Lead With That

What Elon Musk Can Teach Us About Leadership & the Future of Work

The future of work, the future of automobiles, and the future of free speech: At the nexus point of all of these is Elon Musk. Musk has never shied away from the public but recently, through his attempted purchase of Twitter and his recent comments about remote work, he’s once again caught our attention here at CCL. At the center of his comments stem 2 core issues of concern for leaders in this modern era:

1.  What does leadership actually look like? Is leadership the role or realm of a single individual? Or can leadership be shared, cultivated, groomed, made to thrive together?

2. What does the future of work really look like? Will remote work actually be put on ice by the world’s most powerful leaders?

These are real questions affecting real people, so in this episode we have to dig in. Is Musk’s point of view a taste of things to come? Or, is it that dying breath of a breed’s last thrashings? Not sure the world’s richest man would appreciate the comparison, and so here we are. Join Allison and Ren as they explore what lessons we can glean from the recent headlines involving Elon Musk and lead with that.

Related Resources: 

What Are the Characteristics of a Good Leader?: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/characteristics-good-leader/

Master the 3 Ways to Influence People: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/three-ways-to-influence-people/

Creating a Culture of Innovation: Focus on These 3 Factors: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/3-factors-that-drive-or-suppress-innovation/

How to Be a Successful Change Leader: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/successful-change-leader/

How Leaders Should Approach Today's New Hybrid Workforce: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/how-leaders-should-approach-todays-new-hybrid-workforce/ 

Leading Through Change & Disruption: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/leading-through-change/

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About the Center for Creative Leadership:

Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org 

What Tragic News Can Teach Us About Leadership Communication & Trust

The recent news cycle has been difficult to take in. Tragic, sad, intense. The impulse for leaders and their team members may be to compartmentalize and pivot the conversation, but so much of what’s happening deserves recognition and discussion. 

What can leaders do to create an environment at work where employees can feel safe with their emotions, and don't have to pretend things are just okay? How can organizations prioritize the well-being and belonging of their employees, while keeping work moving?

Let’s explore how tragic things happening in the world can be met with empathetic communication and trusting relationships, and lead with that. 

Related Resources: 

Communicating in a Crisis: What, When, and How: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/communicating-in-a-crisis-what-when-and-how/ 

How to Build Trust in the Workplace and on Your Team: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/build-trust-in-the-workplace/  

5 Steps for Tackling Difficult Conversations: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/5-steps-for-tackling-tough-conversations/  

Listening to Understand: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/listen-to-understand/ 

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/emotionally-intelligent-leaders/ 

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About the Center for Creative Leadership:

Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org 

What Awards Season Can Teach Us About Professionalism and Emotional Intelligence

In the wake of the slap heard around the world Allison and Ren explore what leadership lessons we can glean from awards season this year. Specifically discussing how conflict in the workplace can be an opportunity to strengthen our professionalism and emotional intelligence skills.

They also share how leaders can better manager conflict on their teams, and create spaces where meaningful conversations can happen.

Related Resources: 

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Effectiveness: Bringing Out the Best: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/emotional-intelligence-and-leadership-effectiveness/

 

Why (and How) to Confront Difficult Employees: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/confront-problem-employees/

5 Steps to Tackling Tough Conversations: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/5-steps-for-tackling-tough-conversations/

The Importance of Empathy in the Workplace: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/empathy-in-the-workplace-a-tool-for-effective-leadership/ 

Conversational Skills: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-coaching/coaching-skills-better-conversations-training/ 

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About the Center for Creative Leadership:

Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org 

What Forced Arbitration and the Oscars Can Teach Us About Allyship and Progress

On February 10th the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would end forced arbitration for workers who are victims of sexual assault and harassment. This isn't just one of the most significant changes to employment law in years, which is notoriously difficult to amend. But this is a high watermark of equitable, balanced treatment, of people in the workplace - especially women. Under the legislation, employers would be prohibited from forcing workers to settle sexual misconduct claims in closed-door arbitration venues. Employees instead would be able to file a suit in court with their own legal representation. Drastically changing an imbalanced power dynamic and hopefully leading to wider implications than what this has started. 

About 4 days later the Oscars announced Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall are set to host the 94th Oscars. 

Coincidence? Probably.

But as it does, these two events got Allison and Ren thinking. Thinking about allyship, inclusion, equity, and what we can learn from these parallel events as we aim to democratize leadership, invite more people into the conversation, and change the way we treat each other inside and outside of work. How can and should we talk about the benefits and limitations of steps toward equity and lead with that?

Related Resources: 

What is Allyship? Your Questions, Answered: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/what-is-allyship-your-questions-answered/

Understand Social Identity to Lead in a Changing World: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/understand-social-identity-to-lead-in-a-changing-world/

The Power of Respect: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/the-power-of-respect/

Inclusive Leadership: Steps Your Organization Should Take to Get it Right: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/when-inclusive-leadership-goes-wrong-and-how-to-get-it-right/

5 Keys to Retaining & Developing Women Leaders: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/5-proven-ways-develop-female-talent/

Women's Leadership Solutions: https://www.ccl.org/landing/womens-leadership/ 

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About the Center for Creative Leadership:

Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org 

What Cancel Culture Can Teach Us About Impact and Accountability

Pepe Le Pew, Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, even Minnie Mouse-- all impacted by cancel culture. Dave Chappelle, Joe Rogan, Gina Carano, J.K. Rowling – whether an animation character or just simply an animated character, no one’s safe. But is it cancel or consequence? And really, how does it impact you, working with and on teams and leading people through change? 

 

In this episode Allison and Ren explore cancel culture from a leader’s point of view. What are the implications for leading teams and managing conflict, risk taking, and the perceived threat of making a mistake in this new era of communication? As more voices get involved in the conversation, there are going to be that many more colliding perspectives. A good leader considers others' perspectives and makes space for people to make mistakes without fear. So, we’re curious and want to explore how leaders can make room for people to learn from their mistakes while also honoring the sentiments of those around them. How can we as leaders balance the benefits and consequences of cancel culture and lead with that?

 

Related Resources: 

Cultivate and Sustain a Learning Culture Within Your Organization: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/cultivate-and-sustain-a-learning-culture-within-your-organization/ 

 

How to Tackle Tough Conversations: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/5-steps-for-tackling-tough-conversations/

What is Psychological Safety at Work? https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/what-is-psychological-safety-at-work/

How to Foster And Innovative Mindset: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/how-do-you-respond-to-a-new-idea/

How Leaders Can Encourage Innovation Instead of Sabotaging It: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/9-ways-senior-leaders-sabotage-innovation/

Authentic Leadership: What It Is, Why It Matters: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/authenticity-1-idea-3-facts-5-tips/

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Solutions: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/equity-diversity-inclusion/

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About the Center for Creative Leadership:

Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org 

What Betty White and Sidney Poitier Can Teach Us About Inclusion, Access, and Authenticity

In this episode of Lead With That, Ren and Allison explore what we can learn from the barrier-breaking legacies of Betty White and Sidney Poitier.

On December 31st, 2021 actor, comedian, animal rights activist and author Betty White died just weeks before she would have celebrated her 100th birthday on Jan. 17, 2022. Just a week later, the first black man to win an Oscar, an actor that paved the way for underrepresented actors around the globe, Sidney Poitier died at the age of 94, on January 7th, 2022. 

While their loss is sad, this conversation explores what we can celebrate about their legacies and the powerful leadership lessons they taught throughout their lives.

Specifically, we’ll explore the things we can learn from Sidney and Betty about inclusion, access, authenticity and what leaders can learn from their experiences.

We'll also ask you to consider why we're talking about the importance of authenticity, and what systemic biases exist that you have the power to help dismantle both internally and externally. Join us as we challenge you to make Betty and Sidney's examples catalysts for inclusion and access on your teams and at your organization.

Related Resources: 

Inclusive Leadership: Steps Your Organization Should Take to Get it Right: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/when-inclusive-leadership-goes-wrong-and-how-to-get-it-right/

Kick-Start Your Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives with a Focus on Equity: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/kick-start-your-diversity-inclusion-initiatives-with-a-focus-on-equity/

What is Psychological Safety at Work?: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/what-is-psychological-safety-at-work/

Why You Should Collaborate Across Boundaries: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/boundary-spanning-the-leadership-advantage/ 

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Solutions: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/equity-diversity-inclusion/

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About the Center for Creative Leadership:

Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org 

What Facebook’s Rebrand to Meta Can Teach Us About Change and Transformation

Join CCL's Ren Washington and Allison Barr as they explore what we can learn from Facebook's rebrand to Meta. Specifically we talk about the leadership lessons that arise when a company not only changes its name, but also its mission.

We apply what we know about change to what we see happening with Facebook's transformation and how we can learn from Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, and any shift in brand and behavior. 

Related Resources:

What Senior Executives Told Us About Change-Capable Leadership: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/change-capable-leadership-propel-success/

3 Steps for Successfully Implementing Change in an Organization:  https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/3-steps-for-implementing-change-in-organizations/

How to Be a Successful Change Leader: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/successful-change-leader/ 

What's Your Leadership Brand: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/whats-your-leadership-brand/ 

Leading for Organizational Impact Program: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-programs/leading-organizational-impact-executive-training/ 

Change Leadership Solutions: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/change-leadership/ 

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About the Center for Creative Leadership:

Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org 

What Colin Powell Can Teach Us About the Importance of Humility and Growth

Join CCL's Ren Washington and Allison Barr as they explore what we can learn from Colin Powell's legacy and leadership philosophy as he moved from the highest reaches of military leadership to the highest echelons of civilian leadership. 

In October US General and Statesmen, Colin Powell died due to complications associated with COVID-19. Among his many accolades, he was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–93) and Secretary of State (2001–05), the first African American to hold either position. And that kind of symbolism was only a glimpse at all he represented. 

He was the son of immigrant Jamaican parents. He began as a professional soldier with a career that made him a hero in Vietnam and becoming the first Black national security adviser during the end of the Reagan administration.

With so much accomplishment and with such proximity to the highest levels of leadership in the world – we explore the characteristics that we associate with his leadership philosophy. Specifically we talk about how Colin Powell's humility and insistence on transforming experiences into growth opportunities contributed to much of his success and appeal as a leader. 

Related Resources:

Developing Talent? You're Probably Missing Vertical Development: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/developing-talent-youre-probably-missing-vertical-development/ 

What Are the Characteristics of a Good Leader? https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/characteristics-good-leader/ 

Learning Leadership in the Military: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/learning-leadership-in-the-military/ 

How to Become a CEO: Keys to Reaching the C-Suite: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/keys-reaching-c-suite-ceo/ 

Vertical Development: Culture Still Wins Over Strategy: https://www.ccl.org/articles/white-papers/vertical-development-culture-beats-strategy/ 

Leading for Organizational Impact Program: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-programs/leading-organizational-impact-executive-training/ 

Executive Coaching Solutions: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-coaching/executive-coaching/ 

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About the Center for Creative Leadership:

Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org 

 

Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) Social:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CenterforCreativeLeadership ​

Twitter - https://twitter.com/CCLdotORG ​

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-creative-leadership/​

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ccldotorg/

What Social Media Can Teach Us About Recognizing Bias in the Workplace

Join CCL's Ren Washington and Allison Barr as they explore what we can learn about recognizing unconscious bias in the workplace from the way news stories are covered on both social media and mainstream media.

By now, you likely know the name of Gabby Petito. Both mainstream media and amateurs on social media have committed hour upon hour to try and find Gabby and raise awareness of her case. The case captured the nation’s attention as more details of her disappearance played out on primetime news.

Much like the mystery surrounding Gabby’s disappearance, there are a lot of factors that play in this story. But for many, this story only highlights what’s not covered so compulsively by the media: The disappearance and death of thousands upon thousands of women of color. Today, we want to explore what can be learned from the media coverage of Gabby Petito. We’ll look at what parallels exist between this story and our work lives. And we’ll talk about what leadership can take away from some of these big and tough reflections.

Related Resources:

Making Gender Equity in the Workplace a Reality: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/gender-equity-workplace/

Women Need a Network of Champions: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/why-women-need-a-network-of-champions/

How to Have Conversations About Race: 3 Critical First Steps: https://www.ccl.org/webinars/how-to-have-conversations-about-race-3-critical-first-steps/

Beyond Bias™ Training: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/overcoming-unconscious-bias-in-the-workplace/

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Solutions: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/equity-diversity-inclusion/

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About the Center for Creative Leadership:

Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org 

 

Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) Social:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CenterforCreativeLeadership ​

Twitter - https://twitter.com/CCLdotORG ​

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-creative-leadership/​

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ccldotorg/

 

 

What the Frito-Lay Labor Strike Can Teach Us About the Future of Flexible Work

Join CCL's Ren Washington and Allison Barr as they explore a nationwide labor shortage and the rise of hybrid workplaces, uncovering what we can learn about the future of work from both phenomena.  

In late July, hundreds of union workers belonging to Local 218 in Topeka, Kansas won a big victory over Frito-Lay and so-called suicide shifts. Their 20-day strike shined a spotlight on a broader upswing in strike activity in the United States. In tandem with perceived labor shortages in certain sectors — or a living wage shortage, depending who you ask — it suggests changing employee expectations about the future of work.

 

In other industries, hybrid work is becoming increasingly common, as office workers jump to new roles that offer greater flexibility and many employees refuse to return to the office. Employers, executives, and HR leaders are exploring new options for their teams that might alter the value proposition of work in a trend that could dramatically influence a leader’s role within their organization.

 

In this episode, we discuss how a rise in strikes and a perceived labor shortage do and don’t overlap with an increase in flexible workplaces, and what leaders today can do to lead with that in mind. 

 

Related Resources:

Why Today’s Organizations Need to Embrace Flexibility in the Workplace: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/why-todays-organizations-need-to-embrace-flexibility-in-the-workplace/

Leading Hybrid Teams: How Organizations Can Successfully Shift to the New World of Work: https://www.ccl.org/webinars/leading-hybrid-teams-how-organizations-can-successfully-shift-to-the-new-world-of-work/

How Leaders Should Approach Today’s New Hybrid Workforce: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/how-leaders-should-approach-todays-new-hybrid-workforce/

Adapting to Change Requires Flexibility: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/adaptability-1-idea-3-facts-5-tips/

Leadership Development: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/individual-leadership-development-high-potential-employees/ 

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About the Center for Creative Leadership:

Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org 

 

Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) Social:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CenterforCreativeLeadership ​

Twitter - https://twitter.com/CCLdotORG ​

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-creative-leadership/​

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ccldotorg/