What is servant leadership? And is it nearly as bad as it sounds, or just the byproduct of bad branding? Join Jacob as he sits down with Michael Girdley, an expert in leadership development, to discuss the qualities that make a great leader and how to effectively resolve conflicts in the workplace.  Michael shares his insights on servant leadership, setting clear goals, and the importance of empathy in preventing conflicts. He also talks about his journey and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way.  Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the top leaders in the field. Plus, find out why Michael is known as Chili's #1 super fan!   00:01:18 - Developing Leadership Skills 00:02:25 - Balancing Servant Leadership and Boundaries 00:04:51 - Helping CEOs Gain Perspective in Decision-Making 00:07:13 - Transitioning from CEO to Board Member: Unlearning Habits and Mindset 00:12:01 - Leadership Lessons 00:15:19 - The Importance of Leadership Development 00:22:31 - Effective Conflict Resolution for Leaders 00:27:00 - Navigating Conflict in Remote Work 00:30:08 - How to Identify Someone's Passion 00:31:54 - Creating Scalable Solutions for Success 00:37:04 - Discover the Incredible Leaders Lens   Follow Michael: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgirdley/   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.   Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/  

Sometimes, understanding the root of your team’s dysfunction is the only way to help them actually function. This week, Jacob dives into the topic of building a cohesive team and incentivizing team success over individual success.  Why is trust the one central element to building a strong, cohesive team? Jacob emphasizes the importance of leaders demonstrating trustworthiness through their actions and explains why conflict resolution and accountability are explored as key components in fostering a healthy team dynamic.  He also shares a framework called SAO (Situation, Action, Outcome), revealing how it can be used to reward behaviors that contribute to the team's success. Plus, don’t forget to check out the book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni as a valuable resource for leaders looking to improve team cohesion.    00:00:00 - Building a Cohesive Team for Success 00:01:42 - Addressing the Five Dysfunctions of a Team 00:05:55 - The Invaluable Book on Team Dysfunction 00:06:53 - Building Trust and Accountability in Teams 00:07:58 - Building Trust and Handling Mistakes 00:17:21 - Incentivizing Team Success Over Individual Success   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.

Did you know that 75% of the time we’re in a conversation, we’re not actually listening? What can we do to actively increase our passive listening skills?  In this ep, Jacob’s diving into the importance of active listening and its impact on conflict resolution. He explains why being a more active listener can prevent missteps and help organizations function better as a whole.  Plus how can you use the SIER framework (which stands for sensing, interpreting, evaluating, and responding) as a tool to enhance listening skills? Jacob highlights how to utilize this powerful framework to stay present, avoid distractions, and have impactful conversations in person. So if you’re a leader looking to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued and to prevent conflicts before they arise in your organization, then this is the episode for you!  00:00:12 - The Importance of Effective Listening 00:03:10 - Mastering SIER for Effective Leadership 00:11:05 - The Power of Active Listening in Leadership 00:15:06 - Master Conflict Resolution with This Podcast Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths. And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter. Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/

Join Jacob as he sits down with Phil Beckner, a renowned high-performance consultant who has worked with top athletes like Damien Lillard. They sit down to chat about the common factors that lead to conflict within teams and the best steps to take when conflict happens. Phil shares his insights on why many leaders struggle to address conflict and offers strategies for effectively managing and resolving it. He also highlights the differences between handling conflicts in sports teams versus business teams and emphasizes the importance of empathy and self-belief in both realms. Don't miss this engaging conversation with valuable lessons on leadership and the power of mission, vision, and values in driving success.   00:00:00 - High-Performance Consultant Shares Insights 00:00:58 - Effective Conflict Resolution in Teamwork 00:09:51 - Understanding Motivations and Personality Types 00:12:05 - Conflicts in Sports Teams vs. Business Teams 00:19:13 - Overcoming Fear: Why Leaders Struggle 00:26:31 - Defining Your Identity: 5 Steps   Follow Phil:  Website: https://www.drivenbball.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-beckner-332a9021b/   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.   Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/  

Join Jacob as he dives into the topic of conflict resolution in this special solo episode. He dives into the importance of addressing unresolved conflict in the workplace and how it can impact productivity and employee satisfaction.  Jacob also explains the Thomas Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument, which helps individuals and teams reflect on their conflict resolution strategies. Plus, what is the role trust and communication in effective conflict resolution, and why is it so important? Don't miss this insightful conversation on how to create a healthier and more productive work environment.   00:00:00 - Resolve Workplace Conflict for Productivity 00:01:02 - Understanding Conflict Resolution Strategies: Thomas Kilman Instrument 00:07:49 - Effective Communication for New Team Leaders 00:11:02 - The Power of Collaborative Conflict Resolution 00:15:51 - Subscribe, Review, and Get Involved   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.   Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/

With US employees spending about 2.8 hours per week on conflict, costing a staggering $3.59 billion annually, it’s crucial for teams to have a healthy relationship with conflict and know how to resolve it effectively.   In this episode of the Leader's Lens podcast, Jacob dives into the topic of conflict resolution and unpacks the importance of not letting conflicts escalate and turn into all-out tribal warfare. He explains why one of the most crucial steps a leader can take is to listen and understand where the other person is coming from.  Jacob also highlights the need to address the root cause of conflicts rather than applying temporary solutions.  And remember, if you have any questions about conflict resolution, you can always reach out to Jacob via email at jacob@workweek.com.    00:00:00 - The Cost of Conflict in the Workplace 00:01:42 - How to Handle Conflict Effectively 00:08:29 - Solving Team Conflict at the Root 00:14:46 - Solving Problems: Avoid Band-Aid Solutions   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.   Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/

In this solo pod, Jacob’s tackling audience questions and discussing the importance of communication and leadership. He shares valuable insights on setting boundaries, conducting effective meetings, and avoiding burnout as a leader based on his own personal experiences. Discover the benefits of implementing weekly all-hands meetings and one-on-one sessions with direct reports and how to communicate boundaries transparently without coming across as snarky. Why is taking time for yourself so crucial for being the best leader for your team?  Additionally, Jacob delves into the issue of manager stress and disengagement, unpacking how it can negatively impact the overall workforce and providing foolproof strategies for leaders to avoid hyper-fatigue and maintain a healthy work-life balance.   00:00:11 - Improve Communication and Leadership Skills 00:07:01 - Setting Boundaries for Leaders' Time 00:11:38 - Avoiding Managerial Stress and Fatigue   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.   Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/   Stop wasting time and money by churning through employees and missing business goals.  The Predictive Index helps you create a people-focused strategy and provides a clear understanding of how to improve employee experience, morale, and performance, leading to higher productivity and better business results. https://trypi.com/leaders

Join Jacob and good friend Gabrielle Blackwell as they discuss the importance of time management and organization in achieving your goals.  Gabrielle shares valuable insights on setting objectives, creating a reward system, and implementing smart goals into your mission statement.  They also delve into the power of consistent praise and recognition and how managers can shift their focus to reinforce the right behaviors. Don’t miss out on this super engaging conversation on effective leadership strategies—you won’t want to miss these game-winning insights!   00:01:15 - Recognizing the Right Behaviors in Leadership 00:09:26 - The Power of Praise and Persistence 00:15:52 - The Importance of Confidence in Marketing Plans 00:20:49 - Mastering Time Management and Organization   Follow Gabrielle:  Newsletter: https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/the-one-on-one/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=one-on-one LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielleblackwell/   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.   Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/   Stop wasting time and money by churning through employees and missing business goals.  The Predictive Index helps you create a people-focused strategy and provides a clear understanding of how to improve employee experience, morale, and performance, leading to higher productivity and better business results. https://trypi.com/leaders

In this episode, Jacob sits down with Ryan Vaughn, the Founder and Wxecutive Coach of InsideOut Leadership, to discuss the importance of leadership development and self-inquiry.   Ryan shares his insights on the secret sauce of powerful leaders, the value of vulnerability and commitment, and the need for middle managers to receive proper development. He also dives into the concept of creating psychological safety in the workplace and the role of risk-taking in innovation.  And later, Ryan offers advice for leaders on getting started and navigating challenging situations. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on leadership and personal growth!   00:00:00 - Leadership Journeys with Ryan Vaughn 00:00:49 - CEO Reflects on Leadership Journey 00:06:39 - Setting Boundaries: Balancing Parenthood and Business 00:07:30 - The Importance of Boundaries in Entrepreneurship 00:13:44 - Leadership: Start with What's Interesting 00:16:13 - The Secret Sauce for Powerful Leaders 00:24:06 - The Importance of Accountability in Leadership 00:25:35 - Common Misconceptions in Leadership Exposed 00:28:03 - Self Work: Getting the Results You Want 00:31:51 - Navigating Emotions: Conversations with Kids 00:37:24 - Navigating the Challenges of Tech Innovation 00:39:10 - Connect with People Through Newsletter   Follow Ryan:  Website: https://www.leadinsideout.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhvaughn/   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leaderslens Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.   Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/   Stop wasting time and money by churning through employees and missing business goals.  The Predictive Index helps you create a people-focused strategy and provides a clear understanding of how to improve employee experience, morale, and performance, leading to higher productivity and better business results. https://trypi.com/leaders

Join Jacob as he delves into the world of transformational leadership with Chris Pineda, the host of "The Rooted Leadership Podcast."                                                          Chris's unveils his journey through peace-building and conflict-resolution psychology which paved the way for his expertise in transformational leadership. Chris also explains how his fundamental beliefs in leadership are deeply rooted in showing leaders their higher purpose through an enlightened path to positive change. Chris later introduces his Rooted Framework, which simplifies complex concepts into relatable analogies. Discover how conflicts, much like weeds, can evolve from destructive to constructive forces, and why stress is a concept that is perceived through the eye of the beholder.  Plus, Chris explains the role of vulnerability and accountability as catalysts for positive change and shares his personal story on how vulnerability brought him out of one of the darkest times of his life. 0:00 Intro/Background 1:35 The Principles of Transformational Leadership 7:56 The Power of Knowing Where You Come From 13:00 Emotional Intelligence and Leadership 16:11 The Rooted Framework 20:32 Setting “Do” Goals 29:49 Getting Vulnerable Follow Chris:  Podcast: The Rooted Leadership Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-pineda-76762160/ Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter. Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/ Stop wasting time and money by churning through employees and missing business goals.  The Predictive Index helps you create a people-focused strategy and provides a clear understanding of how to improve employee experience, morale, and performance, leading to higher productivity and better business results. https://trypi.com/leaders

In this week’s pod, Jacob chats with Brian O'Connor, a VIP in leadership strategy. Together, they unpack the DNA of great leadership, discuss the art of getting customers not just interested but downright ecstatic about your business, and unveil ways to recognize when it's time to pivot your strategy.  Ever wondered about the right way to instigate change within an organization or the nitty-gritty of navigating mergers? Brian breaks it down, revealing his ambition matrix and highlighting the importance of staying true to your company’s core competencies.  Plus, get exclusive insights on how tools like ChatGPT can redefine leadership frameworks. Whether you're leading a team or just starting on your leadership journey, this is an episode you won't want to miss!   Follow Brian:  Newsletter: The Outlier Growth Website: https://w https://www.outliergrowth.com/subscribeww.outliergrowth.com   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.   Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/   Stop wasting time and money by churning through employees and missing business goals.  The Predictive Index helps you create a people-focused strategy and provides a clear understanding of how to improve employee experience, morale, and performance, leading to higher productivity and better business results. https://trypi.com/leaders  

Ever been trapped in a soul-crushing, passive-aggressive team meeting? Or maybe lost your cool with the office's designated chatty Cathy?  Well, it's time to clear the air! In Jacob's latest chat with Charkie Quarcoo, Program Manager of the Predictive Index, they’ve both got some brutally honest takes on modern leadership. They get down to the nitty-gritty of conflict resolution and the importance of being earnest (and more empathetic).  Find out what makes a leader worth their salt and how to tackle workplace spats without losing your mind. Plus, spot the danger signs of early workplace discontent and defuse those conflicts before they get too out of hand. And besides, who says conflict has to be a negative thing? Learn how it can actually make you a better leader!   Follow Charkie:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charkie-quarcoo/   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.   Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/   Stop wasting time and money by churning through employees and missing business goals.  The Predictive Index helps you create a people-focused strategy and provides a clear understanding of how to improve employee experience, morale, and performance, leading to higher productivity and better business results. https://trypi.com/leaders

How did the internet’s most successful gardening content creator go from homesteading in his backyard to garnering a multi-million dollar investment deal?  Kevin Espiritu, founder of Epic Gardening, talks with Jacob about building out an ecosystem of content and finding ways to triple down and focus on the core pillars of your business that matter most.  Kevin explains how he successfully scaled Epic Gardening by understanding that with any potential business deal, if it detracts your time and attention away from the most important aspects of your company, then it’s time to step away. Plus, he later shares the reasons why follow-through is crucial to the success of any content creator.    Learn More About Epic Gardening:  Website: https://www.epicgardening.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicgardening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EpicGardening   Follow Kevin:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinespiritu   Follow Jacob: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakeespi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJacobEspi   Ready to unlock the secret to developing a healthy, happy, and more profitable team? Then check out my newest development course and learn to start leading from your team’s collective strengths.   And if you’re looking for deep dives, tactics and the resources you need to up your leadership game, you need Leader’s Lens - Jacob’s twice-weekly newsletter.   Sign up here: https://workweek.com/brand/leaders-lens/   Stop wasting time and money by churning through employees and missing business goals.  The Predictive Index helps you create a people-focused strategy and provides a clear understanding of how to improve employee experience, morale, and performance, leading to higher productivity and better business results. https://trypi.com/leaders