In this episode Mary and I welcome Matt Crossan, who is Senior Simulation & Performance Engineer at Mahindra Racing in the UK which competes in the Formula E World Championship racing series. In Matt’s senior year in Engineering at Western University, Matt co-captained the Engineering School’s Formula Race team that ended up ranked 13th from among 500 of the world’s best engineering schools, up from 54th the previous year. This was Western’s best finish ever, and much of the credit is attributed to the team’s embracing of Leader Character. In this episode Matt tells his amazing story, sharing many of his experiences through the language and lens of leader character. He also discusses his subsequent career in Formula-E Car Racing and how leader character is an essential element of team success. After listening to this episode, we think you will be convinced that the more technical the endeavour, the more leader character can contribute to your organization’s success while still maintaining a strong sense of well-being. A super interesting conversation and a true example of the power of elevating character to the level of competence!
LINKS:
In this episode Mary and I once again welcome Dr. Corey Crossan. Corey has become the world’s foremost expert on Leader Character development. Corey answers LOTS of our questions including: How does Virtuosity enable “mass customization” and a “community of character development”? How does Virtuosity enable a “culture of Character”? How can Virtuosity minimize the load on the individual organizational “training curriculum”? How does Virtuosity allow an organization to track its “pulse” in real time? Is a partner important in Character development, and what makes for a good partner? How does Virtuosity encourage “doing” instead of just “thinking”? What is the Virtuosity “Organizational Dashboard” and how can it help organizations manage change and anticipate risk issues? How does Virtuosity protect people’s personal data? In our conversation we learned that Virtuosity is a revolutionary app that delivers tremendous insight and value to individuals and organizations alike. We hope you agree and take the next steps to get engaged with Virtuosity.
SOURCES / CITATIONS:
In this episode Mary and I welcome Kate Ashby, one of Canada’s best known and respected teachers of Improv. Kate has taught alongside Mary many times using Improv to develop Leader Character to graduate business students and executives alike. In our conversation we talk about using Improv to develop confidence, establish trust, practice taking risks, and learning to live with vulnerability. We discuss how, if we can improvise well, we need not fear any situation or unknown. We discuss making bravery contagious, the importance of movement, why making mistakes is good, and learning to “let go”. We discuss the power of play and fun, a safe way to get your body used to physiological stress, and how to think less about yourself and more about others. A delightful conversation that we hope you enjoy as much as we did.
If you are interested in contacting Kate about improv, you can reach her at k8@kateashbyacademy.com.
SOURCES / CITATIONS:
In this episode Mary and I welcome Jennifer Bitz, a senior Federal public servant. Jenn has initiated and overseen cultural transformations within several Federal Public Service agencies and is the ideal guest to share her knowledge, wisdom and experience with us. Jenn defines culture and why it is so important (3:35), why psychological safety is the best predictor of organizational performance (5:50), and the links between employee happiness and creativity / energy / productivity (6:40). Mary then directly links character to psychological safety and happiness (8:10). Jenn then answers why cultural transformation is so challenging and why cultural transformation needs to be understood as an “infinite game”(10:45). Mary identifies the tendency to change processes, not people, as a key reason why culture change programs often stall and / or fail (14;25). Jenn then explains the central role of Leader Character in defining, shaping and sustaining organizational culture, and Mary’s quote “An organization should do no harm to its employees.” (16:30). Jenn identifies the unique contributions of Leader Character in achieving an aspirational culture (20:40). Jenn describes the 3-step process of cultural transformation, and Leader Character’s essential role in this process (22:40) which Mary links to Strategy and how 95% of an aspirational culture is the same - a character-based culture (27:30). Jenn and Mary then discuss the obstacles that get in the way of perceiving and inserting character into a central role in culture, and how including character in this process is a “game changer” (29:40). Lastly Jenn provides her advice as to what you, if faced with cultural change issues, need to do next (35:10). Our conversation with Jenn is an extremely insightful and practical guide that emphasizes the critical role of character in navigating and delivering culture change from a deeply experienced practitioner in this challenging yet critical field.
SOURCES / CITATIONS:
In this episode Mary and I welcome Dr. Lucas Monzani, Asst. Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Ivey Business School. Lucas’s research includes a focus on Key People Indicators (KPIs), and quantifying the impact that Leader Character has on these KPIs. Lucas shares the accumulating evidence which is establishing a broad-based, strong, and positive correlation between presence of Leader Character and KPIs (e.g. psychological safety, promotability), which has the potential to radically transform organizations. In our conversation we note that Leader Character is a fundamental, root-cause approach to improving these KPIs from within people (“trickle up” effect). Lucas also discusses his current and future research which is using novel techniques and methods to measure the link between Leader Character and physiological responses, and the early results are very promising. Lucas discusses some extremely valuable insights arising from his research that demonstrates consistent cross-cultural effects and the phenomenon of “character contagion”. Lucas discusses using virtual reality techniques to deliver consistent, cost-effective and humane training methods to develop leader character (including reducing unconscious bias and improving performance management). Finally, Lucas reminds us that Leader Character is at its essence a “Human Project”, and that the human is at the front and center of our research. It is not pursued for the primary purpose of improving profitability or EPS, but to support and extend Human Flourishing to support judgment and well-being and get at the complex challenges facing us in the 21st century.
SOURCES / CITATIONS:
Five new episodes of the Question of Character Podcast are on their way starting June 26!
Summary: In this episode Mary and I welcome John Ossowski, President of Canada Border Services Agency. Over the last five years John has led the introduction of Leader Character into all facets of the CBSA organization. As he says, “We use it for everything!”. The accessible, practical and universal language of Leader Character makes it perfect for applications such as selection, recruiting, rewards and recognition and performance management. In particular, Leader Character has been central to a cultural transformation occurring within CBSA, including playing a key role in their EDI initiative. John discusses what first captured his imagination about Leader Character, how it is used at CBSA, how it has changed and strengthened his leadership, and the obstacles faced and overcome. When we asked John for his one piece of advice for leaders he said, “Just dive in!”. Likewise, we hope you will dive into this episode and get as much from it as we did. (~43 minutes)
In this episode Mary and I welcome Dr. Marsha Rothstein. Our conversation was inspired by an inquiry which had asked if Leader Character had anything to offer a stressed-out student population weary from dealing with a pandemic, job-hunting, social distancing and endless screen time. We thought Marsha had something to offer given her 30 years of clinical psychology in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) helping her patients address and overcome emotional difficulties. Our conversation turned out to be extremely timely, helpful and practical. Marsha’s and Mary’s conversation has a timeless quality to it and is helpful to all. The bottom line? Leader Character and CBT, working together, can have a huge impact on how you respond to the pressures of everyday life which, as we all know, have been ratcheted up tremendously by the pandemic. You can use the concepts and practices of CBT and Leader Character, established through science and practical application, to take greater control of your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, stimuli and responses. This in turn will lead to better alternatives, judgments, outcomes and well-being for yourself and others. You are not alone and working together will lead to better outcomes and well-being for all.
- 3C’s of Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1
- Leadership Character Framework: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/
- Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/
- Virtuosity App: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0
In this episode Mary and I welcome our special guest Ted MacDonald, Advisor to the Financial Conduct Authority in London, England and a long-time, unofficial ambassador for Ivey Business School. Ted discusses how Leader Character allows the practitioner to go beyond the letter of financial industry regulation, to the spirit of the regulation’s intent. Ted describes the effect of COVID-19 on culture, conduct, and individual well-being, and how Leader Character can provide a leader with balanced, timely and wise decisions during these unprecedented times. Ted and Mary distinguish between poor ethics and poor judgment, and how Leader Character, by focusing on judgment, can help reduce the risk of misconduct. We discuss how strength of character among the organization’s leadership sets the tone for a safe, supportive environment that will allow the aspired culture to thrive. Ted describes the concept of “tone from within” where individuals strength of character aligns with the organization’s purpose. Mary and Ted emphasize the foundational importance of individual character development in achieving culture change, how most organizations don’t take this seriously enough, and how those that do will achieve long-term, competitive, sustainable advantage. Ted also discusses how he has successfully used leader character within the FCA, and how it has been helpful to him in his personal life.
- 3C’s of Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1
- Leadership Character Framework: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/
- Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/
- Virtuosity App: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0
In this episode Mary and I welcome our special guest Greg Millen, ex-NHL goalie, current NHL broadcaster, leadership consultant and college professor. In this episode we discuss the role of Leader Character in all sports, with a focus on professional ice hockey. Greg shares his experiences with character at the NHL level as a player and advisor, while Mary connects the science of Leader Character with the performance edge that professional athletes are looking for. Mary and Greg discuss their experiences working with the Carolina Hurricanes, and how Leader Character was used in draft selection. We also discuss the relevance of character to all types and levels of sport, and how athletes, coaches, administrators and management can use it to not only improve individual and team performance, but also to enhance individual well-being which will resonate and amplify to the benefit of our families, communities and society at large. Finally we make the point that the stories in sports that inspire us the most are those centered on the athlete’s character, and that these stories are equally applicable to our leaders and their organizations and institutions.
- 3C’s of -Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1
- Leadership Character Framework: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/
- Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/
- Virtuosity App: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0
In this episode Mary and I welcome our special guest Natacha Prudent, Director of Leadership, Performance and Talent Management at Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Our focus is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and we discuss Natasha and Mary’s experiences linking EDI with Leader Character at CBSA to make progress on this critical initiative. We begin by discussing how each dimension of character impacts the EDI Agenda, how EDI tests Character and how Character, thus tested, must rise to the challenge of supporting EDI. Natacha shares her personal experiences with Leader Character, and how it is a central part of her personal leadership development. We discuss emotional tax, recognizing privilege (Bill and Mary provide personal examples), political correctness, unconscious bias, and why color blindness is not enough. Natasha shares how Leader Character is practically linked to EDI initiatives, and how you know when your organization is making progress. If your organization is considering an EDI initiative, or in the midst of an EDI program, then Leader Character is an indispensable ally to making it work.
Resources:
- Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence: Understanding and Facilitating Difficult Dialogues on Race by Derald Wing Sue (Author) will help the readers address discussing racism in their daily lives. This book explains why “colorblindness” never accomplishes equality and the danger of staying silent in situations of injustice toward Black people.
- Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi explains exactly how racist ideals were developed and spread in America and just how deeply-rooted they are in our entire society.
- How to Be An Anti-Racist. Author Ibram X Kendi breaks down what exactly “anti-racism” means and why it’s so important.
- Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy. This book explores the psychological and emotional impact on African Americans after enduring the horrific Middle Passage, over 300 years of slavery, followed by continued discrimination.
- 3C’s of -Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1
- Leadership Character Framework: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/
- Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/
- Virtuosity App: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0
This episode is absolutely packed with content – so much so that you might find yourself coming back to it from time to time. With our special guest Corey Crossan, Mary and I connect the PABC framework with the Leader Character framework, and how they work together to strengthen character. Do you have a learning block? Have you found yourself struggling to move to the next level of leadership? Do you find that your performance deteriorates under stress? This episode provides you with the keys to understanding these vexing obstacles and overcoming them. We discuss mindfulness, meditation, processing emotions, the need for emotion in decision making, the Fixed versus Growth Mindset, dysfunctional Core Beliefs, and so much more. Corey and Mary provide examples of how to troubleshoot PABC weaknesses, the value of positive emotions, the use of music in character development, how to pursue group character development, and how positive character contagion often arises from the group’s most vulnerable members. Most leadership training focusses on behaviour and cognition. By including all elements of the PABC framework and integrating them with Leader Character, you can develop the habits you need for new personal and professional growth. This is a critical episode for HR professionals, those engaged in designing and delivering Leadership and Development programs, and anyone who is committed to their own professional development and personal well-being.
- Interoceptive Ability Predicts Survival on a London Trading Floor, Kandasamy et al, 2016 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5027524/
- Carol Dweck, TED Speaker, https://www.ted.com/speakers/carol_dweck
- Allen Watkins TED talk on heart rate variability, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q06YIWCR2Js
- Barbara Frederickson, Positive Emotion, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKggZhYwoys
- PABC Schematic: https://www.dropbox.com/s/60mxw7ir6bqrwrg/PABC.png?dl=0
- "Towards a Model of Leader Character Development: Insights from Anatomy and Music Therapy", M. Crossan, C Crossan and C. Ellis, Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies (pending)
Have you ever wondered how an organization is embedding Leader Character? Mary and Bill welcome special guests Sonia Côté and Steve Virgin from Canada Revenue Agency to answer this exact question. This is a super long episode because Sonia and Steve have so much to share! From Sonia’s first exposure to Leader Character, to her hiring of Steve as the world’s first Director of Leader Character, Sonia and Steve discuss their incredible journey. We discuss Sonia’s vision of elevating character to the level of competence; the link of character to excellence and well-being; how Sonia overcame the questions and concerns that were initially raised; the importance of organizational preparation; Steve’s focus on the development of character throughout the organization; how CRA incorporated character into their interview processes (hint: you need to have character to interview for it!), how powerful that process is for both interviewers and interviewees; how character based interviewing can help minimize bias in the hiring process; the process to utilize metrics to measure character’s impact; lessons learned and so much more. Sonia and Steve discuss real life examples of how Leader Character has improved decision-making and outcomes and is influencing discussions, conversations and culture throughout CRA and beyond in federal agencies such as Canada Border Services, Public Prosecution Service and the RCMP. This is a must see / listen episode for leaders at all levels, and especially those in HR, the C-suite and CEOs. As Mary says, “Don’t sit back and wait for someone else, you can do this!”
Ivey 3C’s of Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1
Leadership Character Framework: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/
Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/
Virtuosity App: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0
CRA Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/organizational-dynamics/articles-in-press?page=3
In this episode Mary and Bill discuss how Leader Character gets embedded in organizations. Drawing upon practical experience implementing Leader Character programs in organizations as diverse as Manulife, Revenue Canada and an NHL hockey team, Mary shares her insights including: why it is important to institutionalize Leader Character; the pent-up demand within organizations for Leader Character; how a Leader Character program is often supported by all parts of an organization; how one person with strong character can make an enormous impact; why Leader Character implementation supplements existing Mission, Values and Leadership statements and is often organic, contagious and can be largely self-directed; why Leader Character is foundational to any culture; what metrics to use when measuring the impact of a Leader Character program; introducing the mobile Leader Character App “Virtuosity” (TM); and the role of the Board of Directors and Regulators as key influencers to encourage organizations to adopt Leader Character.
Ivey 3C’s of Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1
Leadership Character Framework: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/
Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/
Virtuosity App: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0
Can you really change your character? This is the question we get most often, and the answer is a resounding YES! In this seminal episode Mary and Bill welcome special guest Ph.D. candidate Corey Crossan, and we discuss how character is different from personality, how personality influences character development, the key principles of character development, the process and barriers to such development, and the importance of surfacing and resolving your dysfunctional core beliefs (e.g. fixed vs. growth mindset) in order to achieve your character development goals. Mary and Bill then share three personal stories of character development, and the profound difference it has made to those lives. This inspiring episode gives you the confidence and means to intentionally and intelligently develop your own character, leading to improved decision-making and judgment, leading to better outcomes and sustainable well-being.
Ivey 3C’s of Leadership:
https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1
Leadership Character Framework:
https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/
Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership:
https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/
Virtuosity App:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0
In this episode Mary and Bill discuss the interplay between context, character and decision-making. We know human behavior is profoundly influenced by the situations people perceive themselves to be in. Conversely, people tend to under-estimate their influence on their own context. Mary and Bill discuss how character can not only resist adverse context, but when exercised, can also positively change one’s environment. This leads to minimizing poor judgments, and in overcoming adverse context creates positive spaces that allow good judgments and well-being to flourish. Bill and Mary provide a number of examples from both critically acclaimed movies and real-life that explain and evidence the powerful effect that character brings to our lives, and the positive, contagious effects on the organizations, communities and societies in which we live.
Money priming: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26214169/
Andrew Fastow interview at Ivey: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/news/blogs/2018/4/welcome-to-my-world-says-former-enron-cfo-andrew-fastow/
Friendly Fire: The Accidental Shootdown of U.S. Black Hawks over Northern Iraq, https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691095189/friendly-fire
“42” (2013), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/42_(film)
Elevating leader character alongside competence in selection: A case study of Canada Revenue Agency, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090261620300036?via%3Dihub
Ivey 3C’s of Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1
Leadership Character Framework: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/
Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership, https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/
Question of Character website: https://www.questionofcharacter.com/
Virtuosity App: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0
Episode 2 is the second of two episodes that completes the introduction of the Ivey Leader Character Framework. Hosts Bill Furlong and Professor Mary Crossan review the key points from Episode 1 and then using clips from the movie Invictus, observe and analyze Nelson Mandela’s inspirational, charismatic and effective leadership. In the movie Invictus Mandela is portrayed (accurately in our view) as a paragon of leadership, and observing his behaviours through the lens of Leader Character allows us to truly understand the sources of his exceptional wisdom and judgment, and we begin the exciting experience of activating our own Leader Character. This is turn creates the inspiration to pursue our individual Leader Character journey.
Ivey 3C’s of Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1
Leadership Character Framework: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/
Frans de Waal’s TED Talk – Two monkeys were paid unequally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meiU6TxysCg
Invictus, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2009 [clips start at 8:25 and 28:55)
Question of Character website: https://www.questionofcharacter.com/
Virtuosity App: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0
Episode 1 is the first of two episodes that provide an introduction to the Ivey Leader Character Framework. Hosts Bill Furlong and Professor Mary Crossan describe the purpose and benefits of Leader Character, and why you might want to listen to this podcast. Bill and Mary discuss the genesis of the Leader Character Framework, how it was developed, the supporting academic research, the focus on sustained excellence, the central role of judgment, the virtue/vice problem, some examples of where Leader Character is making a profound difference in the lives of people today, and so much more.
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Webcast: Book Launch - Leadership on Trial: A Manifesto for Leadership Development. https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/books/leadership-on-trial/
Ivey 3C’s of Leadership: https://www.leadforward.ca/blog/2016/10/31/developing-leadership-character-pt-1
Leadership Character Framework: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/
Question of Character website: https://www.questionofcharacter.com/
Virtuosity App: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3l6l46u8bsxkn9/Video%20-%20Introduction%20to%20Virtuosity%20Character%20App%20-%202020-07.mp4?dl=0
