episode 66 - the word is optic
the word is leadership optic episode cover
This week on The Word is Leadership, we explore the word “Optic” and how it connects to the idea of vision and focus in leadership. While “visionary leadership” is often romanticised as the ability to foresee the future, this episode argues that focusing on clarity, culture, and climate - the Three Cs - can deliver far more tangible results than the often elusive notion of vision.
Our word, optic, reminds us that successful leadership requires a clear focus. Here’s how clarity, culture, and climate provide that focus:
Clarity is about setting clear goals and expectations. Unlike vision, clarity is practical and immediate. It provides a roadmap that teams can act on today.
Culture is about the unspoken rules and shared beliefs that guide behaviour in an organisation. It shapes how employees work together, make decisions, and solve problems.
If culture is “how we do things,” climate is “how it feels to work here.” While clarity and culture contribute to climate, it’s the human connections that create a sense of belonging and engagement. People work better when they feel valued and supported.
Clarity, culture, and climate work together to create an environment where people can thrive. While vision can inspire, it’s often fuzzy and difficult to operationalise. Instead of striving to predict the future, focus on leading effectively in the present by ensuring clarity of goals and expectations, a culture that embodies shared values and a climate where people feel engaged and supported.
As promised here is a link to mind friends at mindtools https://www.mindtools.com and one to our season 1 edited transcripts https://amzn.to/4hwCUwd
episode 65 - the word is artificial
This week on The Word is Leadership, our random the word is “Artificial” which leads me to talk about artificial intelligence (AI). However, instead of adding to the noise, this episode focuses on the four key questions leaders must ask before engaging with AI
AI is not magic—it’s made by humans, trained by humans, and marketed by humans. Leaders must critically ask: “Who designed this AI and for whose benefit?” in order to assess the credibility of claims and the true value AI brings.
AI often claims to enhance efficiency or innovation, but leaders need to ask: “What exactly does this AI do and What is it replacing?” to know whether AI is solving a real problem, or is it being implemented for the sake of novelty?
AI mimics intelligence but lacks true creativity, emotional depth, or critical thinking which forces leaders to ask “What aspects of humanity remains irreplaceable?” to understand where the depth of human insight and connection remains critical.
Finally, as leaders, we must ask “What is intelligence?” to think critically about whether we want to shape our future or just maximise the benefits from a future shaped for us.
Thank you for listening, and as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share. Until next time!
episode 64 - the word is porcupine
the word is leadership podcast porcupine episode cover
In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, we take inspiration from the porcupine to explore a critical leadership quality: the ability to balance opposites—being both tough and caring, spiky yet approachable. Leadership, like the porcupine, requires embracing this duality to guide teams effectively.
True leadership lies in learning to embody both qualities at the same time, just like the porcupine they need three characteristics.
Know Your Stuff. Combining soft skills in communication with a spiky resolve to hold people accountable creates the foundation for team performance.
Care by Strengthening, Not Pleasing. Being truthful about weaknesses and offering the tools to improve is what builds resilience and growth.
Embrace Who You Are as a Leader. Great leaders are unapologetically themselves, combining their roughness with their inherent care.
Like the porcupine, leaders must adapt to their environment, being soft when nurturing and spiky when holding teams accountable.
Thank you for listening, and as always, if this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share. Until next time!
episode 63 - the word is hourglass
the word is leadership podcast hourglass episode cover
In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, I use the metaphor of an hourglass to reframe how leaders approach career development. When planning your career trajectory, the hourglass provides a unique lens for gaining clarity and momentum.
Leaders often view their careers as a funnel, narrowing with specialisation and limiting opportunities. However, a career is better understood as an hourglass:
The Upper Chamber - Realising Potential:
Early in your career, focus on building skills, gaining experiences, and proving your value.
The Narrow Neck - Avoiding the Mid-Career Trap:
Many professionals get stuck here, believing their specialisation restricts their opportunities.
The Lower Chamber - Broadening Impact:
Leadership involves moving beyond expertise to apply your experiences across the organisation.
Key Takeaways
Leadership isn’t just about expertise; it’s about leveraging experience to create value across the organization.
Avoid the mid-career trap by asking how your experience can serve others outside your immediate role.
If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, share and, I hope, join me next week!
episode 62 - the word is constellation
the word is leadership constellation podcast cover
In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word "Constellation" and what it means for leadership. Just as stars exist within a larger system and context, leadership operates across three interconnected units: the individual leader, the team, and the organization. Understanding the dynamic interplay between these levels is essential for intentional and effective leadership.
1. You - The Star:
Leaders are shaped by a group of ideas that impacts the team and organisational environment.
2. The Team - The Gathering of Stars:
Teams are constellations—individual stars with unique preferences, roles, and contributions that must be harmonised for optimal performance.
3. The Organisation - The Galaxy:
The organisation is the broader system that shapes individuals and teams. Like gravitational forces, its culture, structures, and dynamics influence behaviour and performance.
The key lesson of Constellation is that leadership requires a multi-level perspective:
Look deep within yourself and your team to understand drives, roles, and responses.
Look up to see the broader system—how individuals, teams, and the organization interact and adapt in a changing context.
True leadership involves navigating these dynamics intentionally, ensuring that every element is seen and aligned.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share. I’ll see you next time!
episode 61 - the word is carnage
The word is leadership podcast carnage episode cover
In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word "Carnage," using its more colloquial sense of “total disaster” to discuss how leaders can rebuild after major failures. Whether stepping into a role amidst chaos or managing through a significant organizational breakdown, every leader will face a moment when they must recover from carnage. So, how do you rebuild?
This episode gives me the chance to offer a practical 3-step framework to lead in the aftermath of a leadership or organizational disaster:
1. Start with a Clean Sheet (Clarity and Standards)
To rebuild, start by wiping the slate clean and resetting expectations. Focus on clarity (what needs to be done and why) and standards (how it needs to be done).
2. Rebuild the Basics (Trust and Team Dynamics)
After setting the foundation, focus on trust and team dynamics. You need discretionary effort from your team to truly recover.
3. Don’t Think It’s Over (Realism and Monitoring)
Carnage often happens when leaders are caught off guard. To prevent future failures, stay vigilant by monitoring performance with objective metrics and feedback.
Recovering from carnage isn’t about perfection—it’s about laying a stronger foundation, building trust, and remaining adaptable to navigate the unexpected.
If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to rate, review, and share it with others!
episode 60 - the word is peace
the word is leadership podcast peace episode cover
In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word “Peace”.
Peace doesn’t have to be the absence of conflict, it can also suggest a state of harmony, where conflict can exist but be managed constructively. As leaders, embracing "peaceful conflict" enables growth, creativity, and stronger relationships.
To navigate conflict effectively, I offer a practical series of questions to ensure a peaceful, resolution-focused approach:
Do you want to win, or do you want to resolve the conflict? Your mindset determines your approach (competition or a shared challenge)
Do you see the person behind the conflict? Recognizing the humanity in your counterpart helps you value their input, enhancing the path to resolution.
Ask the ‘W’ questions (Why, When, Where, What, Who) and How. These guide the process by focusing on facts and issues rather than assumptions and emotions.
Monitor emotions with “How do you feel?” This question allows you to check the emotional temperature throughout the discussion.
Conflict, when managed with a foundation of peace, can be a valuable tool for growth and innovation. Leaders who embrace this approach are not only better equipped to resolve issues but also to build teams that are resilient and open to diverse perspectives.
Join me next time as we continue exploring leadership through random words. Until then, consider this: Are you using conflicts to grow or diminish your potential as a leader?
If you found value in this episode, please rate, review, and share!
episode 59 - the word is composition
the word is leadership podcast composition episode cover
In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word “Composition” and its implications for leadership. Rather than focusing on legacy or vision, which can feel abstract and out of reach, we’re asking a simpler, yet profound question: What will your impact be?
Using the definition ‘composition’ I identify two key themes:
The first is composition as the act of bringing together elements to create a cohesive whole. For leaders, this means working ON the organisation rather than just IN it. It’s about identifying what works, nurturing it, and replicating it to create a high-leverage impact that can outlast any single task or role.
The second theme is composition as the act of creating something new. As leaders, this doesn’t necessarily mean inventing new goals or radical visions. Instead, it’s about bringing a fresh approach, a unique perspective, and a genuine impact to how you lead.
This episode challenges leaders to reflect on their unique contributions and value. The answer lies not in the destination but in the distinct way you guide, inspire, and compose the experiences and success of those around you.
So, join me on this journey of self-reflection, and until next time, consider this question: “What will your verse be?”
If you found value in this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share it with others!
episode 58 - the word is fever
the word is leadership podcast fever episode cover
In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word “Fever” and its implications in leadership and organisational health. Just as a fever is both a warning that something is wrong and a reassurance that our body is fighting it, the same can be said for our organisations - knowing when things are heating up can be both a red flag as well as a sign that the system is working hard to resolve underlying issues.
So key questions are:
How do you know when your organisation is running a fever?
Do you know when to call for help versus when to let the system heal itself?
Answering the first question requires a number - a measure of what’s normal and what’s not. Just as a thermometer helps us gauge our body temperature, leaders need to identify key metrics to determine when things are running smoothly and when they’re not.
But numbers alone aren’t enough; you also need a range (a scale) to define what constitutes a normal fluctuation versus a real problem.
Yet, leaders who constantly scan for problems and catastrophise small deviations can cause more harm than good, acting as if every minor issue is a crisis. Focusing solely on problems can blind us to what’s working well.
This episode encourages leaders to reframe their approach. The question is : ‘Do you know the symptoms of your organization at its best, or are you just focused on the signs of failure?’
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share if you found this episode valuable!
episode 57 - the word is quell
the word is leadership podcast quell episode cover
In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, we dissect the verb "quell" and its implications in leadership scenarios. We explore the dual aspects of this powerful verb: suppressing rebellion and alleviating pain or grief, both of which are essential skills in a leader’s toolkit.
We discuss how rebellion, while overtly disruptive, is charged with the energy of change and can be redirected constructively. On the other hand, quelling pain or grief requires a deeper understanding and a more empathetic approach, as these states often involve a lack of visible energy and action.
To effectively address both rebellion and emotional distress, I propose a strategic approach using the acronym "QUELL":
Q for Question: Start by questioning the reality of the situation.
U for Unpack: Delve deeper into the causes.
E for Explain: Use your access to broader information to explain your perspective and actions.
L for Listen: Active listening is crucial. Show genuine respect and attention to the concerns being raised, validating the experiences and emotions of your team.
L for Loop back: Revisit your assumptions and understanding continuously.
This episode encourages leaders to view disruptions not merely as obstacles to be overcome but as opportunities for deeper engagement and understanding. By applying the QUELL strategy, leaders can transform potential conflicts into constructive dialogue, fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and heard.
Join us next time as we continue to explore the dynamic world of leadership and don’t forget to rate, review, and share if you found this episode insightful!
episode 56 - the word is skald
the word is leadership podcast skald episode cover
In this episode of The Word is Leadership, I look for lessons in the ancient role of the Skald, or bard, and draw parallels to modern leadership.
Our journey brings us to understand how these figures weren't just entertainers but crucial historians and advisors who used the power of words to influence courts and leaders. This leads me to ask: should leaders today embrace the poet within?
The episode focuses on the importance of leaders as storytellers and poets. While facts are crucial, the context and emotions behind how they are presented can significantly alter perceptions and decisions. We discuss the "four Cs" of storytelling for leaders: Credible, Clear, Concise, and Compelling.
But I also argue that leaders need to transcend the role of mere storytellers to become poets - those who choose their words not just for their direct meaning but for their rhythm and emotional impact. This poetic approach can transform mundane business narratives into compelling leadership dialogues that inspire and motivate, acknowledging the human condition and the deeper truths of our experiences.
Join me as, together, we consider how integrating the artistry of a skald can elevate the way we lead and connect.
Until next time, ponder this: In your leadership, are you a reporter, a storyteller, or a poet?
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share if this episode sparked new insights for you!
episode 55 - the word is handle
the word is leadership podcast handle episode cover
In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we unpack the concept of “Handle” and its deeper connections to leadership.
A handle allows us to move, use, and pick up an object, but how does this apply to leading people and organisations? We explore three key ways this metaphor illuminates the leader's role.
First, we discuss how leaders “move” things—whether it’s managing resources or emotionally inspiring teams. Great leaders don’t just move people physically but energise them to achieve more.
Then, we explore how leaders “use” their teams effectively, ensuring both people and processes are maximised while balancing the need for empathy and support.
Finally, we look at how leaders help others “pick up” their responsibilities, offering both accountability and encouragement, coaching teams to handle challenges with confidence.
This episode reminds us that leadership is a balance between the practical and the emotional, between managing the formal work and fostering the discretionary effort that leads to true success.
Join me for fresh insights on how leadership is much like a handle - it helps us lift, guide, and support. Until next time, ask yourself: What mental image of leadership do you hold, and how does it shape your actions?
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share if you enjoyed this episode!
episode 54 - the word is cruise
the word is leadership podcast cruise episode cover
In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the metaphor of “Cruise” as it applies to leadership and career development.
Is your career a crossing - a direct path with a clear destination - or a cruise, where the journey itself is filled with meaningful stops along the way?
We discuss the psychology of both approaches. A crossing focuses on reaching a destination quickly and efficiently, while a cruise emphasises the value of each experience during the journey.
But what if your career could be a balance of both? Like the iconic Queen Mary 2 crossing, where the journey is as enriching as the destination itself.
As leaders, it’s essential to guide and mentor others, helping them navigate their own career paths without imposing our personal views. Our role is to ensure they have the best journey possible (whether it’s a cruise, a crossing, or a unique blend of both).
We discuss how to foster engagement and create meaningful experiences for your team, making the trip as important as the destination.
Tune in to gain insights on how to approach your leadership journey—and ask yourself this: Crossing or cruise, have you thought about what life can bring on the sea?
Don't forget to rate, review, and share the podcast!
episode 53 - the word is radicel
the word is leadership podcast radicel episode cover
This week on The Word is Leadership, we explore the significance of small, often overlooked elements in leadership, symbolized by the word of the week—Radicel, a small root.
Just as radicels are crucial for sustaining a tree, it is small things in an organisation that are often what keep it thriving. I discuss the “radicel conundrum” faced by many leaders. Ignore the small things and they can become large problems but focus too much on them and you will get derailed by micromanagement.
From the smallest details in interactions to the broader organisational strategies, this episode reminds us that true leadership is knowing when to focus on the radicels and when to see the forest.
Discover practical insights into how leaders can manage their time, attention, and decision-making through a 360-degree view - seeing in, on, and outside of their organisation. I explain a simple approach to use the small in order to thinking bog and find opportunities to strengthen the entire system.
Tune in for strategies to help you lead from root to canopy and please don’t forget to rate, review, and share!
episode 52 - the word is journal
the word is leadership podcast journal episode cover image
In this week's episode of The Word is Leadership, we're diving into the multifaceted concept of ‘Journal’. What does it mean to be a leader who not only reports but reflects, analyses, and learns?
Discover how the simple act of journaling can transform your leadership approach—from being a reporter who clarifies the "what" and "why," to an analyst who connects actions to values, and even a mirror that reflects on personal growth and priorities.
Join me as we explore these unique perspectives and more, helping you reshape your leadership style by incorporating the power of the journal. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your leadership game.
Don't miss out—tune in now to gain a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with intention and clarity.
Remember to rate, review, and share if you find value in this episode!
episode 51 - the word is bostryx
the word is leadership podcast bostryx episode cover
Happy New Year!
Welcome to the first episode of the second season of ‘The Word is Leadership’. I hope you had a chance to recharge over the break. If you’re new here, you can catch up on season one by listening to previous episodes or checking out our eBooks and paperback on Amazon ( https://amzn.to/3DlzlKv ).
Today, the word is "bostryx," a botanical term for a type of cymose inflorescence and, honestly, I have no idea what this means, so we’re in uncharted territory.
This situation is a perfect opportunity to discuss how to generate possibilities when we have no idea what’s going on. I outline four techniques I use to create possibilities in such situations:
Be Literal: Stick closely to your purpose and apply it literally (n our case, it’s finding a leadership lesson from a random word not from its definition). This broadens your horizons.
Be Analogue: Use analogies to relate the unknown to something familiar. It will help you to travel down new paths while keeping to the destination.
Be Random: Use your immediate environment to spark ideas. Everything around you can serve as inspiration if you remain open to it.
Be Contrarian: Challenge assumptions by looking at the opposite perspective. Turn a negative connotation into a positive lesson or vice versa.
In closing, I invite you to share your techniques for generating possibilities. Comment on thewordisleadership.com or on the platform where you listen to this podcast. What methods do you use to create new ideas?
Thank you for joining me as we kick off season two. I’m excited for the journey ahead and look forward to uncovering more leadership insights with you.
episode 50 - the word is reattach
the word is leadership podcast reattach episode cover
Welcome to our 50th episode of "The Word is Leadership." We've made it through a full season, and I am incredibly thankful for your support and encouragement.
Our final word for the season. As always, I closed my eyes, opened the dictionary, and chose a word at random. This week’s word is "reattach," which means to attach something again.
‘Reattach’ brings to mind the idea of reengagement, especially in the context of the recent trend of "quiet quitting." Many people feel less connected to their work, not due to external factors but internal ones. The challenge is figuring out how to reattach ourselves to our work.
Based on my own experience, reattaching yourself to your work involves three key elements: the past, the future, and the present.
First, look to the past. Identify what initially motivated you. Was it the colleagues, the nature of the work, or the benefits? Write down these initial motivators.
Second, focus on the future. What are your goals and aspirations? Whether personal or professional, write them down.
Finally, consider the present. Does your current job still have elements that motivated you in the past? Can it help you achieve your future goals? Reflect on these questions to find a renewed sense of purpose and reattach yourself to your work.
As we close this season, I won't leave you with a question but with my best wishes. Merry Christmas, if you celebrate it, and a happy new year. I hope 2025 brings you love, peace, harmony, and the motivation to reattach yourself to your passions. Join us again on January 6th for a new season of "The Word is Leadership." Thank you and stay safe.
Couple of announcements – first we are releasing our second volume of edited transcripts, free for a limited time as a thank you gift (you can find it here https://amzn.to/4ivnnOA or on your local amazon site). Second, for those who prefer paper books, we are also releasing a complete season one book with all 50 lessons, available for purchase here https://amzn.to/3ZMGtYY or again on your local amazon site.
episode 49 - the word is fulminate
the word is leadership podcast the word is fulminate episode cover
Welcome to our penultimate episode of "The Word is Leadership." As we approach the end of our first season, I am filled with gratitude for your continued support. Producing this podcast has been more work than I anticipated, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.
This week’s random word ‘fulminate,’ (to make criticisms or explode with violence) which provides an interesting lens for examining leadership. It raises a number of questions. Why do some leaders fulminate? Does it achieve anything, and is it ever acceptable?
To answer these, I consider scenarios to see appropriate either or both elements of our definition - the message (criticism or denunciation) and the delivery (explosive and noisy) – are to support your desired impact.
I point out how the effectiveness of fulminating will depend on both the cultural context as well as the leader’s versatility in using numerous styles.
I conclude that different situations call for different tones and styles. Fulminating can establish standards, but it should be used sparingly and complemented with other forms of communication.
As we close this episode, consider this: In avoiding strong emotions, are you at risk of becoming too monotone? Balancing emotion and message is the key to effective leadership communication.
episode 48 - the word is ironman
the word is leadership ironman episode cover
Welcome to Episode 48 of "The Word is Leadership." As we near the end of our season, I want to thank you for your continued support. Whether you're a regular listener or new to our podcast, your engagement means the world to me.
This week’s random word is ‘ironman’ and this gives us a perfect metaphor for leadership. Both an ironman competition and leadership require versatility, endurance, and discipline.
In this episode we discuss the need for Leaders must have a comprehensive view of their organisation and understand various functions beyond their primary expertise.
We look at the importance of self-care. Leaders must take care of their mental and physical health to maintain their stamina. Just as athletes train, leaders must also prepare and maintain their resilience to lead effectively.
We tackle the need for leaders to find outlets for their drive to achieve. Engaging in individual sports like running or cycling can help leaders satisfy their personal achievement needs without interfering with their team’s development.
The lessons from the ironman metaphor are clear: leadership requires versatility, proper training, self-care, and finding a balance between personal achievement and team success.
As we conclude this episode, consider this question: Have you thought about what setting yourself a leadership target could look like?
episode 47 - the word is succinic
The word is leadership podcast the word is succinic episode cover
Welcome to episode 47 of The Word is Leadership. this week, our random word is one I had never come across before: ‘succinic’, an adjective related to amber, specifically referring to compounds derived from succinic acid. While initially baffling, this discovery provides a unique lens to examine leadership communication. I explore how leaders can effectively communicate complex ideas that might initially seem as obscure as the term "succinic" to their teams.
Understanding and communication are fundamentally about making connections. Leaders often operate with a wealth of specialised knowledge, much like a chemist understands "succinic" in relation to amber. However, the challenge is ensuring this knowledge is accessible and relatable to others who do not share the same background or perspective.
To bridge this gap, I propose a three-step approach:
Assessment: Consider your message from the standpoint of someone with different experiences. Would it make sense to them without your level of expertise?
Association: Use analogies and references that are familiar to your audience to create a connection between known concepts and new ideas.
Deduction: Explicitly unpack your reasoning. Don't skip from A to Z without explaining the intermediate steps, ensuring clarity and avoiding assumptions.
This approach not only facilitates better understanding but also enhances engagement by making complex ideas more accessible.
As we wrap up, I encourage you to think about your own "succinic dialogues." Are you ensuring your communication is clear and relatable, or could it be seen as obscure? Reflecting on this can significantly enhance how you lead and connect with your team.