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Leadership strategist Sara Canaday joins Brian and shares insights on the key differences that turn a good leader into a great one. Unlike vague general leadership training, this conversation is specific for a change, delving into what a good leader and a great leader would do in the same situation, to unlock their team's potential and become truly memorable leaders.
See the full details and links on the episode's page: the-difference-between-good-vs-great-leaders-a-deep-dive-with-sara-canaday
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Links to References In This Episode
Sara Canaday’s LinkedIn Profile
Subscribe to Sara’s Newsletter
Sara’s Courses on LinkedIn Learning
Book Brian mentioned, Strengths Based Leadership
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Episode Digest
We all know the basics of good leadership - meeting targets, maintaining an efficient team, delivering results. But what propels a leader from merely good to truly great? What’s gives them the elusive "X-factor" that inspires unwavering loyalty and leaves a lasting legacy. Sara and Brian dove in.
Great leaders educate rather than just inform.
"It's one thing to just pass on information, but a great leader actually brings that vision to life."
Actionable Takeaway: Use creative methods like props, analogies, visuals, and stories to make ideas tangible and relatable when communicating with your team. Don't just relay information - vividly illustrate the "why" behind decisions and initiatives.
A great leader is a talent cultivator, not just a task distributer.
"A great leader actually matches those team members with the skills that they're not only good at, but that inspire them."
Actionable Takeaway: Have one-on-one conversations to understand each person's unique interests and motivations. Then deliberately assign projects and responsibilities that leverage their strengths while providing growth opportunities in areas of passion.
Foster an environment of open dialogue and critical thinking.
"What are we missing here?" "What would make you more comfortable with this strategy?"
Actionable Takeaway: Resist providing just the answers. Ask thought-provoking questions that challenge assumptions and invite diverse perspectives. Make your team meetings a psychologically safe space for candid input.
Be a connector and developer of people.
"A great leader is so well connected themselves. They've worked hard enough on their own network that they can now share it with you."
Actionable Takeaway: Actively connect your team members with other experts, mentors, training opportunities and experiences that can accelerate their professional growth and career aspirations. Share your own networks liberally.
Display entrepreneurial spirit and vision.
"They're asking questions on a broader scale...Why do we always do it this way? What if we stopped doing this altogether?"
Actionable Takeaway: Don't just maintain the status quo. Challenge existing processes and ways of thinking, and provide potential alternatives. Inspire your team by posing bold "what if" questions that spark innovation and positive disruption.
Be situationally fluent and highly self-aware.