The Accidental Leader - How is the soil in your meadow? A lesson in building a great culture

How is the soil in your meadow? A lesson in building a great culture

04/17/24 • 23 min

I am flying solo for this episode and am diving deep into a powerful email that hit my inbox. Join me as I unpack the wisdom it holds and its implications for leadership, culture, and tough conversations. As a leader wearing multiple hats, from president of a marketing company to serving on various boards, I often find myself navigating the delicate balance of nurturing a healthy culture while addressing challenging behaviors.

I kick off by exploring a thought-provoking quote: "A healthy meadow contains weeds as well as flowers,” an analogy that acts as a mirror reflecting our leadership and organizational cultures. Throughout the episode, I share insights into how a leader's tolerance for underperformance shapes the culture and why tough conversations that involve letting employees go sometimes need to happen, even if they are uncomfortable.

Drawing from personal experiences and lessons learned, I discuss the fear that often holds leaders back from taking action – the fear of losing clients, the fear of legal repercussions, or the fear of confrontation, but I also challenge listeners to shift their perspective and recognize that without necessary endings, both individuals and organizations remain stagnant and that leaders are doing a disservice not only to their companies but to the employee who isn't thriving but could thrive elsewhere. Not everyone is right for the job.

This episode is ultimately a candid exploration of leadership challenges and the courage required to address them head-on, so whether you're grappling with a toxic culture or seeking guidance on tough conversations, tune in for actionable insights and inspiration to cultivate a flourishing organizational meadow, and remember - the journey to effective leadership is ongoing, filled with both weeds and flowers.

Time Stamps:

[0:25] In episode 23, I am diving into leadership insights inspired by a significant email.

[3:09] Organizational culture hinges on the tolerance for negative behaviors.

[6:02] I further reflect on the profound impact of tolerating toxic behavior, urging action to maintain organizational balance.

[8:51] I address the fear of legal repercussions, emphasizing the need for perspective and HR guidance.

[10:23] I advise prioritizing culture and gaining perspective to address coaching issues and fear of confrontation.

[12:23] Hear an insightful quote from the book Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud.

[15:21] Coach first; fire last!

[18:28] I share an anecdote involving an employee who prioritized heroics over success, leading to termination.

[20:30] I close by discussing the importance of cultivating a healthy organizational culture, again likening it to a meadow with flowers.

Resources:

Henry Cloud - Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward

Time Stamps:

[0:25] In episode 23, I am diving into leadership insights inspired by a significant email.

[3:09] Organizational culture hinges on the tolerance for negative behaviors.

[6:02] I further reflect on the profound impact of tolerating toxic behavior, urging action to maintain organizational balance.

[8:51] I address the fear of legal repercussions, emphasizing the need for perspective and HR guidance.

[10:23] I advise prioritizing culture and gaining perspective to address coaching issues and fear of confrontation.

[12:23] Hear an insightful quote from the book Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud.

[15:21] Coach first; fire last!

[18:28] I share an anecdote involving an employee who prioritized heroics over success, leading to termination.

[20:30] I close by discussing the importance of cultivating a healthy organizational culture, again likening it to a meadow with flowers.

Resources:

Henry Cloud - Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward

Previous Episode

Lessons learned from a legacy of leadership with guest Nick Wodogaza

I have really been looking forward to today’s conversation for a while! I am so excited to have former “retired” CEO Nick Wodogaza on the show this week to talk all about the awesome responsibility of being a leader and what it entails. Nick shares his journey from "retirement" to a passionate commitment to mentoring the next generation of credit union leaders, and we delve into the unique perspective of a seasoned leader who came back to consult, bringing decades of experience to the evolving landscape of credit unions.

Discover the essence of leadership through Nick's anecdotes, including his reflections on influential figures from his past and the pivotal role of effective leadership in fostering the growth of a credit union. From navigating challenges in a once-insolvent credit union to embracing technological shifts, Nick provides invaluable insights.

Join me for an enlightening discussion on the responsibility of leaders, the art of guiding individuals to reach their potential, and the vital role of open-mindedness in facing the ever-changing demands of the financial industry.

Time Stamps:

[0:43] - Today’s guest is Nick Wodogaza!

[2:17] - Why did Nick decide to “unretire”?

[3:47] - Nick credits his fourth grade teacher as having been a positive influence on him.

[6:15] - Nick walks us through his leadership journey progressing from staff to VP.

[9:56] - I underscore the awesome responsibility of accidental leaders, emphasizing the impact on people's lives beyond managing tasks.

[11:09] - Nick stresses the importance of avoiding the Peter principle within an organization and discusses the need for continuous development and support.

[14:04] - How has Nick embraced change during his career?

[17:29] - I discuss Pat West and how she embraced change for members' benefit.

[18:50] - Nick discusses the importance of being open to change, technology innovations shape growth and success.

[21:09] - Leaders must be willing to make open-minded decisions for member and staff success amid evolving technology.

[24:11] - Nick shares how he faced a daunting challenge turning around an insolvent credit union, leading its recovery.

[27:02] - Nick takes pride in leading staff to recognize and solve problems, shaping his growth as a leader.

[28:02] - I acknowledge the value of quiet leaders like Nick who lead with calmness, communication, and meaningful actions.

[29:55] - Leaders should adopt a “servant heart” and embrace the philosophy of "loving all, serve all" for a better world.

Next Episode

Lessons from Jazzfest 2024 - Let it go!

I recently attended Jazzfest in New Orleans where I got to see The Rolling Stones, one of my favorite bands, and I wanted to spend some time on the podcast to talk about my experience as well as four important lessons that I learned from attending (actually five because I also have a bonus one to share)!

Starting with the fifth bonus lesson, I reflect on the power and the importance of being a good human. This might sound simple enough, but it can be easy to forget sometimes especially when in the heat of a moment. I share an example of some people in the show who, despite being in one of the greatest cities in the world and seeing The Rolling Stones (one of the greatest rock bands of all time), were not behaving like good humans, something that I just couldn’t understand.

I also discuss the mantra “Buy the Ticket,” a phrase that I first heard in a job interview years ago that has stuck with me ever since. It is a reminder to seize opportunities and enjoy life, whether it's attending a concert, embarking on a new adventure, or simply making time for loved ones. After all, life is too short to let busyness and excuses hold us back.

Another lesson that I took away from Jazzfest has to do with The Rolling Stones themselves and their incredible resilience. Despite setbacks and doubts, as well as Mick Jagger once having told himself that he would stop rocking at 33, they continue to rock the stage, proving that age is just a number and that limitations are often self-imposed. It's a powerful reminder to challenge the lies that we tell ourselves and others and to embrace our limitless potential. After all, whether you tell yourself that you can or that you can’t, you’re right either way.

Let’s also not forget about the importance of having fun! Between Cowboy Mouth's infectious energy to Jimmy Buffett's laid-back vibes, Jazzfest is ultimately a celebration of life, reminding us to loosen up and embrace the present. Be sure to stick around as I share some favorite lyrics from these artists!

I hope that you will join me for this episode of The Accidental Leader as I spend some time reflecting on the whirlwind of experiences and emotions from Jazzfest 2024, and remember that, in the end, life is what happens when we're too busy taking it seriously. Let's live a little, laugh a lot, and make memories that last a lifetime!

Time Stamps:

[0:49] I am reflecting this week on my time at Jazzfest and the universal lessons that I took away from the experience.

[2:04] I am sharing four (plus a bonus fifth) points that I took away from the festival.

[4:36] I reflect on the community spirit of JazzFest, which is more than just a concert.

[6:01] We often let others upset us in life, but it's ultimately our choice how we react.

[8:09] Buy the ticket!

[10:37] Learn about the origin of the mantra “Buy the Ticket”!

[12:14] I highlight the persistence and longevity of The Rolling Stones, highlighting Mick Jagger's enduring presence as a rock star even in his eighties.

[14:15] Don’t believe lies, whether they come from yourself or others!

[17:19] I discuss the importance of reconnecting with fundamental values even in life's busyness, which was inspired by a Cowboy Mouth performance at Jazzfest.

[19:40] Let go of fears, embrace spontaneity, and enjoy life's moments fully.

[21:52] Take your work seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously.

[24:16] I emphasize the importance of not taking life too seriously, urging you to find joy even in fear and uncertainty.

Resources:

The Accidental Leader - “Special Guest: Author and Speaker Ash Davis - Finding Joy In Our Journey”

Ashley Davis - A Life Through Letters: An Aging Father’s Legacy, a Son’s Revelation, the Birth o a Movement