Michael Stewart, for the past 25 years, has consulted to hundreds of organizations ranging from the Fortune 50 to small non-profits. He has partnered with numerous thought leaders and organizations including David Campbell, Marshall Goldsmith, Blanchard, CCL, Covey, Lominger, Korn/Ferry and others. He is known for data driven solutions that appeal to the strategic CEO, the strategic Human Resources leader, and the practitioner.
Michael Stewart’s team of Ph.D. consultants and industry leaders has conducted hundreds of executive leadership programs, coaching engagements, training courses and delivered more than 4.5 million assessments working with organizations in more than 90 countries. His holistic approach aligns the leadership and culture of an organization to better execute their strategic intent
Values are the real deal in organizations, and today, we're diving deep into how they explode in importance and truly shape the workplace vibe. We kick things off by busting the myth that values are just some fancy words hanging on a wall—they're about how we live and breathe them daily, holding ourselves and each other accountable. Our guest, Michael Stewart, takes us on a journey through his experiences, revealing how we can align these values with our organizational goals to create a thriving culture. We dig into the nitty-gritty of balancing individual coaching with the bigger picture of organizational strategy. So, whether you're a fresh leader trying to find your footing or a seasoned pro looking to re-energize your team, this episode is packed with insights to help you step up your game!
The conversation dives deep into the world of organizational values and their real impact on company culture. We kick things off with Michael Stewart, who brings years of experience in leadership development and talent management to the table. He emphasizes that values should not just be some fancy words framed on a wall; they need to be lived out and integrated into the everyday actions of employees. It’s all about accountability—how do organizations ensure that these values translate into real behaviors? We explore how to create clarity around these values, establishing them as the baseline for how things operate within the company. Michael shares anecdotes from his extensive career, illustrating how organizations like Citigroup have transformed their cultures by aligning their values with actions and expectations. This isn't just a fluffy conversation; it's about laying down the law on what behaviors are acceptable and what are not, ensuring everyone is on board and moving in the same direction.
We also touch on the importance of viewing leadership not just from an individual perspective but rather from a broader organizational lens. Michael shares insights into his methodology, including his 4R model, which breaks down leadership into Relationships, Roles, Responsibilities, and Results. This framework prompts leaders to assess their effectiveness not only in driving results but also in how they build and leverage relationships. It’s a fascinating discussion that challenges the traditional siloed approach to leadership development, pushing for a more integrated view that services the entire organization. As we wrap up, we reflect on how leaders can better understand their role in supporting organizational goals while simultaneously fostering the personal growth of their teams.
For anyone serious about leadership development, this episode is a goldmine of practical advice and insights. Michael’s experiences and the frameworks he discusses provide listeners with actionable takeaways that can be applied immediately in their own organizations. Plus, we sneak in some humor along the way, making this not just informative but also an enjoyable listen!
Takeaways:
- Organizational values are not just fancy words on a wall; they must be actively lived out and integrated into the culture.
- Being a leader means holding people accountable to the organization's values and ensuring everyone understands how they contribute to the bigger picture.
- Effective leaders balance individual development with organizational goals, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working toward common objectives.
- It's crucial for HR to connect their expertise in people management to the broader organizational strategy for greater influence and effectiveness.
- The 4R model emphasizes the importance of relationships, roles, responsibilities, and results in effective leadership and organizational alignment.
- A successful culture transformation requires aligning employee behaviors with strategic objectives while keeping the organization's unique context in mind.
Links referenced in this episode:
- work-effects.com
- Michael Stewart on Linked In
- Kent Kniebel on Linked In
- Promoted Leader Playbook
