episode 62 - the word is constellation

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

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

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

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

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:

1. How do you know when your organisation is running a fever?

2. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Be Random: Use your immediate environment to spark ideas. Everything around you can serve as inspiration if you remain open to it.

4. 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

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

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

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

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.

episode 46 - the word is flock

Welcome to Episode 46 of ‘The Word is Leadership’, where I explore insights from our weekly random word: ‘flock’. This term not only refers to a group of animals like sheep or birds but also metaphorically to a congregation of people, providing a powerful lens for examining leadership dynamics.

The concept of a flock underscores the importance of unity and shared direction in leadership. It's about transforming a collection of followers into a cohesive group with a common purpose. I use this to explain how effective leadership is about cultivating a strong culture within an organisation. This culture, defined as "how we do things around here," acts as the glue that binds the team, fostering a sense of community and shared values.

This episode challenges traditional views on leadership progression, focusing on the essential questions of 'what' rather than just ‘why’ and 'how.' Effective leadership isn't just about gathering followers but about creating a flock that moves together towards a vision. Drawing parallels with self-organizing systems like bird flocks, we discuss how leaders can influence their teams not by overt commands but by embodying the group’s values and setting a clear, compelling vision.

Join us as we reflect on whether you are merely leading a group of individuals or truly guiding a flock and consider how you might enhance the culture and cohesion of your team for collective success.

episode 45 - the word is oboe

In this 45th episode, faced with the random word ‘oboe’ I look at leadership challenges through the metaphor of musical instruments as I introduce the "Oboe/Recorder Rule of Development," a concept that illustrates the complexity of learning and leading effectively:

• Understanding the Instruments: Discover how the oboe, with its complex and demanding nature, contrasts sharply with the more straightforward recorder. This comparison sheds light on the varying levels of difficulty and mastery in leadership tasks.

• Quick Wins vs. Long-Term Mastery: Reflect on how some challenges in leadership (recorder problems) can give a false sense of accomplishment due to their simplicity and immediate feedback, while others (oboe problems) require persistence and depth to truly master, often giving a false sense of failure at initial attempts.

• Leadership and Learning: I discuss how leadership is akin to mastering a language or an instrument (initially accessible but intricate and nuanced upon deeper engagement). Just like mastering English or German, leadership involves navigating apparent simplicity and underlying complexity.

The episode draws from personal anecdotes and experiences with language learning with a nod to my wife's childhood oboe lessons, to emphasise the importance of recognising the nature of the challenges we face as leaders.

Tune in to uncover whether the challenges you're facing are more like the oboe or the recorder! 

episode 44 - the word is acetum

In today’s episode of "The Word is Leadership," we discuss the Essence of Community and Creativity in Leadership thanks to our random word 'acetum' (better known as vinegar).

This episode promises to distil (see what I did there!) unique insights from the common and versatile substance, exploring themes of adaptability, solution-finding, and the invaluable role of community and creativity.

I delve in the parallels between vinegar's transformative process and effective leadership:

• Versatility and Adaptability: Just as vinegar serves various purposes from cleaning to cooking, effective leaders must adapt to diverse situations, turning challenges into opportunities.

• Acidity and Clarity: Explore how the acidic nature of vinegar can symbolise the leader’s role in stripping back layers to reveal the core issues, clarifying complex situations to find solutions.

• Community and Creativity: Inspired by a my grandmother (Mémé Carmen), and her vinegar-making, we uncover how leadership thrives on community support and creative resourcefulness.

This episode also marks a first for our podcast as it begins without a predetermined path, reflecting the real journey of leadership, which often involves stepping into the unknown and relying on the collective strength and creativity of the community.

Join me as I explore how these elements can enhance your leadership approach, ensuring that just like vinegar, you can enrich and preserve the values of your team or organisation.

Tune in for an episode that blends personal anecdotes with leadership strategies, proving that sometimes, the best insights are like vinegar: simple, yet profoundly transformative.

episode 43 - the word is glib

In this week’s 43rd episode of ‘The Word is Leadership’, we dive into the world of leadership communication courtesy of our random word ‘glib’.

Often described as fluently easy, yet potentially insincere or deceptive, this small but powerful word opens a fascinating question about where the fine line is between being convincingly articulate and deceptively smooth.

Join me as we explore the dual nature of ‘glib’ through a mnemonic that offers a fresh perspective on effective communication. Discover how to harness the positive aspects of being glib without falling into the traps of insincerity. We'll dissect:

• G for Gibberish: Learn the importance of acknowledging when our knowledge is limited, and how this honesty can enhance credibility.

• L for Listen: Delve into the art of listening—not just to respond, but to understand and be genuinely influenced by the dialogue.

• I for Invite: See how inviting others into your thought process can demystify your intentions and strengthen trust.

• B for Beat: Master the tempo of your speech to ensure clarity and foster genuine connections.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or a newcomer eager to refine your communication skills, this episode provides valuable insights into how to express your visions persuasively and authentically. Tune in to navigate the complexities of leadership talk and leave equipped to engage and inspire with sincerity. Don't miss this blend of theory, practical advice, and engaging storytelling!