In this episode of the Freedom Nation podcast, I spoke with host Jeff Kikel about the challenges of abusive leadership in the corporate world, and the importance of empathy and effective problem-solving. I shared my methods for uncovering issues within sales teams and my coaching techniques for addressing turnover and performance problems. The conversation also covers adapting to change, the impact of remote work, and the significance of resilience.
We also discuss:
- The many challenges that are faced in the corporate world, including abusive leadership and lack of empathy
- How to use assessments and evaluations to help companies understand what they don't know about their people.
- How coaching can address high turnover and performance issues
- The impact of abusive behavior in the workplace
- How to build empathy in the workplace that fosters a high performing team
- Why it is imperative to adapt to change, particularly in the context of the pandemic and remote work
Some Key Moments:
00:00 Intro
(00:05:45) Challenges in corporate roles when encountering abusive leaders
(00:09:14) Helping companies understand what they don't know through assessments and evaluations
(00:11:06) Broad-based approach of great minds
(00:12:24) Typical clients and common challenges they face
(00:13:58) Diagnosing sales team challenges through a diagnostic approach
(00:19:01) Common challenges in businesses
(00:20:29) Dealing with abusive leaders
(00:24:07) Adapting to Change during the pandemic
(00:28:35) Business tool for gathering intelligence and information about potential clients or customers.
The Art of Transitioning Careers
I don’t discuss it often but I started my career as an artist, a path that's worlds apart from the structured environment of management consulting. The transition was not without its challenges. There were many hurdles, including working under abusive leaders and navigating the often cold and empathy-deficient corridors of corporate offices.
Uncovering the “Unseen” in Sales Teams
My start in the corporate world inspired my approach to helping companies identify their blind spots. Using a combination of assessments and evaluations to reveal underlying issues within sales teams. We go beyond surface-level problems, digging into the core of what hinders performance and turnover rates. It's a process that demands curiosity, meaningful questioning, and an ability to think outside the box.
Leadership and the Shadow of Abuse
One of the most poignant topics we discussed was the impact of abusive behavior in the workplace. We need for leaders to own up to their actions and the transformative power of coaching programs. Even the toughest and most abrasive leaders can evolve into empathetic and caring individuals with the right guidance. The conversation was a powerful reminder of how the echoes of a leader's past can resonate through their leadership style, affecting employee well-being and productivity.
Adapting to Change in the Wake of a Pandemic
The pandemic has reshaped the way we work. The shift to remote work and the subsequent challenges of reintegrating employees back into the office have been significant hurdles for many. I had many experiences of collaborating with colleagues to not just survive but thrive during the trying times.
Embracing Opportunities and Overcoming Regrets
I opened up about what I consider to be my biggest business mistake—turning down a position as an assistant curator at the Guggenheim Museum due to parental influence. The decision taught me the value of following one's own path and making choices aligned with personal passions and goals.
Defining Freedom and Letting Go
Host Jeff Kikel ends his “Freedom Nation” podcast asking his guest to define freedom. I loved this question. I believe that freedom is the wisdom in releasing preconceived notions and embracing the unknown. I hope in my work I am able to help others to achieve freedom as they improve their businesses with my practices.
Host: Jeff Kikel, Freedom Nation Podcast
