Episode 94 With Leanne Meyer
In this episode of the Tales of Leadership podcast, host Joshua K. McMillion sits down with Leanne Myers, an accomplished author and thought leader in women's executive leadership, to explore the multifaceted nature of effective leadership. Leanne shares her transformative journey from South Africa to the United States and provides invaluable insights into creating thriving environments where individuals can excel both personally and professionally. With a background in industrial psychology and extensive experience across various cultures, Leanne's wisdom is both profound and actionable.
One of the main topics discussed is the difference between short-term and long-term motivation. Short-term motivation is often driven by immediate rewards or threats, which can lead to quick but unsustainable results. On the other hand, long-term motivation is fueled by a vision of personal and professional growth. This type of motivation is more sustainable and can lead to higher levels of engagement and performance. Leanne emphasizes the importance of leaders creating compelling visions that inspire their teams to strive for continuous improvement and success.
The conversation then shifts to the impact of coaching on leadership effectiveness. Programs like the Army Coaching Program and Google's Project Oxygen highlight the critical role coaching plays in developing effective leaders. Coaching skills can significantly enhance leadership capabilities by fostering a culture of inclusivity and empathy. Leanne and Josh delve into the distinctions between mentors, coaches, therapists, and consultants, providing clarity on how each can contribute to a leader's development. This segment is particularly valuable for understanding the nuanced roles these figures play in guiding leaders on their journeys.
Another crucial aspect of the discussion is the role of failure in innovation and leadership. Embracing mistakes and learning from them is essential for fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Joshua shares real-world examples, including a military project on small drones, illustrating the importance of iterative prototyping and candid feedback. This approach enhances problem-solving skills and encourages a mindset of resilience and adaptability, which are vital traits for effective leaders.
This episode also covers gender bias and the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. Leanne discusses various strategies to mitigate biases, such as running meetings differently, using blind resumes, and removing photographs from professional profiles. These practices can create more equitable environments and ensure all team members feel valued and included. Additionally, the Enneagram is highlighted as a tool for enhancing team performance by understanding core motivations and communication styles.
The podcast also explores the unique leadership experiences of military veterans and how these experiences shape their civilian leadership paths. Military veterans often assume substantial leadership roles early in their careers, providing them with a depth of experience that surpasses their civilian counterparts. This early exposure to leadership challenges equips veterans with a unique skill set that can be highly beneficial in corporate environments.
Transformational leaders emphasize humility and the recognition of personal biases. True leaders understand that they are not the smartest people in the room but instead, guides who help their teams achieve collective success. This mindset fosters an environment of trust, collaboration, and innovation.
The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to share their leadership insights with others and take actionable steps toward becoming more effective leaders. It underscores the importance of valuing each day and making the most of every opportunity, reminding listeners that every day is a gift not to be wasted.
Overall, this episode of the Tales of Leadership podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for leaders at any stage of their journey. From understanding the dynamics of motivation to embracing failure and promoting inclusivity, Leanne Myers provides actionable insights to help leaders create thriving environments and achieve long-term success.
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Every day is a gift; don't waste yours!
Joshua K. McMillion | Founder MLC
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Episode 94 with Leanne Meyer