Aim Higher: The podcast with purpose

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #5 Servant leaders encourage

In discussing the 5th of 9 traits of servant leaders, Skip and his panel remark on how we live in an “encouragement desert.” Even if we were to give 6-9 times more encouragement, research tells us that it still wouldn’t be enough to fill the need we have to hear that we are worthy and valuable. How can you, as a leader, develop the habits – and a culture – of encouragement? Listen and find out.

Wednesday Wisdom: John Wooden

Today’s “Wednesday Wisdom” comes from legendary basketball coach, John Wooden: “Reputation is what you are perceived to be, character is what you really are.” Skip talks about how, while many of us think that our character is something fixed and permanent, it really isn’t! You can work your reputation, and you can also take control of your character. They’re both important! Find out how, and start today.

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #4 Help people with life issues

In this, the 4^th of 9 panel discussions about the traits of servant leaders, Skip and his panel talk about how important it is for leaders to recognize “the whole person.” Because even at work (perhaps especially at work), we’re not just workers. As Skip points out, we are more than “human capital” or other degrading terms like “head-count” or “warm bodies.” Servant leaders recognize that the best leaders respect, trust and care for the whole person. Listen for some good tips on how to do just that, while still respecting some important boundaries.

 

Wednesday Wisdom: Eleanor Roosevelt

Today’s “Wednesday Wisdom” comes from Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Belief is foundational to everything we do. It’s the power that connects our dreams, which may feel unreal, to a future in which we do what it takes to make them happen.

Tim Sanders: The 3 keys to creating a sales leadership mindset

Tim Sanders is a tech pioneer, NYT best-selling author and the former Chief Solutions Officer of Yahoo! In this interview with Skip, he shares the three keys to creating a sales leadership mindset. First, be intensely curious. Second, commit to delivering value with every interaction. Third, answer every question with a “Yes!” Tim also talks about the value of diversity of thought, and why “four is the magic number” when you’re looking for diverse perspectives.

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #3 Develop other leaders

In this, the 3rd of 9 panel discussions about the traits of servant leaders, Skip and his three guests talk about how true leaders don’t just lead—they build up other leaders. Why spend time training others to lead? Because the only other option is to be, as Skip puts it, a “superhuman leader” yourself. That’s bad for several reasons. First, it puts all the pressure on you, leaving no room for error. Second, it provides no growth for new leaders. And lastly, it means that your organization won’t benefit from other leadership styles. The panel goes on to provide some great, actionable tips on how to help “lead leaders” within your team. 

Amy Blankson: “The Future of Happiness”

Amy Blankson is bestselling author of “The Future of Happiness.” A graduate of Harvard and Yale, she focuses on how to achieve happiness in a digital era.  She is a co-founder of the Digital Wellness Collective and most recently has shared her thought leadership as a speaker at TEDx and as a regular contributor for Forbes on Women, Technology, and Leadership, and as a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course. She and Skip discuss how leaders can use technology to help improve happiness outcomes for their teams, and for themselves.

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #2 Create a culture of trust

In this, the 2^nd of 9 discussions about the traits of servant leaders, Skip and his panel talk about the importance of building a culture of trust. The conversation touches on the components of trust and how you can quickly identify which cultures are based on trust… and which are based on fear. Why worry about trust? Because, as panelist Drew Bordas puts it, “Trust gives you a shortcut to efficiency.”

The 9 traits of servant leaders: #1 Value diverse opinions

A servant leader is not one who does all the work or who is mild and easily swayed. Servant leaders provide strong guidance and direction by understanding what motivates customers, employees and shareholders. In the first of nine parts on this topic, Skip and his panel discuss how valuing diverse opinions is absolutely mandatory for a successful leader.

Cal Turner Jr.: Life lessons for leaders—and everyone else

In one of the most personal and wide-ranging interviews he’s done, Skip talks with former Dollar General CEO Cal Turner, Jr. Under Turner’s leadership, this global powerhouse grew to 14,000 stores and over $20 billion in sales each year. He’s a servant leadership expert who talks frankly about succession planning and the value of empowering others to set their own goals. And he shares personal stories about his inspirational journey, including one about how he learned everything he needed to know about leadership... from two very different piano teachers.