This is an Encore Episode of #WorkTrends
This is an encore podcast presentation previously aired on February 24th, 2023. Leading people is always challenging, especially in today’s evolving workplace. So, what does it take to create and maintain a thriving organizational culture in this post-pandemic world? It all begins with fostering strong leadership values throughout your entire organization.
It’s not about quick fixes but deliberate action and consistent effort. But how do you bridge the gap between leadership values, company culture, and performance outcomes? That’s the focus of our discussion today, as we hear from an expert who has dedicated his life to helping individuals better understand themselves and others to drive improved business results…
Meet Our Guest: Gregg Lederman
Today, I’m excited to welcome back New York Times bestselling author, Gregg Lederman. As a sought-after leadership consultant, speaker, and performance coach, Greg understands all too well what helps leaders achieve more in their own lives, and through others. He also knows the pitfalls along the way. Join us as we explore this topic in more depth:
Better Cultures Start With Better Leaders
Welcome back, Gregg! Every organization wants a healthy work culture. So what’s stopping them?
The short answer is leadership at all levels. Simple leadership skills training is no longer enough.
Of course that’s important, but truly great leadership begins from within. That means people need to go through a journey to understand who they truly are as leaders.
If you’ve never taken the time to deal with your fears as a human being, then how will you understand why you’re thinking, speaking, and acting the way you are as a leader? You simply don’t.
Where Leaders Find Insight
You often talk about four truths that guide great leaders. Could you tell me more?
Well, my mom passed away when I was very young. But she left behind a letter that I received when I was 12. It focused on her deepest thoughts about what it takes to live a great life.
Over time, that guidance has evolved into my understanding of what it takes to be a great leader. It’s all based on four truths.
Leadership Truths
So tell us, what are these four fundamental truths?
Well, first, life is a game. And to be a great human or a great leader, you need to play the game by a certain set of rules. Those rules are your core values.
So you make the rules. If you believe in your rules and you follow them, you’re going to win in this game of life.
What “Life Rules” Look Like
Could you share some examples of these rules?
For instance, I have five core values. They are things like integrity without compromise, patience, and loving and accepting others.
This is not just about building my reputation around these attributes. This is about the way I think, speak, and act as a result of these values. They are truly my guiding light for my behavior on a day-to-day basis.
Connecting Values With Culture
What if your organization’s culture doesn’t match your values?
Great point, Meghan. I encourage leaders to look at where their values align with their organization’s. What does that reveal?
Everybody wants a strong work culture because that’s the foundation of a great customer experience. But you can’t just define your culture and hope everyone delivers on it. You need enough great leaders. That’s why I say the biggest challenge organizations face is a lack of great leadership.
To improve, you must invest in developing better leaders at every level. And leaders need to invest in themselves. You need to take the time to do the work.
How Leaders Improve
So, you say growth comes from various mountains we all face in life and work?
Right. There are seven types of mountains. The challenges are different for each of us and they evolve over time. But happiness is not something you find on the other side of people, places, and things. It comes through daily habits that bring your values to life.
People who live a values-driven life are comfortable in their own skin. They’re happier because they aren’t always waiting for something else to happen.
For more insights from Gregg about how to achieve success in life and in leadership, listen to this full podcast episode. And be sure to subscribe to the #WorkTrends Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.
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