S2:E11 | How Tom Richard Thinks About Building a Strong Team: Lessons from an Agency Founder's Journey

In this episode of "How Leaders Think," host Kenny Lange is joined by guest Jakub Grajcar, currently at Zenpilot. They dive into the importance of emotional capacity and risk-taking in leadership. Jakub shares insights on how leaders can connect with their teams on a deeper level and understand their needs. They discuss the concept of measuring success by looking back and reflecting on personal accomplishments and growth. Furthermore, Jakub emphasizes the power of listening, provides practical tips for building emotional capacity, and recommends resources like "The Coaching Habit." This thought-provoking conversation offers valuable insights for leaders looking to enhance their leadership skills.

For more inspiring and insightful content, don't forget to subscribe to the How Leaders Think Podcast.

Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kennylange/podcasts

Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/

Be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

1. The Gap and The Gain: https://amzn.to/3LlRoRH
2. Vivid Vision Book: https://amzn.to/45QyhaD
3. Vivid Vision Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/cameron_herold_your_vision_statement_sucks
4. The Coaching Habit: https://amzn.to/3LlA0wH
5. Jakub’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakub-grajcar/
6. ZenPilot Website: https://zenpilot.com

Timeline:

[00:00:49] Kuba is a content manager at Zen Pilot, known for coaching and metalhead persona.

[00:04:29] While people often worry about the risks, it takes resolve to make big personal or professional changes. It's important to focus on the potential advantages and make the leap.

[00:06:31] Focusing on risk and gain, thinking of past and future, seeking out supportive people.

[00:13:11] Leaders should communicate their vision in detail when recruiting to attract the right people and filter out those who may not align long-term. A clear vision reduces risk and magnetizes ideal candidates.

[00:14:24] Using magnetic vision to attract the right people and repel the wrong ones, having a story that includes everyone's role is crucial for successful leadership.

[00:17:57] Pain and stress in being in a band, importance of one-on-one meetings for leaders.

[00:23:43] Love takes courage to care about someone not just as a team member, but as a person. Building emotional capacity and empathy involves developing listening as a skill. Assigning oneself the role of an interviewer can promote curiosity and better conversations. The book "The Coaching Habit" offers helpful questions.

[00:25:53] The text highlights the importance of asking questions and listening in coaching. It emphasizes the value of the question "What's on your mind?" to start conversations and encourages leaders to share their own thoughts and feelings. Building emotional skills is crucial for leaders transitioning from individual contributors.

[00:30:21] Focus on listening and empathy in conversations to build connections and deeper understanding.

[00:33:26] Zenpilot solves project management issues for organizations, providing accountability and visibility through a system in ClickUp or Teamwork. It creates peace and momentum for agencies, and has helped various organizations. Learn more at zenpilot.com and book a call.