In this episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome dive into the concept of common sense in leadership, discussing its key traits and the ways to cultivate it. They explore the importance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, problem-solving, adaptability, empathy, integrity, inclusivity, and lateral thinking as essential components of common-sense leadership. They also share personal anecdotes and emphasize self-reflection, continuous learning, and the balance between technology and human intuition. Tomorrow's episode promises practical tips and tools to apply these insights to improve leadership skills.

Main Take-Aways

Common sense is learned. You are not naturally born with common sense. So what are some common sense traits of project leaders?

• emotional intelligence
• communication skills
• problem solving skills
• adaptability
• empathy
• integrity (ethics and morals)
• decisiveness and calmness under pressure
• inclusivity
• accountability
• diversity of experience(s)
• fostering a culture of open communication
• critical thinking/lateral thinking
• balancing technology and human intuition

  And how can you begin to develop them in yourself?

• self-reflection
• learning from mistakes
• seeking diverse perspectives
• mindfulness
• continuous learning
• practicing alternatives analysis

Show Notes

Today’s Project Managers Coffee Chat: Cultivating Common Sense in Leadership

00:29 Common sense is not innate; it can be learned.

01:00 Some key traits of common-sense leaders:

01:22     … emotional intelligence and using your emotions effectively

01:46     … effective communication skills

02:28      … problem solving skills that involve both logic (data) and the understanding of human behavior

03:28     … adaptability and the ability to adjust course

04:08      … empathy and consideration of others’ ideas

04:57     … integrity (ethics and morals)

05:32     … decisiveness and calmness under pressure

07:43      … inclusivity

08:13     … accountability

08:58     … diversity of experience(s)

10:54     … fostering a culture of open communication

11:18     … critical thinking/lateral thinking

12:34     … balancing technology and human intuition

14:20 High-level strategies that you can consider to develop common sense as pert of your growth as a leader:

14:42     … self-reflection

15:47     … not denigrating yourself for mistakes; learning from them

17:11     … seeking diverse perspectives

18:04     … quieting your mind, being mindful

18:54     … attitude of continuous improvement and continuous learning

20:25     … practicing alternatives analysis