How to Work with Complicated People feat. Ryan Leak (Maxwell Leadership Executive Podcast)

Summary

In this episode of the Maxwell Leadership Executive Podcast, Perry and Chris dive into the complexities of working with difficult or complicated people, especially in leadership roles. They discuss the challenges of leading in multiple directions—down, across, and up—while maintaining influence and intentionality. With insights from Ryan Leak’s upcoming book, 'How to Work with Complicated People', they explore how understanding different personalities, expectations, and approaches can enhance leadership effectiveness. They emphasize the importance of empathy, preparation, and collaboration, offering practical advice for navigating leadership in diverse environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leadership is complex because it involves interacting with people who have different personalities, needs, and challenges in various directions (down, up, and across).
• 😀 The key to effective leadership is intentionality, expecting complexity, and preparing for it by being adaptable and empathetic.
• 😀 Leadership is not about having all the answers but about engaging with others, understanding their perspectives, and collaborating to find solutions.
• 😀 You don’t have to have all the answers as a leader—acknowledge when you don’t know something and work with your team to find the answers together.
• 😀 Leading down (managing subordinates) can be challenging when your team expects you to have all the answers. It's crucial to foster a culture of collaboration, not just command.
• 😀 Leading across (with peers) can be complicated due to competition. However, effective collaboration with peers can elevate the whole team and organization.
• 😀 Leadership in all directions (up, down, and across) requires understanding people’s motivations, communication styles, and finding common ground.
• 😀 To lead effectively, it's essential to meet people where they are, not where you wish they were. Everyone is different, and adjusting to their needs is key.
• 😀 Complexity in leadership doesn’t equate to chaos. With preparation and awareness of different challenges, you can manage complicated situations smoothly.
• 😀 The goal of leadership is not to ‘fix’ people but to understand them and adjust your approach to help them thrive, fostering a productive and supportive environment.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this podcast episode?

The main focus of the podcast episode is discussing how to work with complicated people in leadership roles. It explores different strategies and insights for managing relationships with people in various leadership contexts, such as leading down, across, and up.

What is the significance of the new book 'How to Work with Complicated People'?

The new book, 'How to Work with Complicated People,' is a collaboration between Maxwell Leadership and Ryan Leak. It provides valuable insights into dealing with complex individuals in leadership situations, offering practical strategies and advice for leaders at all levels.

What does Ryan Leak mean by the 'complexity of leading in all directions'?

Ryan Leak describes leadership as complex because it involves managing relationships in multiple directions: leading down (managing those who report to you), leading across (working with peers), and leading up (influencing your boss). Each direction presents unique challenges, but all require intentionality and preparation.

How does Ryan Leak suggest leaders should prepare for complexity in leadership?

Ryan Leak suggests that leaders should expect complexity and prepare for it by adopting the right mindset and tools. He compares leadership to packing for a trip with unpredictable weather, where the leader prepares with layers, symbolizing adaptability and foresight.

What is the key lesson about leadership in complicated situations?

The key lesson is that leadership doesn't involve fixing people, but rather understanding them and adjusting your approach accordingly. By preparing for complexity and leading with empathy and intentionality, leaders can effectively manage complicated people and situations.

What is the importance of empathy and adaptability in leadership?

Empathy and adaptability are crucial because they allow leaders to connect with people in meaningful ways. These qualities help leaders understand different personalities, needs, and perspectives, enabling them to navigate complex relationships and situations more effectively.

What is the relationship between leading down and influencing your team?

Leading down involves setting clear expectations and being a guide for your team. It is important because it allows leaders to manage their team effectively, even when they don’t have all the answers. The focus is on valuing people, involving them in the process, and building relationships.

How does leading across, or working with peers, differ from leading down?

Leading across involves collaborating with peers who may see you as competition, which can complicate relationships. In contrast to leading down, where leaders provide direction to subordinates, leading across requires mutual respect and collaboration, focusing on team success rather than individual competition.

What is the significance of the concept 'Rising tide raises all boats' in leadership?

'Rising tide raises all boats' reflects the idea that when peers collaborate and support each other, everyone benefits. In a leadership context, this means fostering an environment where cooperation among peers leads to collective growth and success rather than competition and isolation.

Why is leading up, or influencing your supervisor, considered challenging?

Leading up is challenging because it involves navigating your boss's blind spots, insecurities, and busy schedule. Leaders must be intentional about how they communicate with their superiors, understanding their needs and preferences to influence effectively and build trust.