Overcoming Negativity and Tuning Into Success | Jon Gordon Mega-Best Selling Author of “The Power of Positive Leadership”

Today’s episode is actually courtesy of the Stanford Graduate School of Business that just released a new podcast called If/Then. This is an episode from that program and it features professor Jonathan Levav exploring hybrid work vs in-person work and what approach generates the best ideas. Leaders will learn about the tradeoffs managers must consider when determining workplace modalities and what the best practices are for adapting processes and connections to a distributed environment. Tune in to learn strategies for maximizing innovation and engagement as you navigate the future of work.

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Overwhelmed by work stress and unsure how to tackle it? You’re not alone. This common challenge can lead to anxiety and panic attacks, with unchecked stress wreaking havoc on both our mental and physical health. It can diminish our productivity and overall happiness. Today’s leadership spark is here to help, offering 5 powerful strategies to fight back: meditation for mental clarity, healthy habits for physical strength, self-compassion for stress management, and hobbies for relaxation. Identifying whether stress stems from a temporary challenge or a toxic environment is crucial—and sometimes, the healthiest choice is to walk away. Let’s dive in and transform how we handle work stress.

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How can the strategic principles of chess be applied in a professional environment? By developing similar critical thinking skills, leaders will be prepared to address challenges with nuanced and anticipatory responses, strategizing five steps ahead in true chess fashion. Today I am joined by Danny Rensch, Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com and international chess master, as we explore how the game’s principles can be translated into effective business strategies. Listeners will gain tips on innovation, team building, and the importance of self-reflection, drawing parallels between mastering chess and excelling in leadership roles.

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Feeling stuck in your quest for career advancement despite your ambition and hard work? It’s a common challenge in today’s fast-paced workplace. Simply putting in extra hours and taking on more tasks often doesn’t lead to the desired recognition or progression. The key lies in adopting smart, strategic approaches. After having hundreds of conversations with CEOs, I’ve distilled powerful strategies that go beyond ordinary advice. These tested and proven methods are designed to make a tangible difference in your career trajectory. In today’s leadership spark, I’ll be sharing the guide to navigating the complexities of the modern workplace with confidence and achieving the success you’ve been striving for.

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Do you know how to handle toxic influences in your workplace? Conflict can oftentimes be resolved with compassion rather than defensiveness. Today I am joined by John Miles, best-selling author of “Passion Struck” and host of the Passion Struck Podcast. In this episode John will be sharing frameworks and strategies for cultivating purpose and potential in yourself and your teams through mindful shifts in mindsets and leadership approaches. You will learn how to harness purpose-driven living, applied to your career development. The model centers around four pillars - mindset shifts, behavior shifts, deliberate action, and intrinsic motivation.

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Leadership isn’t just about success; it’s about impact. Jack Welch’s financial-driven approach and Elon Musk’s struggles with interpersonal relations showcase the pitfalls of traditional leadership. Tom Peters, best-selling author Thinkers50 inductee into the hall of fame, argues for a shift towards nurturing growth and fostering a positive work culture. In this leadership spark, Tom talks about the difference between being remembered for what you did at work and who you were as a person.

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Failure is a powerful teacher, and nobody knows this better than Dr. Amy Edmondson, our guest in today’s discussion. A Harvard Professor and the author behind influential works like “The Fearless Organization” and “Right Kind of Wrong” Dr. Edmondson discusses how to create a culture that not only tolerates failure but learns from it. She outlines the critical distinctions between basic, complex, and intelligent failures, stressing that the real learning comes from the latter. This episode offers leaders a roadmap to build trust among their teams, encourage the sharing of missteps, and adopt a mindset of psychological safety and intelligent risk-taking.

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No matter the organization, friction is inevitable...but the key is knowing how to navigate and harness it for better leadership. In today’s discussion I sit down with Bob Sutton, Stanford professor, organizational psychologist and best selling author of books including “The No A$$hole Rule” and “The Friction Project” as he dives into the world of ‘friction-fixer’ leadership. Drawing from his extensive research, Sutton shares how to distinguish between beneficial and detrimental friction, explore the tools of ‘friction forensics,’ and implement strategies that can streamline processes, enhance performance, and reduce burnout. Join us for a captivating discussion that equips leaders with actionable tactics to conquer challenges and embrace positive change.

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In a cancel culture world, how do you speak up and share what you’re thinking? Leaders are often scared to share their opinions, worried about losing their job, status, or credibility. In today’s leadership spark, Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, addresses these challenges. He talks about the importance of being true to yourself and making hard choices, even when it’s difficult. Ray shares his own story of starting from little and working his way up, showing that facing challenges is key to growing personally and professionally. Today’s episode is all about getting rid of the victimhood mentality and taking ownership over your own path.

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In high-stakes environments like NASA, the margin for error is incredibly slim. Even minor mistakes can lead to substantial setbacks and costs, which is why Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s Former Science Mission Directorate Associate Administrator, emphasizes the critical need for precision and careful management in space exploration. In today’s leadership spark, I chat with Thomas to discuss how NASA approaches making critical decisions, having a culture of open communication, and learning from mistakes. These have all been vital elements of leadership during projects like the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.

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This episode is sponsored by Workleap

Workleap Officevibe is a set of simple engagement, recognition and performance management tools. A game-changing product that enable businesses to team up HR leaders with their managers to instantly act on engagement insights, fuel meaningful peer recognition, and even drive continuous performance management. Visit Workleap.com/Officevibe to know more.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/