240: Leaders with Heart are Under Construction

In this episode, Heather explores the critical role of Active Listening in managing organizational change. She highlights the challenges of change, including uncertainty and fear, and emphasizes that Active Listening goes beyond simply hearing to understanding emotions and perspectives.   Research shows gender gaps in feeling heard at work and stresses the importance of creating an environment where all employees feel valued.   The episode outlines five key steps of Active Listening: Recognize the Unsaid, Seek to Understand, Decode, Act, and Close the Loop. When leaders actively listen to employees, they build trust and foster open communication, leading to greater acceptance of change and organizational success.   Whether leading change or navigating transitions, the message underscores the transformative power of Active Listening in creating supportive workplace cultures.

In this podcast episode, we delve into strategies for employees facing the return-to-office mandate. Many workers are grappling with the sudden shift from remote to in-office work. Management and the company must learn how to handle this well because many employees are unhappy with this decision.   We discuss three essential approaches: promoting open communication and active listening sessions to address concerns with empathy, advocating for flexible work arrangements such as hybrid schedules to accommodate diverse needs, and reinforcing company values through team-building activities and recognition of achievements.

In this insightful podcast episode, Anita Brikman, President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), shares her compelling career journey bridging healthcare advocacy and association leadership. With a background as a news anchor and medical reporter, Anita discusses the transformative shift into healthcare associations, emphasizing the importance of aligning work with a meaningful mission. She highlights the critical role of empathy in leadership and the impact of advocating for plasma donation and lifesaving therapies. Anita's experiences demonstrate the power of purposeful leadership in driving healthcare initiatives forward and making a tangible difference in patient care. Tune in to gain valuable insights into effective leadership, mission-driven advocacy, and the significance of empathy in healthcare from Anita Brikman's inspiring story.

In this podcast, Heather introduces the concept of Caring Leadership and its impact on organizational success. She highlights the challenges faced by businesses due to employee disengagement and turnover, emphasizing the importance of leaders who genuinely care about their team members.   Heather discusses findings from a study by her company, Employee Fanatix, revealing that a significant percentage of employees feel unheard by their supervisors. To address this, she introduces the Caring Leadership® ecosystem, which encompasses nine key behaviors essential for leaders at all levels. 

In this podcast episode, Heather recounts her early inspiration from Reverend Jesse Jackson's compelling speeches, sparking a desire to communicate with impact. Initially steering towards law, she discovered her passion for public speaking through feedback in mock trials.   Transitioning through diverse career paths, Heather honed her skills, drawing motivation from influential figures like Shep Hyken. With steadfast determination, she earned the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, signifying excellence recognized by the National Speakers Association.   Reflecting on her journey, Heather encourages listeners to persevere towards their dreams, emphasizing the power of support and continuous improvement. Discover how holding onto dreams, diligent effort, and a supportive network propelled Heather from aspiration to achievement, inspiring others to pursue their own aspirations.

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of "Culture Collision," a phenomenon where there's a significant disconnect between leadership and customers, resulting in declining sales, lost profits, and negative impacts on local communities. From startups to established corporations, no organization is immune to this challenge, which demands urgent attention and action. In Caring Leadership®, we emphasize the importance of fostering empathy, understanding, and a customer-centric approach to address Culture Collision. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and aligning business practices with customer expectations, companies can navigate through this challenge and emerge stronger on the other side. Let's work together to bridge the gap between leadership and customers, creating a harmonious relationship built on mutual respect and shared values.

In today's episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics of "Culture Clash" within organizations, where unexpected events like mergers or layoffs disrupt the harmony between leadership and employees, sending shockwaves through the company and impacting customer satisfaction.   As an advocate for effective leadership and organizational well-being, I shed light on the profound disconnect that arises and its ripple effects on productivity and morale.    By emphasizing the importance of bridging this gap through empathetic leadership and transparent communication, we explore strategies to overcome Culture Clash and cultivate workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. Join the conversation as we navigate this critical aspect of organizational health and work towards building a brighter future together.

 In this episode, Heather delves into the often overlooked threat of "Culture Slip" within organizations, where even the most well-intentioned companies can fall victim to its subtle erosion of workplace culture. Through three key steps rooted in the principles of Caring Leadership, she explores how leaders can identify and combat Culture Slip before it irreparably damages their organization. By fostering open communication, empathy, and a genuine commitment to caring leadership at all levels, we can ensure that every voice is heard and valued, creating workplaces where everyone thrives. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your company's culture and secure its long-term success.

In this podcast episode, Heather challenges the belief that organizational culture is fixed by introducing a dynamic 3-step model – Culture Slip, Culture Clash, and Culture Collision. Culture Slip, described as a subtle erosion beneath the surface, is recognized as a silent culture crusher that demands strategic attention.   Culture Clash emphasizes the internal strife impacting external factors like customer satisfaction and loyalty, advocating for effective communication and empathetic leadership. The devastating Culture Collision occurs when companies fail to align with customer values. Leaders need to listen in order to create a magnetic culture actively. 

Join us in this insightful episode with Michael A. Grace, President of West Virginia University Hospitals, as he shares over 25 years of healthcare leadership experience. From his role at UPMC Mercy Hospital to his current position, Grace discusses the philosophy of work-life integration, the transformative power of loving what you do, and the art of effective listening in leadership. Drawing on personal experiences, he emphasizes the importance of addressing concerns personally and completing the listening cycle for genuine understanding.