Episode 15 My buddy Ken emailed me asking some questions about my opening statement for every show: "Welcome to Leadosophy where an open mind is the rule and not the exception." But is that true? Maybe we're programmed and conditioned to be closed-minded. In this episode, I examine an article written by Andrea Mathews LPC, NCC, titled, "The Closed Mind

Why does it close, and how does it open?" The article is linked here:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/traversing-the-inner-terrain/201907/the-closed-mind

Defined: Cambridge Dictionary defines close-minded as someone “not willing to consider ideas and opinions that are new or different to your own:” Two examples they use are: “Many in the community are simply closed-minded about how to treat addiction. We're not going to be closed-minded: we're going to look at every possible option.” This definition is inadequate for our purpose of deepening our understanding of the closed mind. We must cast our net a bit wider in hopes of capturing the essence, origins or causes, and effects of the closed mind. This is no easy task, and we might settle first on a rough sketch rather than a finished piece of art. The next few episodes will examine the closed mind.

Leadosophy is largely about turning the gaze inward (reflection and self-reflection) and examining our own actions, beliefs, values, assumptions, and ideological thought patterns. This entails covering areas and concepts that require discussions about the human mind and psychology, i.e., why we behave in certain manners. Our thought processes affect our leadership capabilities, our judgments about those who we lead, and our willingness to grow into leadership roles, take in new information and embrace other perspectives that might create tension in our minds.

Season One: Foundations of Leadosophy Leadosophy is the fusion of leadership and philosophy. We use philosophical thought to deepen our understanding of leadership, together.

Episode 14 In this episode Tim covers cognitive biases using an article titled, "What is Cognitive Bias," written by Kendra Cherry (article linked below). This episode is a follow-on to his last episode on the open mind concept. Cognitive biases are cognitive limitations that affect our judgment and decision-making abilities.

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-cognitive-bias-2794963

Season One: Foundations of Leadosophy Leadosophy is the fusion of leadership and philosophy. We use philosophical thought to deepen our understanding of leadership, together.

Episode 13 In this episode, Tim discusses why he opens the show with the saying, "An open mind is the rule and not the exception." He takes the viewers on a journey down the road of an open mind, why it's valuable, and what cognitive dispositions antagonize the open mind. He also expands on his latest blog post" "An Open Mind: 20 Thoughts and Questions."

Season One: Foundations of Leadosophy Leadosophy is the fusion of leadership and philosophy. We use philosophical thought to deepen our understanding of leadership, together.

Episode 12 "The Blackfeet Indian Reservation is home to the 17,321-member Blackfeet Nation, one of the 10 largest tribes in the United States. Established by treaty in 1855, the reservation is located in northwest Montana" (blackfeetnation.com).

In this episode, Tim explores Maslow's studies of the Blackfeet Nation. Specifically, Maslow notes the high synergy within the Blackfeet Nation (valuing gratitude, situational leadership, lack of competition) which he contrasts with the low synergy of some business organizations (competition, low morale, overvaluing one person as the leader). Tim references the book, "Maslow and Management" (1998, p. 24).

Reference

Maslow, A. H., Kaplan, A. R., Stephens, D. C., Heil, G., & Center for Innovative Leadership. (1998). Maslow on management. John Wiley & Sons.

Season One: Foundations of Leadosophy Leadosophy is the fusion of leadership and philosophy. We use philosophical thought to deepen our understanding of leadership, together.

Episode 11 In this episode, Tim takes a deep dive into the essence of humility, and the paradoxes that follow from claiming the "I am humble" title. He also discusses his "Lead Humbly" checklist which acts as guardrails to becoming overconfident and arrogant. He sips coffee and waxes a little philosophy, too. Check it out!

Season One: Foundations of Leadosophy Leadosophy is the fusion of leadership and philosophy. We use philosophical thought to deepen our understanding of leadership, together.

Episode 10 In this episode, Tim posits 10 deep and meaningful questions that every leader, potential leader, and follower should ponder. These questions are both reflective and self-reflective: from the "essence and purpose" of leadership to examining your ability and willingness to handle a conflict in competing values between yourself and others.

Season One: Foundations of Leadosophy Leadosophy is the fusion of leadership and philosophy. We use philosophical thought to deepen our understanding of leadership, together.

In our first episode of Leadosophy Quick Thoughts, Tim discusses the Law of Unique Experiences and why this Law makes trusting your inner voice of reason and intuition so important. You can act as your own authority when making many decisions. Your life's journey is unique in space and time. Leadosophy does not discount the importance of wisdom and advice from others, but you can also serve as your own sage.

Leadosophy Quick Thoughts humbly tries to capture the essence of philosophical and leadership thoughts in bite-sized formats. Sometimes, time is not on our side, but that does not mean that we should avoid thinking deeply, examining the meaning of life and leadership quickly. This is why quick thoughts are important.

Episode 9 This episode examines the importance of values and beliefs, which guide our conduct in life and leadership, in the community and in business. How do we acquire our beliefs? Can our beliefs be acquired in error? What is the process for critically examining our beliefs, and what role does self-reflection play in this process?

Season One: Foundations of Leadosophy Leadosophy is the fusion of leadership and philosophy. We use philosophical thought to deepen our understanding of leadership, together.

Episode 8 This episode examines the differences (perceived, real, or both) between technical competence and leadership competence. Tim discusses the cycle of Leader/Follower development using the analogy of a shipbuilder, i.e., Master/Apprentice relationship. He talks about the cycle of development, from the "Road to Competence" to the "Pursuit of Mastery" and "Joy of Empowerment."

Season One: Foundations of Leadosophy Leadosophy is the fusion of leadership and philosophy. We use philosophical thought to deepen our understanding of leadership, together.

In our first episode of Leadosophy On The Road (OTR), Tim discusses competence in craft, specifically how a leader's technical competence can increase his or her effectiveness as a leader. Granted, we still desire leaders who understand the importance of humanistic values, e.g., empathy, empowerment, caring, etc., but people want to follow leaders who are a wellspring of technical competence and technical knowledge. This assumes followers want to master their craft, an important caveat that requires further discussion beyond this first OTR episode.

A word of caution: in this episode, Tim is hiking in mountainous terrain which is full of critters. Tim is not an outdoorsman.

Leadosophy On The Road humbly tries to capture the essence of philosophical and leadership thoughts away from mission control, e.g., the Leadosophy Bunker. Sometimes Leadosophy, and Tim by proxy, like to travel. Leadership conundrums don't stop simply stop emerging when Tim's away from his home base. We can try to gain a deeper appreciation of leadership anywhere on Planet Earth, and, one day, maybe beyond Planet Earth.