
Lead Together
We believe that the quality of your life and leadership depend on the quality of your relationships.
Lead Together is the podcast designed for Christian men and women striving to lead more effectively at home and work.
In a world of constant change and demands, it's common for couples in leadership to feel disunified, unprepared, or reactive.
That's why we're here—to guide you with practical leadership skills that will increase your impact in all your spheres of influence.
Your hosts are Nick and Kim Bogardus.
Lead Together
Character Beats Competence: What Kirk Cousins, a Kids Movie, and Declining Conscientiousness Teach Us About Leadership
In this Situational Awareness episode, three seemingly unrelated stories reveal a crucial truth: how you handle what you don't choose reveals your character—and character determines outcomes more than talent or intelligence.
Nick and Kim connect Kirk Cousins' graceful response to being benched, the resilience themes in Angel Studios' Sketch, and alarming new research showing declining conscientiousness among younger generations.
Key Topics:
- Why conscientiousness predicts career success better than IQ or background
- The Kirk Cousins framework for handling setbacks with grace
- How to build character in team members who struggle with follow-through
- Practical strategies for raising resilient kids in a culture that celebrates quitting
- The hidden opportunity for leaders of Gen-Z in a declining-character culture
Key Takeaways:
- Character is revealed in how you handle what you don't choose
- Conscientiousness can be developed but requires intentional structure
- Leaders who model emotional regulation become incredibly valuable
- Family is where character gets formed first
Resources Mentioned:
- "I Love You And You're Alright" by Citizens
- Netflix Quarterback Season 2
- Angel Studios Sketch movie
- Financial Times conscientiousness research
- Edwin Friedman's A Failure of Nerve
- Jonathan Haidt's work on digital media and teens
Perfect for Christian professionals leading teams and families who want practical frameworks for building character and resilience.
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