Leadership With Heart

In this episode, we explore the importance of active listening in the workplace with a compelling scenario between Heather and Gabriela. Heather initially assumes Gabriela's tardiness is due to partying, only to learn that she has been working late from home. This revelation prompts a discussion on how assumptions and biases can harm professional relationships and productivity. By actively listening, we can understand diverse perspectives, foster empathy, and create an inclusive work culture. Heather and Gabrielle's conversation highlights the value of addressing misunderstandings openly and collaboratively.

In this episode, Heather explores the inevitability of change in organizations, whether it’s due to new technologies, team restructuring, or market shifts, and how to navigate it effectively through Change Management. Central to this approach is Caring Leadership, a leadership style that emphasizes empathy, support, and understanding. Whether facing organizational shifts or personal changes, remember the vital role of Change Management, Caring Leadership, and Active Listening in navigating these transitions. For more insights, check out her book and the free Caring Leadership Kit at HeatherYounger.com/kit/.

In this episode Heather speaks with Brian Lord, President of Premiere Speakers Bureau, who shares profound insights on the relationship between wisdom and effective leadership. Emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom as a foundational element for leadership, Lord underscores the value of curiosity and a continual openness to learning from others. Through engaging anecdotes and practical advice, he highlights how cultivating wisdom precedes and ultimately enhances one's leadership abilities, offering listeners a compelling perspective on personal and professional growth.

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.