Labrador Leadership

Hosts Bob Nolley and Alex Mossa rollout the introductory episode of the Labrador Leadership Podcast.  They discuss the goal of the show is to delivery informative discussions and interviews on simple leadership topics that will help people be the best leader they can be for their businesses, their teams, and for themselves.

In today's episode, they discuss the critical skill of managing expectations.  This includes how to commit to doing something, the importance of committing to when it will be done, and how you will let your customer know that it is done.

Dr. Pei Kang cohost of The Relaunch Show has been very open to working with coaches to help her move forward throughout her life and career. She has worked with many. She encourages leaders to consider taking on coaches or a mentor to be with you along a part of your journey to provide encouragement and feedback. It is very valuable to have people around you that see things from a different perspective.

Bob takes a timeout to talk about how we as leaders can frame our thoughts as they relate to the church shootings in Charleston, SC last week.  The discussion steps over the often cited causes of racism and gun control and dips into the issues of ignorance and self-centeredness.

David Niose's article Anti-intellectualism is Killing America.

Ravi Chandra's article on No, Self-centeredness is Killing America.

Bob and Alex are both snowed in and take the time to chat about assessments. Bob suggests that in the past we probably had a switch on the sides of out heads since we so freely create feedback.  Getting better at this can be learned. There are good habits that should be reinforced, the most basic of which is not giving feedback only once a year.  There should no surprises in annual performance reviews.

When giving feedback to an emotional person, consider waiting until another time...if the person is normally not this emotional.  If they are normally highly emotional, you often have to walk them very diligently because no other time will be any better than the present.

There are also people that stand by the argument that they are blameless.  Bob suggests that a very useful opening line is "Are you open for some feedback?"  Even coming from a position of power, that request for permission can create an openness on their part to hear the message.  Alex says that location is a key, pointing out that a glass walked conference room may be among the worst as others walk by noticing who;s in there.  Bob says this can be used as earlier as coaching children by putting your "finger in the dirt".

As much as some leaders have to learn how to give feedback, a much broader segment including those leaders have to learn how to receive feedback.  The use of assessment circles is an opportunity to practice recognizing how you feel and to observe how others react.

There is also an interesting discussion on the perception of whether or not busy people "multitasking" is a good thing.  Being present, open, and connected is a key to having a great listening skills.

 

Bob opens the box on a leader's perspective on emotional intelligence (EI of EQ). He shares the four components of EI and why it is so important.

Bob and Alex work through a list of suggested leadership tips for young entrepreneurs.  There is no surprise that hard work is at the top of the list, but it is the second one that is grist for the mill.

Alex contends that it is difficult for folks to remain humble while trumpeting their successes. There are some young entrepreneurs that serve as their own PR people as well.  It is important to maintain the proper tone.

Bob reminds us that it is important to know your own shortcomings.  While the discussion of the importance of knowing your strengths is more prevalent, knowing the traits that are at the bottom of your stack is just as important.

This all leads to the benefits available of getting a coach or a mentor.  These words are often used interchangeably, but they are different.

Finally, the discussion comes to what has been a key tent for the show: Don't make promises you can't keep.

See the article on the ten tips here.

Bob takes the opportunity today to answer questions he has received about the show!  And, for the first time, the actual recording of the Labrador Leadership Podcast is being broadcast live on Periscope!

Bob answers questions about why he chose to podcast, how he met Alex, the worst leadership situation he remembers, the most important leadership trait today, and, of course, what about the dog?

 

Bob and Alex review some research during which executives are put in front of the choir with a baton and told to lead them.  What they learned was that there is often a simultaneous need for leading like an introvert and an extrovert.  There is the creation of a kind of ambidextrous leadership.

The executives were told to lead the choir, and the choir was told to stand up when they were inspired but to sit when they were not.  What was learned was that having no musical training, the experts had to give some control to the experts, those being the choir.

Introverts tend to lead in the post-heroic style exemplified by contemplative and empathetic .  Extroverts lead in the heroic style, tending to be more decisive and taking charge.  This can make them the center of attention.

Karl Moore's article on this study of leadership in the arts.

Bob is pleased to welcome his son Robert to the program! Bob and Robert talk a bit about what it's like for a Millennial to emerge from college and hit the job market today. Key points include the shear effort that is involved, usually fueled by a passion, and the interpersonal skills needed to develop the leadership they need.

Robert candidly shares his story of his work at Shockoe Atelier. He tells us how in got on board with them, how it filled his passion bucket, and what he learned about leading as an outsider in a family business.

Happy Fathers Day to all out there!

Shockoe Atelier can be found here.

 

Bob sits down with his Dad, Bob Nolley Jr., live from Surf City to talk about the path of his career through the corporate world path and what he learned that he wants to share with those walking the path today.

Both Bobs remember the great people that they both met during these years and realize that relationships of that quality and number probably don't happen as often today. Dad talks about just how important his mentor was to him as he started his career in public relations, a completely new field opening up as the Boomers returned home.

Dad, Happy Father's Day.  Thank you for joining us on the program, and thank you for everything that came before.