the word is leadership

Welcome to our 50th episode of "The Word is Leadership." We've made it through a full season, and I am incredibly thankful for your support and encouragement. Our final word for the season. As always, I closed my eyes, opened the dictionary, and chose a word at random. This week’s word is "reattach," which means to attach something again. "Reattach" brings to mind the idea of reengagement, especia...

Welcome to our penultimate episode of "The Word is Leadership." As we approach the end of our first season, I am filled with gratitude for your continued support. Producing this podcast has been more work than I anticipated, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. This week’s random word ‘fulminate,’ (to make criticisms or explode with violence) which provides an interesting lens for examining le...

Welcome to Episode 48 of "The Word is Leadership." As we near the end of our season, I want to thank you for your continued support. Whether you're a regular listener or new to our podcast, your engagement means the world to me. This week’s random word is ‘ironman’ and this gives us a perfect metaphor for leadership. Both an ironman competition and leadership require versatility, endurance, and di...

Welcome to episode 47 of The Word is Leadership. this week, our random word is one I had never come across before: ‘succinic’, an adjective related to amber, specifically referring to compounds derived from succinic acid. While initially baffling, this discovery provides a unique lens to examine leadership communication. I explore how leaders can effectively communicate complex ideas that might in...

Welcome to Episode 46 of ‘The Word is Leadership’, where I explore insights from our weekly random word: ‘flock’. This term not only refers to a group of animals like sheep or birds but also metaphorically to a congregation of people, providing a powerful lens for examining leadership dynamics. The concept of a flock underscores the importance of unity and shared direction in leadership. It's abou...

In this 45th episode, faced with the random word ‘oboe’ I look at leadership challenges through the metaphor of musical instruments as I introduce the "Oboe/Recorder Rule of Development," a concept that illustrates the complexity of learning and leading effectively: Understanding the Instruments: Discover how the oboe, with its complex and demanding nature, contrasts sharply with the more straight...

In today’s episode of "The Word is Leadership," we discuss the Essence of Community and Creativity in Leadership thanks to our random word 'acetum' (better known as vinegar). This episode promises to distil (see what I did there!) unique insights from the common and versatile substance, exploring themes of adaptability, solution-finding, and the invaluable role of community and creativity. I delve...

In this week’s 43rd episode of ‘The Word is Leadership’, we dive into the world of leadership communication courtesy of our random word ‘glib’. Often described as fluently easy, yet potentially insincere or deceptive, this small but powerful word opens a fascinating question about where the fine line is between being convincingly articulate and deceptively smooth. Join me as we explore the dual na...

This week we dive into the rich and unpredictable realms of leadership through the random word: "pheasant." I focus on the vibrant imagery of the pheasant, known for its brightly coloured plumage and presence in both art and nature, to steer the discussion tying the pheasant's characteristics to essential leadership qualities, focusing on visibility, attraction, and distinction. I emphasise the im...

Episode 41 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ and our random this week is ‘kachumber’, the delightful Indian salad of chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, chilli and coriander that serves as the perfect metaphor to build the three rules of collaboration. The first, the salad rule, reminds us that just like not all salads are kachumber, not all collaborative efforts are the same. It's essential to assess...

Welcome back to "The Word is Leadership," Episode 40! Today, we delve into the multifaceted concept of "discord" and its implications for effective leadership. Drawing parallels between discord in social dynamics and musical dissonance, I suggest that planned discord can awaken us from complacency and generate valuable insights. I reflect on Solomon Asch's conformity experiments, to acknowledge th...

Welcome to Episode 39 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ in which we explore the unexpected leadership insights behind the word ‘rosé’. In the world of wine, rosé often occupies a middle ground, neither white nor red, and is frequently perceived as less sophisticated. Leadership, too, faces the dilemma of choosing between opposites. Yet, there's more to rosé than meets the eye. It reflects the challenge...

For episode 38 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ I dive into the concept of ‘continuum’ and its implications for leaders. Defined as a continuous series with no perceptible differences between adjacent parts, "continuum" prompts me to think about the notion of compromise and linear progression. A continuum is a reminder that every action, no matter how small, contributes to our journey towards our goal....

In this, our 37th episode of ‘The Word is Leadership’, I tackle our random word ‘hock’ to uncover insights into leadership development and personal growth. Defined as the joint in a horse's leg, "hock" prompts images of forward and backward motion, connections, and adaptation which lead me to use the letter of a word itself to delve into development and change. I use the letters of the word HOCK a...

In Episode 36 of "The Word is Leadership", helped by our random word ‘enamel’, I ponder the question ‘do I possess the qualities necessary to be attractive without compromising my identity?’ which prompts reflections on the intricate artistry of leadership. We explore the profound parallels between enamel's protective surface and the essence of effective leadership. Just as enamel shields what lie...

In episode 35 of "The Word is Leadership," we reflect on the word "protract" and its implications for decision-making processes in leadership. I focus on the concept of “decision making protraction” - the idea that extending time in decision-making can add value. I highlight the difference between delaying, procrastinating, and protracting. Borrowing from the theory of system 1 and system 2 thinki...

As we bid farewell to August and summer holidays, we're diving deep into the essence of leadership with this week's random word: "Ever." In episode 34, we explore what it means to lead at all times, in any context, and in your own unique way. Join us as we break down the definition of "ever" and uncover four enduring truths of leadership: 1. Lead Anytime: Discover how leadership is an equal opport...

In episode 33 of The Word is Leadership, we are discussing the word "soup" which brings me back special memories from my grandfather. Reflecting on different types of soups we discuss the important topic of creating clarity and in particular, the common misconception of clarity in leadership which is similar to trying to turn soup into broth. I present the three levels of clarity leaders should pr...

In episode 32 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ our random word is experience. I use it to explore the conundrum of needing experience to gain experience. We discuss tenure versus knowledge and the importance of active learning outside traditional roles seeking alternative opportunities to gain relevant experience. I look at how individuals can mitigate their lack of direct experience by demonstrating t...

In the 31st episode of ‘The Word is Leadership’ I recall my nephew Evan's advice on avoiding analogies that might use future words as I use our random word ‘cutaneous’ to explore the concept of authenticity I argue that while authenticity pertains to surface-level consistency, it is integrity with its alignment between thoughts, words, and deeds that followers want. I emphasise that, like healthy...

For Episode 30 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ our random word is the verb to prevail. I continue to reflect on what it means for a leader to have power and break down the definition of prevail into four imperatives of leadership power. First, I discuss ‘the mastery imperative’, emphasising the importance of gaining mastery in one's field to stand out as a leader. I, then, explore ‘the safety imperati...

In episode 29 of ‘The Word is Leadership,’ we tackle the word mercury. Inspired by Gordon Mackenzie’s delightful book ‘Orbiting the Giant Hairball’ I look at what it takes to navigate the complexities of organizations without getting stuck in them, along with the importance of maintaining the right distance to make an impact. I propose three key steps for anyone aspiring to leadership, or wanting...

In this new episode of "The Word is Leadership," I have to find insights using the random word ‘logos’ (defined as the rational principle expressed in words and things). I discuss the significance of rhetoric in leadership, emphasizing Aristotle's three elements: logos (logic), pathos (emotion), and ethos (credibility) and look at how leaders can create followership as well as give examples of how...

In Episode 27 of ‘The Word is Leadership’, I use our random word ‘craft’ to try to finally put to the bed the needless management versus leadership conversation. Putting aside my dislike for quotes and memes, while reiterating my caution against blindly accepting and sharing them without verification, I mention Steve Jobs’ ideas about innovation and the iterative process of turning ideas into prod...

For episode 26 of ‘The Word is Leadership’ our random word is survey. Emmanuel highlights the significance and prevalence of surveys in organizational processes and offers the concept of working IN/ON/ OUT of the business as a way to understand whether we are surveying the right things that add the right value. Akin to surveying a body, he explains that working "IN" involves performing tasks that...