In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Simon T. Bailey about discovering your purpose through resilience in leadership. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Simon discussed the importance of leadership, resilience, and self-discovery in fostering effective leadership, with a focus on genuine care and trust in leadership roles. They also explored the role of self-reflection in leadership, with Simon sharing his personal experience and Jonathan emphasizing the importance of tracking personal growth over time. Lastly, they discussed their experiences and connections that led to Simon's role as a visiting professor at Oxford, and the scheduling of a premium episode.
Leadership, Resilience, and Self-Discovery Discussion
Jonathan and Simon discussed the challenges of leadership and the importance of resilience and self-discovery in fostering effective leadership. Simon emphasized that real leadership is about inviting people on a journey to discover the leader within themselves, rather than trying to motivate or engage them. Jonathan agreed, stating that a leader can't motivate someone to a place they've never been themselves. They also discussed Simon's research, the State of Working America report, which explores thriving in resilience and brilliance. The conversation was set to continue with a deeper unpacking of Simon's research and its core findings.
Leadership Styles and Effective Management
Simon discussed the importance of leadership in the workplace, emphasizing that people prefer to work for a leader who inspires their brilliance rather than one who only has formal education. He shared his personal experience at Disney, where he initially managed as a boss with an agenda rather than a leader with a vision. After an intervention, he learned the importance of self-awareness, consistency, and asking the right questions to lead effectively. Jonathan agreed, noting that many young leaders struggle with these skills and often mimic what they've seen in TV or movies. He highlighted the importance of caring for one's team, which Simon agreed was a key aspect of effective leadership.
Genuine Care and Trust in Leadership Roles
Jonathan and Simon discussed the importance of genuine care and trust in leadership roles. Jonathan emphasized that leaders must genuinely care about their team's growth and development, and that this care is essential for building trust and motivating team members. Simon added that leaders who genuinely care about their team members tend to have higher customer satisfaction scores and better financial performance. They also discussed the concept of a "reluctant leader" who may not initially desire a leadership role but once in it, puts their whole heart and soul into it. Jonathan and Simon agreed that this type of leader is more interested in helping others and creating a positive work environment than in personal gain. They concluded by emphasizing the importance of resilience in leadership roles, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.
Self-Reflection and Personal Growth in Leadership
Simon and Jonathan discussed the importance of self-reflection in leadership roles. Simon shared a personal anecdote about Harry Kramer, former chairman and CEO of Boxer healthcare, who practiced self-reflection daily by asking himself three questions. Jonathan agreed with the importance of self-reflection and suggested that tracking personal growth over time can be a powerful motivator. They both emphasized the role of resilience in personal and character development, with Jonathan likening it to the slow process of losing weight and building muscle. They concluded that self-reflection and tracking personal growth can lead to significant character development and personal growth over time.
Listen to the webinar here:
