On this episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with Dr. Todd Kashdan, a top expert in well-being, curiosity and resilience to dive right into an engaging discussion about what makes a great conversationalist. We cover a wide range of topics during our time together, including three of his exceptional books and his Substack – Provoked.

Dr. Kashdan’s insights will challenge your perceptions and assumptions and provide deeper and richer insights into how we approach our personal and professional lives. We start by exploring the science of Curiosity, which he outlined in an earlier book. He also sheds light on his previous book, the "Upside of your Dark Side," exploring how traditionally ‘negative’ emotions like anger can be powerful drivers of social change and effective leadership. This exploration extends to challenging the culture of toxic positivity and recognizing the indispensable role of negative emotions in personal and professional growth.

Finally, we unpack the complex terrain of principled dissent. Through personal stories and real-world applications, the conversation highlights the importance of social courage and independent decision-making. Dr. Kashdan discusses how integrating dissenters with supportive allies can create a productive environment, both online and offline, and underscores the necessity of authenticity beyond performative gestures. This episode offers valuable insights into navigating leadership challenges with principle, providing a compelling roadmap for fostering positive environments where we effectively leverage the diversity of the human experience to achieve extraordinary things together.

What You’ll Learn

- The essence of great conversationalists

- The importance of social sensitivity in fostering positive group dynamics

- Harnessing diverse perspectives to drive creativity and innovation.

- Exploring the "Upside of your Dark Side" and how traditionally negative emotions can fuel positive social change.

- The role of principled dissent in societal and individual growth

- The power of alignment between your Values X Actions

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) - Curiosity as a Vital Skill in Leadership and in Life

(13:59) - Navigating Diversity and Psychological Safety

(20:36) - Exploring the Upside of Your Dark Side

(38:50) - Challenging the Status Quo: Group Norms and Decision-Making

(48:16) – The True Power of Principled Dissent

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, The Art of Meaningful Conversation, Curiosity, Psychological Safety, Cognitive Diversity, Navigating Group Dynamics, Fostering Creativity and Innovation, The Benefits of a Wandering Mind, Facing the Shadow Self, The Upside of Anger, Power Dynamics, Principled Dissent, Exhibiting Social Courage, Creating Allyship, The Perils of Performative Versus Principled Leadership, CEO Success

Scott Stirrett, the inspiring entrepreneur and author, graces us with his presence to unravel the wisdom behind his latest book, "The Uncertainty Advantage: Launching Your Career in an Era of Rapid Change." Scott candidly shares personal battles with anxiety, OCD, burnout, and imposter syndrome, revealing how vulnerability and storytelling can transform uncertainty into a powerful tool for growth. Through Scott's lens, we explore the idea that embracing the unknown can unlock untapped potential and drive both personal and professional success.

We tackle the pressing issue of burnout, distinguishing it from typical stress and uncovering how mindfulness can be a key player in managing it. Scott and I dive into practical strategies that help identify burnout's root causes, often hidden in misalignment with personal values or toxic environments, and offer actionable advice on mitigating its effects. For those skeptical about mindfulness, we share simple practices to integrate reflection into daily life, helping build resilience and safeguard mental health amidst chaos.

As the world of work evolves, the conversation shifts toward the future, where skills like collaboration and communication become indispensable. We discuss how embracing intelligent failures and risk-taking leads to success, highlighting the myth of the singular big risk and emphasizing the importance of a strong support network. Leaders will find valuable insights on fostering a culture that thrives in uncertainty, celebrating both achievements and failures, and making informed decisions with limited data. This episode is packed with enriching perspectives on navigating uncertainty with confidence and compassion.

What You’ll Learn

- How to embrace and leverage uncertainty for personal and professional growth

- Unpacking mindfulness for skeptics

- Strategies for conquering burnout and maintaining well-being

- Insights into mastering intelligent risk-taking

- The power and practice of self-compassion

- Strategies for maximizing team clarity, alignment, and trust

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) – A Personal Window into the Uncertainty Advantage

(08:03) – The Role of Mindfulness in Managing Burnout

(14:55) – The Power of Self-Compassion in for Navigating Uncertainty

(18:45) – Dealing with Impostor Syndrome

(27:02) – The Upside of Stress

(35:24) – Failure as a Path to Success

(41:58) – How to Build Resilient and Adaptable Teams|

Connect with Scott Stirrett:

Website: https://www.scottstirrett.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottstirrett/

Buy the Book: https://www.scottstirrett.com/the-uncertainty-advantage

Substack: https://scottstirrett.substack.com/archive

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Group Dynamics, Team Success, Navigating Uncertainty, Managing Burnout, Practicing Mindfulness, Increasing Resilience, Stress Management, Dealing with Imposter Syndrome, The Power of Vulnerability, Emotional Regulation, Anti-Fragility, RULER, Intelligent Failures, Self-Compassion Support, Adaptability, CEO Success

Step into the fascinating world of group dynamics with our special guest, Colin Fisher, an associate professor at University College London and the creative mind behind the upcoming book, "The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups." Drawing from his rich experiences in research and consulting, Colin shares how groups can achieve greatness that far exceeds individual contributions. He highlights the importance of treating groups as unique entities, crucial for problem-solving and enhancing collaboration in daily and professional settings.

Explore the secrets behind effective team composition as Colin guides us through the critical elements of social sensitivity, skill diversity, and intrinsic motivation. We underline the importance of forming teams with members who are socially aware and genuinely invested in their tasks. The discussion delves into empathy's role in team performance, offering actionable insights for leaders striving to build more cohesive and dynamic teams.

We also tackle the complexities of remote and hybrid work environments and stress the importance of psychological safety, enabling team members to challenge norms without fear. From enhancing trust and communication to fostering adaptability, this conversation provides an evidence-informed roadmap for anyone seeking to unlock the full potential of their teams.

What You’ll Learn

- Effective team composition through social sensitivity, skill diversity, and intrinsic motivation

- The role of empathy in team performance and strategies for building cohesive, dynamic teams

- The power of curiosity and inquiry in welcoming diverse perspectives and enhancing team dynamics

- Challenges and opportunities in remote and hybrid work environments, emphasizing psychological safety and adaptability

- Strategies for maximizing team clarity, alignment, and trust

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) - The Power of Group Dynamics

(15:09) - Effective Team Composition Through Social Sensitivity

(20:21) - Improving Team Dynamics Through Inquiry

(31:11) – Leading Remote and Hybrid Teams

(42:16) - Maximizing Team Clarity and Alignment

(50:31) - Dynamic Team Charters and Coaching Insights

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Group Dynamics, Team Success, Social Sensitivity, Intrinsic Motivation, Empathy, Remote Work, Psychological Safety, Building Trust, Improving Team Communication, Team Building, Establishing Clear Goals, Maximizing Alignment, Elevating Curiosity, Active Listening, Continuous Communication, CEO Success