Leadership is Overcoming the Natural - An Interview with Mike Merrill and Joe Judge

Quick recap
The meeting focused on leadership, emphasizing its challenges, evolution, and the importance of reflection, truth-telling, accountability, and ethics. The speakers stressed the need for conscious effort, trusted advisors, and ongoing learning. They also discussed the significance of culture change, finding the right fit for staff, and creating an environment where team members' needs are met. The conversation concluded with a call for more open-minded leadership, problem-solving, and embracing change.


Summary
Leadership Challenges and Evolution
The meeting revolved around leadership, focusing on its challenges and how it has evolved, especially during the pandemic. Michael and Mike emphasized the importance of reflection and conscious effort in leadership, with Mike highlighting the need for truth-telling and accountability. Joe shared his learning journey to appreciate disagreement as a source of learning, emphasizing the significance of having trusted advisors and ongoing education. The conversation concluded with a discussion of the importance of ethics, personal growth, and truth in leadership. The speakers agreed that leadership involves bringing people together and moving forward, contrary to the current divisive society. They encouraged people to rise above their instincts and strive for better.
Leadership and Culture Change in Healthcare
Joe and Michael shared their experiences in leadership, specifically in the healthcare sector. They highlighted the importance of culture change and focusing on commonalities to improve situations rather than focusing on differences. Michael recounted his success in reducing turnover in a clinic he managed, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit for staff. The conversation concluded with a call for more open-minded leadership and problem-solving, starting with addressing common issues first.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Michael and Joe discussed leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where team members' needs are met, and they are encouraged to dream and speak up. They also highlighted the significance of confidence in leaders, not necessarily having all the answers but being aware of that and willing to figure things out together. Michael shared his experiences creating such an environment in his career and its positive impact on team performance. Joe stressed the need for leaders to care about their team members and involve them in decision-making processes.
Leadership Book and Adaptability
Joe and Mike discussed their recently published leadership book, which contains 52 maxims for effective leadership. They emphasized the importance of adaptability and flexibility in today's dynamic work environments. Joe highlighted the need for leaders to challenge their mental models and consider alternative perspectives. They also discussed the shift towards remote work and the difficulties leaders face adjusting to this new paradigm. Mike suggested that leaders should carve out time to reflect on their fears, insecurities, and anxieties. The conversation concluded with a call for leaders to embrace change and expand their mental models.

Mike and Joe are co-authors of Leadership is Overcoming the Natural. Mike is a physician executive, and Joe is a leadership consultant/coach.

Leadership is Overcoming the Natural - An Interview with Mike Merrill and Joe Judge

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