Lead With More: Character-Driven Leadership for Today's Leaders

In this episode of the Modern Leadership Solutions podcast, Tom discusses the importance of depth over speed in leadership growth. Using the metaphor of a baked potato, he emphasizes that personal growth requires time, commitment, and a structured approach rather than shortcuts. He highlights the difference between exposure and commitment, advocating for deeper training and accountability to foster real change in leadership behavior.

Takeaways

• Personal growth doesn't have a microwave setting.
• Leadership growth is slow by design.
• Depth beats speed in leadership growth.
• True growth comes from longer, deeper training.
• You grow by wrestling with leadership principles.
• Coaching and structured development create accountability.
• Real life application is essential for growth.
• Meaningful success requires focused commitment and patience.
• There are no shortcuts in leadership development.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:58 The Allure of Shortcuts

01:44 Why Depth Beats Speed

02:27 Exposure v. Commitment

03:09 Why Longer Training Works

03:48 The Importance of Commitment in Leadership Training

In this episode, Tom discusses the importance of applied learning in leadership. He emphasizes that simply acquiring knowledge is not enough; leaders must capture and act on their learning to foster growth.

Find more information about the Readwise app: https://readwise.io/

Interested in learning more? Schedule a free no-obligation call with Tom: https://hlapi.espeakers.com/widget/bookings/tom-debell-calendar

Takeaways

• Most leaders today aren't short on learning.
• It's not about more learning. It's about applied learning.
• Learning without action doesn't accomplish anything.
• If you don't decide what changes, nothing does.
• Leaders who grow on purpose don't drift.

Chapters

00:00 The Illusion of Learning

00:38 The Real Problem: Leaked Learning

01:07 Transition: From Learning to Leadership

01:28 1. Event Learning: Capture While It's Fresh

02:22 2. Daily Learning: Reinforcement Through Rhythm

04:15 3. Weekly Learning: Decide What Changes

05:06 Why This Matters for Leaders

05:57 Closing Challenge

Tom DeBell, the founder and president of Modern Leadership Solutions, is a Certified Maxwell Coach/Speaker/Trainer, a Full Focus Certified Pro, and a Certified Facilitator in the Six Types of Working Genius.

www.modernleadershipsolutions.com

In this episode, Tom and John Miner discuss the concept of the leadership shadow, focusing on the importance of intentional values in shaping leadership influence. They explore how leaders can affect their influence through self-awareness, character, and the alignment of values with actions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of trust, the impact of positive versus fear-driven values, and the ongoing journey of leadership growth. Additionally, they introduce an upcoming training program on values-based leadership, providing practical steps for leaders to enhance their effectiveness.

Sign up for the upcoming online training on Values-based Leadership using this link:

https://cl-cu.com/Upcoming-Courses-Programs

John Miner is an accomplished executive manager, educator, and consultant with over forty-five years of experience in the electric utility industry. He is president of Collaborative Learning, Inc. of Austin, Texas, a firm that presents management and technical education programs and, through Collaboration Unlimited, provides management consulting services to the electric utility industry. John has been an adult educator for most of his career and has conducted hundreds of educational programs for various audiences in forty states, Canada, and five overseas locations.

Takeaways

• As a leader, you influence everyone you interact with.
• Good leaders are intentional about their values and actions.
• Positive values generate energy and enthusiasm in teams.
• Competence alone does not build trust; character is essential.
• Self-awareness is crucial for understanding your leadership shadow.
• Leadership growth is a continuous journey, not a destination.
• Values work is important at every stage of leadership development.
• Leaders should seek feedback to align actions with stated values.
• Engagement in training programs enhances leadership effectiveness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Shadow

01:26 John Miner's Leadership Journey

03:51 ACCESS Leadership

06:53 The ACCESS Model

08:10 Being Intentional in Your Influence

09:11 The Risks of Unintentional Leadership

12:13 Values generating positive or negative energy

15:52 Building Trust Through Competence and Character

17:40 The Perils of Perfectionism

18:30 Spotting Gaps in Leadership Values

19:01 The Importance of Feedback

21:46 Understanding Values in Leadership Development

22:09 The Barrett Values Model

25:30 Upcoming Values-Based Leadership Training

28:58 Practical Steps for Intentional Leadership

30:25 Wrapping Up

Tom DeBell, the founder and president of Modern Leadership Solutions, is a Certified Maxwell Coach/Speaker/Trainer, a Full Focus Certified Pro, and a Certified Facilitator in the Six Types of Working Genius.

www.modernleadershipsolutions.com

In this episode, Tom DeBell discusses the importance of setting intentional goals that align with a clear life direction. He emphasizes the need for self-assessment before goal-setting and the significance of creating a long-term life plan. Tom outlines a systematic approach to breaking down annual goals into actionable quarterly objectives, highlighting how clarity in leadership can reduce stress and improve decision-making.

Takeaways:

• Direction precedes discipline.
• You are not planning perfection.
• Focus doesn't mean neglect, it means intentional emphasis.
• When you have clarity, you make better decisions.
• Stressed leaders rarely lead well.
• Modern leadership isn't about having all the answers.
• Direction creates clarity and progress always starts with clarity.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:02 Why Goals without Direction Don't Work

01:53 1. Assess Your Current Condition

02:51 2. Revisit the Long-Term Plan

03:33 3. Establish Focused Goals

04:26 4. Turn Quarterly Goals into Daily Action

05:11 Why This Matters for Leadership

05:45 What's Coming...

06:24 Action Step

Tom DeBell, the founder and president of Modern Leadership Solutions, is a Certified Maxwell Coach/Speaker/Trainer, a Full Focus Certified Pro, and a Certified Facilitator in the Six Types of Working Genius.

www.modernleadershipsolutions.com

Summary

In this episode, Tom discusses the impact of holiday pressure on leadership styles, contrasting self-focused leaders with intentional, servant leaders. He emphasizes the importance of character, competence, communication, and care during stressful times, and encourages leaders to reflect on their influence on others. The episode concludes with a call to lead with purpose and intention, especially during the holiday season.

Takeaways

• Pressure reveals leadership style faster than any personality test.
• The holidays expose our default leadership tendencies.
• Self-focused leaders make everything about their convenience.
• Intentional leaders prioritize the success of others.
• Character helps build relationships as leaders.
• Competence is crucial for maintaining calm under pressure.
• Effective communication is vital during stressful times.
• Servant leaders handle hard conversations thoughtfully.
• Small acknowledgments can have a big impact.
• Intentional leadership begins with purpose, not strategy.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:29 The Contrast: Self-focused vs Servant Leaders

03:07 How Stress Reveals Character

05:06 Choosing Intentional Responses

06:39 Reflection Exercise

08:08 MLS Podcast Bumper Short.mp4

Tom DeBell, the founder and president of Modern Leadership Solutions, is a Certified Maxwell Coach/Speaker/Trainer, a Full Focus Certified Pro, and a Certified Facilitator in the Six Types of Working Genius.

www.modernleadershipsolutions.com

#leadership #servantleadership #intentionalleadership #character

Summary:

In this episode of the Modern Leadership Solutions podcast, Tom explores John Maxwell's Five Levels of Leadership, emphasizing that leadership is about influence rather than titles. He discusses the first three levels: Position, Permission, and Production, highlighting the importance of relationships and trust in effective leadership. Tom encourages listeners to identify areas for growth in their leadership journey and to lead with intention.

Takeaways:

• Leadership is influence, not a title.
• Everyone has the potential to become a leader.
• Building relationships is crucial for effective leadership.
• Trust grows when leaders show genuine care.
• Productivity increases at the results level of leadership.
• Many leaders remain at the production level for their careers.
• Leadership identity is formed through mastering the first three levels.
• You must earn each level with every individual in your life.
• Effective leadership starts with intentionality.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Influence

01:55 Level 1 - Position

03:23 Level 2 - Permission

04:52 Level 3 - Production

05:53 Invest in People

06:47 Earning Trust and Moving Up Levels

07:08 Take Action

Tom DeBell, the founder and president of Modern Leadership Solutions, is a Certified Maxwell Coach/Speaker/Trainer, a Full Focus Certified Pro, and a Certified Facilitator in the Six Types of Working Genius.

www.modernleadershipsolutions.com

Summary

In this episode, Tom discusses the significance of establishing clear boundaries for the workday through startup and shutdown rituals. He emphasizes the importance of these routines in enhancing productivity and maintaining focus. Tom shares his personal practices for starting and ending the workday, including email management, reflection on daily wins, and setting priorities for the next day. He highlights how these rituals help in transitioning from work to personal time, ultimately leading to more effective leadership.

Takeaways

• Workday startup and shutdown rituals are essential for productivity.
• Establishing boundaries helps in maintaining focus and energy.
• Clearing emails at the end of the day is crucial.
• Reflecting on daily wins enhances motivation.
• Gratitude practices can improve overall mindset.
• Setting priorities for the next day aids in planning.
• Limiting email checks can reduce distractions.
• Flexibility in routines allows for spontaneity.
• Effective leadership requires intentionality in daily practices.
• Transitioning from work to personal time is vital for well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:43 What Are These Routines?

01:45 Workday Startup

06:30 Workday Shutdown

10:32 Intentional Boundaries for Work-Life Balance

In the inaugural episode of the Modern Leadership Solutions podcast, Tom discusses two foundational concepts of effective leadership: intentionality and the commitment to personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of having a plan and setting boundaries around work to enhance productivity. Tom encourages listeners to develop a personal growth strategy, highlighting that effective leadership is a continuous process that requires daily effort and adaptation.

Takeaways

• Effective leadership is intentional.
• You need a plan to achieve your goals.
• Set intentional boundaries around your workday.
• Effective leaders are always growing.
• Personal growth is a daily commitment.
• Develop a passion for learning.
• Adapt your growth strategy to your circumstances.
• Capture insights from your learning experiences.
• Utilize various resources for personal development.

Welcome to the Modern Leadership Solutions Podcast.

This show is all about helping you become a more effective, intentional leader in a world that isn’t slowing down. Each episode will give you practical steps you can take to grow your influence, sharpen your focus, and get better results — both at work and at home.

You’ll also hear conversations with other leaders and experts who will share the strategies, habits, and lessons that have made the biggest difference in their own leadership journeys.

If you’re ready to grow, stay tuned!

Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe so you’ll be the first to know when our next episode drops.