The entirely frank and fearless Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch shares his decades of leadership wisdom in this episode as we grapple with the big question: What makes a good leader? 

Oakland shares his experience as a combat arms officer in the US Army and his views on leadership, emphasising the need for accountability and servant leadership. We discuss decision-making, micromanagement, and the importance of honesty and realistic expectations, as well as the limitations of the education system and the need for more leadership role models. 

Oakland recalls a dramatic change in leadership style from micromanagement to servant leadership that proved to be a lightbulb moment that was to shape his own leadership journey. This conversation, much like Oakland’s new book, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be, is really practical, insightful and useful. 

Shownotes

See more at http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-legacy-oakland-mcculloch

 

Key Moments 

Planet Human: The importance of access to information [00:00:04]

Planet Zoë:  A new program around Wisdom and Power is emerging into the light [00:01:00]

Introduction to Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch [00:03:51]

Zoë introduces her guest, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch, and discusses his background and experience in leadership.

The first time realising leadership was about service [00:11:09]

Zoë asks about the first time Oakland realised leadership was about serving others.

The impact of a new major on leadership perspective [00:12:45]

Oakland shares a story about a new major in the army who had a different leadership style and emphasised the importance of people.

Fear of Consequences and Big Picture Thinking [00:21:34]

The conversation explores the fear of consequences that holds leaders back from making decisions and the reluctance to engage in big picture thinking due to a heavy workload.

Micromanagement and Brutal Honesty [00:23:27]

Oakland talks about the negative effects of micromanagement and the importance of delegating responsibilities. 

The importance of ACT scores [00:29:26]

Discussion on the significance of ACT scores for aspiring doctors and the impact of a significant point difference.

Leadership potential and development [00:31:09]

Is leadership innate or learned? With examples of natural leaders and individuals who developed their leadership skills.

Taking responsibility as a leader [00:37:36]

And the importance of not delegating responsibility.

Poor Decision-Making by Senior Leaders [00:39:16]

Exploration of senior leaders in government, military, and corporations making poor decisions and the negative impact on organisations.

Creating the Next Generation of Leaders [00:44:45]

Explanation of the concept of legacy in leadership, focusing on accomplishments and leaving behind a new generation of leaders.