Oct 3, 2018
In this week’s episode, Jim and
Jan share what’s been on their mind. For Jan, it’s all about
decision making. How they are made, the processes most
organizations are lacking, and how we structure transparency into
decisions.
Jim’s been noticing how
beautiful things emerge when we embrace networking, and create
business opportunities for ourselves and others. He provides a few
networking hacks, and shares a big opportunity most people miss
when looking to connect.
Key Takeaways
[1:17] Jim and Jan want to hear
which episodes you like, who you would like to see as a guest, and
what’s new in your world of leadership. If you are active enough on
our socials, a new coffee mug just may be in your
future.
[2:12] Jim just co-invested in a
tea company, so there also may be a tea party as well. Just don’t
expect him to be drinking tons of matte.
[3:31] Almost every organization
will say they have a communication problem. Jan’s hypothesis is
that a large part of this is really a decision problem. Three main
elements that make up the decision making process:
- Is
there clarity on who has authority to make
decisions?
- Is
there a process for decisions, and when they are to be
made?
- Is
there criteria or a model that exists for individual and group
decisions?
[4:45] Good leaders must know
when to give up control and let others make decisions, and when
it’s best for them to call the shots based on the organization’s
core values.
[5:26] When people feel as
though they can’t make decisions, or will be punished for making
the wrong one, they get fearful upon making them or get complacent
and take no action.
[6:39] When we remember the
mistakes we have made, we can learn from them and help ourselves
and others. Jim and Jan certainly have made some, and you better
believe they remember every one. Making mistakes and learning from
them is a large part of being comfortable and confident with
decisions.
[8:02] We can learn a lot from
organizations that must have structured decision making processes
in place. Jim gives an example of one in the information security
world where their disciplined process takes the “Duty of Care” into
account with all parties involved in a decision.
[10:20] When people feel as
though they have input and are heard, it’s easier for them to
accept decisions and follow through with the action
plan.
[11:34] It’s incumbent upon the
leaders to provide common context surrounding all parts of making a
decision. Context is typically better in an anecdotal form rather
than quantitative in this situation.
[15:10] Networking is fun! It’s
not all about standing awkwardly at a cocktail party with people
you don’t know! Good things happen when we connect and network with
an intention to have a positive experience.
[16:05] Leaders have a
responsibility to connect others and provide as much opportunity as
possible.
[20:41] Phone calls are still a
great way to connect if you are too busy to meet a new or unknown
contact in person.
[21:38] Leadership hack: write
an introductory note when you are adding a person to your LinkedIn
or online business network.
[24:36] Jim and Jan will be at
an upcoming LEDx 2.0 event at the Maxwell Airforce Base at Air
University. They will each be giving a presentation, then a joint
session on The Leadership Podcast. The event is not open to the
public, but there will be a video recording available in the
future.
Quotes
- “Growth can come from making poor
decisions.”
- “The
more time you have, the more collaborative you can be in
decisions.”
- “Leadership is all about change, and change it
about decisions.”
- “We
must be more structured in creating our decisions.”
- “Make
the world small.”
- “Make
good connections happen, don’t wait for other people.”
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Twitter: @westudyleaders
info@theleadershippodcast.com
Steve Martin - Let’s Get Small
Multipliers: How the Best Leaders
Make Everyone Smarter
The Wisdom of Crowds
Tipping Point
Leadx
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