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Leadership today has become a whole new ballgame. The rules have changed, and the stakes are higher than ever. With global crises shaking things up and a new generation of employees demanding more purpose and meaning at work, leaders are under pressure to adapt or get left behind. Kurt Strovink , Head of Global CEO Services at McKinsey & Company, has been on the front lines, helping top executives navigate these uncharted waters. In this episode, he shares powerful insights and practical strategies to help leaders not just survive, but thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Global crises and rapid changes mean leaders need to be more connected with their teams than ever before. Kurt talks about the importance of human-centric leadership—focusing on your people, being open, and showing vulnerability. It’s about building strong relationships that help your team handle whatever comes their way.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
Balancing Purpose and Business Needs
Employees today, especially younger ones, are looking for more than just a job—they want to feel like they’re part of something meaningful. That’s why it’s crucial for leaders to balance running a successful business with creating a purpose-driven workplace. Kurt introduces the “Four W” questions—Who are we serving? Why are we doing this? What is our purpose? When should we act?—as a way to keep your team focused on purpose while still achieving results. By integrating sustainability and innovation into your strategies, you can ensure your employees feel valued and motivated.
Traditional leadership development often feels like checking boxes—complete this task and move on to the next. But Kurt suggests a shift towards holistic learning, where growth and development are ongoing. This means encouraging peer coaching, creating spaces for reflection, and making learning a continuous process. By doing this, leaders can help their teams build the skills they need to handle today’s complex challenges.
Here’s how Kurt suggests leaders can foster a culture of holistic learning:
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Encourage Peer Coaching: Facilitate peer-to-peer learning where team members can share insights and support each other’s growth.
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Create Reflective Spaces: Regularly set aside time for teams to reflect on their progress and areas for improvement, fostering a mindset of continuous development.
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Focus on Contribution, Not Just Performance: Shift the emphasis from simply meeting performance targets to making meaningful contributions to the team and company as a whole.
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Promote Continuous Feedback: Instead of annual reviews, encourage regular check-ins where employees can receive guidance and adjust their goals as needed.
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Train Managers as Coaches: Equip managers with the skills to guide their teams as coaches, helping employees identify growth opportunities and achieve their goals.
The Strength of Vulnerability and Storytelling
Vulnerability might sound like a weakness, but it’s actually a powerful leadership tool. When leaders are open and honest, they build trust and authenticity with their teams. Kurt also highlights the importance of storytelling—sharing personal experiences and challenges to inspire your team and reinforce your company’s values. It’s a great way to make leadership more relatable and impactful.
Leading can be lonely, especially at the top. The responsibilities can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel isolated. Kurt talks about the importance of building strong networks and seeking support from peers and mentors. He also stresses the importance of managing your energy, not just your time. By focusing on activities that energize you, you can stay effective and resilient, even when things get tough.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
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Leadership is evolving rapidly—are you keeping up? Each year, I engage with and analyze the insights of leading executives from companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Virgin Group, uncovering the strategies that drive their success. This exclusive PDF distills the top five leadership hacks used by these world-renowned leaders. Discover what sets these leaders apart and how you can apply their breakthrough tactics to elevate your leadership in 2024 and beyond.
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