episode 37 - the word is hock

In this, our 37th episode of ‘The Word is Leadership’, I tackle our random word ‘hock’ to uncover insights into leadership development and personal growth.

Defined as the joint in a horse's leg, "hock" prompts images of forward and backward motion, connections, and adaptation which lead me to use the letter of a word itself to delve into development and change.

I use the letters of the word HOCK as the foundations of our inquiry into continuous leadership development and personal evolution.

I argue that we start by "Having" a clear vision of our goals and aspirations along with a clear assessment of our current situation. Next, we must decide if we will achieve our goals by acquiring new skills, knowledge, or resources ("Obtain"), make sure we play to our strengths (“Keep”) or adjust our existing situation to our desired state ("Change”).

Through this cyclical learning loop, we harness the power of connections and forward-backward motion inherent in the definition of "hock."

As we ponder our own leadership journey, it is always worth considering if we have a strong "hock" to propel us forward.

episode 36 - the word is enamel

In Episode 36 of "The Word is Leadership", helped by our random word ‘enamel’, I ponder the question ‘do I possess the qualities necessary to be attractive without compromising my identity?’ which prompts reflections on the intricate artistry of leadership.

We explore the profound parallels between enamel's protective surface and the essence of effective leadership. Just as enamel shields what lies beneath, leaders must strike a delicate balance between authenticity and the need to appeal to others.

I introduce the two crucial principles of leadership attraction: understanding your tribe and donning your game face. I discuss how attraction alone isn't sufficient – leadership demands resilience and strength - like enamel, leaders must remain steadfast and unwavering in their beliefs. I explain why consistency and conviction are paramount for fostering trust and respect among followers.

Join me on what I hope is a thought-provoking foray into resilience and leadership.

episode 35 - the word is protract

In episode 35 of "The Word is Leadership," we reflect on the word "protract" and its implications for decision-making processes in leadership.

I focus on the concept of “decision making protraction” - the idea that extending time in decision-making can add value. I highlight the difference between delaying, procrastinating, and protracting. Borrowing from the theory of system 1 and system 2 thinking, I emphasize the need for deeper, more deliberate decision-making processes, particularly in situations of dilemmas where opposing values are at play.

I argue that protracted decision-making involves extending the breadth of thinking to explore innovative solutions. By asking deeper questions focused on outcomes rather than processes, leaders can reconcile opposing viewpoints and avoid suboptimal compromises.

 Ultimately, I prompt leaders to consider whether they have efficient system 1 decision-making processes while maximising the benefits of protracted system 2 decisions.

episode 34 - the word is ever

As we bid farewell to August and summer holidays, we're diving deep into the essence of leadership with this week's random word: "Ever."  In episode 34, we explore what it means to lead at all times, in any context, and in your own unique way.

Join me as I break down the definition of "ever" and uncover four enduring truths of leadership:

1. Lead Anytime: Discover how leadership is an equal opportunity endeavour—you can step up at any moment, regardless of your position or experience.

2. Lead Anywhere: Understand why true leadership transcends context, thriving in both good times and bad, in any setting.

3. Lead Always: Learn about the continuous nature of leadership and the importance of consistency and visibility in your actions.

4. Lead Your Way: Embrace the power of authentic leadership and the importance of finding your own style rather than imitating others.

 Listen now to discover how the word ‘ever’ reveals the foundational elements of resilient and impactful leadership. Don't forget to rate, share, and comment on our show!

episode 33 - the word is soup

In episode 33 of The Word is Leadership, we are discussing the word "soup" which brings me back special memories from my grandfather.

Reflecting on different types of soups we discuss the important topic of creating clarity and in particular, the common misconception of clarity in leadership which is similar to trying to turn soup into broth. I present the three levels of clarity leaders should provide: Crux, Contribution, and Context, enabling employees to understand the mechanics of their roles, how they link to the organisation’s objectives in the context it operates under. Continuing our parallels with cooking, I encourage leaders to focus on "liaising a sauce," by linking the complexities of the context to organisational goals, rather than trying to eliminate ambiguity entirely.

We end this week, as usual, with a question to reflect on: When it comes to creating clarity, are you trying to turn soup into broth or liaise a sauce?

episode 32 - the word is experience

In episode 32 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ our random word is experience.

I use it to explore the conundrum of needing experience to gain experience.

We discuss tenure versus knowledge and the importance of active learning outside traditional roles seeking alternative opportunities to gain relevant experience. I look at how individuals can mitigate their lack of direct experience by demonstrating their accumulated characteristics and past actions and advise aspiring leaders to act, speak, and model leadership behaviours, leveraging their existing knowledge and skills to showcase their suitability for desired roles.

Ultimately, I aim to challenge the notion that experience is a fixed attribute, emphasizing the value of continuous learning and adaptability.

episode 31 - the word is cutaneous

In the 31st episode of ‘The Word is Leadership’ I recall my nephew Evan's advice on avoiding analogies that might use future words as I use our random word ‘cutaneous’ to explore the concept of authenticity

I argue that while authenticity pertains to surface-level consistency, it is integrity with its alignment between thoughts, words, and deeds that followers want. I emphasise that, like healthy skin, leadership requires permeability, allowing others to understand their motives while continually improving themselves. Being oneself is important, but it should involve conscious effort and skilful adaptation, not mere complacency.

Ultimately, my aim is to challenge the notion that leadership is superficial, urging leaders to consider whether their "skin" serves as a connector or a disguise.

episode 30 - the word is prevail

For Episode 30 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ our random word is the verb to prevail.

I continue to reflect on what it means for a leader to have power and break down the definition of prevail into four imperatives of leadership power.

First, I discuss ‘the mastery imperative’, emphasising the importance of gaining mastery in one's field to stand out as a leader. I, then, explore ‘the safety imperative’, highlighting the need for leaders to be the prevalent feature that provides safety and stability for their teams. Next, I introduce ‘the community imperative’, stressing the importance of building a strong community of followers as a leader. Lastly, I outline ’the possibility imperative’, which involves persuading and inspiring others to believe in the limitless possibilities ahead.

I conclude with a, hopefully thought-provoking, question of the week asking you: "Are you prepared to prevail over yourself in order to lead others?"

episode 29 - the word is mercury

In episode 29 of ‘The Word is Leadership,’ we tackle the word mercury.

Inspired by Gordon Mackenzie’s delightful book ‘Orbiting the Giant Hairball’ I look at what it takes to navigate the complexities of organizations without getting stuck in them, along with the importance of maintaining the right distance to make an impact. I propose three key steps for anyone aspiring to leadership, or wanting to affect change: being good at their role, gaining perspective to avoid fixedness, and cultivating gravitas to engage senior leaders effectively.

As usual, I conclude with a question to encourage listeners to reflect on whether they possess the expertise, perspective, and gravitas necessary for success in their orbit.

episode 28 - the word is logos

In this new episode of "The Word is Leadership," I have to find insights using the random word ‘logos’ (defined as the rational principle expressed in words and things).

I discuss the significance of rhetoric in leadership, emphasizing Aristotle's three elements: logos (logic), pathos (emotion), and ethos (credibility) and look at how leaders can create followership as well as give examples of how they craft (last week’s word!) resonance using each of them.

I conclude by highlighting the importance of coherence, credibility, and emotional appeal in effective leadership communication, urging listeners to consider these factors in their own messages.

episode 27 - the word is craft

In Episode 27 of ‘The Word is Leadership’, I use our random word ‘craft’ to try to finally put to the bed the needless management versus leadership conversation.

Putting aside my dislike for quotes and memes, while reiterating my caution against blindly accepting and sharing them without verification, I mention Steve Jobs’ ideas about innovation and the iterative process of turning ideas into products, emphasizing the importance of craft in this journey.

Taking craft as the convergence of science and art, combining precision with imagination and experience with experimentation, I argue that it represents the blending of what is often perceived as "hard" and "soft" elements in leadership and management.

I challenge the distinction between leadership and management, describing it as a flawed and oversimplified caricature of reality, I argue for the need to see management and leadership as one for organizational success.

As always please I welcome your comments at thewordisleadership.com along with your ratings, subscriptions, likes and shares! 

episode 26 - the word is survey

For episode 26 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ our random word is survey.

Emmanuel highlights the significance and prevalence of surveys in organizational processes and offers the concept of working IN/ON/ OUT of the business as a way to understand whether we are surveying the right things that add the right value.

Akin to surveying a body, he explains that working "IN" involves performing tasks that bring immediate value, contrasting this with the survey of a house which entails working "ON" to build capabilities and processes for future value. Finally, he shows how to survey the landscape leaders need to work "OUT" by observing external factors to anticipate opportunities and disruptions.

Emmanuel emphasizes underscores the increasing significance of working "ON" and "OUT" as individuals progress, challenging listeners to reflect on whether they are effectively surveying the body, the house, and the landscape.

 ‘The Word is Leadership’ Ebook was launched this week! It contains the first 25 lessons from this first season. You can find it in your local amazon store. https://amzn.to/4eClvl3

our first ebook is here!

🌟 Catch up on or remind yourself of our first 25 episodes 🌟

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Whether exploring the word ‘archaic’ or uncovering lessons from ‘myxoma’, every chapter offers unique insights for leaders at all levels.

Join me as I make leadership accessible and entertaining. Gain clarity and inspiration for your leadership journey.

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episode 25 - the word is amiss

In episode 25 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ the random word ‘amiss’ helps us tackle a fundamental area of leadership - vision.

While there is an abundance of literature on the importance of having a vision and how to communicate it, there is a real scarcity of resources on how to formulate it.

In the context of leadership, a vision is essentially about hope, defined as goal + will + way.

To find a vision, I encourage leaders to reflect on what is amiss (i.e. aspects of the current situation that are incorrect, inappropriate, or defective), concluding, as usual with a question to prompt listeners to consider potential areas for improvement and envision a future state that addresses current deficiencies.

episode 24 - the word is palm

This week, for episode 24 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ our random word is ‘palm’.

We focus on the symbolism of the palm tree, drawing parallels between its resilience and ability to thrive in adverse conditions to the potential for leadership growth in any context.

Building on previous episodes, I emphasise the importance of a strong core (trunk) in leadership, supported by flexible roots and flourishing leaves. I underscore the necessity for leaders to develop their core values and adaptability while maintaining a clear vision of their impact.

 I outline the steps necessary to build a strong root and trunk system.

 As usual, I conclude the episode with a question to prompt listeners to reflect on their leadership approach and consider the strength and flexibility of their core values: ‘Are you a palm tree or a broom handle with dead leaves on top?’.

episode 23 - the word is grain

In this 23rd episode of ‘The Word is Leadership’ our random word is ‘grain’.

Associating the notion of seed with change and the notion of the grain of the wood with resistance (as in going against the grin) Emmanuel focuses on unveiling why people resist change and what leaders can do about it.

Introducing the notion that not all change is resisted, using the mnemonic HURT, we discussed the elements that make some changes painful (Hurried, Unnecessary, Relentless, and Top-down). Emmanuel emphasises the importance of understanding the existing structure and social networks within organisations to transform potential irritating grains of change into pearls of progress.

The episode concludes with a thought-provoking question prompting leaders to reconsider their approach to change and embrace strategies that align with the existing organisational fabric. ‘Have you thought about going with the grain rather than against it to turn your grain of sand from an irritant to a pearl?’

episode 22 - the word is dumb

In this episode of ‘The Word is Leadership’ our random word of the week is dumb (lacking the power of human speech).

Delving into its leadership implications of the word, Emmanuel introduces the concept of leaders having the power to facilitate or impede speech. He identifies three crucial areas of impact: giving people a voice, a platform, and a mic.

Giving a voice highlights the importance of leaders helping individuals find their unique contributions by providing content, context, and confidence.

Giving a platform is about creating conditions where people feel safe and appreciated so they feel able to express their views is crucial.

Giving a Mic is about leaders ensuring that individuals' messages are not only heard by them but also reach the right audience.

Emmanuel concludes, someone colloquially, by challenging leaders to consider how ‘dumb’ they might be if they fail to give their team the power to speak.

episode 21 - the word is nectar

In this episode of ‘The Word is Leadership’, Emmanuel has to draw a leadership lesson from the random word: nectar. Highlighting the association between the word nectar and value, level he poses the question, ‘How do we find our nectar?’ emphasising the uniqueness that attracts others.

He looks at how listeners can uncover the core value (CV) that lies in their or their organisation's unique story, choices, successes, and struggles. Emmanuel emphasises that whatever your core competence is, it only becomes nectar if it creates value for others, attracting followers or customers just like nectar attracts bees.

He therefore warns against becoming caricatures of oneself by overly focusing on core competencies rather than combining these with what customers are looking for, ensuring this uniqueness translates into valuable nectar.

To prompt listeners to reflect on their unique value propositions the episode concludes with the question, ‘Do you understand what attracts bees to your nectar?’

episode 20 - the word is eagle

Another milestone as we reach episode 20 of ‘The Word is Leadership’. Our random word this week from which Emmanuel Gobillot derives leadership lessons is "eagle."

Emmanuel delves into the symbolism of the eagle in various cultures and summarises the appeal of eagle as a symbol of leadership with the words power (strength and reassurance), vision (seeing the bigger picture and planning for the future), and grace (creating a climate of effectiveness in the organisation).

However, Emmanuel challenges the notion that they, alone, are sufficient for leadership success by introducing the perspective of the pigeon. He suggests that the eagle's attributes are essential, leaders must also embody the pack mentality, street-fighting spirit, and agility of pigeons. He encourages leaders to reflect on the balance between soaring like an eagle and sweating like a pigeon, leaving the audience with the question, ‘Have you thought about your pigeon as you soar like an eagle?’.

episode 19 - the word is presume

In Episode 19 of "The Word is Leadership," Emmanuel unveils the randomly selected word for the week: presume. He draws a distinction between assuming and presuming, emphasising that presumption involves more confidence and evidence.

Illustrating with a story from his latest book ‘This is Not a Leadership Book’ he recounts a scenario where a high-performance leadership team faced a divergence of opinions regarding the future percentage of advertising going online based on different assumptions,

Emmanuel shows how we need to understand the continuum assuming-presuming-knowing, stressing the challenges of questioning presumptions compared to assumptions and the need for leaders to differentiate between the two.

He highlights the risks of using presume and assume interchangeably, emphasising the importance of clarifying what one thinks they know (presume) and what they do not know (assume). The episode concludes with the question, ‘How often do you know whether you presume or assume before you resume?’