We’re no longer in the era where bosses say, “You work for me.” People want to own their careers and personal growth. To thrive in the modern workplace, where collaboration is the new norm, team leaders need to sharpen their leadership abilities. Our conversation with today’s guest, RSM Audit Partner Howie Siegal, reveals what qualities excellent leaders need along with the tools that can help you become a better one. Howie talks about why embracing feedback and being a good communicator is the foundation of successful leadership. Based on his own experience, Howie shares how the ‘lead by example' style of guiding teams doesn’t work and that the essence of leadership lies in providing accountability, challenging your team, and sparking constructive debates. This results in a multiplying effect that improves your team’s performance. Howie contrasts this approach with that of the ‘accidental diminisher,’ who ends up taking opportunities away from people. Emphasizing the importance of boosting your soft skills, Howie talks about how coaches, ranging from your spouse to your colleagues, are vital in improving your leadership ability and providing you with alternate perspectives. While some are innately better at it, Howie highlights that anyone can learn good leadership. Tune in for more on how you can become a better leader. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why being a good communicator is a hallmark of successful leadership.
• The importance of reflecting on your communication and having people give you feedback.  
• Why you should implement a ‘360-degree’ feedback process into your annual plan. 
• Learn about how Howie’s leadership style allows his team to own their careers.
• The difference between delegation and directing people to follow instructions.
• How you can avoid being an ‘accidental diminisher’ and let your team grow.
• Why we need to develop soft skills to sharpen our leadership abilities. 
• How professional coaching helped Howie become a better leader.
• Why Howie will remove barriers but won’t ‘give people answers’.
• Finding a mentor is key to accelerating your growth, especially when you’re young.
• All great leaders seek perspective from people outside of themselves.
• How building a network of coaches around you will better your leadership ability. 
• The complexity of modern work and how it increasingly requires collaboration. 

Howie Siegal LinkedIn
Alex Drost LinkedIn
Connection Builders LinkedIn

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