The Military Sherpa Leadership Podcast

We’ve all heard it: Do more with less. But how do you manage that without letting your work-life balance fall apart? In this episode, we tackle the listener question, “How do we keep getting told to do more with less, and why are we surprised when work-life balance is askew?” We’ll break down five strategies for becoming more effective while protecting your well-being. From working harder to optimizing efficiency and mentorship, we’ll explore what works in the short term versus the long term, the benefits and trade-offs of each, and how to find your personal leadership sweet spot.

We’ve all been there—stuck under a boss who doesn’t seem to see past your rank or give you the support you deserve. But in the military, you can’t pick your boss, and sometimes you have to make the best of a bad situation. In this episode, we’ll dive into four key strategies for navigating a difficult leadership dynamic: protecting your boss’s position even when you disagree, offering high support to build trust, practicing good followership, and knowing when to stand up for your values. Tune in for practical advice on how to stay professional, maintain your integrity, and grow as a leader—no matter who’s in charge.

We’ve all been there—working under a boss who seems more like a villain than a leader. In this episode, we tackle the tough topic of dealing with a horrible boss. Whether they’re micromanaging, inconsistent, or just plain toxic, a bad boss can make even the best job feel unbearable. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Join us as we explore practical strategies for surviving—and even thriving—under difficult leadership. We’ll discuss how to protect your mental health, maintain your professional integrity, and find ways to grow despite the challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone currently struggling with a tough boss or looking to support someone who is.

In this special episode, I sit down with my son, Justice Tilsher, a bestselling author and young entrepreneur, to talk about his new business and exciting podcast for aspiring writers. We dive into the world of young writers and explore how Justice is helping them finish and publish their first book. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about legacy, perseverance, and the impact of storytelling. Whether you're a young writer or simply interested in the creative process, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Tune in to hear how Justice’s journey is just beginning and how his passion for helping others reach their goals is setting the stage for the next generation of authors. Don’t miss this chance to support a young visionary who’s making waves in the world of publishing.

In this episode, we dive into the concept of "Silent Firing"—the subtle yet damaging practice of quietly sidelining underperforming team members without clear communication or accountability. We'll explore how this passive approach not only demoralizes the individual but also undermines the entire team's performance and culture. Discover how to recognize the signs of silent firing in your organization and learn actionable strategies to address underperformance head-on, fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and transparency. Whether you're a leader struggling with difficult conversations or a team member feeling left in the dark, this episode will empower you to face these challenges with clarity and courage.

In leadership, the gap between theory and practice often marks the difference between success and failure. As we conclude our Basecamp series, this episode offers a deep dive into the strategies necessary to embody the qualities of effective leadership. Drawing on advanced leadership theories, such as Google's Project Oxygen and Gallup's research on leadership traits, we will explore a strategic framework for taking inventory of your leadership skills, clearly defining your objectives, and aligning your team's focus with these critical areas. This episode is designed to challenge you and push your leadership development to the next level before we begin our climb.

(Part 2) What does it take to be a leader worth following? In this episode, we’re breaking down Google’s Project Oxygen to uncover the top leadership traits that can transform any team. We’ll focus on the key behaviors that Google identified as essential: being a good coach, empowering teams, avoiding micromanagement, creating an inclusive team environment, and focusing on productive behavior and results. These aren’t just tech industry buzzwords—they’re actionable insights for military leaders at every level. Tune in for practical tips on how to develop these traits in yourself and your team, and a few humorous pitfalls to avoid. And remember, there are only two certification classes left this year—visit militarysherpa.com and click “Get Certified” to sign up today!

What does it take to be a leader worth following? In this episode, we’re breaking down Google’s Project Oxygen to uncover the top leadership traits that can transform any team. We’ll focus on the key behaviors that Google identified as essential: being a good coach, empowering teams, avoiding micromanagement, creating an inclusive team environment, and focusing on productive behavior and results. These aren’t just tech industry buzzwords—they’re actionable insights for military leaders at every level. Tune in for practical tips on how to develop these traits in yourself and your team, and a few humorous pitfalls to avoid. And remember, there are only two certification classes left this year—visit militarysherpa.com and click “Get Certified” to sign up today!

In this episode, Mark Tilsher explores the critical role of rest and downtime in enhancing team performance and leadership effectiveness. Sharing personal anecdotes and backed by research, Mark delves into why rest is essential for leaders and their teams, how to incorporate intentional rest periods, and the benefits of play and downtime in fostering a productive and happy work environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the importance of rest for leaders and teams.
• How to intentionally set aside time for rest.
• Benefits of integrating play and downtime into the work routine.
• Real-world examples and strategies for military and civilian leaders.

In this episode, Mark Tilsher dives deep into the concept of assertiveness in leadership. Often mistaken for competence, assertiveness can either make or break your influence in a team setting. Mark shares personal anecdotes from his military career, backed by research and practical tips on how to harness the power of assertiveness to build relational capital and lead effectively.

• Understanding the difference between assertiveness and competence.
• How to manage conflict constructively.
• Building relational capital through effective communication.
• Real-world examples and strategies for military and civilian leaders.

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 02:15 – The misconception of assertiveness as competence
• 07:30 – Personal story: Feeling left out and frustrated in military meetings
• 12:45 – Research insights on assertiveness and relational capital
• 18:20 – Practical tips for managing conflict and building influence
• 24:10 – Real-world examples from military and civilian settings
• 30:00 – Conclusion and key takeaways

Assertiveness, Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Relational Capital, Military Leadership, Influence, Communication, Team Dynamics, Mark Tilsher, Military Sherpa