The Cutlass Podcast

The Cutlass Podcast

By Paul KingsburyBusinessEducationSelf-ImprovementManagement
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The Cutlass Podcast episodes

  • How to Succeed In Your New Leadership Position
    Have you recently been promoted or assumed a new role or position? Perhaps you're struggling to make the transition from peer to supervisor. For all of us, growing into a new position of responsibility takes time and flexibility. Join Command Master Chief Samira McBride, winner of the U.S. Navy's Delbert Black Leadership Award, and I as we offer insights and advice about assuming a new role of responsibility and what you can do to make your transition easier. You won't want to miss this episode!!
    For additional information about the topics discussed in this and other episodes check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide which can be found at https://www.usni.org/press/books/chief-petty-officers-guide-2nd-edition. Or, you can order a signed and inscribed copy at https://www.cutlassleadership.com.
    29 min
  • How to Handle a Toxic Leader

    In this episode, Paul Kingsbury and his guest John Cordle discuss toxic leadership in the military and discusses potential solutions. The conversation covers the reasons why it can occur, the impacts of toxic leaders on units and the broader organization, and offers a strategy and tactics for dealing with toxic bosses and mitigating toxic leadership.

    53 min
  • Strategic Communication

    In this episode, Paul Kingsbury and Scott Stalker discuss the importance of communication skills in leadership and how they evolve as you move up in organizations. They also explore the concept of strategic communication and the components of a strategic communication plan. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the target audience, context, outcomes, key messages, channels of communication, and the selection of the messenger. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into effective communication strategies for leaders. In this conversation, Paul and Scott discuss various aspects of strategic communication. They emphasize the importance of knowing the messenger and their comfort level and competencies in communication. They also explore the noise and barriers to effective communication, particularly at higher levels. The conversation highlights the focus on great power competition and the challenges of misalignment of messages. They discuss the impact of geographical distance on communication and the use of virtual tools. The importance of purposeful travel and gathering feedback is emphasized, as well as the role of trust in leadership. The conversation concludes with a recommendation for the book 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' and a reflection on the importance of personal development and continuous learning in strategic communication.Takeaways

    • Communication skills are crucial for leadership and evolve as you move up in organizations.
    • Strategic communication involves planning and executing communication to achieve organizational goals.
    • Understanding the target audience, context, outcomes, key messages, channels of communication, and selecting the right messenger are essential in strategic communication.
    • Effective communication strategies require considering the specific needs and preferences of the audience. Knowing the messenger and their comfort level and competencies is crucial in strategic communication.
    • Noise and barriers can hinder effective communication, especially at higher levels.
    • The focus on great power competition shapes strategic communication priorities.
    • Misalignment of messages can lead to confusion and diluted communication.
    • Geographical distance can be overcome with virtual communication tools.
    • Purposeful travel should be tied to the organization's strategic plan and governance.
    • Building trust is essential in effective leadership communication.
    • Personal development and continuous learning are key to improving strategic communication skills.


      • 1 hr 4 min
    • Three Key Ways to Be A Powerful and Positive Leader
      Retired Fleet Master Chief and current Director of Operations for Director, Navy Staff Scott A. Benning joins me to discuss the philosophies behind his book, "The Power of Positive Leadership." Scott reveals what prompted him to write his book; dives into his Inspire, Challenge, and Empower approach to leadership; and offers his thoughts on why having a positive attitude as a leader is so crucial. 
      Scott's book can be found on Amazon, Google Books, and other online stores and his website. Other resources mentioned in this episode include the "Minute with Maxwell" and "Bob Feller Foundation Act of Valor" podcasts.
      For additional information about the topics I discuss in this and other episodes check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide. You can order you signed and inscribed copy here.
      32 min
    • How and Why To Communicate Purpose and Vision to Your Team

      Taking time with U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, and host of The Evolution Podcast Jeff Bayless to discuss the importance of finding, defining, and communicating purpose to your teams and yourself.   For additional information about the topics I discuss in this and other episodes check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide which can be found at https://www.usni.org/press/books/chief-petty-officers-guide-2nd-edition. You can order you signed and inscribed copy at https://www.cutlassleadership.com. Other resources mentioned in this episode include the Making Sense podcast by Sam Harris, "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl, and "Dare to Lead" by Berne' Brown. 

      28 min
    • Beards in the Military?! A Case Study in Change Management
      In this episode, I'm rejoined with Human Factors Engineer and retired Navy Captain, Dr. John Cordle to discuss his USNI Blog article "Revisiting the Navy's Beard Policy, With an Eye Towards Inclusion". We also dive into the change management process and work to offer insights on how leaders can and should think through demand signals for change. Check out this topic and others at www.cutlassleadership.com and by following my Cutlass Leadership Concepts Facebook page @cutlassleadership. To provide feedback or suggest topics, please email me at [email protected]
      34 min
    • Are You an Ambassador of Goodwill or Hostility? (Episode 45)
      The U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer's Creed charges Chiefs with the responsibility to be THE ambassador of goodwill. But this role requires skills and reflection, and this role applies to any military or civilian leader. In this episode I offer my insights the attributes and skills that great ambassadors have, who leaders serve as ambassadors for, and how to handle different conflicts of loyalty that you may encounter in this role. For more information and resources you can check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide or join me at www.cutlassleadership.com. Also, check out Cutlass Podcast episodes, "Leading Up, Down, and Across to Shape Team Mental Health", "How to Develop Team Loyalty", "How to Be a Better Listener", "Advice on Becoming a Kick A$$ Public Speaker", and "A MCPON Teaches How to Handle Difficult People and Conversations!"
      33 min
    • Reflecting on Colin Powell's 13 Rules of Leadership
      The world lost a great leader last week. Join Mark "Hurricane" Halliburton, Director of Marketing at Your Next Mission™ & the American Freedom Foundation and I as we reflect on Colin Powell's 13 rules of leadership. For more information and resources join me at www.cutlassleadership.com.
      42 min
    • How the Command Master Chief Onboard USS COLE Led During the Terrorist Attack!
      Leaders have to lead and manage during routine and crisis situations. You have to be good at both and there is a connection between being good at routine operations and how your team responds during a crisis. Join me and retired Command Master Chief James Parlier, who was the CMC on USS Cole during the October 2000 bombing as we discuss how he and other leaders used versatility, up close leadership, and tough decision making to solve unique problems under stress. 
      To learn more about this topic check out "The Chief Petty Officer's Guide" and this video by Chief Petty Officer Sean Taitt. Other resources mentioned include "Front Burner: Al Qaeda's Attack on the USS Cole" by Kirk Lippold, "The Looming Tower" by Lawrence Wright, and "The Black Banners: The Inside Story of 9/11 and the War Against Al-Qaeda" by Ali Soufan
      To contact James for a speaking engagement, send him an email to [email protected].
      Send your feedback, questions, and suggested Cutlass Podcast topics to [email protected].
      34 min
    • How to Professionally “Push Back”
      Do you want to provide feedback on how to make a process better? Is you boss in need of some candid feedback on the personal or professional behavior? What's the role of a leader in creating an environment that is open to feedback? Join USCG Chief Petty Officer and author Phil Null and I as we offer insights and advice on how leaders and followers can professionally disagree.  For additional information about the topics I discuss in this and other episodes check out the Chief Petty Officer's Guide. Other resources mentioned in this episode include the book "Learning War" by Trent Hone which provides insight on how naval leaders at the turn of the 20th century found a forum to professionally push back to make their Navy better.
      39 min

    About The Cutlass Podcast

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