Jun 13, 2018
Today’s episode features Jim and
Jan reflecting on some of their favorite moments, standout guests
and unforgettable takeaways from the first 101 episodes of The
Leadership Podcast. They pull back the curtain on some behind the
scenes moments of their interviews, some central themes, habits and
attributes that emerged from studying leaders, and preview what’s
to come in future episodes later this year. Lastly, they each give
a personal update on their new projects. Jim and Jan thank you for
joining them on this ride so far, and would love your feedback on
what you want to see more of - reach out to them directly at
@WeStudyLeaders on social media.
Key Takeaways
[2:08] Jim and Jan recap Episode
101 with General Stanley McChrystal. The interview provided much to
process, including his work mixing the most successful leadership
in history with modern day millenials, the importance of a
classical and liberal arts education and our the thoughtful and
candid solutions General McChrystal has to create opportunities of
service and contribution for younger generations. His timeless
wisdom and nobility reflecting lasting principles of education and
leadership.
[2:40] The generous amount of
literature and philosophy referenced in the episode with General
McChrystal reminds Jim and Jan of Episode 2 with Tom Morris,
Professor of Philosophy at University of Notre Dame. Tom also holds
the record for most books quoted on an episode.
[5:53] A standard question in
the first 20 to 30 episodes was, “What do you think the greatest
measure of leader effectiveness is?” The ideas and themes that
consistently came up as answer was: education, teaching and
service, and taking yourself out of the equation to focus on
creating leaders.
[9:19] Jim and Jan discuss the
advantages of timeless teachings in modern day education both from
the schools and parents.
[12:19] A deep love of learning
at all stages is one of the most important qualities of developing
leadership skills and a point of reference for a well rounded
life.
[14:18] A standout episode for
Jim was Episode 46 with Sebastian Junger. It changed his viewpoint
on anthropology and behavior in group dynamics.
[15:39] Jan recounts a
meaningful quote regarding understanding business and teams, thanks
to Brett Mitchell, Conductor of the Colorado Music Symphony in
Episode 65.
[16:52] Brett also represents
those who demonstrate great wisdom who aren’t even 40 yet, also
including former two time guest - Preston Pysh (Episode 1 and
100).
[17:19] One of Jim and Jan’s
favorite aspects of the podcast is the diversity of opinions and
wide array of perspectives each guest brings to the
table.
[18:11] Jim and Jan give a
rundown of what they have been up to of late - Jan just launched
two courses on
Linkedin Learning - Managing in Difficult Times
and Managing Temporary and Contract
Employees. Jim has put
together a program, Relationship Selling, which shifts the sales and business
development process into one of human dynamic and buying
motivation. Jim also just gave a talk at the American Heart
Association.
[20:31] If you are looking to
get out of your comfort zone and into an experience which requires
adventure, self-reliance and service, check out Jan’s Self-Reliant
Leadership Crucible.
[20:58] Jim and Jan announce
their new offering, the Urban Team
Challenge. Designed by
elite Special Operations veterans, The Urban Team Challenge is
designed to sharpen a team’s ability to communicate, foster trust,
and create a team with true accountability.
[22:58] Jim and Jan preview a
future episode focusing on the need for effective teams in the
workplace with Jeffrey Pfeffer, Stanford Professor and author
of Dying for a
Paycheck.
Quotable Quotes
- “The
episode with Stan McChrystal was almost like the time I went to the
Sistine Chapel. I couldn’t take it all in.”
- “When
you spend time with someone like Stan McChrystal, I felt like I
couldn’t concentrate hard enough to hear all the
nuances.”
- A
great measure of leadership is - how many leaders have
you created?
- For
whose good do you serve?
- We’ve
got to do what we can for those that can’t, but at some point as an
educator you have to get them to assume personal responsibility for
outcomes.
- I
learned to love to learn.
- It’s
not K-12 or even your bachelors degree that matters, it’s what you
keep doing after that.
- “When
I’m rehearsing, I will hear 14 things that are wrong. My job is to
figure out which 11 either don’t matter or will take care of
themselves, and focus on the 3 that do.” - Brett
Mitchell
- “There’s wisdom all around us if we can have an
open mind and check our assumptions at the door.”
- “Great leaders become great leaders because
they studied leadership and learned from their past
mistakes.”
- “It’s
not about yourself, it’s about the people.”
- “He
knows how to suffer everything can dare everything.” - Jean de La
Bruyère, Luc de Clapiers marquis de Vauvenargues (1903). “La
Bruyère and Vauvenargues: Selections from the Characters,
Reflexions and Maxims”
Mentioned
Leaders: Myth and
Reality
Jan’s Courses on LinkedIn Learning
Relationship Selling (I couldn’t
find the exact link! The one on Amazon I see is a different
author)
Self-Reliant Leadership Crucible
Urban Team Challenge
Dying for a
Paycheck
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