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90th Percentile Leadership: Insights. Backed by Data. episodes
- Episode 131: Executive Presence Has New RulesDetails
Executive Presence. This term, often heard in boardrooms and leadership seminars, is not just about gravitas, articulate communication, and maintaining the ‘right’ appearance. It’s about having the capacity to foster confidence and inspire those around you. Your executive presence determines whether you’ll gain access to opportunities.
Joining us today is Sylvia Ann Hewlett, an esteemed economist, the CEO of Hewlett Consulting Partners, and an acclaimed author.
In today’s episode, we will delve into the attributes that are becoming essential in defining executive presence in the current era. Our discussion aims to dissect the evolving dynamics of leadership and the qualities that contribute to effective and inclusive executive presence.
Check out Zenger Folkman’s Mastering Confidence Course for more ideas on developing your executive presence.
Article: The New Rules of Executive Presence
Book: Executive Presence 2.0
Guest BioSylvia Ann Hewlett is an author, an economist and an entrepreneur. She is CEO of Hewlett Consulting Partners and founder of the Center for Talent Innovation, a think tank where she built a Task Force of 90 global companies focused on Leadership in an Age of Inclusion. Dr. Hewlett’s high-profile books quantify the “value of difference,” and provide vivid word portraits of highly qualified women, people of color and LGBTQ employees attempting to gain traction in their careers. Organizations as different as Cisco (’19), Goldman Sachs (’20), DraftKings (’21), Cartier (’21) and the State Department (’21) find her presentations, which blend hard data with in-depth storytelling and concrete solutions, immensely helpful in their urgent efforts to create more inclusive leadership cultures.
Connect with Us
- Twitter
WebinarZenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.
The post Episode 131: Executive Presence Has New Rules first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
24 min - Episode 130: Thriving in Transition—The Keys to Adaptive LeadershipDetails
In this episode, hosts BreAnne Okoren and Joe Folkman dive deep into the essential skill of adaptability, exploring its significance in the face of unprecedented technological advancements, globalization, and societal challenges. Drawing from research and real-life examples, they discuss the transformative impact of adaptability on leadership effectiveness, team engagement, and organizational success. Join the conversation as they uncover the six key behaviors that define adaptive leaders and share practical insights for enhancing adaptability in both professional and personal spheres. Discover how embracing change can be the catalyst for innovation and growth, just like the leaders who shaped history by daring to be adaptable.
Key Points- Adaptability is Essential: In the rapidly changing world driven by technology, globalization, and social movements, adaptability is no longer just a valuable skill; it has become an essential one for both personal and professional success. Traditional leadership approaches are no longer sufficient in this context.
- Adaptability Drives Leadership Effectiveness: Research showed that leaders who excel in adaptability rank significantly higher in overall leadership effectiveness compared to those with low adaptability. Leaders who adapt well can lead their teams more effectively in dynamic environments.
- Adaptability and Employee Engagement: There is a direct correlation between a leader’s adaptability and the level of engagement of their direct reports. Leaders who are adaptable tend to have more engaged and high-performing teams.
- Behavioral Aspects of Adaptability: The podcast discusses six key behaviors that contribute to adaptability:
- Inspiring others
- Embracing diversity
- Balancing results with team well-being
- Promoting collaboration and breaking down silos
- Seeking feedback and continuous improvement
- Trusting and empowering the team without micromanagement
- Adaptability as a Mindset: The interview highlights the importance of viewing technological advancements and changes as opportunities for growth rather than threats. Leaders who embrace new innovations and technologies with a positive mindset are more likely to thrive in a changing world.
Connect with Zenger Folkman
- Twitter
WebinarZenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.
ResearchXerox Park- Steve Jobs Story
Adaptive Leader Strategies:6 Ways to Thrive in an Era of Change-
The post Episode 130: Thriving in Transition—The Keys to Adaptive Leadership first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
17 min - Episode 129: Why Leadership Should Be Treated Like a ProfessionDetails
Just like lawyers, physicians, and CPAs constantly update their skills, effective leadership is vital across all industries. Join us as we discuss the impact of proficient leadership and address the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach leadership development. It’s time to treat leadership as a true profession, emphasizing continuous education and skill refinement. Tune in for insightful conversations on elevating your leadership game and fostering positive work environments.
Key Points- Proactive Leadership Development: Successful leaders embrace a proactive approach to continuous learning and development, just like professionals in law, medicine, and accounting. Waiting for passive sources won’t cut it in today’s dynamic landscape.
- Leadership Expectations and Age: Contrary to the expectation of linear career progression leading to increased effectiveness, research shows a gradual decline in leadership effectiveness as individuals age. This challenges conventional wisdom and emphasizes the need for a structured approach to leadership development.
- Strategic Leadership Planning: Effective leadership development begins with a structured plan aligned with organizational goals. Engaging in conversations with key stakeholders and identifying areas for improvement lay the foundation for a successful leadership journey.
- Some of the Top Leadership Competencies for 2024:
- Solving Problems and Analyzing Issues: Addressing challenges and opportunities with speed and effectiveness.
- Driving for Results: Consistently meeting and exceeding goals to contribute to organizational success.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Shifting from an individualistic mindset to promote teamwork and resolve conflicts.
- Inspiring and Motivating Others: Creating a sense of purpose and engagement to drive high performance.
- Building Positive Relationships: Recognizing the importance of positive relationships as the foundation of organizational success.
- Effective Communication Strategies: Leaders must reassess communication channels, consider synchronous communication needs, and implement blackout periods to enhance team well-being and productivity.
Connect with Zenger Folkman
- Twitter
WebinarZenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.
ResearchUnderstanding Good Leadership in 2024– LinkedIn Article by Joe Folkman20 Questions to Ask when Your Team’s Vibe is Off– Harvard Business ReviewThe Value of Values with Walmart CEO— A Bit of Optimism Podcast
The post Episode 129: Why Leadership Should Be Treated Like a Profession first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
24 min - 2023 Holiday Message from Jack and JoeDetails
In the spirit of reflection that accompanies this festive season and honoring whatever holiday you celebrate, this year’s message revolves around the sage words of Dr. Seuss from his classic, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”.
In our ever-evolving world, where individual pursuits often overshadow the essence of community, we reflect on our roles as HR professionals and coaches. Our mission extends beyond individual professional growth; it’s also about fostering the bonds that unite us – with family, colleagues, neighbors, and friends.
From all of us at Zenger Folkman, we wish you a holiday season brimming with joy, love, and deeper connections.
Connect with Zenger Folkman
- Twitter
The post 2023 Holiday Message from Jack and Joe first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
3 min - Episode 128: The Pinnacle Pillar of Trust—Building RelationshipsDetails
In the awkward dance of professional interactions, the key to a flourishing work relationship lies not in quick fixes, but in the art of weaving sincerity and respect into the very fabric of our connections. Beyond the confines of office walls, there’s a rich tapestry of experiences and passions that define each of us. Recognizing that we are so much more than our job titles is the cornerstone of genuine rapport. In this final episode, we cover the final and most crucial pillar of trust—building meaningful, lasting relationships in the workplace.
Download Zenger Folkman’s eBook, Trust: The Proven Formula.
The Trifecta of Trust— Kindle VersionThe Trifecta of Trust— Audiobook Version
Key Learnings- The Importance of Relationships in Building Trust: The podcast emphasizes that in the workplace, the quality of relationships is a crucial pillar of trust. It’s noted that even if a leader is consistent and shows good judgment, if the relationships are weak, trust significantly decreases. This highlights the need to focus on nurturing strong, positive relationships within professional settings.
- Coaching and Developing Others: A key behavior for building trust is to invest in the growth and development of others. This involves mentoring and coaching, demonstrating belief in their potential, and committing to their success. The podcast cites the example of the mentorship between Andy Grove and Steve Jobs to illustrate the impact of such relationships.
- Inspiration as a Trust-Building Tool: Inspiring others is more than just motivational speeches; it’s about genuinely engaging and empowering team members. The podcast suggests that when leaders inspire their teams, it leads to higher engagement and performance, as people feel valued and respected.
- Promoting Cooperation Over Competition: Effective leaders build trust by fostering a team environment that values cooperation. This includes recognizing the contributions of others, sharing knowledge, and supporting team members. The focus is on collective success rather than individual achievements.
- The Power of Seeking and Acting on Feedback: The podcast discusses the importance of being open to feedback for building trust. It suggests that leaders should regularly seek feedback to understand how much they are trusted and to identify areas for improvement. This openness to feedback demonstrates a commitment to personal growth and trust-building.
Connect with Joe Folkman
- Twitter
WebinarZenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and talk about their latest leadership development research. Find out more information and register here.
ResearchThe Trifecta of Trust—Book by Joe Folkman
The post Episode 128: The Pinnacle Pillar of Trust—Building Relationships first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
22 min - Episode 127: The Constant Pillar of Trust— ConsistencyDetails
Consistency is a cornerstone of effective leadership, playing a pivotal role in building, maintaining, and restoring trust within an organization or community. Consistency means aligning one’s words, actions, and decisions over time, creating a predictable and reliable pattern of behavior. This reliability is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, consistency provides a sense of stability and predictability, making it easier for individuals to understand and anticipate their leader’s intentions. W hether in good times or challenging situations, leaders who remain unwavering in their consistency inspire trust in their teams. In this next installment of The Trifecta of Trust series, we are covering consistency.
Download Zenger Folkman’s eBook, Trust: The Proven Formula.
The Trifecta of Trust— Kindle VersionThe Trifecta of Trust— Audiobook Version
Key Learnings- The Importance of Consistency in Leadership:
- Consistency aligns words, actions, and decisions over time, establishing a reliable pattern of behavior.
- It provides stability and predictability, helping individuals understand and anticipate a leader’s intentions.
- Consistent adherence to values and principles showcases integrity and authenticity, vital for trust-building.
- It fosters fairness and equity, ensuring everyone is held to the same standards.
- Managing Commitments:
- Prioritize commitments to deliver effectively without overpromising.
- Strategies include tracking commitments, creating detailed plans, and taking personal responsibility.
- Transparency in sharing commitments highlights the value of one’s work.
- Insisting on High Standards:
- High standards lead to a consistent level of excellence.
- Example: Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership in Singapore, emphasizing education, discipline, and hard work.
- The goal is to establish high, achievable standards that lift everyone towards better performance.
- Continuously Improve:
- Embrace continual change and improvement in today’s fast-evolving work environment.
- Implement the PDCA cycle (Plan, Do, Check, Act) for personal and professional development.
- Strive to exceed past achievements in quality and quantity.
- Trust and Reputation:
- Consistency is key to building and maintaining a solid reputation.
- Inconsistencies can quickly undermine years of trust-building.
- Regular evaluation of one’s level of consistency is essential for continuous trust development.
Connect with Joe Folkman
- Twitter
WebinarZenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and talk about their latest leadership development research. Find out more information and register here.
ResearchThe Trifecta of Trust—Book by Joe Folkman
The post Episode 127: The Constant Pillar of Trust— Consistency first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
15 min - Episode 126: The Hidden Pillar of Trust—ExpertiseDetails
There is a leadership behavior that ignites a lot of conversation. It is trust. Many people have observational theories and experiences that influence their views on how trust is earned and maintained. At Zenger Folkman, we wanted to strip away all of the emotions and biases and purely analyze what the data says about trust. Which leaders have it? How does it influence their work? And what behaviors affect it the most? In this episode, we explore the influence of expertise and good judgment that comes with it.
The Trifecta of Trust— Kindle VersionThe Trifecta of Trust— Audiobook Version
Key LearningsHere are some key learnings from the podcast:
- The Significance of Expertise in Trust: Joe Folkman emphasizes that among various leadership competencies, expertise stands out as a crucial pillar of trust. His research, first published in the Harvard Business Review, underlines the unexpected yet significant role of expertise in building trust.
- The Importance of Judgement and Experience: A historical example is given, where Stanislav Petrov’s judgement and experience prevented a potential nuclear disaster. This story illustrates how expertise, coupled with good judgement, is essential for trust, especially in high-stakes situations.
- Expertise Beyond Personal Knowledge: Folkman notes that it’s not necessary to know everything. Instead, a willingness to showcase and rely on the expertise of others is just as important. This approach helps in building trust even if an individual’s own expertise is limited.
Four Key Behaviors to Enhance Trust through Expertise:
- Being a Role Model: Demonstrating reliability and fostering a culture of trust and knowledge sharing. Example: Satya Nadella’s transformation of Microsoft’s culture.
- Anticipating Problems: The ability to foresee and plan for potential issues. Example: DoorDash’s strategy to focus on gamers for market retention.
- Connecting Work to a Vision: Understanding how tasks fit into the larger organizational goals. Example: KitKat’s tailored strategy for the Japanese market.
- Keeping Others Informed: Ensuring transparent and regular communication to build a collaborative and trusting team dynamic. Example: Buffer’s radical transparency approach.
Trust in Experts: Folkman concludes by reiterating the natural human tendency to trust experts, especially in complex situations. The integration of the four behaviors mentioned above not only enhances individual expertise but also contributes to a more trusting and effective work environment.
Connect with Joe Folkman
- Twitter
WebinarZenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and talk about their latest leadership development research. Find out more information and register here.
ResearchThe Trifecta of Trust—Book by Joe FolkmanBuffer Transparency Case StudyKit Kat In JapanDoorDash’s Secret Ingredient for Growth: Hungry Videogame Players
The post Episode 126: The Hidden Pillar of Trust—Expertise first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
19 min - Episode 125: People Focus vs. Task Focus—Managing Remote WorkersDetails
The narrative surrounding the impact of remote work on productivity has taken unexpected twists and turns. Initially, the prevailing wisdom during the early days of the pandemic was that remote work was a boon for productivity. Yet, as the pandemic’s grip waned and remote work persisted, reports began to suggest a dip in productivity among remote employees compared to their in-office counterparts. The question on everyone’s mind: did the allure of working from home lose its luster? What are the challenges of managing remote workers? Amid this ongoing transformation, organizations find themselves at a crossroads. Perhaps most intriguingly, it’s becoming evident that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this complex dilemma.
Download a free copy of The Extraordinary Leader eBook.
Key LearningsHere are some key learnings from the podcast:
- Evolving Remote Work Policies: After initially embracing remote work, many companies, especially big tech like Google, Meta, Amazon, and even Zoom, are urging employees to return to the office, with varying approaches from incentives to penalties.
- Remote vs. In-Office Leadership Effectiveness: 2022 and 2023 research shows no significant difference in leadership effectiveness or employee engagement levels when comparing those managing remote workers to those in an office setting.
- Mindset and Work Environment Correlation: Employees in the office have more confidence in their organization’s ability to achieve strategic goals, while remote workers show higher discretionary effort.
- Differences in Competencies Based on Work Location:
- In-office leaders: Better at valuing diversity and inclusion, and cultivating relationships, benefiting from face-to-face interactions.
- Remote leaders: Excel in strategic perspective, customer focus, driving for results, taking risks, making decisions, and establishing stretch goals, showcasing a task-oriented leadership style.
- Challenges and Solutions in Remote Work: Virtual team-building efforts are essential for remote teams to maintain cross-team interactions and bonds.
- Employee Engagement: The effectiveness of the leader is crucial for employee engagement, with physical presence playing a significant role. The data shows a slight engagement advantage for in-office workers, particularly among the most effective leaders.
- The Case for Hybrid Work: While remote work has its benefits, the hybrid model is gaining traction as a balanced approach, offering flexibility and combining the strengths of both in-person and remote settings.
- Continuing Debate and Adaptation: Organizations and employees continue to adapt and debate the ideal work setting, but data suggests a hybrid approach may provide a compromise that maximizes productivity and satisfaction.
Connect with Joe Folkman
- Twitter
WebinarZenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and talk about their latest leadership development research. Find out more information and register here.
ResearchRemote Work vs. In office: The Ongoing productivity Paradox— Article by Joe Folkman and Jack Zenger
The post Episode 125: People Focus vs. Task Focus—Managing Remote Workers first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
The post Episode 125: People Focus vs. Task Focus—Managing Remote Workers appeared first on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
16 min - Episode 124: How Modern Leaders Champion ChangeDetails
Every organization is experiencing change. Some of the changes come from the external environment, such as customer expectations, government regulations, global competition, or new domestic competitors. Other changes are coming from within the organization; such as changing employee expectations, hybrid work schedules, redesigned teams and structures, automated activities that minimize drudgery, reengineered corporate culture, flat productivity increases- and yes, the adoption of AI technolgy. In this episode, we’re exploring how modern leaders champion change.
Key Learnings on Championing Change1. Importance of Championing Change:
– Data from over 100,000 leaders worldwide shows a direct correlation between a leader’s ability to champion change and their overall leadership effectiveness.– Leaders competent in championing change had direct reports who were more confident in the organization achieving its strategic goals.2. Promotability and Championing Change:
– Leaders with a strong ability to champion change have higher potential for promotion and are perceived more effective in their roles.3. Challenges and Resistance to Change:
– While change is inevitable and can lead to growth, it’s not always welcomed or understood by all stakeholders, as seen in the case of Facebook’s rebranding to META.4. Five Strength Building Behaviors for Championing Change:
– Innovation: Change should be accompanied by innovation to make it acceptable and productive.– Acting Quickly: Leaders who act quickly are twice as effective at implementing change.– Strategic Perspective: Provides a roadmap for where the organization is headed.– External Perspective: Leaders need to be in tune with external changes and competitor actions.– Inspires and Motivates Others: Alongside pushing for change, successful leaders pull others along by inspiring and motivating them.5. Strategies for Improving Change Management Skills:
– Focus on elevating all five behaviors or concentrate on a select few to reach a high percentile of competence.– Most leaders aren’t born with the ability to lead change but can develop this skill through experience and practice.These insights emphasize the critical importance of championing change in today’s ever-evolving business landscape and offer actionable strategies for leaders to harness this skill effectively.
Connect with Jack Zenger- Twitter
WebinarZenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman, and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.
Additional Resources5 Required Skills for Leading Change— Jack Zenger & Joe FolkmanFacebook Meta Rebranding— New York TimesTop 20 Business Transformations of the Last Decade— Harvard Business Review
The post Episode 124: How Modern Leaders Champion Change first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
The post Episode 124: How Modern Leaders Champion Change appeared first on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
20 min - Episode 123: The Leadership Tent—Balancing Specialization and GeneralismDetails
Leadership can be a little complicated so in this episode we wish to reduce that complexity to a model of leadership that is more easily understood. You see, Leadership behaviors are knit together, much like the complex network of the human brain. There is a great deal of interdependence between them. Research shows that there are behaviors that are far more powerful in separating highly effective leaders from the rest. But the most effective leaders have a balance of strengths from five different sectors. In this podcast episode, we are exploring Zenger Folkman’s tent model.
Download a free copy of The Extraordinary Leader eBook.
Key Learnings1. The Tent Model of Leadership: Effective leadership isn’t about excelling in just one skill. Think of leadership as a tent, with a center pole and four corner poles holding up an expanse of canvas. The space inside symbolizes the leader’s effectiveness.
2. Character as the Center Pole: The core of all effective leadership is character, encompassing traits like honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. Great organizations can be decimated by just a few key individuals lacking these traits.
3. Specialization vs. Generalism: While it’s crucial to specialize and hone in on strengths, leaders must also be generalists. They need a diverse set of skills and knowledge to adapt in a dynamic world.
4. The Four Corner Poles:
– Personal Capabilities: This includes technical acumen, problem-solving, innovation, and learning agility.– Focus on Results: Leaders need to be results-driven, take initiative, make decisions amidst ambiguity, and be willing to take risks.– Interpersonal Skills: Command and control leadership styles are outdated. Modern leadership requires effective communication, motivation, relationship-building, and collaboration.– Leading Change: In a constantly changing world, leaders must be champions for change, have a strategic perspective, and maintain a customer-focused mindset.5. Powerful Combinations Drive Results: Zenger Folkman’s study revealed that leaders who excelled in both “Focus on Results” and “Interpersonal Skills” had an 82% probability of being perceived as top-tier leaders. It showcases the significance of mastering multiple competencies.
6. Expanding Leadership Skills: Extraordinary leaders don’t solely focus on one thing. Success comes from expanding skills across various areas, and the combination of multiple strengths leads to more effective leadership.
Connect with Joe Folkman
- Twitter
WebinarZenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and talk about their latest leadership development research. Find out more information and register here.
ResearchLeadership Under the Tent Microscope— Article by Joe Folkman and Jack Zenger
The post Episode 123: The Leadership Tent—Balancing Specialization and Generalism first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
The post Episode 123: The Leadership Tent—Balancing Specialization and Generalism appeared first on ZENGER FOLKMAN.
19 min
About 90th Percentile Leadership: Insights. Backed by Data.
From the publisher's feed
Leadership opinions are everywhere. We bring the data. Drawing on more than 2 million leadership assessments, psychometrician Joe Folkman, BreAnne Okoren, and special guests challenge conventional…
wisdom and reveal what extraordinary leaders do differently. Surprising research. Honest conversations. Practical actions that help you lead at the 90th percentile.