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The Science of Leadership

The Science of Leadership

By: Tom Collins
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The Science of Leadership is the podcast for listeners who want to build their leadership capabilities, providing valuable knowledge, insightful perspectives, and inspiring stories from expert leaders across various fields. The episodes range from one-on-one interviews with experts to discussions between the host and co-host. All episodes are supported by the latest scientific research in leadership, psychology, and other pertinent fields. Whether you’re an aspiring business leader, a healthcare professional, a community leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, our podcast is designed to equip you with the skills and wisdom needed to lead with confidence and impact. Join us on this journey to become a better leader and make a difference in your world!Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Coaching: How to Take Leadership to the Next Level | Ep. 40 | The Science of Leadership
    May 13 2025

    In this enlightening episode of @TheScienceofLeadership , host Tom Collins delves into the nuanced world of leadership coaching alongside seasoned expert David Parks.

    Collins, drawing from his experience as both a beneficiary and provider of leadership coaching, guides the conversation to explore the profound impact that executive coaching can have on leadership development. Whether it is overcoming obstacles or crafting strategies for success, this episode emphasizes how leadership coaches, like David Parks, act as mirrors, offering leaders an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

    The discussion moves into the transformative power of coaching in organizations, as highlighted by David Parks' exemplary work. From practical insights into the coaching process to anecdotes about reducing physician burnout and enhancing team performance, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for aspiring and seasoned leaders alike. Parks adeptly outlines the characteristics of a successful coaching relationship, contrasting it with mentorship and consultancy, and shares the importance of building trust and creating a space for authentic transformation. These themes are crucial for understanding how a strategic approach to coaching can result in robust leadership and organizational success.

    Key Takeaways:

    🔸The Value of Coaching: Leadership coaching provides a behavioral mirror that enhances self-awareness, helps leaders identify blind spots, and encourages effective action to achieve organizational goals.

    🔸Transformative Impact: Successful coaching requires a shift from purely corrective (remedial) coaching to developmental coaching, focusing on drawing out the inherent potential in leaders.

    🔸Practical Application: David Parks highlights the necessity for coaching models that are customized and practical, eschewing overly formulaic approaches in favor of addressing the unique needs of each leader.

    🔸Real-Life Success Stories: Implementing coaching strategies led to significant outcomes, such as reducing symptoms of physician burnout at Mayo Clinic by 23% and increasing quality of life scores, demonstrating measurable business impact.

    🔸Authenticity and Communication: Great leadership derives from authenticity, honesty, and the ability to inspire through effective communication—a recurring theme underscored by Parks.

    🌐More information about David Parks | Circle Up Coaching | http://www.circleupcoaching.com

    References

    International Coaching Federation. (2024). Global coaching study. https://coachingfederation.org/research/global-coaching-study

    Jones, R. J., Woods, S. A., & Guillaume, Y. R. F. (2016). The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta‐analysis of learning and performance outcomes from coaching. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 89(2), 249–277.

    Montgomery, B. L. (1961). The Path to Leadership. G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

    Parker‐Wilkins, V. (2006). Business impact of executive coaching: demonstrating monetary value. Industrial and Commercial Training, 38(3), 122–127.

    Schlosser, B., Steinbrenner, D., Kumata, E. & Hunt, J. (2007). The Value of Executive Coaching. The International Journal of Coaching in Organizations, 1, 140–157.

    Thompson, G. (2020). The Master Coach. Select Books.

    Waterman, R. H., & Peters, T. J. (2006). In Search of Excellence. Harper Business.

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    42 mins
  • Preparing for Success w/ Former NSA Director Adm. Mike Rogers | Ep. 38 | The Science of Leadership
    May 1 2025

    The journey to becoming an effective leader is underpinned by preparation, anticipation, and attention to the legacy of impact. Admiral Michael Rogers' conversation with Tom Collins on the @TheScienceofLeadership podcast reveals profound lessons rooted in military leadership that resonate beyond the battlefield and into the fabric of organizational success.

    Rogers brings to light his approach to leadership honed over decades, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation in achieving strategic objectives and ensuring mission completion.

    Rogers discusses the nuances of effective preparation, highlighting how the anticipation of uncertainties plays a crucial role in mission success. He shares powerful stories from his military past, particularly an experience that shaped his understanding of leadership and preparation in high-pressure environments. The episode delves into the mindset required for leading teams to success, exploring how preparation translates into performance and touches on Rogers' belief in the power of confidence, humility, and truthfulness in transformative leadership. Utilizing lessons from extensive military service, Rogers provides actionable insights into inspiring team readiness and implementing strategic foresight, applicable across various fields beyond the military.

    Key Takeaways:

    🔸Preparation is integral to leadership, acting as a predictor and enabler of success.

    🔸 Rogers emphasizes learning from past failures to drive future readiness and mission efficacy.

    🔸Team trust and confidence are built through honest communication and preparedness.

    🔸The anticipation of adversarial actions can make strategic operations more effective.

    🔸Humility and confidence are critical traits of successful leaders, ensuring adaptability in crises.

    References

    • Collins, J. (2001). Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t.
    • Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement: A Meta-analysis of Effects and Processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology.
    • Klein, G. (2007). Performing a Project Pre-mortem. Harvard Business Review.
    • Phillips, D. T., & Loy, J. M. (2008). The Architecture of Leadership: Preparation Equals Performance. Naval Institute Press.
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    47 mins
  • Encouraging the Heart: What Great Leaders Do | Ep. 38 | The Science of Leadership
    Apr 22 2025

    Join us on this episode of the @TheScienceofLeadership podcast, as host Tom Collins sits down with renowned leadership expert Jim Kouzes to explore the deeply relational aspect of leadership. Emphasizing the heart of leadership, specifically through Kouzes' and Barry Posner's concept of "Encouraging the Heart," this conversation delves into how expressing appreciation and recognizing individual contributions are essential components for successful leadership.

    In this engaging dialogue, Jim Kouzes shares powerful stories and empirical data that illustrate how "Encouraging the Heart" is vital for fostering a high-performing team and driving engagement. From defining exemplary leadership practices to recounting historical figures like President John F. Kennedy and the principles they embodied, Kouzes brings to life the transformative power of caring in leadership.

    This episode is filled with actionable insights for leaders eager to harness the potential of encouragement to elevate their organizational culture and accomplish higher performance levels.

    Key Takeaways:

    🔸Leadership is fundamentally about relationships, and its quality determines the engagement level.

    🔸"Encouraging the Heart" involves recognizing individual contributions and celebrating collective successes.

    🔸Acknowledging and appreciating employees significantly boosts engagement and drives productivity.

    🔸Personalizing recognition efforts and storytelling are key components of impactful leadership.

    🔸Setting clear standards and expectations while spreading an attitude of caring can radically transform an organization's morale and effectiveness.

    References

    Amabile, T. M., Schatzel, E. A., Moneta, G. B. & Kramer, S. J. (2004). Leader behaviors and the work environment for creativity: Perceived leader support. The Leadership Quarterly, 15(1), 5–32.

    Avolio, B. J. & Gardner, W. L. (2005). Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(3), 315–338.

    Fredrickson, B, L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology. The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. The American Psychologist, 56(3), 218-226.

    Kouzes, J. M. & Posner, B. Z. (2003). Encouraging the Heart: A Leader’s Guide to Rewarding and Recognizing Others. Jossey-Bass.

    Kouzes, J. M. & Posner, B. Z. (2023). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (7th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

    Wang, X.-H. (Frank) & Howell, J. M. (2010). Exploring the Dual-Level Effects of Transformational Leadership on Followers. Journal of Applied Psychology, 95(6), 1134–1144.

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    31 mins
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