Accelerate Your Performance

As a leader, authenticity increases the likelihood that those we lead will believe us and follow our requests. Becoming an authentic leader is not necessarily easy, but the concept is simple. People can be committed to and passionate about something, but this by itself is not enough. Authenticity is more than when we believe in what we say or act in a way that is consistent with our beliefs. We may stand up and say what we truly believe without being authentic if our actions are self-serving. Sometimes people who lead with strong beliefs can be inauthentic when they always see their way as the right way.  During this episode, Janet connects to the foundation of authenticity: self-awareness and offers 6 actions to practice if you want to become an authentic leader.   

This episode addresses questions, such as:

• What does it really mean to be authentic? 
• Why is self-awareness work necessary for authenticity? 
• How do self-serving actions negatively impact the team?

Recommended Resources: Expressing Gratitude, Emotional Intelligence, Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Leadership Challenge & True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership

Nothing stays the same. In fact, if we keep doing things the same way we’ve always done them, it’s likely our performance will decline. Change is the only constant in our organizations and in life, and for most, change is uncomfortable. For organizations to stay relevant and innovative, teams must work through fears quickly, and to do so, leaders must make decisions and communicate these decisions by connecting the mind and the heart. On today’s show, Janet discusses 3 leadership characteristics necessary for managing continuously changing organizations. 

This episode addresses questions, such as:

• What does it mean to be an authentic leader?
• Why does connecting the mind and the heart motivate teams? 
• How do we move conversations back to the point? 

Recommended Resources: Communicating Change, Guiding Your Team Through Change, Phases of Organizational Change, Why Organizational Change Fails  

Dr. JoAnn Sternke returns from episode #35 Pursue Performance Excellence, to reveal the most common questions she is hearing from our education partners and share her expertise and experience around how to effectively communicate during difficult times. JoAnn explains in situations like we are currently facing, no one has all of the answers, leaders can be most impactful by focusing on what needs to be communicated most and be very intentional about that. She also shares a message from the perspective of a former Superintendent to the community, and her key words for leaders in all organizations right now. 

This episode addresses questions, such as:

• How does using Key Words at Key Times help during a crisis?  
• What message can we send as Superintendents to communities at this time? 
• Why is it so important to focus on finding a hero right now?  

 
 Recommended Resources: Accelerate Your Communication, Key Words at Key Times, Cascading Communication, & It’s All About Relationships

Quint Studer joins us on the podcast today to share his insight and talk about a recent article he wrote, What Churchill Can Teach Us About Defeating Coronavirus. Quint explains why leaders like Churchill are able to inspire and motivate their teams to keep going, even when the challenge they face seems impossible. From history to communication, Quint provides valuable leadership advice for those leading teams during uncertain times. 

This episode addresses questions, such as:

• How can we learn from Winston Churchill to face our current circumstances?  
• What are the positive characteristics of role model leaders in a crisis? 
• What are Quint Studer’s leadership tips for our listeners? 

 
Recommended Resources: What Churchill Can Teach Us About Defeating Coronavirus,The Power of Perspective, Accountability, & Finding the Right Communication Method

As parents, students, and employees within the School District of Menomonee Falls began preparing for the effects of COVID19, Superintendent, Corey Galla, reflects on the remarkableness of his entire staff to come together and accept the challenges they were facing. Rather than focusing on their anxieties, teams across the entire school system got together to identify problems, solutions, and use their guiding principles to make decisions with student safety as their number one priority. Under Corey’s leadership, SDMF saw a culture of people that stepped up to write a beautiful story in a difficult time. But even Corey will tell you, there was no way they could have accomplished what they have if they were only reliant on their leadership team, the culture of their organization has been foundational for serving in times of rapid change and uncertainty.   

This episode addresses questions, such as:

• How does establishing a mission and a vision for the moment provide clarity and direction for your teams? 
• What are the effects of establishing a can-do culture? 
• Why is leadership more than a title?  

Recommended Resources: Standards and Values, Transparency, Stoplight Report, A Time Sensitive Situation Analysis, Ownership of Organizational Goals, Are You Leading Your Work? 

Healthcare professionals across the country and the world are maintaining a “Warrior Mentality” as they head to the frontlines of the COVID19 pandemic. On today’s episode, Rich Bluni, with more than 25 years of nursing, risk management, and leadership experience, shares his perspective on the frontline professionals who are committed to a heroic service during a very challenging time. Whether you work in healthcare, are close to someone who does, or are just feeling a little anxious about today’s environment, Rich shares his experience and honest advice for dealing with fear and anxiety. 

This episode addresses questions, such as:

• How are healthcare workers coping with the current conditions? 
• What can people do to deal with their anxieties? 
• Why is it important to focus on stories and gratitude to lift others up? 

 
 Recommended Resources: Expressing Gratitude, The Power of Storytelling, Inspired Nurse Community & Inspired Nurse by Rich Bluni

• How can you make decisions when you don’t have all of the information? 
• Why was customer service and employee engagement a priority? How did that help people prepare for the impacts of COVID 19?
• How can you avoid communication fatigue?  

• What helped make the transition to online work and instruction successful? 
• How did people come together while transitioning to virtual work? 
• What effect do values and culture have on leading in times of uncertainty?

Basil Kuloba used his experience with math and science to develop a much-needed nonprofit organization, INERTIA, which has quickly become the largest after school program in Escambia County Florida. Basil joins Janet on the show today to share his story of blending his passion and entrepreneurial skills to start a successful organization. 

This episode addresses questions, such as:

• How do interaction and connection improve learning outcomes? 
• What was the biggest obstacle Basil faced while building a successful organization? 
• What qualities or skills create a successful entrepreneur?  

Recommended Learning: UWF Stories of Impact: Basil Kuloba & The Strengths Advantage: Using Work Strengths 

As we close the first quarter of a new decade, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on the past decade before planning for the next ten years in front of us. Are you where you thought you would be right now? As the decades keep passing by, what can we do to ensure we achieve the goals that will matter to us most in life? How do we know we are living a life we will one day look back on and be proud? Today, Janet Pilcher focuses on what to consider as we set goals for a meaningful life. 

This episode addresses questions, such as:

• How do we ensure we achieve the goals that will matter most to us in life? 
• What should we consider as we set goals for ourselves?
• Why should you push yourself to set more challenging goals?  

 
 Recommended Learning: 11 Questions to Help You Set Meaningful Goals for The Next Decadeby Scott Mautz, & Set Aligned Goals