Host Christi Scarrow and Guest Stacey Kravitz, President of UNFI Canada, discuss how leaders must be open to feedback and personal development to reach their full potential. The gap in knowledge and training between leaders and lower levels of an organization highlights the need for adapting approaches. They discuss how in a hybrid work environment, understanding generational differences and prioritizing ongoing learning and self-awareness are crucial for effective leadership. Leaders must adapt to the changing work landscape and learn from each other's perspectives.

Action Items

• Be open to feedback from others. Even if you are doing a good job, you might be able to do a great job that sets you up for the next step in your career.

• Read Robin Sharma's book “The Wealth Money Can't Buy: The 8 Hidden Habits to Live Your Richest Life” on building wealth in life to others

• Consider incorporating self-help lessons and recommendations into leadership development rather than just traditional training programs

Outline

The importance of feedback in leadership development.

• Stacey Kravitz learned that feedback is a gift and has helped her grow as a leader.

• Feedback from others helped Stacey understand her strengths and weaknesses, leading to personal growth.

• She reflects on missed opportunities for leadership growth in past roles.

• Stacey received feedback from a senior leader that hurt, but it also motivated her to improve her work.

Leadership challenges in a remote work environment.

• Stacey indicates that challenges in hybrid work include bridging the knowledge gap between leaders and lower levels, adapting to new norms, and managing cultural changes.

• Stacey discusses challenges of providing feedback in a remote work environment.

• Stacey and Christi discuss generational differences in the workplace and the importance of feedback and the challenges in building trust and managing teams in a remote work environment.

Leadership development, self-awareness, and ongoing learning.

• Stacey discusses how reading books on leadership and personal growth helps them lead better.

• Stacey recommends incorporating A-Ha! moments from literature into daily leadership journey.

• Stacey and Christi discuss the importance of self-awareness and ongoing learning for leaders.

• Christi appreciates the new generation's focus on wellness and holistic development.

Useful Links

Host: Christi's Web Page

Guest: UNFI Canada

Robin Sharma’s Latest Book: Recommended Reading

Contributors

Music: All The Fixings by Zachariah Hickman

Editing: tribe74

Keywords

leaders, feedback, organization, happen, career, work, important, people, today, love, folks, interesting, reading, pivotal moment, mentoring, changing, role, learning, teams, training, robin, sharma, wealth

Guest Luc Mongeau, President and CEO of eSolutions Furniture, and Host Christi Scarrow discuss the importance of combining emotional intelligence with intellect for effective leadership. They emphasize the need for authenticity, courage of conviction, and self-awareness to lead with heart and mind. Luc offers strategies for younger leaders to overcome their fear of vulnerability and discusses the challenges of leading in difficult times, including managing one's own ego and the fears of others.

Action Items

• Consider taking micro risks or gradual steps to show vulnerability if feeling unable to take big steps

• Continue introspection and self-reflection to better understand inner motivations and reactions

• Read spiritual chapters or seek guidance from non-business sources for new perspectives

Outline

Leadership lessons learned early in career, emphasizing the importance of heart and mind.

• Luc Mongeau emphasizes the importance of leading with both heart and mind.

• Luc emphasizes the importance of authenticity and courage in leadership.

• Mongeau shares a personal journey of introspection and growth, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence.

• Christi Scarrow resonates with Luc's message, acknowledging the challenge of balancing intellect and emotional intelligence for younger leaders.

Leadership, authenticity, and balancing different leadership styles in challenging situations.

• Luc shares their personal experience with being openly gay in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of gradual approach to inclusivity.

• Both speakers agree that engaging a committed, inclusive workforce is crucial for organizational success, especially during challenging times like COVID-19.

• Christi Scarrow asks about how to be authentic while also flexing your leadership style.

• Mongeau discusses the importance of self-awareness and introspection for effective leadership.

Leadership challenges and personal growth.

• Leaders must tame their own egos and work with others to achieve a unified destination.

• Luc reflects on their personal growth and leadership development journey.

• Mongeau reflects on overcoming fear and unlocking potential for growth and success.

Leadership, motivation, and self-reflection.

• Christi Scarrow believes that leadership is a journey of self-discovery, trial & error.

• Luc Mongeau shares that leadership divides, making decisions, going somewhere new.

• Leaders must balance ego with conviction and thick skin to succeed.

• Christi and Luc discuss leadership and creating an environment where people can be their best.

• Luc emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals' strengths and potential, rather than simply pushing them to work harder.

Useful Links

Host: Christi's Web Page

Guest: eSolutions Furniture

Lighthouse NINE Group: Website

Contributors

Music: All The Fixings by Zachariah Hickman

Editing: tribe74

Keywords

work, ego, leader, messy, leadership, business, good, fear, today, ability, environment, journey, understanding, early, lead, gradual approach, months, organization, creating, great, struggling

Welcome to Messy Leadership, a safe space where people-managers can tell the hard truth – that leadership is messy. Host Christi Scarrow is an author, Tedx speaker, consultant, trainer, executive coach, and leader who finds the ‘people’ part of managing people very difficult. Join her on this podcast where she has candid conversations with seasoned leaders who share their personal stories, struggles, and strategies to navigate the chaos and thrive.