Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about one of the biggest challenges he sees in organizations and a struggle for many leaders: holding team members accountable. Mahan shares why outstanding leadership requires accountability and why it's hard to hold ourselves and others accountable. Finally, Mahan shares three leadership practices that can significantly increase accountability in your team.

Some highlights:

-What makes holding ourselves and others accountable so difficult

-The challenges faced by leaders in organizations in holding their team members accountable

-The role of leadership accountability in setting the right cultural example

-A gulf between perceptions and reality of the clarity in goals and expectations

-Eliminate most meetings but not this one meeting if you want a more accountable team

Supporting Podcast Conversations:

How Leaders Can Successfully Manage Conflict and Have Difficult Conversations with Marlene Chism

Simple Truths of Leadership, How to Be a Servant Leader and Build Trust with Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley

Building a Thriving Organization by Helping Clients Implement OKRs, Achieve Better Alignment and Strategy Execution with Workboard CEO Deidre Paknad

How to Lead Organizational Transformation through Intent-Based Leadership and the Power of Leadership Language with Former Nuclear Submarine Commander David Marquet

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

https://mahantavakoli.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/

More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website:

https://www.partneringleadership.com/

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Chuck Wisner, author of The Art of Conscious Conversations: Transforming How We Talk, Listen, and Interact. Chuck Wisner spoke about the power of stories in shaping our lives and interactions with others, the importance of self-awareness, and our egos' role in conversations. Finally, Chuck Wisner shared the four universal types of conversations and how we can maximize the effectiveness of each.

Some Highlights:

-Chuck Wisner on why we live in conversations like fish live in water

-How to break out of patterns of unproductive behaviors to be able to have conscious conversations 

-How to avoid the common pitfalls that cause our conversations to go sideways.

-Chuck Wisner on why the stories we tell ourselves are not the truth and why we should investigate the stories we tell ourselves 

-How our stories and other people's stories interact

Connect with Chuck Wisner:

The Art of Conscious Conversations: Transforming How We Talk, Listen, and Interact on Amazon 

Chuck Wisner Website

Chuck Wisner LinkedIn

Chuck Wisner Twitter

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jenny Bilfield. Jenny Bilfield is the President and CEO of Washington Performing Arts (WPA), one of the U.S.'s preeminent multi-disciplinary arts presenters. WPA was the first organization of its kind to receive the coveted National Medal of Arts conferred by President Obama at the White House. In the conversation, Jenny Bilfield shares the origin of her passion for the arts and how her career progressions eventually led her to take on her current role, leading Washington Performing Arts. Jenny Bilfield shared the challenges the organization had to face because of the pandemic and how WPA was able to pivot quickly, resulting in a more significant connection with artists and the community. Finally, Jenny Bilfield shared advice on growing as a leader.

Some Highlights:

-Jenny Bilfield on her childhood love for the arts

-A young composer looking to make a difference

-Jenny Bilfield on pushing back against assumptions of what women could do

-The impact of 9/11, the loss of a father, and the birth of a child

-Washington Performing Arts founding in 1966 bringing inclusive experiences in the arts to both concert hall audiences as well as school children 

-Why it's essential to lead with a single narrative

-Jenny Bilfield on leading through involving people

-Becoming better as a result of setbacks and challenges

-Jenny Bilfield on the importance of finding the right mentors

Connect with Jenny Bilfield:

Washington Performing Arts 

Jenny Bilfield on LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Marlene Chism. Marlene Chism is the leading authority on stopping workplace drama and the author of four books, including her most recent book, From Conflict to Courage: How to Stop Avoiding and Start Leading. In the conversation, Marlene Chism shares what leaders get wrong about conflict, the negative consequences of avoiding conflict, and how to most effectively address conflict by changing our narrative.  

Some Highlights:

-Marlene Chism on what we get wrong about conflict in the workplace

-Why we need to change our narrative before being able to address conflict

-The importance of the inner game in addressing conflict

-How to face conflict courageously

-Marlene Chism on why conflict is an essential part of growth and authentic relationships

-How to channel conflict into courageous conversations

Additional episodes:

Partnering Leadership conversation with Dr. Timothy Clark on the Four Stages of Psychological Safety, Listen Here

Partnering Leadership conversation with Jim Detert on Choosing Courage, Listen Here

Connect with Marlene Chism:

Marlene Chism Website 

Marlene Chism LinkedIn 

From Conflict to Courage on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

https://mahantavakoli.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/

More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

https://www.partneringleadership.com/

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rahsaan Bernard. Rahsaan Bernard serves as the President of Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR). This nonprofit organization built and now manages the 16.5 acres of Townhall Health Education Arts Recreation Campus known as THEARC in Washington, DC. BBAR is also building the first elevated park in Washington, the 11 Street Bridge Park Project. In the conversation, Rahsaan Bernard shared the impact of his upbringing in Jamaica, critical parts of his leadership journey, and his focus on impact through Building Bridges Across the River. In addition, Rahsaan Bernard shared historical factors impacting the greater need of residents in D.C.'s Ward 8 and the need for the services provided. Rahsaan Bernard also shared how BBAR has involved the community in planning for the 11th Street Bridge Park Project and how that level of engagement can serve as a model for all leaders.  

Some Highlights:

-Rahsaan Bernard on his upbringing in Jamaica and why his family moved to the U.S.

 -What fascinated Rahsaan with bodybuilding and fitness

-Rahsaan Bernard on meeting his wife and starting a business focused on fitness

-Why Rahsaan Bernard chose to take on the role of President of Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR) and the goal of the organization

-Historical reasons why there has been very little investment in D.C.'s Ward eight, resulting in food deserts, as well as socioeconomic and medical challenges, 

-Why do resident's on the East side of the river live an average of 13 years less than those on the west side of the river

-The thinking behind the 11th Street Bridge Park and the process Rahsaan Bernard used to get involvement and buy-in from the community

-Recognition of BBAR by Highline network as the best-in-class approach to building and investing in communities

-Why Rahsaan Bernard chose to join the National Board of Feeding America

-Leadership practices and resources Rahsaan Bernard has used to lead his team and engage more effectively with the community

Connect with Rahsaan Bernard:

Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR) 

Rahsaan Bernard on LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Richard Hua, Global Head of EPIC Leadership and Chief EQ Evangelist at Amazon Web Services. In the conversation, Richard Hua shared his origin story, why he became interested in the power of emotional intelligence, the importance of emotional intelligence to individual and organizational success, and how we can all develop our emotional intelligence EQ. Finally, Richard Hua shared leadership practices for leading with greater emotional intelligence.   

Some highlights:

- Richard Hua on growing up in a challenging environment 

- How the people around us affect our happiness, as well as our emotional and spiritual wellbeing

- Richard Hua on transitioning from being a missionary to a role in high tech 

- The main elements of emotional intelligence

- Richard Hua’s thoughts on the importance of seeking advice and the role it plays in greater self-awareness

- How and why Richard Hua started an EQ movement in Amazon

- Richard Hua on the value of training in developing greater emotional intelligence 

- The role emotional intelligence plays in organizational leadership and how to do it well

Mentioned:

John Rossman (Listen to John Rossman’s episode on Partnering Leadership here)

Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

Bill George, author of Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value

Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success 

Connect with Richard Hua:

Richard Hua Website

Richard Hua on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rebecca Linder, founder, and CEO of Linder Global Events. Rebecca Linder shares her leadership journey and the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship. Rebecca Linder also shares her thoughts on the impact of the pandemic on the events industry and how technology is reshaping gatherings. Finally, Rebecca shares why expectations for all kinds of meetings have changed and how leaders can rethink gatherings for greater engagement and impact. 

Some highlights:

- The importance of appreciating diverse cultures and continually reinventing yourself

- Rebecca Linder's on the challenges of starting a business at 26 

- Rebecca Linder on discovering herself and becoming more purpose-driven as a result

- The pandemic's impact on the events industry

- Rebecca Linder's thoughts on how gatherings have changed as a result of the pandemic

- The future of events and how to do a better job when conventing, whether for events, meetings, or other gatherings 

- Rebecca Linder's thoughts on how to better handle the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and leadership 

Mentioned:

Vanessa Bohns (Listen to Vanessa Bohns’ episode on Partnering Leadership here)

Connect with Rebecca Linder

LINDER Global Events Website

Rebecca Linder on Twitter

Rebecca Linder on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Brad Federman, Leadership and Culture Expert, Speaker, Coach, and Author of Cultivating Culture: 101 Ways to Foster Engagement in 15 Minutes or Less. Brad Federman shares how leaders can cultivate a company culture that will help them succeed in creating a two-way dialogue and improving teamwork. Brad Federman also highlighted the eight key focus areas that will amplify values at work to achieve a healthy and productive organization. Finally, Brad Federman outlines how cultivating culture brings your team together and keeps them committed to the company's core values.

Some highlights:

- Brad Federman's upbringing, personal influences, and how that impacted his perspective in life

- The importance of understanding the culture of an organization and how it contributes to making better decisions

- The reason behind organizations struggling to keep good people

- Brad Federman on the definition of organizational culture

- How leaders can build better and more robust cultures 

- What leaders must do to foster better relationships with customers 

- Brad Federman on the pandemic's impact on organizational culture 

- Best practices and recommendations for leaders on how to cultivate culture and collaborative decision making

Mentioned:

Greg Satell (Listen to  Greg Satell’s episode on Partnering Leadership here)

Books Mentioned: 

The Trusted Advisor by David Maister

At the Heart of Leadership: How to Get Results with Emotional Intelligence

by Joshua Freedman, Peter Salovey

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry,  Jean Greaves, Patrick Lencioni

Connect with Brad Federman:

Performance Point Website

Cultivating Culture: 101 Ways to Foster Engagement in 15 Minutes or Less on Amazon

Brad Federman on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli first acknowledges the 200th episode of the podcast. Mahan then shares his thoughts on the three practices that can help us stay aligned with our purpose: feeling and expressing genuine gratitude, focusing on the gain and not just the gap, and living life in crescendo.


Some highlights:

- Celebrating 200 episodes of Partnering Leadership, a journey of learning and growth for purpose-driven leaders with a growth mindset

- The importance of internally focused gratitude and expressing genuine gratitude to others

- Why do we focus more on the gap rather than the gain in our lives, and how a shift in focus helps us achieve our purpose

- Keeping the spirit of living in crescendo: our best work is ahead of us!


Mentioned:

-Cynthia Covey Haller (Listen to Partnering Leadership conversation on living life in crescendo: https://www.partneringleadership.com/how-to-live-life-in-crescendo-inspiring-lessons-from-legendary-leadership-expert-stephen-r-coveys-powerful-final-book-with-co-author-cynthia-covey-haller-partnering-leadership-global-thought-leader/

-Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Dan Sullivan's book: The Gap and the Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success


Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:
https://mahantavakoli.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/

More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/

Ask a question or post an update…

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Cynthia Covey Haller, a teacher, speaker, an active participant in her community and co-author Live Life in Crescendo: Your Most Important Work is Always Ahead of You. Cynthia Covey Haller shares what it means to live life with a crescendo and how to face challenges and opportunities in the middle to later stages of life. Cynthia Covey Haller also tells inspiring stories on how we can enrich the lives of people around us, the community, and the world. Finally, Cynthia Covey Haller discusses how to be a better leader, to communicate worth and potential to people and the legacy we leave behind. 

Some highlights:

- The importance of setting leadership examples and living its values

- Cynthia Covey Haller shares childhood stories with her dad 

- The story behind “Live Life With Crescendo”

- Cynthia Covey Haller on “Live Life With Crescendo” and how it relates to leading our lives

- How can we approach our lives viewing it as a mission

 - The secret to staying focus to your life mission amidst technology and social media

- Cynthia Covey Haller on fulfilling the most important roles in your life

- Love for service and how it plays a role in living life in crescendo

- How hardships can serve as a moment when we are living life in crescendo

- Cynthia Covey Haller shares practices and resources to a more effective leadership

Mentioned:

Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Steven M.R. Covey (Listen to Steven M.R. Covey episode on Partnering Leadership)

Ken Blanchard (Listen to Ken Blanchard’s episode with Randy Conley on Partnering Leadership here)

Books Mentioned:

Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others by by Stephen M.R. Covey 

The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown 

Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most by Greg McKeown 

The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates

Connect with Cynthia Covey Haller:

Live Life in Crescendo: Your Most Important Work Is Always Ahead of You (The Covey Habits Series) on Amazon

Cynthia Covey Haller on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website