In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Mosongo Moukwa about the importance of small moments that build confidence. 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 Mosongo discussed the importance of leadership, presence, and mindfulness in making decisions and shaping conversations. They emphasized the significance of small, consistent actions in building trust, motivation, and a sense of belonging among team members. The conversation also highlighted the importance of treating people with dignity and respect, and the need for leaders to prioritize these practices for long-term success.
Presence, Mindfulness, and Career Journey
Jonathan and Mosongo discussed the importance of being present and mindful in making decisions, emphasizing that small moments can have a significant impact on our lives and careers. Mosongo shared his background, including his 30-year career in senior leadership positions with global companies, his Ph.D., and his current role as President at Hathaway Advanced Materials. He also shared his journey from being excited about a career in research to unexpectedly becoming a manager, initially feeling overwhelmed but eventually becoming successful in his role.
Leadership Development and Authenticity in Action
Jonathan emphasized the importance of leadership development in addressing these gaps, and shared his own experience of being successful in a leadership role despite not initially planning for it. Mosongo agreed, highlighting the importance of leaders being visible and authentic in their interactions with others, and using everyday opportunities to shape conversations and moments that matter. They also discussed the value of asking powerful questions to encourage reflection.
Leadership, Belonging, and Valuing Employees
Mosongo and Jonathan discussed the importance of leadership in creating a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and valuing employees. Mosongo shared personal anecdotes to illustrate these points, emphasizing the significance of small, consistent actions in building trust and motivation among team members. Jonathan agreed, noting that these small actions often go unnoticed but are crucial in establishing a positive work environment. They also touched on the importance of learning from others' stories and experiences. The conversation concluded with a suggestion for a future exercise where team members could interview each other about their most memorable experiences.
Building Trust and Loyalty Through Consistency
Jonathan and Mosongo discussed the importance of treating people with dignity and respect, emphasizing that this foundation is crucial for fostering trust, commitment, and loyalty within teams. They highlighted the significance of consistent, everyday interactions in building strong relationships, which are essential for handling larger, pivotal moments in a business. Jonathan also noted that many leaders struggle with consistency due to their busy schedules and the pressure of managing daily tasks. Mosongo agreed, adding that leadership is a journey of growth and development, requiring effort and a mindset that embraces change and innovation. They concluded that leaders must prioritize these simple yet impactful practices to achieve long-term success.
Listen to the webinar here:
