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Unlock the secret to becoming a successful leader in today's fast-paced business world by mastering adaptability over intelligence or strength. Our latest episode promises to arm you with the essential traits of an adaptable leader, inspired by Keith Keating’s insights on the ATD blog. Discover how flexible thinking, strategic planning, and an insatiable curiosity can transform your leadership style. Flexible thinking invites leaders to question ingrained patterns and explore fresh paradigms, while strategic planning, underscored by Dwight D. Eisenhower's wisdom, prepares you for any scenario. Curiosity fuels growth and problem-solving, driving innovation and progress. Through engaging stories and personal anecdotes, we reveal how these traits empower industry leaders to conquer challenges with agility.

Continue your journey into the heart of adaptability as we reflect on Peter Drucker’s bold claim that culture often trumps strategy, especially for mid-level leaders. Through our diverse experiences, we demonstrate the critical role of embracing and adapting to organizational cultures. We also highlight the power of diverse teams in enriching adaptability by bringing varied perspectives to the table. Drawing from David Finkel’s expert strategies, we offer a roadmap to cultivate adaptability: embrace a growth mindset, stay updated with industry trends, nurture open communication, learn from missteps, seek diverse viewpoints, and set flexible goals. This episode is your toolkit for navigating the ever-shifting business landscape with confidence and success.

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Unlock the secrets to fostering genuine connections and trust within your team as we unpack the transformative power of empathy and compassion in leadership. Inspired by the insightful work of Michelle Bonteere, in the Harvard Business Review, we delve into the surprising gap between leaders' perceptions and employees' actual experiences with empathy. While a significant 78% of leaders recognize its importance, a mere 47% believe their organizations truly embody it. Discover how to bridge this gap by transitioning from empathy to compassion—going beyond just understanding to taking tangible actions that can genuinely support your team, especially illustrated through examples from an IT environment during the challenging COVID era.

In our conversation, we share practical, everyday applications of empathetic leadership, bringing personal anecdotes to the table to highlight the importance of authentic interactions. From simple greetings to meaningful check-ins, learn how these actions can build a more supportive work culture. Drawing inspiration from Adrian Gostick's Forbes article, we discuss seven powerful empathetic phrases for managers that can help break down barriers and foster genuine employee satisfaction. Whether you're an experienced leader or just starting out, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights to help you create a workplace where empathy and action go hand in hand.

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Unlock the secrets to building a powerhouse team with insights from Greg Powell, an HR professional and co-host of Success Secrets and Stories. We promise you'll come away with a fresh perspective on the hiring process, learning how leaders can shape a resilient team by hiring people who surpass their own skills. Greg shares his extensive experience from the IT sector, revealing how strategic collaboration between hiring managers and recruiters is not just beneficial but essential. Drawing from Christina Pavlo's article in Inside HR, we uncover how shared responsibilities and effective communication can transform hiring practices and lead to successful, long-term outcomes.

Join us as we explore Management by Responsibility (MBR) and the art of team-based hiring. Discover the critical role of recruiters in managing the process and ensuring a diverse and strong candidate pool, while hiring managers make the final call. Hear about creative hiring solutions, like signing bonuses, and how they can attract top talent even when budgets are tight. Greg's narrative about hiring a director illustrates how finding the right cultural fit and skill set can propel an organization forward. This episode is your guide to mastering strategic hires and building an employer brand that attracts exceptional talent, fostering growth and innovation within your team.

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Can fun at work really be the secret ingredient to boosting productivity and job satisfaction? Join us on "Success Secrets and Stories" as we unpack groundbreaking Forbes.com research by William Arruda that challenges traditional workplace norms. Discover how creating a joyful and engaging work environment isn't just a nice-to-have perk but a necessity that enhances learning, creativity, and memory retention. We explore the science behind fun and reveal how it leads to higher employee morale, stronger team dynamics, increased profitability, and improved retention rates.

Building leadership skills doesn't have to be a dry, tedious task. Tune in as we share practical, fun-filled icebreaker activities designed to make your team meetings and leadership training sessions both effective and enjoyable. Imagine breaking the ice with questions about personal preferences or crafting a coat of arms that reflects your leadership values—these light-hearted exercises foster team building, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. We also delve into the role of humor in making leadership training memorable and encourage you to share your feedback to help us make future episodes even better. Don't miss this vibrant discussion on transforming the workplace through the power of fun!

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Can a simple story really transform the way you lead and manage? In this episode of "Success Secrets and Stories," we uncover the compelling journey of Kenneth Blanchard, the mastermind behind "The One Minute Manager." Discover how Blanchard's innovative use of business fables, co-authored with Spencer Johnson, has revolutionized leadership training by making complex concepts easy to grasp and apply. We'll delve into the origins of this iconic book, explore its lasting impact, and touch on Blanchard's admiration for other influential works such as Lencioni's "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," Johnson's "Who Moved My Cheese," and Covey's "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People."

Shifting gears, we spotlight the remarkable ascent of Colleen, from secretary to president of Southwest Airlines, to illustrate the power of servant leadership. Through her journey, we discuss how valuing employees above all else can lead to unprecedented organizational success. Using the timeless fable of Alice in Wonderland, we emphasize the need for clear strategic vision and leadership. Additionally, we explore the critical distinction between leading through fear and earning respect, sharing real-life stories of leaders who took the wrong path and those who got it right. Learn why supportive and responsive leadership not only boosts innovation but also fosters a thriving work culture. Tune in for practical insights and inspiring stories that will reshape your approach to leadership and management.

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Ever wondered how the best leaders inspire creativity and innovation within their teams? Join us on "Success Secrets and Stories" as we uncover the secrets of creative leadership with your hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell. We’ll explore how creative leaders like visionary conductors use innovation and collaboration to foster a cooperative and dynamic work environment. Greg draws a vivid analogy between an orchestra and a jazz ensemble to highlight the contrast between traditional, rule-bound leadership and the improvisational, mistake-embracing nature of creative leadership. Tune in to learn about key traits that make these leaders stand out, such as being open to new ideas and lifelong learners, and discover practical advice on enhancing communication and motivation within your team.

In this episode, we also spotlight Alberto Savoia, book called "the right it". Alberto describes Jeff Hawkins incredible journey from the setbacks of the GRiDPad to the revolutionary user-centric Pinocchio effect approach to create the Palm Pilot, which transformed how user experiences are understood. We discuss the evolution of digital tools in HR, from employee self-support portals to advanced HR software like PeopleSoft and Workday, that streamline processes and enhance engagement. As we wrap up, we delve into the modern digital workplace transformation, emphasizing the need for integrated systems to ensure seamless communication and data management. Listen in for insights on fostering creativity and fun at work, and be inspired to incorporate these elements into your own leadership approach for a more innovative and uplifting work environment.

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What sets an innovative leader apart from the rest? Discover the key traits and strategies that define truly creative leadership in our latest episode. Drawing from the insights of influential figures like Oprah, Tyler Perry, Thomas Edison, and Steve Jobs, we explore how significance, persistence, and the willingness to innovate can transform your leadership approach. Whether it's Oprah's focus on significance or Edison's numerous failures, these leaders offer invaluable lessons on pushing boundaries and fostering creativity within teams.

Join Greg and me as we unravel the mechanics of innovative leadership by sharing real-world examples and techniques straight from the trenches. From creative brainstorming sessions at a consumer package goods company to a memorable analogy about a band leader producing unique sounds by switching instruments, we highlight the importance of adaptability and out-of-the-box thinking. Don't miss our recommendations for further reading and resources that will keep you on the path to becoming an innovative leader. Ready to redefine your leadership style? Tune in now!

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Leadership is not for everyone," asserts Doug Williams, sparking a thought-provoking discussion on what it truly means to lead. Join us, John Wandolowski and Greg Powell, as we explore the intricate dynamics of leadership through personal anecdotes and real-life stories. Learn how an unexpected leader emerged at a wedding, proving that leadership transcends business confines. Contrast the faith-based servant leadership at ServiceMaster with the profit-driven ethos at Aramark, and discover how varying leadership styles can profoundly impact employees and customers alike.

In our deeper dive into servant leadership, we draw inspiration from iconic figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. Understand how their use of nonviolence and civil disobedience advocated for civil rights and built communities. Reflect on Dr. King's powerful 1963 Birmingham protests and his timeless "I Have a Dream" speech, examining how his leadership was rooted in faith and justice. Through personal stories and Robert K. Greenleaf's definition of servant leadership, we highlight the importance of serving others and prioritizing community well-being. Join us for an enriching episode that will reshape your understanding of what it means to lead.

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Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell