The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast

Details Over the last few years, we have gathered data from over 18,000 leaders on their preference for speaking versus deep listening. While very few completely doubt the efficacy of deep listening, many leaders fail to see the remarkable value of being an excellent listener. Rather than taking the time to carefully understand the other person, 46% of respondents noted their preference to “transl...

Details The tides are shifting, and the economic downturn is causing some big corporate layoffs. After doing some research with one firm that had a major layoff, Zenger Folkman found some common traits among those who were let go. In this leadership podcast episode, we’re sharing some helpful tips for keeping your name off that layoff list. Zenger Folkman gathered a substantial amount of data from...

Details Quiet quitting is a new name for behavior that has long existed. Today the term is mainly applied to individuals who reject the idea that work should be a central focus of their life. They resist the expectation of giving their all or putting in extra hours. They say “No” to requests to go beyond what they think should be expected of a person in their position. Every employee, every workda...

Details Many underestimate how important execution is to their careers, it is true that bosses place a premium on execution, which we define as the ability to achieve individual goals and objectives. There are many parts of your job that are important, but if you want to move ahead in your career, it might be time to double down on simply getting more stuff done – it’s what your boss wants to see....

Details The audiobook version of The Trifecta of Trust: The Proven Formula for Building and Restoring Trust is now available Take advantage of the promotional launch price until August 31st! The audiobook can be purchased on AUDIBLE , NOOK , GOOGLE PLAY , KOBO , CHIRP , AUDIOBOOKS.COM , and SCRIBD . This chapter discusses the three elements of the trifecta of trust: expertise, consistency, and bui...

Details With summertime’s flexible and ever-changing schedule, it’s a struggle to stay fully engaged with many distractions and temptations. At the office, you didn’t know what you were missing, but at home, you are very aware. In this episode, we are exploring the research behind how to keep your team engaged during summer slumps, and some of the suggestions might surprise you. Connect with Joe F...

Details: Coaching conversations are worth planning. They take up valuable time for both parties, so that time should be put to its most efficient use. A good coaching conversation can improve relationships, performance, motivation, and results. In this episode, we discuss a proven framework for coaching conversations to guide leaders effectively through the process. Guest Bio: Kathleen Stinnett br...

Details: Of the organizations using 360-degree feedback, 95% of them use it solely for individual development. But are they gaining the  full value that a 360-degree assessment  could provide? From the organization and individual perspectives, the future could be much better. In this episode, we explore a dramatically improved future for all leadership development and specifically for how we might...

Details Order your copy of The Trifecta of Trust: The Proven Formula for Building and Restoring Trust . In Trifecta of Trust, psychometrics and leadership expert Joseph R. Folkman has collected a mountain of compelling data to make the irrefutable case for the value of trust in leadership. His research shows that there are three core behaviors that create and reinforce trust from others. By master...

Details As you think about your peers at work, are they some of your best friends, always helpful and supportive, or are they your harshest critics, pointing out your mistakes and flaws? While everyone’s situation is different, the answer to this question often is, “It depends.” Context is critical here, and overtime in an organization, relationships can change significantly. In this episode, we a...

Details: Bold is a positive word. Bold leaders are champions of change and are willing to challenge themselves and their thinking patterns with things like inclusion, diversity, and unconscious bias. Is the world afraid of BOLD leaders or is that exactly the type of leadership trait we should try to possess? In this episode, we’re digging into what the data says about how BOLD a leader really shou...

Details Inertia is ever-present and always powerful. That’s why people who are skilled at taking initiative stand out. There are energizer bunnies that keep going and going and leave the rest of us wondering how do they do it without burning out? In this episode, we share the secrets of taking initiative and keeping yourself motivated and energized at work. To read his latest research, subscribe t...

Details The decision a leader makes regarding their leadership behavior has a profound impact on their career, and the performance of those reporting to them. But the great majority of leaders began their careers with the target of being a good accountant, engineer, marketer, or analyst. Few had set their sights on being an extraordinary leader. Over 30 years of research, practice, and implementat...

Details This episode features guest Roy Banks, CEO of Weave talking about their organization’s dedication to building a people-first culture that benefits both employees and customers. Roy Banks has served as our Chief Executive Officer since December 2020 and as a member of our board of directors since August 2021. He has significant experience in high-tech software development, e-commerce, inter...

Details We all love a chance to think through how to do something different and express originality. But most days, most work feels fundamental. Why do organizations have so much trouble facilitating employee creativity? In this episode, we discuss how you can become a creative superstar. To read his latest research, subscribe to Joe Folkman’s LinkedIn Newsletter  Leadership Psychometrics . Connec...

Details How much can you learn about someone from a silly question? We’ve been collecting data from the business and professional leaders who read our articles. The question we asked was this, “If you were given a choice of two special powers, which would you prefer? A. Ability to fly or B. Power to be invisible.” Believe it or not, the answer to this question provides some interesting insights in...

Details Helping and serving others reinforces the connection people have with their colleagues, but it also increases our sense of well-being and can lower depression. So what does the world need right now? In this episode, we are exploring the behaviors of those who are deemed, helpful leaders. To read his latest research, subscribe to Joe Folkman’s LinkedIn Newsletter  Leadership Psychometrics ....

Details If a basketball, football, or baseball team wins nine games out of 10, most people assume that this is an outstanding team. Sports teams do not win every game. It would not be that entertaining to watch the games if they did. But what if a person delivers on their commitments nine times out of 10 times? That sounds like a pretty good record; people do not need to be perfect after all. The...

Details An essential skill we need in practically every life scenario is the ability to analyze and solve problems. While we would all love to have someone to do the work for us, most of the time, we need to figure it out ourselves. So what kind of skills do practically perfect problem solvers possess? That is what we are answering in this episode. Subscribe to Joe Folkman’s LinkedIn Newsletter  L...

Details Too many managers avoid giving  any kind of feedback , regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. If you work for a boss who doesn’t provide feedback, it’s easy to feel rudderless. In this episode, we will discuss how to improve at work when you’re not getting feedback. New Self-Directed Course Learn more about our short course Mastering Confidence: Build a Presence that Elevates Per...

Details Perhaps you have seen the Where’s Waldo? books. When placed in a crowd or a complex surrounding, Waldo is an odd individual who becomes difficult to find. Often, when a leader fails to be a good role model or sets a bad example, they believe that their actions will be hidden, much like Waldo. In reality, when a leader sets a bad example, they are more like an onstage actor with a spotlight...

Details It’s that time of year to make plans and whether you’ve been at your job for many years or are just beginning it always helps to keep in mind some ways that you can impress your boss and progress in your career path. In this episode, we’re sharing our research on five different ways to stand out this year. Subscribe to Joe Folkman’s LinkedIn Newsletter  Leadership Psychometrics , to read h...

Details Ask 100 people if they have good common sense, and more than 95% will tell you they do. Ask them if they are good coaches, and almost as many will say yes. Executives we talk to assume that if they’re good managers, then being a good coach is like your shadow on a sunny day. It just naturally follows. But what if it doesn’t. In this episode, we are discussing how to find the balance betwee...

Details Demand for coaching within organizations is exploding. Yet certain barriers seem to be blocking the way for coaching to reach its full potential. In this episode, we will discuss the expanding access to coaching and the best practices every leader and organization should follow. Join us on January 25 & 27 for our award-winning development experience, The Extraordinary Coach!  You’ll le...

Thanks for tuning into The 90th Percentile Podcast this year. In the book, Blueprint, the Yale scholar Nikolas Christakis, argues that over time we have developed a set of highly beneficial social features that lead us to love, community, friendships, and cooperation.  He contends that we cannot escape our overall blueprint for goodness.  After reviewing scientific evidence from both the animal an...