The Leader's Podcast with Maxie Carpenter

There's a reason communication is the number one dysfunction recognized in any survey of any individual or organization struggling to accomplish their objectives. Understanding the Why is more important than the How.

More and more, those with positions of authority and power are withholding selective communication from their people in order to maintain control of the environment and the narrative. When Leaders don't communicate, they should stop wondering why no one trusts them. 

The workplace has changed forever. The days of the charismatic, 'hero' type leader are over. Leaders in a Post COVID environment must evolve into thought leaders, willing to allocate time to people and activities that will impact them personally and professionally.

I talk with more and more current and aspiring leaders weekly, struggling to realize their capacity because of too many of their direct reports operating in command and control mode because of COVID. Operating in crisis never helps anyone survive the crisis, especially when Servant Leadership is subordinated. 

Unfortunately, we're not seeing much of that kind of leadership today, are we? It's disappointing to see so many leaders focusing on outcomes more than people, which is what happens when you're leading in crisis. 

Taking advantage of opportunities is one thing. Taking advantage of people is quite another. 

My greatest fear is that the dictatorial and autocratic leadership style now in charge will ripple downhill to the rest of the country. Instead of self-serving leaders who  marginalize, neutralize and muzzle potential leaders and their capacity, we need more servant leaders who encourage, lift up and serve those under their influence.