensive or make people uncomfortable. Where do you find the right balance? Jim and Jan discuss the importance of humor in the workplace and how to use your emotional intelligence to develop the right amount and type of humor for a company's culture. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [2:15] Jan tells a joke. Brace yourselves! [4:00] Most people want to work in a place where there is some humor or some form of light heartedness, but different cultures find different levels of humor acceptable and it can be difficult to tell how far is too far even when the intention is innocent. [7:40] As a leader, it's your job to create a comfortable environment, but how do you know whether something offends somebody or not? [12:30] What does the internet have to say about humor in the workplace? Jim didn't find anything particularly helpful. The information out there is very limited. [15:55] If a topic is going to make people feel awkward, maybe it's best to stay away from it. Your jokes should make people feel comfortable. For example, you should probably stay away from practical jokes in the workplace. [20:50] Jim and Jan would love your thoughts on this subject! Please feel free to reach out. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "You never know in the workplace these days what's going to offend and what isn't." "This person said that they can't say anything without offending somebody. They've got to be PC." "Sarcasm isn't an excuse to belittle someone." "I would rather live in a world where we have a little bit of humor and occasionally say I'm sorry sincerely than to be on guard all the time." 8 Tips for Using Workplace Humor - Forbes Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram are the Co-Founders of GiANT, a leadership development program that helps build leaders into Sherpas. Jeremie and Steve are also the co-authors of the book The 100x Leader, a #1 Best Seller on Amazon. They join the show to talk with Jim and Jan about how leaders can become someone worth following, what leadership programs today get completely wrong, and why intentionality and self-awareness are critical to a leader's success. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [2:55] Steve lived in the United States for five years before moving back home to the UK. He enjoys recreational golf and spending time with his wife of 27 years and his children. Jeremie was living in London, but has since moved back to the United States. As a side project with his wife of 24 years, they are building modern farm houses in Oakland City. [5:55] Most leaders are people you 'have to follow', which can often cause friction in an organization. It creates complacency with your employees and makes it very difficult to get engagement and buy-in. [11:00] Leaders need to supply the rope to help their team get to the next level. If you haven't established trust with them, then it becomes very difficult to motivate and challenge them. A good leader understands where their employees are mentally and if they need support or to be challenged. [16:40] Jeremie uses the metaphor that leaders are gardeners. Every person on their team is like a plant that wants to be cared for differently. By catering to each personality types of your team members, you build a more engaged workforce than a complacent one. [22:20] The biggest problem with leadership development is that it's very individualistic. Leaders need to be looking at themselves like a sherpa. No one has climbed Mount Everest without one. They play a critical role in a mission's success through their expertise and knowledge, and they help 3-4+ people at a time achieve their goals. [27:25] Jeremie had an epiphany in Cancun after he watched the movie Signs with Mel Gibbons and getting hit by a drunk driver. This event completely reshaped Jeremie's view on the world and how he runs his company today. [37:45] A lot of leaders are accidental, but what they really need to be is intentional. The first step to becoming a better leader is to be intentional with your personal life and have it reflect in your professional life as well. [41:55] Jeremie believes it's important to be honest with your team and let them know you are working on your weaknesses. By being transparent, you are able to gain trust and respect. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "Everyone of us has the ability to be somebody worth following or someone you have to follow." "Every leader is like a gardener and every person on their team is like a plant and that plant has a little card that tells it how it wants to be watered." "Progress is a process. Most people want to [be a leader] overnight. Fix you, fix you! But you have to take them on a journey, and it's a self-awareness journey." "[This traumatic accident] reshaped my view on the world and it changed my view on people; that people can be an asset, not a liability." "If you think you're going to be that type of leader without working at it, you're deluded because it will not happen." Giant Worldwide The 100X Leader: How to Become Someone Worth Following by Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram Instagram: @WeStudyLeaders LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Barry Siff, CEO at USA Team Handball and former President of UA Triathlon, has much to share about leadership from the world of sport, business, and nonprofits. Barry talks about how he became a Senior VP at 25, retired at the age of 42, and received both a BS and Masters without graduating high school. He also discusses what it takes for people to dream big, and how to see challenges as opportunities. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [2:53] Barry retired in 1998 from a Senior VP position at a $7 billion dollar food company. He was only 42, and then decided he wanted to be involved with sports, which led him to the Team USA Handball organization. [4:07] Barry is quite the endurance athlete. He has run over 60 marathons, the Leadville Trail 100 Mile Run, Expedition Races all over the world and 11 IRONMANs. [6:52] Staying fit helps with stamina, mental clarity, and energy. Barry sees similar lessons in athletics as business, including the need for leaders to overcome obstacles, and do what's necessary to get the job done. [9:09] While the business world mainly focuses on P&L and shareholder values, USA Triathlon is a non profit that also focuses on both the cause and the members. [20:03] Great leaders know that asking for help empowers others and gives them meaning. [21:13] People dream big when they have passion. [23:06] We can retrain our mindset to see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. [31:31] The little things, such as intently listening and asking the right questions, really make a difference in leadership. [35:39] Barry describes Handball as water polo played on a basketball court, and it is an extremely fast and physical game. It is currently very popular in many countries, and projects that it also will be a commonly known sport soon in the United States, and also a participant in the Paris Olympics in 2024. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "It's all about the goal of having something way, way out there." "You can't fake a marathon." "It doesn't matter what you are doing, just that you are passionate about it." Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook USA Team Handball Why I Taught Myself to Procrastinate Jane Goodall U.S. athletes run fast, jump high, throw hard - why are we so bad at handball? Lewis Howes Ty Reed Handball LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Caroline "Blaze" Jensen dreamt of being a jet fighter at a time when women weren't allowed to fly. Luckily, thanks to mentors and others who paved the way, she was able to live out her dream as an Air Force Thunderbird pilot. "Blaze" talks about her accomplishment of being the first mom to become a Thunderbird pilot, what her experience as a Legislative Aide for the Senate taught her, and what lessons and character traits apply to leadership and business. She also discusses the importance of taking constructive criticism, time for reflection and solitude, and accomplishing goals as building blocks. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [2:33] Caroline has an extremely impressive bio, but one of her greatest accomplishments and primary jobs is being a single mom to her 10-year-old son. [2:33] Caroline dreamt of being in the Air Force from a young age, but women weren't allowed to fly. Her dad was consistent with his support for her dream and even introduced to her Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) who became her cherished mentors. Caroline credits much of her success to the giants that blazed the trail before her. [3:36] Being a great leader doesn't mean working around the clock or sending out emails 24/7. We are more productive when we are rested, and reprioritization is an ongoing skill to make sure we are taking care of our families. [12:40] Our society is becoming less focused on gender and more focused on what it is we put out in the world, and what skills we have. Caroline looks forward to a time where gender matters even less at work. [15:28] As a Legislative Aids for the US Senate, Caroline had a great experience with hard-working people. She was blown away at how busy the members of Congress are. [22:00] Caroline was a high profile recruiter for the Air Force, and she took much pride in being a champion for the service branch. [28:14] Thunderbird pilots can fly as close as 18 inches apart at top speed. It takes complete focus and attention to detail. Caroline names the following attributes as both important in the Thunderbirds and in business: You must build trust in your team, and look out for the greater good of everyone. Not everything is learned or mastered at once. Use building blocks to meet your goals. You have to learn how to take constructive criticism and grow from it. Be open to feedback from team members and to the debriefing sessions. Learn how to succeed, but also look for the learning lesson when you don't. [37:05] While the video game revolution may produce some good fighter pilots with quick thinking and solid reflexes, leaders still need time for reflection and solitude. [39:36] Caroline's Challenge: Serve your country and community. Do something to make the lives of your fellow man better. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian careers. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "We need to make sure we are taking care of the people at home who are taking care of us." "Your skills and the way you conduct yourself, that what speaks for you, not what your chromosomes are." "I feel really fortunate that I get to recruit the future and represent the past." "Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn." "One of the easiest ways to get your point across is to lead by example." "Sometimes people learn more from failure than from winning." Twitter | Tedx Talk Air Force Thunderbirds | Facebook Air Force Capt. Nathan Nylander Oshkosh Women Airforce Service Pilots John Borling Harvard Business Review: Women Score Higher Than Men in Most Leadership Skills Ep #105: Amy McGrath's 90th Mission Betty Wall LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com

Brigadier General Cindy R. Jebb, 14th Dean of the Academic Board at U.S. Military Academy, West Point, joins the show this week. Cindy is the first woman to hold the prestigious position, and she graduated from the Military Academy in 1982. She has served at the National Security Agency, and has authored and co-authored three books. Cindy provides a masterclass in leadership this week, including what can and cannot be taught, the importance of character, and the need for trust. Cindy also talks about what it is like to be the first female Dean at West Point, and the five characteristics of leadership that have been critical to her success. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ The Leadership Podcast is proud to announce a new initiative with thoughtLEADERS to provide very short podcasts called "chalk talks." They're "bitesize" hacks on common (but challenging) leadership issues. You can only access the Chalk Talks by subscribing to our mailing list at The Leadership Podcast. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Key Takeaways [3:46] BG Jebb is extremely grateful for the people she gets to serve with, and acknowledges them as a huge part of her personal success. [4:18] West Point is known for developing leaders through the four prong approach of: Character Academics Military Athletics Cindy has found that character is the most important of these prongs because it involves people counting on your word, your everyday habits, and the ability to demonstrate excellence. [7:09] Cindy is the first female Dean at West Point. Not only is this a huge step for women, but Cindy also has extra pressure in her role because of the Presidential appointment. [10:23] At West Point, despite the high demands and expectations, it is all about everyone supporting the mission and continuing to breed a mutual trust between society and the military. [18:10] Charisma is hard to teach, but learning presence and positive energy can be developed. Experiential learning also provides great experiences and resources for character building, but is something that can be worked on and shaped throughout someone's lifetime. [25:24] Real development occurs outside our comfort zone. This is where we learn about ourselves and our limits and develop confidence. [29:42] Cindy and her team at West Point are aware that future leaders need time to reflect, think deeply and develop who they really are. [34:25] Five characteristics of leadership Cindy has found helpful: Subtle discipline. Doing routine things routinely. Invest in your field and write/talk/read about it. Become an expert. Have humility and understand that you don't always have all the answers. Embrace the struggle. Don't shy away from performing outside comfort zone. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Cultivate relationship. Acknowledge vulnerability and develop empathy for fellow humans. Strategic Partner Beyond the Uniform offers over 300 free episodes to help military Veterans succeed in their civilian career. This includes overviews of potential career paths, deep dives on necessary skills to succeed, and reviews of other free services that support the military Veteran community. You can find more info at BeyondTheUniform.org. Quotable Quotes "We look at making sure that we are developing leaders of character that are going to live honorably, lead honorably, and demonstrate excellence." "Humble minds are open minds." "Investing in others is also an investment in yourself." "Substance wins the argument." "Mastery requires and facilitates preparedness." West Point Brigadier General Cindy R. Jebb Twitter Ep #051: Leadership is Hard Because Character is Hard Ep #095: Leadership Requires Solitude American University article - president protected from adversity LinkedIn: @TheLeadershipPodcast Facebook: @westudyleaders Twitter: @westudyleaders Website: The Leadership Podcast info@theleadershippodcast.com