Avsnitt
-
In this episode of The Happy Leader, I share insights on navigating workplace conflict by sharing a personal story of how I didn’t handle conflict well and the backlash that followed. Conflict in the workplace is a common issue that impacts productivity, key relationships and well-being. Conflict is also inevitable in the workplace. The key to managing conflict effectively is outlining your ideal probable outcome and preparing your approach with that in mind.
By setting clear intentions, employing active listening, and focusing on the future, you can increase the chance of a successful resolution. At the very least, you will have handled conflict in a way that makes you feel controlled and confident while gaining valuable information that will help you make informed future decisions.
Key Questions Discussed In the Podcast
Learn how to keep negative emotions about the person or situation out of the conversation so they don’t debunk your approach.
How to best prepare yourself for the conflict resolution conversation.
How to use the Conflict Resolution Checklist and how it will help you map out exactly what to say before your next difficult conversation.
Resources:
Managing Conflict Preparation Checklist
Tips for Managing Conflict- Clarke University
Must-Know Workplace Conflict Statistics, Gitnus.org, Jannik Lindner, April 24, 2024
Recommended Book:
How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie
-
In leadership, the journey of continuous learning is crucial to stay ahead of the curve and excel in new roles. The concept of a "steep learning curve" is more than just a metaphor; it represents the real challenges leaders face when they must acquire new skills to succeed. Whether it's adapting to a new industry, mastering advanced technology like AI, or adjusting to a new organizational culture, the initial phase can seem daunting. The overwhelming sensation at the start is natural, but it’s the mix of emotions experienced along the way—pride, satisfaction, excitement, growth—that fuels the journey.
This week I share the story of 'Gabe', a high-potential leader at a biotech company who faced multiple steep learning curves as he transitioned from academia to the for-profit sector and adjusted to cultural differences in the American corporate environment.
Key Questions Discussed In the Podcast
How can leaders effectively manage steep learning curves when entering new roles or industries?What strategies can help leaders adapt their communication styles to fit new cultural environments in the workplace?How can focusing on one area of change at a time lead to more successful outcomes in leadership and team integration?Resources
Take the Free Values Assessment Swim Against The Current Executive Coaching Discovery SessionFurther Reading
Learning Curve: Lessons Learned on Leadership, Education, and Personal Growth - by Jared R. Smith, PhD.
The First Ninety Days by Michael Watkins
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
Goal setting is a pivotal aspect of achieving success, but it can sometimes become a double-edged sword. It’s essential to strike a balance between aspiring for more and appreciating what we already have. Without this balance, we risk falling into the myopic goal-setting trap, where our happiness hinges solely on achieving specific outcomes, potentially overshadowing the many joys and accomplishments that already fill our lives.
In today’s episode, I share another story from the Silicon Valley archives, this time about Aashini, a high achiever who found herself trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction and unfulfilled aspirations. Despite her impressive background and career, Aashini’s focus on securing a promotion left her feeling undervalued and stuck. Her situation is a classic example of how a narrow focus on specific career milestones can take a significant emotional and professional toll. Through coaching, Aashini learned to disconnect her self-worth from her job title, broaden her perspective, and ultimately find fulfillment and success in a more balanced way.
Have you ever found yourself so focused on a single goal that you lost sight of your overall happiness and well-being? How did you recalibrate your priorities?
Key Questions Discussed In the Podcast
Why tying your self-worth to specific achievements can lead to frustration and a sense of failure, preventing you from appreciating your actual value and the broader successes in your lifeHow to achieve the delicate balance between pursuing additional accomplishments and remembering the success you have already createdHow you can set goals that set you up for success in all parts of your lifeResources Mentioned In the Podcast
Energy Leadership Assessment (ELI)- seven energy levels
Contact Amy to set up your ELI Assessment
-
In this episode of The Happy Leader, I share insights on addressing chronic underperformers in the workplace. Chronic underperformance not only affects productivity but also has emotional and professional consequences for leaders and teams. I’ll go into the reasons behind underperformance, such as skill mismatches, personal challenges, and lack of motivation, helping you determine the root cause to inform the right course of action.
I’ll share the story of the leadership team of a well-known non-profit organization here in Silicon Valley, whose delays in addressing the underperformance of a team member eventually led to questioning the abilities of the team leader.
Lastly, I’ll provide a strategic approach for leaders to leverage to address underperformance, including how to gather data, having a candid performance conversation, and setting clear expectations and goals for improvement.
Key Questions Discussed In the Podcast
Why waiting to address poor performance amongst your team is a losing strategyHow to determine the best way to address poor performanceWhat steps you can take to address the underlying issues of a team member’s poor performance.Resources Mentioned In the Podcast
Contact Amy to secure leadership training: [email protected]
Further Reading
When Bad Teams Happen to Good People: Your Complete Repair Guide for Successful Teamwork - by Valerie Patrick, PhD -
In this episode of The Happy Leader, I explore the significance of empathy in leadership, discussing how it can be both a strength and a challenge. Empathy allows leaders to connect with their team on a deeper level, fostering innovation, engagement, and retention. However, overextending empathy can lead to emotional depletion and hinder leadership effectiveness.
I share the story of Sophia, a CEO who struggled with this balance, but through coaching, she learned to set boundaries and empower her team to solve their own challenges.
Learn how to use your empath abilities to your advantage and prevent it from making you take on the emotional toll and additional work of others.
Key Questions Discussed In the Podcast
Why empathy is essential to good leadershipHow your empathetic nature can help you as a leaderHow to identify when your empathy is unintentionally hurting you and ways to course correctResources Mentioned In the Podcast
Empathy is the most important leadership skill according to research, Forbes, Sept. 21, 2021Take the Free Values AssessmentExecutive Coaching Discovery Session -
In this episode of The Happy Leader, I delve into the crucial skill of saying no professionally as a leader. I share insights and advice on how mastering the art of saying no can help leaders avoid overwhelm, protect their passion for their work, and enhance their ability to be seen as promotable. I'll emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, smart workload management, and fostering a culture of respect and clear communication within teams.
And, from the Silicon Valley Archives, I share the story of "Minli" who faced challenges in speaking up and saying no due to cultural influences and personal tendencies. Hear what she did to get comfortable saying “No" and how it helped her career.
Key Questions Discussed In the Podcast:
- Why it's important to strategically and professionally say no.
- Why saying No to some tasks will open you up to other possibilities that align better with your goals.
- How to look for the "Win-win"
Resources Mentioned In the Podcast
6 Times You Should Say No at Work (and Exactly How to do it) Take the Free Values AssessmentSwim Against The CurrentExecutive Coaching Discovery Session -
In this episode of The Happy Leader, I delve into the difficult choice many senior leaders are forced to make between golden handcuffs or career happiness. This is the point where many leaders reach the pinnacle of their careers only to feel unfulfilled. Climbing the corporate ladder often brings increased financial rewards, but it can also lead to a lack of purpose and fulfillment. This sense of emptiness can stem from not meeting higher-level needs, explained by a well-known psychology model that I share in this podcast.
You’ll hear about "Pierre" who, despite his success and wealth, felt trapped and deeply unhappy. Pierre's internal struggle exemplifies the conflict many leaders face when deciding between financial security or personal fulfillment.
Key Questions Discussed in the podcast
What is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and how does it relate to leadership.Why leaders want to be incentivized in ways that are more purposeful, and not just with money.What are the three steps you can take to create change and move you out of this unfulfilling role, while still paying for your lifestyle.Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Bring Your Compensation Strategy Up-to-DateMaslow’s Hierarchy of NeedsIncentivizing the C-Suite: Cash Is No Longer King, so What Works Now?Networking: It's Not What You Think6 Worksheets & Templates to Find Your Ikigai -
The Happy Leader explores imposter syndrome in new leadership roles using tech leader Dave's journey to showcase overcoming self-doubt with coaching, strengths, and self-awareness for unlocking leadership potential authentically.
-
The episode highlights the transformative power of prioritization for leaders, emphasizing aligning values with goals and utilizing tools like the Eisenhower Matrix for enhanced clarity and success in leadership.
-
Transformational leadership, known for motivating teams effectively in today's dynamic workplace, empowers leaders to bring out the best in their team members without micromanaging.
You’ll hear how a new manager at Amazon, “Vanessa” transformed her team from waiting for her guidance to proactively problem solving and how she embodied transformational leadership to drive the change.
Key topic discussed in the podcast:
What is transformational leadership, and how did it develop?What benefits you can expect from a transformational leadership approach?What are the four key principles to adopt to enact transformational leadership.Resources mentioned in the podcast:
The Path Is the Goal: How Transformational Leaders Enhance Followers’ Job Attitudes and Proactive Behavior – by Barbara Steinmann, Hanna J. P. Klug, Gunter W. MaierTake the Free Values Assessment Swim Against The CurrentExecutive Coaching Discovery SessionFurther Reading
Linking Transformational Leadership and Knowledge Sharing: The Mediating Roles of Perceived Team Goal Commitment – by Haixin Liu, Guiquan Li -
In our inaugural episode of The Happy Leader, Amy discuss the impact of unconscious behaviors on leadership development.
We discuss the curious case of "Vince", and how by addressing triggers and behaviors, he was able to undergo a significant leadership transformation.
What you'll learn:
Why a "Leadership Framework" might not be enough for you.The role of emotional intelligence in leadership.How past trauma may impact your leadership today.Resources:
Free Values AssessmentSwim Against The CurrentExecutive Coaching Discovery Session -
Hear stories and leadership tips from coaching some of the most innovative leaders and teams in Silicon Valley. Executive Coach Amy Sanchez will help you navigate the most common leadership challenges so you can amplify what matters most- happiness.
