Success Secrets and Stories
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Success Secrets and Stories
So...You Want To Be A Leader!
Are you already a leader without realizing it? The journey toward leadership often begins long before you receive a formal title or position.
In this enlightening episode of Success Secrets and Stories, hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell unpack the subtle yet powerful indicators that suggest you're ready to step into a leadership role.
Leadership isn't confined to management positions or executive suites. As the hosts explore, true leadership qualities manifest in everyday behaviors: colleagues seeking your guidance, your natural tendency to facilitate discussions, or your willingness to speak up when problems arise. These signs, alongside effective communication skills and a drive to contribute beyond your job description, mark you as someone with leadership potential waiting to be unleashed.
The conversation delves into five essential pillars of exceptional leadership - integrity, empathy, enthusiasm, ethics, and honor. Through compelling examples including Nelson Mandela, Howard Schultz, Richard Branson, and Abraham Lincoln, John and Greg illustrate how these qualities create leaders who inspire rather than intimidate, who unite rather than divide, and who elevate everyone around them. Whether it's Mandela's unwavering principles through adversity, Branson's contagious enthusiasm, or Lincoln's moral compass during America's most divided time, these leaders demonstrate that character fundamentally shapes leadership effectiveness.
Ready to recognize the leader within yourself? This episode offers the insights you need to identify your leadership readiness and take that crucial next step. Whether you're considering a formal leadership role or simply want to enhance your influence regardless of title, the wisdom shared here will guide your development as a leader who makes a lasting difference. Listen now and discover how you might already be leading - you just don't know it yet.
Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell
Well, hello and welcome to Success Secrets and Stories. I'm your host, John Wendoloski, and I'm here with my co-host and friend, Greg Powell, Greg.
Speaker 1:Hey, everybody yeah.
Speaker 2:So today we're going to talk about leadership and let me put it more appropriately so you want to be a leader. When do you think it's a good time to be a leader? It's a good time to be a leader when your work is consistent and demonstrates qualities such as inspiring your colleagues or recognizing the people in terms of guidance that you've done on your team Things that you would normally want to see as far as indications that you are exhibiting those skills and you want to do something beyond just the individual's roles. You're exhibiting communication in terms of being able to talk to executives or leadership or coworkers, and you have problem solving skills. All those things are what you're looking for in terms of am I ready for that leadership move? Do I have the capacity to take that next step? So, to help you with some of the signs that you're looking for to make that step when do you make that transition?
Speaker 2:Colleagues are actually asking you in terms of help, or other individuals are asking you because you're the most responsible person on the shift. Those are strong indications that you have the leadership potential. That, again, if you're a strong communicator, you're also a very good active listener. Effective listening skills is really hard for a lot of people to understand and to be able to articulate your vision or your responses. That's also another sign that you have those skill sets. Another element to understand that you're ready for leadership is you're seeking opportunities to contribute, you want to take on projects, you're intrigued with the idea of working on solutions and you're volunteering to help. Those are all indications, greg. I think you have a few more.
Speaker 1:Thanks, john. Yeah, a couple of other signs that you're ready to lead. One you're able to delegate and empower others, just kind of naturally. Good leaders know how to distribute tasks effectively and trust their team members to complete them, fostering a nice sense of ownership and responsibility. Another sign you are committed to the development of others, just naturally that way. Leadership development resources emphasize the importance of mentoring, coaching and providing constructive feedback to help your colleagues grow. A third sign you are able to handle difficult conversation and feedback and yes, there will be times where there will be difficult conversations and tough feedback and difficult conversations.
Speaker 2:arguments is another term.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, absolutely so. A leadership blog on Medium says a key aspect of leadership is being able to address challenges and provide feedback in a constructive and a very professional manner. How about a few other signs? You have a clear vision for the team or organization. You see it in your head, right? Articles on leadership mention leaders need to be able to articulate a clear vision for the future and inspire others to work towards it. So it's not just having it in your head, but it's conveying that message, that image, that vision to people on your team. Need to be able to articulate a clear vision for the future and inspire others to work towards it. So it's not just having it in your head, but it's conveying that message, that image, that vision to the people on your team. Also, you're willing to learn and adapt. We've said it before ongoing learning, lifelong learning. Leadership is a continuous journey of learning and growth, and good leaders always seek ways to improve themselves and their team.
Speaker 2:John, yeah and well, examples of leadership in action. Not only are you on a project team, but you're taking the initiative to start a new team, to start a new project and that leaning out and trying to look at being an asset to the company and you're going beyond your current responsibilities. One of the things we used to call it was you're managing up. So if you're doing those kinds of things, it's a sign You're mentoring junior colleagues or your supervision is bringing new hires in for them to learn from someone who they want the organization to emulate. That says a lot about your skill set at the same time, and it also talks about the potential of advancement. To keep that in mind, that you're their resource in management, facilitating team meetings, and really what that means to me is you're guiding the discussion or sometimes you're trying to redirect the discussion. For me, one of my tricks is the what if? Game of well, what if we do this? What if we just trying to challenge the people that are in that room or that team and get out of maybe the argument and talk about solutions? You're also the person that speaks up when there's a problem. You're also the person that speaks up when there's a problem, and usually that's not the easiest thing to do is to admit that there's a problem, especially if you're saying it might be something that you're doing yourself. That means a lot to management because they can see that you're taking responsibility. That's also a sign of that you have a little bit more of a hierarchy of understanding your responsibility within the working environment. That means a lot to the workers and it means a lot to leadership, and you also find a way to celebrate the accomplishments of your team, to recognize your coworkers, most importantly, to foster that positive work environment. All those things talk about how you're ready to take that next step and if you can bring joy to the job, believe me, it means a lot to the entire organization, because there's enough naysayers that are out there that can talk about how it's horrible, but those that can see the light or are part of the process to make it a positive, that's where you're finding your leadership or are part of the process to make it a positive, that's where you're finding your leadership. So, in the process of looking at the research, I wanted to also talk about an article that I thought was kind of interesting because it mirrored some of those exact ideas and it was an article by Michael Henry and he's a human resource professional and it was an article on my favorite, linkedin they do a lot in terms of training that I found really interesting as a resource. This was from an article from July of 2020. So Michael starts off with Throughout my life and working career, I have observed specific traits that make up what I would consider a leader.
Speaker 2:I have noted, and you may have as well, leaders that are not always managers or top-level employees.
Speaker 2:Rather, leadership takes place regardless of the organization's level or job title. This article will discuss the five traits in which Michael believes to be the important elements of leadership in various situations and organizational structures. First, leadership shows integrity through their deeds and their actions. Second, they show empathy to others and their situation. Next, they bring a positive energy and enthusiasm to their work, to their personal lives and to the lives of others. In addition, they do what is right and think of what others, not just for the good of themselves, but think of others first. Finally, they live with honor. They may not be perfect, but they live a code and strive to be the best and to help others. Over the past couple years, we have seen the erosion of traits mentioned above. There have been significant rise in false information, questionable statements, deceptions and information sharing that creates fear. Regardless of either of these approaches that are meant to sway or manipulate us, it is not leadership, greg. Maybe you can start us off with examples of what he considered leadership.
Speaker 1:Thank you, john. So the first one is leaders show integrity by their deeds and actions. In the book the Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz states the first agreement is to be impeccable with your word. What you say and how you say it matters. Words can be used to create harmony, it can convey strength or to voice kindness. It can also be used to create fear, division and to promote hatred. We accomplish integrity through sharing truthful and accurate information with others. The same goes for our actions. When I was in middle school, there was a group of students that managed to get the answers to a test in a particular class. There was one student that chose not to cheat. Later, a student that did cheat spoke with a student that did not cheat. The first student stated that he wished he could have taken the test without cheating, but he felt he had to do it to keep his high grade point average. It was something he had to do. He could have studied more or asked for help from a fellow student Instead. This was a missed opportunity to show integrity.
Speaker 2:And you know, when you think about it, people who have integrity. The first name that came to my mind was Nelson Mandela and his integrity, not only because of what he went through, but how he changed the nation and as a leader. I can't think of a greater example and, greg, you and I had talked about it and I stole your example, but truly there's an individual that could have had a miserable life and could have made it horrible in terms of how he handled his diversity and the opportunity to try to make a change, and he really did create an example for others to understand integrity.
Speaker 1:So John, after you stole Nelson Mandela from me, I decided to go out a little bit on a limb. I'm predicting, that's right, predicting Pope Leo Robert Francis Provost will be a great world leader with integrity, Because integrity literally comes from the territory. For his job and over the course of his career, Pope Leo has taught canon law, patristics and moral law. We need a world leader of Pope Leo's caliber, probably now more than ever. Yeah, All right, let's talk about leaders showing empathy for others. Right now, it seems like there's a lot of leaders who are lacking in empathy and concern for others. Leaders should seek to understand the situation of others, including people who are different or share different viewpoints than they do. We do not have to agree with everything people say or do, but we should be able to listen and do our best to understand. By doing so, we create opportunity for diversity, creativity and growth within ourselves and for society as a whole.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So when I heard this one I came up with a TV program, which I know it's like reality TV 101, but there's this gentleman by the name of Robert Irving and he has a TV show that really works on the concepts of helping business owners to foster strength and develop their teams and help them understand what it means to be a performance team.
Speaker 2:But mostly he has a heart and a soul when he goes through this process and he brings the people along in the show. I don't know if you've ever seen any of this program, greg, but you have, and it's kind of engaging in terms of how he brings it down to their level and wants them to basically take take the reins and help the people that are around them so that they as an organization can go and move ahead. I really did find that as an engaging individual. Some of this is hard to come up with good examples because I have a lot of examples of who I would not want to list and finding very good examples. You can see that we're kind of stretching for the people that really have done a body of work that you can tell that other people would recognize.
Speaker 1:Greg. So, john, it's interesting. Most people know me as a tea drinker, but there's a gentleman by the name of Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, and he is well known for his empathetic style. He believed in treating employees and actually he referred to them as partners. He treated them with respect and with care because he saw them as an integral need for the company's success. So I'm going to throw Howard Schultz out there, okay.
Speaker 2:Good business reference. The next category that was in the article was positive energy and enthusiasm. When you're thinking about leaders and whether you're capable, that subject should be one of the first things that comes up From his article. He talks about real leaders light up a room. They are positive and their energy generates light and enthusiasm not fear, not divisiveness. They do not bully others or denigrate others, nor their competition nor other organizations. They are confident in who they are and are always seeking to rise up those that are around them, not tear them down. When these people are around, people feel lighter. They feel like they're working together. They get along better with others.
Speaker 2:He gives an example of when he worked at DeVry University. There was a math professor who got to know very well. He had a thick accent so my boss usually directed him to work with me. I was glad she did. I learned about his passion for math and his students. He was always positive and helped more students than I can recall being as successful in his classroom.
Speaker 2:His example, I thought, was pretty interesting, because the first thing that flashed in my mind was Richard Branson and he always seems like he's got a smile on his face. I mean, he's a knight, he has a Caribbean island, he's into rockets, he's a billionaire and he still thinks of himself as a rebel. The other part that I think is not lost is that he started off his airline by having a plane flight canceled and he was determined to go on the trip. He asked the other passengers hey, if I rent a plane, would you go on it with me? And they said yes.
Speaker 2:And he starts Virgin Airlines with the whole concept that he was told no and he found a way to make it a yes. And imagine the joy that was on that plane that this canceled flight was still going to take place, they weren't spending any more money and he had basically brainstormed a new idea of how he wanted to start a new airline. What fun that really should have been, and I think of the enthusiasm that was involved in that. Greg, do you have another example of enthusiasm?
Speaker 1:I do, john, probably not expressed in the same way as Mr Branson, but there was a gentleman by name of Jeff Bezos. I think most people know him as one of the richest men in the world. Oh, yeah, right. Well, he started off with Amazon as just an online bookseller. That's all they did, right? But they are selling a whole lot more than books now. Jeff Bezos is known for positivity. He exemplifies a positive mindset by fostering a culture of innovation and continuous experimentation. That's how you grow a bookseller in what is known as a big organization today, with that positive energy, john.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and just to go back, I remember when they first, when he was first being interviewed and he had his first successes with Amazon, he couldn't stop smiling while the interviewer was going through the interview. It was hilarious because he looked at the camera at one point going I can't believe how well this book sales is working out. Well, this book sales is working out. So, yeah, he was the joy you could see in him and the surprise of him being successful was clearly contagious.
Speaker 1:And John we can actually say he is literally laughing his way to the bank. Oh that's so true.
Speaker 2:So the other one that I think is interesting and when I say this title, they do the right thing I keep on thinking about spike and and his movie, but really the the best way to describe it was dr king's the time is always right to do the right thing. So when you're talking about leadership that you're going to personalize it from his article. When no one is looking, they do the right thing. They speak the truth and they treat others with respect. They do not cheat or act as if they are above others. Leaders work to help others and to ensure that things are done in a moral and ethical way. Leaders do not seek constant gain or adulation from those around them. The goal is to enhance the lives of others. That's probably key. In my world. It could be as simple as a few words of encouragement. In an episode of Star Trek, the Next Generation Commander Riker explains that humans now work to better themselves and society versus competition and personal gain. Basically, they do what is right for others and society as a whole, for others and society as a whole.
Speaker 2:When I think about that example it may not be very well known, but I keep on thinking of Paul McCartney and all the things that he tried to do for the band to try to keep them together. There was a special that they had about Abbey Road and they talked about the things that were going on with the studio and he was trying to keep the studio, the Apple Studios, trying to tell the other Beatles you know, this is something that we've done, something that we've accomplished. Don't give it up, keep it. You know, the only thing that they're looking for is we need to be involved. We can't just give it to other people to run.
Speaker 2:After the band broke up and he went through all the things that he needed to do, he was still involved in leadership and helping his family and still trying to be active. Now he's really engaged in terms of his charity work and I think his daughter is also ahead of his charity work, but it's all of somebody taking that responsibility. Even though they have more than enough money to not just sit back and really not engage, he stays engaged. Greg, do you have another example?
Speaker 1:I do, john, but this is a very old example, so you have to kind of dial ourselves back to the 1860s. There was a gentleman by the name of Abraham Lincoln. Yeah, there was a gentleman by the name of Abraham Lincoln. He was the 16th president of the United States and he led the country through civil war and played a crucial role in preserving the nation and abolishing slavery. To say the least, it was a difficult time, with the nation divided. Yet Lincoln the high road, doing what is right, especially in the face of adversity, criticism or pressure to change their course of action, as we just talked about. They have a code of honor which they endeavor to live and act on every single day. They are willing to sacrifice their own needs for the good of others. Leaders display superior conduct and bring out the best in those people around them. Now, while we may fall short of these traits, we can still strive each day to make improvements that help us to do better as leaders in our organizations.
Speaker 2:And when I'm trying to think of an example in my life of somebody who fits that bill, somebody who served with honor. I'll be honest, one of my personal heroes was my uncle, who was a Franciscan father. His life to his faith and to poverty, and he was always my North Star on what makes sense in terms of leadership and someone that I really admired when he spoke. It was so interesting that my mom and my mom's family listened to his words and not just responded to it but understood the meaning behind it. When he talked to me as a kid, there was always that message of like a father's kind of advice.
Speaker 2:My dad always looked up to Father Tim, but it was that respect across the board that he commanded him. But it was that respect across the board that he commanded. And he was also at one point in charge of the seminary for the Franciscans in West Chicago, illinois, and that respect was there for the brothers, for the students, for the priests, to understand what leadership means. In that application he did a marvelous job of bringing joy, having that enthusiasm, all those things at the same time, but with respect and the honor of the level of responsibility he was given. Greg, I think you have another person who has done a marvelous job of creating that environment of honor.
Speaker 1:Thank you, john. I do and I did like you. I kind of dove down into the family just to see where I had a what I thought would be a good example. So my brother Michael would be my example of leading with honor. And we're not talking about a corporate VP officer, but over the course of his life, whether it was leading team projects or in his Eagle Scout, taking a responsible role in contributing to his church family, his approach to leading large and complex architecture endeavors and his team attitude to chase his lifelong passion for acting, he overcame adversity and hardships along the way and emerged as an honorable leader in his own right, and he's done that from day one.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and really, when we've started this podcast, we talked about how we wanted to help leaders and help them understand what's involved and try to share a little bit of ourselves. I think this article did a pretty good job of talking about those core requirements, those things that are expected, but mostly for you to step back and say is it time, do I show these skills in terms of leadership, if you have these tendencies that we're talking about, you're already there. It's a matter of taking that next step. Look at the environment that you're in, see whether there's a reception to you taking that next step, or prepare to move and take that next step to your next position. All those things are on your plate to make those decisions. If it's time, then and you've done some of these things that we're talking about you're already there it's time to take that move.
Speaker 2:So, if you like what you've heard, yeah, I have a book called Building your Leadership Toolbox and it's available on Amazon and Barnes, noble and others. You're listening to our podcast. Thank you so much. It's also available on Apple and Google and Spotify and other formats. A lot of what we talk about is about Dr Dirksen, his MBR program. It's available on successgrowthacademycom, if Greg, I can be reached at G Powell three 74 at gmailcom.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and the music has been brought to you by my grandson, so we want to hear from you. We have learned a lot in terms of subjects and the things that you have found interesting, and we have modified our program to try to accommodate some of those requests. So, yeah, keep us informed.
Speaker 1:Thanks Greg, thanks John, as always next time yeah.