S2:E5 | How McKenzie Reeves Decker Thinks About Embracing Your Own Leadership Style.

06/07/23 • 39 min

On this episode of How Leaders Think, host Kenny Lange speaks with guest McKenzie Reeves Decker about the importance of self-care, defining leadership, transcending past mistakes, and thriving in an entrepreneurial environment. McKenzie talked about how taking breaks and engaging in non-work activities can help refresh the mind, improve productivity, and creativity.

McKenzie also shared her experience of working with charismatic leaders who could inspire and bring people together, while she was more focused on execution and rising into leadership through her skills. She also discussed her definitions of leadership and entrepreneurship, which they see as related but not the same thing. McKenzie also talked about the System and Soul business framework she's been working on with the founders.

Tune in to this insightful episode and find out how to arrive at your own conclusions about leadership and entrepreneurship.

Resources

System and Soul website: https://systemandsoul.com

McKenzie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenzie-reeves-decker-67a1b262/

[00:02:34] Definition of leadership and entrepreneurship shaped by nature and nurture, influenced by Southern Baptist culture and parent's business ownership. Sacrifice and hard work are assumed essential for success, but myths are being challenged.

[00:06:10] Take breaks to refresh your thinking, have a life outside work, and prioritize health for yourself and your team. Benj's leadership helped the realization.

[00:12:04] Person leads the team with challenges of age and cultural differences, strives to make own mark with caring leadership style, and learns to turn personal doubts into assets.

[00:16:11] Soul and System is a framework for integrating business systems and unique value propositions. The speaker is a team member responsible for executing and guiding the company's objectives as a startup, which is both exciting and daunting.

[00:19:01] Speaker worked for the John Maxwell Company (now Maxwell Leadership) and learned about leadership and self-management. She was an individual contributor but rose into leadership through execution. The current work environment requires self-direction and has greater consequences and returns.

[00:23:17] Learned principles from books, felt like an imposter, leadership defined by the environment, John Maxwell's leadership communication style, and felt uncomfortable with public speaking.

[00:25:42] Push through mental blockades with a success-only mindset; take care of oneself like a professional athlete; challenge perceptions of leadership styles.

[00:31:50] Reflect on old beliefs, identify goals and doubts, and seek help from loved ones for mental clarity.

[00:35:38] Efficiency and productivity require soft skills in addition to hard skills. It's not just about getting the job done.

Tune in to this insightful episode and find out how to arrive at your own conclusions about leadership and entrepreneurship.

Resources

System and Soul website: https://systemandsoul.com

McKenzie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenzie-reeves-decker-67a1b262/

[00:06:10] Take breaks to refresh your thinking, have a life outside work, and prioritize health for yourself and your team. Benj's leadership helped the realization.

[00:12:04] Person leads the team with challenges of age and cultural differences, strives to make own mark with caring leadership style, and learns to turn personal doubts into assets.

[00:23:17] Learned principles from books, felt like an imposter, leadership defined by the environment, John Maxwell's leadership communication style, and felt uncomfortable with public speaking.

[00:25:42] Push through mental blockades with a success-only mindset; take care of oneself like a professional athlete; challenge perceptions of leadership styles.

[00:31:50] Reflect on old beliefs, identify goals and doubts, and seek help from loved ones for mental clarity.

[00:35:38] Efficiency and productivity require soft skills in addition to hard skills. It's not just about getting the job done.

Previous Episode

S2:E4 | How Andy Christiansen Thinks About The Superpower of Being Interested in People

In this episode of How Leaders Think, we explore the importance of autonomy and accountability for employees to feel motivated. We also delve into the hiring and retention crises facing many companies and how investing in employees can make a significant difference in the workplace. My guest, Andy Christiansen, emphasizes that being interested in others is crucial to good leadership and the importance of listening and being other-centered. We also touch on the false stories that leaders may believe about the world and the power of recognition and valuing employees. Join us as we discuss strategies for building relationships in the workplace and improving team morale.

Resources:

Andy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andychristiansenpcc/

Andy's Book "The 40:40 Principle: Your Road Map to Finding Life-Changing Mentors": https://www.amazon.com/40-Principle-Finding-Life-Changing-Mentors/dp/1449700713/

Peter Drucker books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Peter-F.-Drucker/author/B000AP61TE

[00:01:14] "Leadership Crisis: Are We Failing?"

[00:09:00] "Unlocking the Power of Listening: One Cup at a Time"

[00:12:00] Investing in People: The Solution to Hiring and Retention Crisis?

[00:19:00] "Back to Basics: The Simple Secret to Employee Engagement"

[00:25:56] "People Want to Win": The Importance of Leadership

[00:30:56] "Make Meaningful Connections: Hear Their Stories Today"

[00:35:44] "Prioritizing One-on-Ones Leads to Business Success"

Next Episode

S2:E6 | How Scott Ritzheimer Thinks About The Founder's Evolution

On this episode of How Leaders Think, I sit down with business coach Scott Ritzheimer to discuss the evolution of founders and CEOs.
He cautions against the danger of over-applying advice and lessons from experienced individuals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing moments of transition and approaching them with intention.
The conversation covers the progression of leadership roles in business and the importance of considering whether leadership advice is applicable to one's current situation.
🎧Tune in to learn how to be a self-aware leader and build a scalable company with the right people in the right seats at the right time.

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807
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Be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottritzheimer/

The Founder’s Evolution ebook (free): https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/

Scale Architects: https://www.scalearchitects.com

Secrets of The High Demand Coach podcast: https://www.scalearchitects.com/secrets/

System & Soul: https://systemandsoul.com

[00:01:20] "Importance of timing in business decision-making and contradicting advice."

[00:05:04] Leadership advice varies for different stages of business ownership and should be taken with caution, considering the context.

[00:07:58] Reading/listening to too much advice can lead to overapplying future lessons today, adding pressure. Leaders don't need to be all things, prioritize what's needed today for disproportionate ROI.

[00:09:58] Sports analogy: Skills that were essential on the field don't matter when coaching. The coach makes a spectacular catch, but there is a penalty. This is like how we sometimes rely on skills that are no longer relevant in our businesses.

[00:16:02] Leadership goes through stages: dissatisfied employee, startup entrepreneur, reluctant manager, building a team of leaders, and stepping into a visionary/coach role. System and Soul is a helpful structure for speeding up the process and removing trial and error. The growth of a leader also requires a change in mindset and a recognition of moving off the field to focus on coaching and vision.

[00:21:48] Leaders become disillusioned on the sidelines, need to lead full-time, and build a scalable company with an executive team.

[00:29:27] Different executives have different strengths. Visionaries and executives are not the same. Having too many visionaries can be detrimental. It's important to have the right people at the right time.

[00:31:43] Get control of your time, identify your stage as a founder or leader with The Founders Evolution ebook from Scalearchitects.com. Free assessments also available.