Episode 22 - Strategic Thinking / Strategic Doing
Latitude – Navigating Business Culture
Release Date: 03/27/2024
Latitude – Navigating Business Culture
Looking for an executive summary of what a dozen high-performing leaders think, communicate, and do every day to differentiate their organization from competitors and other employers? If so, then you found it! This special 35-minute episode covers Season 2’s 13 unique episodes and five major themes that ran throughout it including: The power of purpose (why does your organization exist?) Tapping into the voice of employees (VOE) for continuous improvement Modeling what you want more of Serving...
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How could stopping this time, instead of walking by, change a perspective, level of trust, a relationship, a challenging situation? Could something so simple help reinforce that a person and/or situation really matters? Join us as we discuss with Josiah Haken and his experiences of leading an organization that serves 50,000 ‘neighbors without doors’ (people experiencing homelessness). Josiah shares many practical solutions that apply to any size organization, whether it is public, private, for-profit, or...
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One of the costliest barriers to organizational performance is unresolved crucial conversations. Research has found nearly 70% of employees are avoiding difficult conversations with their boss, colleagues, or direct reports. Workplace health is suffering - trust eroding – and organizations underperforming. Join us as we discuss with Joe Buchanan his experiences of taking over a 30+ year old organization that was acquired just before the pandemic hit. Joe shares many practical solutions including: Constantly staying...
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According to Fortune magazine, “business leaders believe the importance of a company’s culture has increased in the current business climate”. In order to maximize the human potential (skills, knowledge, abilities) within any organization, both culture and leadership style must be proactively managed. Join us as we discuss with Tessa Dent her global experiences and how an organization’s culture (the accepted or perceived way we do things here and why) and leadership impacts: Strategy execution Sustainability Managing change...
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We choose what we pay attention to. Choose wisely because in an organization what leaders pay attention to and measure will fix firmly and deeply the way employees think, feel and act. It will drive organizational culture and ultimately performance. Join us as we discuss with Florian Kluge his vast experiences as a Financial Officer for two German companies operating in the U.S. Topics discussed include: The power of purpose Underestimating the importance of identifying key criteria to achieve results Making effective decisions Leading when things are going well – not...
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An entrepreneur sees what some would call ‘impossible’ as ‘possible.’ They make a choice to go and get it! No obstacle is too big. Join us as we discuss with Abby Reel her amazing start-up and success with a dinner theatre and events center. Topics discussed include: Creating a new business model compared to adopting former owners Considering it a privilege to serve customers, not a burden Establishing hiring criteria that protect your culture Modeling, coaching, and teaching what you expect from others Whiteboard Notes: Reflection Questions: Do you...
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Poor customer service (CS) costs over $3.7 trillion dollars annually across the globe – up 20% from the year before. Rod and Brian discuss a variety of topics, using research and real-life examples, including: How critical it is to treat CS from the inside/out – practicing internally with each other the behaviors expected externally with customers/clients. Importance of ‘convenience’ to the customer and determining specifics through ongoing gathering of the voice of the customer (VOC) Truly empowering CS reps to make decisions while minimizing ‘asking for permission’ Avoiding...
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Discover how the global pandemic accelerated digital adoption and reduced some resistance to change in a major healthcare organization. Jennifer Junis, Senior VP of OSF OnCall, will share many valuable lessons learned including the importance of: Clarity, through the use of Guiding Principles, to drive consistent, aligned decision-making. Evidence-based Management instead of fads or opinions. Realistic expectations when developing a high-performance culture. Whiteboard Notes: Reflection Questions: What do employees in your organization use...
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This episode features a conversation with the founder and owner of Russell Cycling and Fitness – a 45+-year-old small business that has been named several times as a Top 100 Best Bicycle Retailer in the United States. Joe Russell will share many valuable lessons learned, including the importance of: Recruiting for cultural fit. Teaching inspiration and pride. Doing common things uncommonly well in customer service. Whiteboard Notes: Reflection Questions: How many of your employees truly ‘hate’ their jobs? It’s just a paycheck. What can you...
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This episode features a conversation with a President of Client Services responsible for six geographic regions, 260+ clients, and 7000 employees. Among the many ‘nuggets’ you will hear how they: Recalibrate constantly to meet changing clients’ needs Work to create a ‘safe’ culture so tough questions can be asked and answered Make sure the right voice/perspective/people at the table to make the best decision Whiteboard Notes: Reflection Questions: How well does your leadership team create strong Vision, Execution, and...
info_outlineResearch has found that 70% of strategies fail to deliver the anticipated results, and 9 out of the top 10 reasons change initiatives fail are ‘people-related.’
Episode Summary:
Rod and Brian interview Brent Douglas, President of Magellan Executive Partners. Brent shares some very practical and tactical lessons learned to maximize alignment, execution, and performance.
Whiteboard Notes:
Reflection Questions:
- How many of your employees can successfully answer these two critical strategic questions, and what are you basing your answers on?
- Where do we play?
- How do we win?
- What strategic adjustments, alignment, and leadership capabilities must change in order to maximize your growth potential?
- How effective are your leaders in changing their mindset and behaviors – based on the concept of leaders trying to go up a down escalator?
- Is your organization's strategy and overall leadership capabilities pulling growth up or pushing it down?