In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Ash Beckham about their book, How to Live with Courage and Become an Everyday Leader. 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 Ash discussed the importance of leadership, courage, and personal growth in various aspects of life, emphasizing that leadership is not limited to specific roles or titles. They highlighted the need for individuals to develop leadership skills, practice courage, and utilize their unique leadership styles to benefit others. The conversation also touched on the importance of self-awareness, the potential risks and rewards of speaking up against the status quo, and the upcoming release of Ash's book.
Balancing Self-Image and Personal Growth
Jonathan and Ash discussed the challenges of maintaining a positive self-image at home, particularly with family members who witness all aspects of their lives. Jonathan acknowledged that he sometimes falls short in this regard, allowing himself to react or respond in ways he later regrets. Ash agreed, noting that these moments of vulnerability can lead to personal growth and that it's the response to these setbacks that defines a leader. Both emphasized the importance of learning from these experiences and striving to improve.
Embracing Authentic Leadership Styles Everywhere
Jonathan and Ash discussed the importance of leadership in various aspects of life, emphasizing that it's not limited to specific roles or titles. They highlighted the need to break away from the expectation of perfection and linear growth in leadership, and instead, focus on personal strengths and authentic leadership styles. Ash also stressed the importance of recognizing leadership in all individuals, regardless of their background or position, and encouraged people to embrace their unique leadership styles. The conversation concluded with the idea of redefining what leadership looks like and empowering individuals to see themselves as leaders.
Developing Leadership Skills and Courage
Jonathan and Ash discussed the importance of leadership and the need for individuals to develop leadership skills regardless of their position. They highlighted that having a leadership role does not automatically make someone a leader, and that true leadership involves utilizing power and influence in a way that benefits others. They also emphasized the importance of courage in leadership, noting that it involves facing uncomfortable situations and pushing personal boundaries to grow as a leader. Ash further added that a successful team requires a diverse range of thought and that leaders need to interact with people who are motivated differently.
Developing Courage in Everyday Life
Ash and Jonathan discussed the concept of courage and its application in everyday life. Ash emphasized that courage isn't the absence of fear, but rather the ability to act despite fear. He suggested that courage can be practiced and strengthened through low-risk situations, such as having uncomfortable conversations. Jonathan agreed, noting that courage can be seen as a muscle that can be developed and strengthened through practice. They also touched on the idea of using one's privilege to speak up for others, acknowledging the importance of self-awareness and practice in developing courage.
Practicing Courage in Personal and Professional Life
Jonathan and Ash discussed the importance of practicing courage in various aspects of life, including personal and professional settings. Jonathan emphasized that people often catastrophize situations, making them seem worse than they actually are. He suggested that by taking on challenges and exercising courage, one can grow more comfortable with tasks that initially seemed daunting. Ash agreed, noting that courage is something that can be developed over time and that it's not a binary trait. They also discussed the potential risks and rewards of speaking up against the status quo in the workplace, with Jonathan suggesting that making a good faith effort, even if imperfect, can lead to positive outcomes.
Developing Courage and Empathy in Leadership
Jonathan and Ash discussed the importance of developing courage and empathy in leadership. Ash emphasized the need for a toolkit of various leadership skills, including courage, empathy, and grace, to effectively lead in different situations. Jonathan agreed, noting that while there may be risks, the benefits of developing these skills often outweigh the potential downsides. Ash encouraged the audience to practice their courage by doing something that scares them, and Jonathan thanked Ash for the insightful conversation.
Listen to the webinar here:
