The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast

Episode 183: The Gossip Trap— One Leadership Habit That Quietly Destroys Trust

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:15 +0000

Episode Description

Gossip may seem like a minor workplace habit, but the research tells a very different story.

In this episode of The 90th Percentile, BreAnne and Joe Folkman explore new data from Zenger Folkman’s 360-degree leadership assessments revealing how destructive comments about others can quietly undermine a leader’s effectiveness. Based on feedback from hundreds of leaders and thousands of raters, the findings show that leaders who engage in negative gossip are perceived as significantly less effective across nearly every leadership competency.

Joe explains why leaders fall into the gossip trap, the hidden ways it erodes trust and psychological safety, and how this behavior spreads through organizations. More importantly, the research reveals that when leaders become aware of this pattern and change it, their effectiveness can improve dramatically.

For HR, Talent Development, and Learning leaders, this conversation highlights the powerful role feedback and leadership development play in shaping healthy cultures. When leaders commit to speaking about others with integrity—and addressing issues directly rather than through back channels—they build the trust, collaboration, and influence that define truly extraordinary leadership.

Key Learnings

1. Leadership gossip is not harmless—it’s a career-limiting behavior.
Zenger Folkman’s research shows that leaders who engage in destructive comments about others are viewed as less effective in 29 of 31 leadership behaviors measured in 360-degree feedback assessments.

2. Gossip erodes trust and psychological safety.
When leaders criticize others behind their backs, team members become guarded and hesitant to speak openly—damaging collaboration, innovation, and honest communication.

3. The impact extends far beyond the individuals involved.
Destructive comments create ripple effects across organizations, contributing to toxic culture, decreased collaboration, wasted energy, and higher turnover among top performers.

4. Small behavior changes can produce dramatic leadership gains.
Leaders who improved their behavior around discouraging destructive comments saw their overall leadership effectiveness rise dramatically—from the 29th percentile to the 78th percentile in the study.

5. Awareness and feedback are powerful catalysts for change.
360-degree feedback can help leaders recognize behaviors they may not realize they exhibit. When leaders commit to addressing issues directly and sharing praise instead of criticism, they build stronger trust and influence.

Webinar

Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.

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Episode 182: Does Leadership Development Actually Pay Off? The ROI Leaders Can’t Ignore

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:00:42 +0000

Episode Description

In a time of tighter budgets and higher scrutiny, leadership development is often one of the first investments leaders feel pressure to justify—or cut. But what if that decision is quietly costing organizations far more than they realize?

In this episode, BreAnne Okoren sits down with Orin Salas, Vice President of Sales at Zenger Folkman, to unpack compelling research from Joe Folkman that reframes the ROI conversation entirely. Drawing on data from nearly 1,000 leaders—and insights published in Harvard Business Review—they explore why effective leadership development doesn’t just pay for itself, but actively saves and generates money.

Together, they examine how leadership quality drives employee engagement, retention, discretionary effort, and culture—and why poor leadership silently drains value every day it goes unaddressed. Orin brings a candid, real-world perspective from decades in the training and development industry, including roles at Wilson Learning, Hogan, and Deloitte, offering a clear-eyed view of what separates leadership development that works from what doesn’t.

If you’ve ever wondered whether leadership development is truly worth the investment, this episode offers a data-backed answer—and a challenge leaders can’t afford to ignore.

Key Learnings

Leadership development isn’t an expense—it’s a value protector.
Organizations are already paying for leadership through turnover, disengagement, burnout, and lost productivity. Investing in leadership simply shifts those costs from reactive to intentional.
Great leadership compounds over time.
Longitudinal research shows that sustained leadership development creates a “rising tide” effect—where strong leaders develop strong leaders, multiplying impact across the organization.
The engagement gap is a profitability gap.
Leaders in the top 10% drive engagement levels nearly 50 percentile points higher than bottom-tier leaders—fueling 20–25% gains in profitability through productivity, retention, and customer satisfaction.
One poor leader can quietly cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Employees under ineffective leaders are five times more likely to consider leaving, with replacement costs often reaching 1.5–2x salary. Improving even one leader can fund an entire development program.
Every organization has a leadership strategy—whether it’s intentional or not.
When leadership development is inconsistent or ignored, pressure and bad habits become the teachers. The question isn’t whether leaders are being developed—it’s who (or what) is doing the developing

Webinar

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Episode 181: Highlights from The Leadership Skills Report 2026

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:01 +0000

Details

In this episode of The 90th Percentile, BreAnne Okoren and Joe Folkman unpack Zenger Folkman’s new Leadership Skills 2026 Report and explore what truly differentiates leaders in an AI-accelerated world.

As AI makes information faster and cheaper, one capability is becoming increasingly scarce: human leadership. Drawing on fresh data from tens of thousands of leaders and direct reports—along with insights from trust, feedback, recognition, and decision-making studies—BreAnne and Joe reveal why technology is amplifying both productivity and the cost of weak leadership.

Together, they walk through the four leadership priorities shaping 2026: strengths-based development, faster decision-making fueled by trust, employee experiences that unlock discretionary effort, and cultures built on psychological safety and shared influence. You’ll learn why there’s no single “best” leadership style, how trust becomes infrastructure for speed, and why recognition and participation are some of the highest-impact behaviors leaders can master.

If you’re navigating change, scaling leadership capability, or wondering how to help your organization thrive alongside AI, this episode offers practical, research-backed guidance you can apply right away.

Want the full research, visuals, and practical framework? Download the new Leadership Skills 2026 eBook to explore each chapter in depth and start applying these insights with your leaders today.

Key Points

There is no universal leadership style—strengths matter more.
Extraordinary leaders don’t try to copy a model. They build a few distinctive strengths while eliminating fatal flaws, making personalized development the fastest path to excellence in 2026.
Decision-making is becoming a competitive advantage—and trust is the accelerator.
Top decision-makers don’t just analyze better; they create clarity, move quickly on low-risk issues, and build trust so decisions can happen closer to the work.
Trust isn’t soft—it determines speed.
In low-trust environments, progress stalls behind approvals and safeguards. In high-trust cultures, work moves faster because people are empowered to act.
Discretionary effort comes from confidence, recognition, and purpose—not pressure.
Leaders who focus only on driving results get compliance. Leaders who build confidence, recognize contributions, and connect work to purpose unlock commitment, creativity, and resilience.
Psychological safety and shared influence outperform command-and-control.
Organizations with greater participation and voice generate better decisions, higher extra effort, and lower intent to quit—proving that expanding influence beats tightening control.

Webinar

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Episode 180: The Generational Trust Myth—Why Behavior Beats Age Every Time

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:56:20 +0000

Details

Trust in leadership is often framed as a generational issue—older leaders are assumed to be more credible because of experience, while younger leaders are expected to “prove themselves” before earning trust. But Zenger Folkman research challenges these assumptions. In this episode of The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast, BreAnne Okoren sits down with renowned psychometrician Joe Folkman to unpack data from 80,336 leaders and 360-degree trust ratings that reveal a surprising reality: trust does not rise steadily with age. Instead, trust follows a U-shaped pattern across career decades and is most strongly driven by observable leadership behaviors, not generational identity. Together, BreAnne and Joe break down the myths, explain what truly drives trust across generations, and introduce the Trifecta of Trust framework—Relationships, Expertise, and Consistency—highlighting how leaders and teams can intentionally build trust at any stage of their career.

Learn more about Zenger Folkman’s Trifecta of Trust Development Experiences for leaders and teams.

Key Points

Trust is not a generational trait—it’s a behavioral outcome.
Age-based assumptions about trust distract from what actually builds credibility: consistent leadership behavior.
Trust doesn’t increase steadily with experience.
Zenger Folkman’s analysis shows a U-shaped trust curve—high trust early career, declining in mid-career, and rising again later, proving that tenure alone does not create trust.
Younger leaders are not “less trustworthy” by default.
When trust ratings are analyzed by generation, Gen Z and Millennials score higher on trust than Boomers, challenging common stereotypes in both directions.
Three competencies explain trust across every age group.
Trust is most strongly predicted by:

Relationships (approachability, collaboration, inclusion)
Expertise (sound judgment, helpful insight, competence)
Consistency (follow-through, reliability, keeping commitments)

Collaboration is one of the largest leadership gaps—across all generations.
Even though collaboration is ranked as highly important, it consistently ranks much lower in actual effectiveness, meaning it must be intentionally developed, not assumed.

Webinar

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Episode 179: Strategic Expertise vs. Emotional Intelligence—Which Drives Leadership Success?

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:17:59 +0000

Details

Emotional intelligence has dominated leadership conversations for years—and for good reason. Leaders who listen, empathize, and build strong relationships create healthier, more engaged teams. But what if EQ isn’t the primary capability driving leadership effectiveness?

Drawing on a global dataset of 128,000 leaders and 360-degree feedback from over a million raters, they explore what happens when strategic perspective and emotional intelligence are placed head-to-head.

This episode reframes a long-standing leadership debate and offers a practical roadmap for leaders and organizations deciding where to focus their development efforts next. If you’re responsible for building leaders who can navigate complexity, inspire confidence, and lead through uncertainty, this conversation may change how you think about leadership capability altogether.

Key Points

1. Strategic Perspective Is a Leadership Multiplier

While emotional intelligence remains important, strategic perspective magnifies a leader’s overall effectiveness. Leaders strong in strategy outperform across 14 critical leadership behaviors—far more than leaders who rely primarily on EQ.

2. Strategic Clarity Enhances Communication and Trust

Contrary to popular belief, leaders with strong strategic thinking communicate more powerfully and inspire greater commitment. Clear reasoning behind decisions reduces uncertainty and builds trust across teams.

3. EQ Alone Doesn’t Drive Innovation or Change

Leaders high in EQ but low in strategic capability outperform in only two areas—integrity and collaboration. Without strategic perspective, leaders struggle to innovate, take risks, and champion meaningful change.

4. Empathy Is Most Effective When Paired with Direction

Caring about people isn’t enough. Strategic leaders ground empathy in action by helping teams understand where the organization is headed and how they fit into the future.

5. Strategic Capability Can Be Developed—At Every Level

Strategic thinking isn’t reserved for executives. Through coaching, scenario planning, and cross-functional exposure, leaders at all levels can build strategic perspective and dramatically increase their impact.

Webinar

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Episode 154: Is Learning and Development Being Demoted?

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:00:19 +0000

Details

In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we dive into the shifting landscape of Learning and Development (L&D) with Dani Johnson, co-founder and principal analyst at RedThread Research. Dani explores the concerning trend of L&D’s “demotion” within organizations, the rise of federated models, and the opportunities for L&D leaders to adapt and thrive. Together, we unpack the critical strategies and skills needed to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Guest BIO: Dani Johnson, Co-Founder & Principal Analyst

Before co-founding RedThread in 2018, Dani led the Learning and Career research practice at Bersin, Deloitte, and previously led research at the Ross School, University of Michigan. Dani holds an MBA and a MS and BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from BYU. Before Kid, her favorite vacations involved a backpack, a map, and Google Translate.

Key Learnings

L&D’s Changing Role:
Many organizations are shifting away from centralized L&D functions, favoring federated models where teams embed within business units to solve targeted problems while maintaining a connection to the core strategy.
The Pandemic’s Impact:
During the pandemic, L&D focused on transitioning in-person training online instead of strategically addressing workforce skill gaps, missing an opportunity to enhance their strategic influence.
Critical Elements for a Modern L&D Strategy:
Successful L&D strategies require attention to five core elements, collaboration with other departments, and a balance of stability and flexibility to meet organizational needs.
AI’s Role in L&D:
Artificial intelligence is transforming L&D by streamlining content creation, identifying skill gaps, and enhancing personalization. However, most L&D professionals have yet to fully embrace AI’s potential.
Building Organizational Influence:
L&D professionals must actively engage with organizational strategy, speak the language of business leaders, and ensure their contributions align with key business metrics like retention and skill development.

Connect with Joe Folkman

Webinar

Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and talk about their latest leadership development research. Find out more information and register here.

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Episode 157: Team Trust at BJ’s Wholesale Club with Scott Schmadeke

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:00:06 +0000

Details

Trust is the foundation of any high-performing team, but in today’s fast-paced, uncertain business environment, building and maintaining trust has become more challenging than ever. Research shows that trust isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a leadership behavior that impacts everything from team collaboration to overall business performance. So, how can organizations create a culture where trust thrives?

In this episode, we’re joined by Scott Schmadeke, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at BJ’s Wholesale. Since joining BJ’s in 2018, he has played a critical role in expanding field and fresh operations, overseeing distribution transitions, and driving key growth initiatives. With deep experience in retail and grocery operations, including leadership roles at Albertsons and Safeway, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge on how trust impacts both teams and large-scale operations.

We’ll dive into the role of trust in leadership, how trust influences team performance, and the strategies Scott and his team use to embed trust into BJ’s Wholesale’s culture. Whether you’re in HR, organizational development, or leadership development, you’ll walk away with practical insights on how to build and sustain trust in your teams.

Learn more about Zenger Folkman Team Trust program.

Key Learnings

1. Trust Is Contagious, But Not Easily Built

Scott emphasized that trust spreads within an organization much like it does in personal relationships—it develops over time through consistent behaviors, transparency, and reliability. However, he also cautioned that trust can be fragile and easily derailed if not nurtured.

2. The Link Between Trust and Business Performance

Scott shared insights from BJ’s engagement surveys, revealing that clubs with higher levels of trust also tended to perform better. He noted that trust impacts coaching, team collaboration, and overall business success, making it a critical driver for high-performing teams.

3. Consistency Is the Hardest Trust Factor to Maintain

Among the three key levers of trust—relationships, expertise, and consistency—Scott identified consistency as the most challenging to sustain. In the fast-paced retail environment, pressures can cause lapses in consistency, which can erode trust. He emphasized the need for repeatable messaging and clear priorities to maintain stability.

4. Trust as a Competitive Advantage in Crisis Management

Discussing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions (such as egg shortages), Scott highlighted how BJ’s built trust with team members and customers by focusing on transparency, proactive communication, and reliability. He stressed that crisis moments are the ultimate test of trust and can either strengthen or weaken an organization’s culture.

5. Practical Steps for HR and Organizational Leaders

For HR and organizational development professionals looking to embed trust in their culture, Scott advised moving beyond rhetoric and ensuring trust is reflected in leadership behaviors, decision-making, and business practices. He highlighted the importance of structured coaching, clear communication, and ensuring team members understand their roles and expectations.

Upcoming Webinar

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Episode 160: Using Neuroscience to Make Feedback Work with David Rock

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:00:05 +0000

Details

Research shows that both giving and receiving feedback triggers stress responses similar to physical threats—but understanding these brain mechanisms can help us build better feedback cultures.

Our guest today is Dr. David Rock, who coined the term “neuroleadership” and serves as Co-founder and CEO of the NeuroLeadership Institute. This 23-year-old cognitive science consultancy has advised over 50% of Fortune 100 companies across 24 countries, bringing neuroscientists and leadership experts together to improve organizations through science.

Dr. Rock has authored four successful books, including the bestseller “Your Brain at Work,” and his insights have appeared in Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. Originally from Australia but US-based since 2010, he holds a professional doctorate in the Neuroscience of Leadership from Middlesex University.

Today, we’ll discover how HR professionals can transform feedback from an anxiety-producing ritual into a powerful tool for growth and development.

Key Learnings

1. Servant Leaders Invite Feedback; Authoritarian Leaders Resist It

Dr. Rock contrasts authoritarian and servant leadership styles, noting that authoritarian leaders typically avoid feedback to protect their status and maintain control. In contrast, servant leaders model humility and growth by actively inviting feedback and sharing their own learning process, creating a more open and development-focused culture.

2. The Mindset Behind Feedback Matters

There’s a clear link between fixed versus growth mindset and one’s openness to feedback. People with a fixed mindset focus on looking smart rather than improving, making them resistant to feedback. A growth mindset shifts the emphasis to learning and development, which is essential for creating a feedback-rich environment.

3. Feedback Fails Without Psychological Safety

Feedback requires complex cognitive work (mental contrasting), which is difficult under threat. When people feel judged or pressured, their cognitive resources drop, making it harder to process and apply feedback. Mandating feedback or focusing solely on candor doesn’t work—creating a low-threat, high-autonomy environment is key.

4. Asking for Feedback Cuts Stress in Half

Their research found that when people ask for feedback rather than receive it unsolicited, the stress response is cut in half—for both giver and receiver. This simple shift transforms feedback from a threat into a choice, restoring autonomy and making it more psychologically manageable.

5. Building a Culture of Asking Starts at the Top

Lasting change starts with senior leaders. The most effective strategy is getting a large group of leaders to experience the power of asking well for feedback—specifically and respectfully. When leaders model this behavior, it creates a ripple effect throughout the organization. It becomes a habit, not a mandate.

Upcoming Webinar

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Episode 25: Elements of the Best 360-Degree Assessments

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:00:17 +0000

Details

The 360-degree assessment is a central component in most leadership development programs. But not all assessments are in the same class when it comes to the value they offer individual leaders and the benefits they offer the organizations using them. In this episode, we will discuss the eight elements that separate the average from the best 360-degree assessments on the market.

Connect with Joe Folkman

Webinar

Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman, and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register at https://zengerfolkman.com/webinar-registration/.

Additional Resources:

11 Components of a Best-in-Class 360-Degree Assessment -In this white paper, the authors outline the crucial elements for a best-in-class 360-degree assessment.

Music: Pleasant Pictures

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Episode 178: The Hidden Truth About Gender and Leadership Ratings

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:00:23 +0000

Details

Are workplace evaluations truly objective—or do subtle perceptions still shape how we see male and female leaders differently? In this episode, host Bre Okoren sits down with leadership researcher Joe Folkman to unpack one of the largest real-world analyses ever conducted on gender and leadership effectiveness. Drawing from 12,000+ 360-degree evaluations, Joe reveals a surprising paradox: women are rated higher overall than men by colleagues who work directly with them, yet consistently rated lower on the very competencies most associated with executive advancement—like strategic thinking and external perspective.

Together, Bre and Joe explore why this “perception gap” persists, how it quietly reinforces the leadership glass ceiling, and what organizations and leaders can do right now to create fairer, more accurate evaluations. With insights spanning global data, behavioral science, and practical organizational solutions, this episode is essential listening for HR leaders, executives, and anyone committed to advancing equity in leadership.

Key Points

1. The Data Tells a Different Story Than Stereotypes

Real workplace evaluations—not hypothetical scenarios—show that female leaders are rated slightly more effective overall by both male and female colleagues. This contradicts many assumptions about gender bias in leadership performance.

2. A “Perception Gap” Is Blocking Female Advancement

Despite high overall effectiveness, women receive lower ratings on strategic thinking, technical expertise, and external influence—competencies disproportionately tied to promotions into senior roles. This subtle gap plays a real role in why fewer women reach the C-suite.

3. Bias Isn’t Just Male vs. Female—It’s Cultural Conditioning

Both men and women showed the same rating patterns, revealing that these perceptions come from deeply ingrained narratives about what leadership looks like, not simple in-group or out-group preference.

4. Organizations Can Close the Gap With Small, Intentional Changes

Structured promotion rubrics, diverse decision-making committees, and equitable access to strategic assignments dramatically increase fairness. Individual women can also counteract perception gaps by actively building visibility around strategic work and external influence.

Webinar

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Episode 109: Transforming Leadership Development—Are We Missing The Main Thing?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:00:15 +0000

Details What’s the main thing for leadership development? Is it excelling at selecting the right people? Is it a well-funded corporate learning center with renowned faculty? Is it using the most powerful learning technologies? Worse yet, what if we’ve been missing the main thing? In this episode, we are looking at the development industry and … Continued

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Episode 177: Why Strengths-Based Development Outperforms Traditional Methods

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:00:10 +0000

Details Consider this episode your Strengths-Based Leadership 101. BreAnne and Joe revisit the foundation of Zenger Folkman’s entire leadership philosophy — the data-driven insight that extraordinary leaders are not well-rounded; they’re exceptional in a few distinctive areas that matter most. Drawing from over 100,000 leadership assessments, Joe explains why traditional development programs focused on fixing … Continued

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Episode 176 Jotun: A Case Study in Extraordinary Leadership

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:00:34 +0000

Details In this special episode of The 90th Percentile, we unpack how Jotun—the Norway-based, family-owned paints and coatings company operating in 100+ countries—elevated leadership effectiveness using Zenger Folkman’s Extraordinary Leader program. Partnering with Arcadia Consulting, Jotun moved from a baseline well below industry average to outperforming peers, all by doubling down on a strengths-based approach … Continued

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Episode 175: 7 Key Leadership Behaviors of the Most Effective Decision Makers

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:08:00 +0000

Details What separates the best decision-makers from the rest? In this episode, Joe Folkman shares research on nearly 16,000 leaders to reveal seven key qualities that enable effective decision-making. Discover why information overload slows decisions down, how to balance speed with quality, and the surprising link between decision-making effectiveness and employee engagement. If you’re struggling … Continued

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Episode 174: Making Development Popular with Desert Financial Credit Union

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:00:46 +0000

Details In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we sit down with Kathleen Crenshaw and Christopher Bisgrove from Desert Financial Credit Union to explore how they are rethinking leadership development and investing in people. From building programs that reach leaders earlier in their careers to making learning opportunities more accessible, Desert Financial shares the principles … Continued

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Episode 173: The Surprising Way Leadership Behaviors Go Viral at Work

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 11:00:58 +0000

Details What if great leadership could go viral? In this episode of The 90th Percentile Podcast, Dr. Jack Zenger joins BreAnne Okoren to explore how positive leadership behaviors—like openness, respect, and accountability—spread through organizations and transform cultures. Drawing on decades of research, Jack reveals why developing leaders at scale creates psychological safety, sparks innovation, and … Continued

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Episode 172: Why Psychological Safety Matters More Than Ever

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:00:05 +0000

Details Psychological safety is not a new term anymore, but it has matured into a foundational leadership capability, much like communication or trust no longer a “nice to have,” but a critical driver of collaboration, retention, and innovation. Drawing on Amy Edmondson’s groundbreaking research and Zenger Folkman’s data from 18,000 employees, they unpack the eight leadership behaviors that … Continued

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Bonus Episode– Susan David, Emotional Agility

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:00:10 +0000

Details Dr. Susan David is a founder and co-director of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital of Harvard Medical School and an Instructor in Psychology at Harvard University. In this episode, Susan discusses her research on emotional agility and how to master challenges without getting derailed. Download the eBook of her full interview here. Guest … Continued

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Episode 171: Memorable Leadership—10 Behaviors That Make Leaders Unforgettable

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:00:50 +0000

Details In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the results of a massive leadership study — over 63,000 assessments — to answer one key question: What makes certain leaders truly unforgettable? We’ll explore the 10 specific behaviors that set the most exceptional leaders apart, backed by real-world examples from sports, business, and history. Whether you work in … Continued

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Episode 170: AI, Speed, and the Future of Thoughtful Work

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:00:41 +0000

Details In today’s episode of The 90th Percentile, we challenge one of the most persistent myths in modern work: that you must choose between speed and excellence. As AI accelerates productivity at lightning pace, many leaders are wondering—can humans keep up without compromising quality? Dr. Jack Zenger joins us to share groundbreaking research from over … Continued

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Episode 169: 10 Leadership Behaviors That Set Great Teams Apart

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:00:02 +0000

Details In today’s episode, we’re unpacking new research from Zenger Folkman that reveals what truly separates high-performing teams from the rest. After analyzing 171 teams—many of which were struggling with negative customer feedback—we identified 10 key behaviors that predict whether a team will turn things around or stay stuck. If you’re leading teams or responsible … Continued

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Episode 168: Well-Being Is a Business Strategy—Leadership Lessons from Druva

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:47:08 +0000

Details In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we explore why wellbeing programs are more than just perks—they are a leadership imperative. Shanna Goodell shares how Druva is shifting the narrative around employee wellness, embedding it into leadership development, and addressing real-life challenges like women’s health in the workplace. From building inclusive spaces to driving … Continued

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Episode 167: Flexible, Focused, and Future-Ready—L&D at Wright Service Corp.

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:00:02 +0000

Details In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we sit down with Rose Christensen, Senior Learning & Development Leader at Wright Service Corp., to explore what it really takes to grow leaders across dispersed, specialized, and fast-growing teams. With over 6,000 employees spread across North America and roles ranging from field-based technicians to executives, Wright … Continued

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Episode 166: Can AI Be Your Coach? The Promise and Peril of AI in Leadership Development

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 11:00:33 +0000

Details With pressure mounting on managers to coach more often and more effectively, can AI offer real help—or does it risk making coaching feel robotic? In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we talk with Mark Schaff, former Principal Learning Administrator at the Orange County Transportation Authority. Mark brings decades of coaching and leadership development … Continued

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Episode 165: Stop Training Leaders Alone—The Case for Team Development

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:00:48 +0000

Details What if the biggest barrier to performance isn’t an individual leader—but the team itself? In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we speak with Paul Leboffe, longtime facilitator of Zenger Folkman’s Extraordinary Team experience. With 25+ years of business and legal expertise, Paul has helped teams uncover blind spots, strengthen trust, and dramatically improve … Continued

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Episode 164: Control vs. Influence—What Today’s Leader’s Get Wrong

Wed, 21 May 2025 11:00:36 +0000

Details In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we explore the enduring relevance of a decades-old leadership theory that feels more urgent than ever. Joe Folkman joins us to revisit Control Graph Theory—first introduced in the 1960s—and shares new research from over 200 teams showing why the total amount of influence in an organization matters … Continued

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Episode 89: Employee Recognition– Improving the Substance and Delivery

Wed, 14 May 2025 11:00:11 +0000

Details There’s a need to greatly increase the frequency and the quality of the recognition they give to their colleagues. That means recognition for people who report to them, their peers, and, yes, even their boss. The reality is that people in every direction in your organization need recognition. While the “great resignation” may have … Continued

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Episode 163: Staying the Course—Why Core Leadership Skills Still Matter

Wed, 07 May 2025 14:18:31 +0000

Details In this episode of The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Bard Parnell, Senior Manager of Learning and Development at Mesa Labs, to talk about what really drives effective leadership—especially in a time of nonstop disruption. While many organizations are quick to chase the latest leadership trends, Bard shares why … Continued

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Episode 162: Building Resilient Leaders: Lessons from Core & Main

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:00:21 +0000

Details In this episode, we’re diving into resilience—a critical skill for today’s leaders—with Evelyn Swanson, Vice President of Learning and Organizational Development at Core & Main. As a leading distributor of water, sewer, storm drain, and fire protection products, Core & Main has declared this year the “Year of the Resilient Leader.” Evelyn shares valuable … Continued

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Episode 161: Then and Now—How the Pandemic Boosted Leadership Effectiveness

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:00:16 +0000

Details When the pandemic hit, many expected a decline in leadership effectiveness due to burnout, isolation, and crisis fatigue. However, surprising research from Zenger Folkman revealed just the opposite: leaders didn’t deteriorate under pressure—they improved. In this insightful episode, Joe Folkman shares compelling data showing how the challenges of COVID-19 transformed leaders worldwide, enhancing their … Continued

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Episode 159: Is One Leadership Style Better Than Others?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:18 +0000

Details In this episode, we’ll explore four distinct leadership styles—the Expert, the Connector, the Driver, and the Strategist—and reveal surprising findings about which approach yields the best results. We’ll also connect Joe’s research to Daniel Goleman’s six leadership styles featured in last year’s popular Harvard Business Review article, giving you practical insights on how to … Continued

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Episode 158: 5 Ways to Build a High-Performance Team

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 12:39:36 +0000

Details Building a high-performance team isn’t just about hiring the right people—it’s about leading them in the right way. In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we sit down with leadership expert Jack Zenger to uncover five key behaviors that separate exceptional teams from dysfunctional ones. Based on research from over 66,000 respondents, Jack shares … Continued

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Episode 7: The Enigma of Positive and Negative Feedback

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:00:05 +0000

Would you rather hear positive feedback about your performance or suggestions for improvement? Does preferring positive feedback make you seem weak, and is corrective feedback really that helpful? Whether you’re a CEO, manager, teacher, or parent we all give and receive feedback. In this episode, we discuss the emotional complexities and science behind the positive … Continued

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Episode 156: What To Do When The Boss Gives You Baseless Feedback

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:00:02 +0000

Details Receiving feedback at work can be tough—it’s natural to feel uncomfortable when you’re told you’re not doing something well. That doesn’t make you ‘arrogant ‘ or ‘ too defensive and won’t take feedback’—it means you obviously care about how you’re doing at work, and that’s a good thing. But what happens when the feedback … Continued

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Episode 155: The 7 Minor Leadership Behaviors That Actually Determine Your Success

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:57:07 +0000

Details In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders often focus on grand strategies and bold initiatives, overlooking the foundational behaviors that shape their success. It’s easy to rationalize small missteps, telling ourselves they don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. However, our research paints a different picture. When we analyzed 60 distinct leadership behaviors, … Continued

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Episode 153: Finding Joy as a Leader (Even on the Hard Days)

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:00:18 +0000

Details When work and life are overwhelming, it can be difficult to reclaim a sense of joy at work. Research has shown the benefits of incorporating joy, hope, and optimism into the workplace to combat burnout and improve well-being. Our guest today is Daisey Auger-Dominguez, a Chief People Officer, workplace strategist, speaker, and author on … Continued

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Episode 152: How Much Does Passion Influence Performance?

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 10:00:03 +0000

Details As we step into a new year filled with possibilities, this episode of The 90th Percentile dives into the powerful connection between passion and performance. Hosts Bre and Joe explore Zenger Folkman’s groundbreaking research on how passion influences leadership effectiveness, with compelling stories like Koel Thomae’s journey to build Noosa Yoghurt. They discuss the … Continued

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Zenger Folkman Holiday Message 2024

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:11:47 +0000

Details This holiday, we encourage you to find stability and joy in the customs that have persisted for generations. Though the world may sometimes feel uncertain, the enduring spirit of the holidays can provide comfort, connection, and hope. Connect with Joe Folkman LinkedIn Twitter Webinar Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where … Continued

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Episode 151: 3 Ways to Help Employees Love Their Jobs

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 11:00:49 +0000

Details Do the people you manage love their jobs? Or do you sense that some are dissatisfied or disengaged? It’s no secret that employees who love their jobs work harder and are willing to go the extra mile, which benefits any organization. While the core of great leadership remains unchanged, the landscape of work has … Continued

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Episode 150: The Unexpected Strengths of Each Generation of Leaders

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:00:32 +0000

Details Picture a modern workplace leadership meeting: A Baby Boomer executive types deliberately on her laptop while referencing printed handouts, a Gen X director efficiently leads the agenda via his tablet, and a Millennial manager seamlessly orchestrates remote team participation through multiple digital platforms. This isn’t just a scene of technological evolution – it’s a … Continued

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Episode 149: Building Empathy and Drive at the Same Time

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:35 +0000

Details In a time where AI disrupts traditional workplace dynamics and remote work reshapes human connections, business leaders face a crucial question: How do we maintain our humanity while driving results? The answer might surprise those who still cling to the “tough boss” stereotype. In our episode today we’re discussing how most effective leaders aren’t … Continued

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Episode 148: The Real Key to Employee Engagement—Leadership Over Location

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:43:48 +0000

Details Have you noticed a remarkable shift where major companies are mandating return to office policies. Amazon recently joined the ranks of Meta, Google, and others in requiring employees to return full time to the office. What’s particularly interesting is the timing – why now, after years of remote work? We all know that organizations … Continued

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Episode 147: Listening—An Essential Tool for Building Trust

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:00:07 +0000

Details In a time with constant communication and information overload, the ability to truly listen stands out as a cornerstone for building trust within teams. In this episode, We’ll explore how listening practices vary across cultures and organizations, the growing awareness of its importance in leadership, and the challenges leaders face in balancing listening with … Continued

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Episode 146: Quality And Quantity Are Not Trade-offs—How Some Leaders Are Choosing Both

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:00:29 +0000

Details In today’s episode, we dive into a fascinating topic that many leaders grapple with—quality versus quantity. Are they truly competing objectives, or can organizations achieve both simultaneously? We’ll unpack findings from a recent study that examines leaders’ preferences for quality or quantity and what the data tells us about leadership effectiveness. From industry trends … Continued

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Episode 145: What You Should Know About Coachability Through Career Decades

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:00:44 +0000

Details Today we are looking at coachability and its intriguing role across different career decades. Each stage in our professional lives—whether it’s the exploration of the 20s, the depth-building of the 30s, the influence and leadership in the 40s, or the legacy-building in the 50s and beyond—comes with unique challenges and opportunities. By understanding how … Continued

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Episode 144: Connecting The Manager, Employee, and Customer Satisfaction Chain

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:00:26 +0000

Details In this episode of The 90th Percentile, hosts BreAnne Okoren and Joe Folkman explore the powerful connection between leadership, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction. Drawing on research and real-world examples from companies like Sears and Zappos, they discuss how effective leadership drives employee engagement, which in turn boosts customer satisfaction and profitability. They also … Continued

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Episode 143: Are You Surviving or Thriving With AI?

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:00:56 +0000

Details We can all admit that we have felt a little threatened by AI. After all its whole purpose is improve and ultimately replace Human intelligence. And leadership will not be spared by the impact of AI. Certain leadership qualities, such as deep domain expertise, decisiveness, authority, and short-term task focus, are losing their impact, … Continued

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Episode 142: Trust and Resolving Conflict in the Workplace—Key Behaviors for Leaders

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 11:00:04 +0000

Details Recently, a compelling question emerged: How do trust and conflict resolution impact a leader’s effectiveness? To explore this, we analyzed a robust dataset of 360-degree assessments from 4,347 leaders, collected over the past three years. In environments where leaders are untrustworthy or avoid resolving conflicts, dissatisfaction and disengagement flourish. Conversely, trusted leaders who adeptly … Continued

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Episode 76: Identifying and Managing Micro-stressors

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:00:39 +0000

Details Stress comes to us all in tiny minor assaults throughout our day through relationships and interactions that are too numerous to shake off quickly. The problem is that most of us have come to accept micro-stresses as just a normal part of a day, but they are wearing us down. In our episode, Karen … Continued

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Episode 141: Can Honest Leaders Rebuild Integrity?

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 11:00:26 +0000

Details Can individuals truly recover from being perceived as fundamentally flawed in honesty and integrity? We embarked on a research journey to uncover whether redemption is possible for those who have fallen into the pit of distrust. We analyzed data from 6,025 leaders who participated in 360-degree assessments, receiving feedback from their managers, peers, direct … Continued

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Episode 140: The Three Key Ingredients for Sustainable Leadership Excellence

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:00:48 +0000

Details In this episode of “90th Percentile,” co-hosts Jack Zenger and BreAnne Okoren take a culinary approach to discussing effective leadership development. They compare the essentials of a good family meal to the key components of a successful leadership development plan. Just as family meals become staples due to their simplicity and consistent outcomes, leadership … Continued

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Episode 67: The Skills Leaders Need at Every Level

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:07:01 +0000

Details CEO, Vice President, Director, Supervisor, Manager, or Individual contributor each organizational position comes with its own set of demands. While being great at everything would be ideal, the majority of us are only human and subject to our inability to achieve perfection. In this episode, we discuss the different skills that leaders need at … Continued

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Episode 51: 9 Habits That Lead to Terrible Decisions

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Details We are all forced to make hundreds of little and big decisions every day. It can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Some people are so crippled with the fear of making a bad decision that they refuse to decide. Based on research from 50,000 leaders, we’re exploring the root causes for poor decision-making and how … Continued

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Episode 139: 6 Components that Differentiate the Best 360-Degree Assessments

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:00:24 +0000

Details 360-degree assessments are a central component in many leadership-development programs. But not all assessments provide the same value to individual leaders or to the organization. The best assessments offer participants powerful insights into how others perceive their leadership strengths and weaknesses. These become a solid impetus for personal change. Organizations that offer multi-rater feedback … Continued

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Episode 138: Taking Responsibility Is The Highest Mark Of Great Leaders

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 11:00:17 +0000

Details Why does one person get selected for a promotion while others with equal skills, education and experience get passed over? While there may be several valid answers to that question, I submit that a person’s demonstrated willingness to behave responsibly is one of the major reasons. Much management literature surprisingly overlooks this characteristic, yet … Continued

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Episode 137: Building Trust—The Balance of Information and Involvement

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 11:00:24 +0000

Details Join us in this enlightening episode of “The 90th Percentile” as hosts BreAnne Okoren and Joe Folkman delve into the crucial dynamics of trust in leadership. We’ll explore the fine line between keeping teams informed and involving them in decision-making, backed by compelling data from Zenger Folkman’s extensive research. Through engaging stories and expert … Continued

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Episode 136: The Coachability Advantage—Transforming Leaders into Catalysts for Change

Wed, 08 May 2024 11:00:39 +0000

Details Coachable leaders distinguish themselves by actively seeking and responding to feedback, a practice that not only enhances their personal growth but also significantly influences their leadership efficacy. In this episode, we’ll explore how embracing feedback can catalyze positive changes across various leadership dimensions, from advocating for change to fostering inclusivity within teams. Drawing insights … Continued

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Episode 135: Flipping Feedback Upside Down

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 11:00:59 +0000

Details Feedback is a powerful tool that can make or break an individual’s growth and development. It can be a valuable gift that leads to success and well-being, but it can also be a dreaded message that is associated with negativity and criticism. The impact of feedback ultimately depends on how it is given, received, … Continued

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Episode 134: Humble Leadership and the 7 Signs of Arrogance

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:00:44 +0000

Details Why is humility important for leaders? This pivotal question underpins Zenger Folkman’s two decades of research into how leadership traits, specifically humility and arrogance, affect leadership effectiveness Humble leaders tend to empower their employees by recognizing their strengths and contributions. This leads to increased employee engagement and motivation. People want confidence yet humble leaders. So … Continued

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Episode 133: Connecting Through Coaching—Authenticity, AI, and Transformation

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:21:05 +0000

Details In this enlightening podcast episode, expert coaching master Kathleen Stinnett shares her invaluable insights on the evolution of leadership coaching in the wake of the pandemic. With over 25 years of experience, Kathleen discusses the subtle yet significant shifts in coaching methodologies prompted by remote and hybrid work environments, emphasizing the growing importance of … Continued

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Episode 132: Hybrid Work— Understanding The Leadership Advantages in Both Zones

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:00:57 +0000

Details After some initial uncertainty, most companies have now found their footing with respect to adopting office-based, remote, or hybrid working models. Despite a common belief that we’ve mastered the flexibility of working from anywhere, the reality is we’re still on a learning curve—and that’s perfectly acceptable. In today’s discussion, we aim to highlight the … Continued

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Episode 131: Executive Presence Has New Rules

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 22:55:55 +0000

Details Executive Presence. This term, often heard in boardrooms and leadership seminars, is not just about gravitas, articulate communication, and maintaining the ‘right’ appearance. It’s about having the capacity to foster confidence and inspire those around you. Your executive presence determines whether you’ll gain access to opportunities. Joining us today is Sylvia Ann Hewlett, an … Continued

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Episode 130: Thriving in Transition—The Keys to Adaptive Leadership

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:00:56 +0000

Details In this episode, hosts BreAnne Okoren and Joe Folkman dive deep into the essential skill of adaptability, exploring its significance in the face of unprecedented technological advancements, globalization, and societal challenges. Drawing from research and real-life examples, they discuss the transformative impact of adaptability on leadership effectiveness, team engagement, and organizational success. Join the … Continued

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Episode 129: Why Leadership Should Be Treated Like a Profession

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:00:13 +0000

Details Just like lawyers, physicians, and CPAs constantly update their skills, effective leadership is vital across all industries. Join us as we discuss the impact of proficient leadership and address the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach leadership development. It’s time to treat leadership as a true profession, emphasizing continuous education and … Continued

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2023 Holiday Message from Jack and Joe

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:00:04 +0000

Details In the spirit of reflection that accompanies this festive season and honoring whatever holiday you celebrate, this year’s message revolves around the sage words of Dr. Seuss from his classic, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”. In our ever-evolving world, where individual pursuits often overshadow the essence of community, we reflect on our roles as … Continued

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Episode 128: The Pinnacle Pillar of Trust—Building Relationships

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:00:05 +0000

Details In the awkward dance of professional interactions, the key to a flourishing work relationship lies not in quick fixes, but in the art of weaving sincerity and respect into the very fabric of our connections. Beyond the confines of office walls, there’s a rich tapestry of experiences and passions that define each of us. … Continued

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Episode 127: The Constant Pillar of Trust— Consistency

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 11:00:42 +0000

Details Consistency is a cornerstone of effective leadership, playing a pivotal role in building, maintaining, and restoring trust within an organization or community. Consistency means aligning one’s words, actions, and decisions over time, creating a predictable and reliable pattern of behavior. This reliability is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, consistency provides a sense … Continued

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Episode 126: The Hidden Pillar of Trust—Expertise

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:00:54 +0000

Details There is a leadership behavior that ignites a lot of conversation. It is trust. Many people have observational theories and experiences that influence their views on how trust is earned and maintained. At Zenger Folkman, we wanted to strip away all of the emotions and biases and purely analyze what the data says about … Continued

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Episode 125: People Focus vs. Task Focus—Managing Remote Workers

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:00:54 +0000

Details The narrative surrounding the impact of remote work on productivity has taken unexpected twists and turns. Initially, the prevailing wisdom during the early days of the pandemic was that remote work was a boon for productivity. Yet, as the pandemic’s grip waned and remote work persisted, reports began to suggest a dip in productivity … Continued

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Episode 124: How Modern Leaders Champion Change

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:00:31 +0000

Details Every organization is experiencing change. Some of the changes come from the external environment, such as customer expectations, government regulations, global competition, or new domestic competitors. Other changes are coming from within the organization; such as changing employee expectations, hybrid work schedules, redesigned teams and structures, automated activities that minimize drudgery, reengineered corporate culture, … Continued

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Episode 123: The Leadership Tent—Balancing Specialization and Generalism

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:06:06 +0000

Details Leadership can be a little complicated so in this episode we wish to reduce that complexity to a model of leadership that is more easily understood. You see, Leadership behaviors are knit together, much like the complex network of the human brain. There is a great deal of interdependence between them. Research shows that … Continued

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Episode 122: Why Middle Managers are So Unhappy

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:00:13 +0000

Details Have you ever stopped to wonder who the unhappiest individuals within your organization are? Those weary souls who navigate the daily grind with an invisible weight on their shoulders, all while hiding behind their smiles? And what’s driving them crazy? Well, They may not be who you think they are. At least they were … Continued

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Episode 121: Unlocking Leadership Potential with Strength Builders

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:00:45 +0000

Details In this enlightening podcast interview, Joe Folkman and Breanne Okoren explore the revolutionary concept of “Strength Builders” in leadership development. Drawing parallels between non-linear approaches and skill enhancement, this discussion challenges traditional linear methods and offers fresh insights into improving leadership skills. Download a free copy of The Extraordinary Leader eBook. Key Learnings Here … Continued

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Episode 120: The Mirrors of Leadership that Lead to Change

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:00:34 +0000

Details In today’s fast-paced, complex world, leaders need mirrors. The mirrors they need, however, go far beyond reflecting their physical appearance. Leaders need mirrors that reflect their behavior and the impact their behavior has on others. That requires much more than a piece of glass with a thin layer of metallic silver on the back. … Continued

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Episode 119: 10 Fatal Flaws That Derail Leaders

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:00:28 +0000

Details Poor leadership in good times can be hidden, but poor leadership in bad times is a recipe for disaster. We have found the number one leadership behavior that direct reports expect and need from their boss is the ability to inspire and motivate others. Sadly, it is also the leadership behavior that is ranked … Continued

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Episode 118: What Separates Great HR Leaders from the Rest

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 11:00:48 +0000

Details HR seems to have become every manager and employee’s favorite corporate punching bag, vying with IT for the dubious title of most-irritating function. We have seen a parade of articles recently calling for HR to be blown up, split in two, or at the very least, redesigned. Perhaps this is a good moment to evaluate what it … Continued

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Episode 117: Your Boss Should Care More About Your Relationship Building Skills

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:30:48 +0000

Details Do personal relationships have the power to shape a leader’s perception of individual performance? The significance of fostering healthy workplace relationships cannot be underestimated. Extensive research has shed light on our ability to connect with diverse individuals, revealing that we are not only happier but also more productive in doing so. However, how much … Continued

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Episode 116: The Meeting Manifesto: How to End Wasteful Meetings

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Details Meetings are a favorite target of complaints across all levels of an organization. Why is it so hard to have meetings that enthuse every participant? The obvious response is that we often want different things. Some prefer a highly structured, disciplined process of making rapid-fire decisions on a wide range of topics; others seek … Continued

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Episode 115: Are We More Productive When We Have More Time Off?

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:00:43 +0000

Details Vacation time—the sacred period where you can put your feet up, escape from spreadsheets, and unleash your inner happiness. It’s crucial for our well-being, both mental and physical. Vacations reduce stress, increase productivity, and help you avoid burnout. However, we live in a fast-paced world where busyness is glorified. People wear their never-ending to-do … Continued

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Episode 114: 7 Ways to Make Employees Feel Respected

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:00:56 +0000

Details There is one behavior that underlies all good leadership: treating everyone with respect. It’s the fundamental foundation of any relationship, and yet many managers struggle to express it, and right now, employees need to hear and feel they are respected. The world seems to have forgotten their niceties, and we all could show more … Continued

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Episode 113: Entering the Coachability Learning Zone

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:00:06 +0000

Details How hard is it to be coached? You show up, listen, and then great things happen, right? Well, according to Michael Bungay Stainer, we might be looking at being coached in the wrong way. “The term “be coached” lulls you into a false sense of complacency. It assures that you will be pushed, cajoled, … Continued

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Episode 112: Why Coachability is the Leadership Superpower

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:00:49 +0000

Details Kevin Wilde, author of Coachability: The Leadership Superpower, joins us to discuss the research on coachability. During his time as CLO at Fortune 500 companies, he saw a lot of career derailment and wanted to understand WHY and HOW it could happen to even the best leaders. His book was originally going to be about … Continued

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Episode 111: Leadership Speed—How to Accelerate Successful Execution

Wed, 31 May 2023 10:00:28 +0000

Details If you have ever been lost while driving in a car, your natural reaction is to slow down. When we are uncertain about which direction to head, our natural response is to slow down, look at a map, ask questions, and proceed cautiously forward. We have measured resilience and confidence for several years and … Continued

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Episode 110: Watch Out For Your 5-Year Workiversary

Tue, 23 May 2023 11:00:23 +0000

Details Most of us begin a new position with energy and a desire to impress. Our effort is high. Our passion is infectious. Our enthusiasm helps us to excel quickly. But for some, work becomes mundane and repetitive. They lose some of their passion, and their work can begin to feel like a chore. Eventually, … Continued

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Episode 108: How Leaders Focus Externally to Improve the Customer Experience

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:00:27 +0000

Details Have you ever been on the phone for an hour with customer service, and once you finally get to talk to a human to resolve your issue, they only say: “I’m sorry, I can’t help you.” And it’s true; they can’t. They don’t have the power or authority to resolve the problem. It’s frustrating … Continued

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Episode 107: 10 Attitudes About Feedback From The Most Effective Leaders

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:00:29 +0000

Details Occasionally, people read articles about the best approaches to giving and receiving feedback and may think, “That all sounds great, but what do the most effective leaders actually do?” To answer that question, we combined a self-assessment measuring feedback preference with 360-degree evaluations of leaders to discover the common attitudes of the best leaders … Continued

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Episode 106: Getting Along With Difficult People at Work

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:33:43 +0000

Details Some of the most challenging relationships we have to learn to manage in this life are the ones we have with our co-workers. Because we spend a lot of time with them, probably even more time than friends, and we don’t always get to choose who we work with. Amy Gallo is a workplace … Continued

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Episode 105: Behavioral Bridges—Increasing Employee Engagement While Driving For Results

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:00:30 +0000

Details Is it possible to be a high-standards, results-driven leader while at the same time building an engaged, fun-to-work-with team? Many people would contend that doing either of these things well makes it almost impossible to succeed at the other. And yet our examination of 360-degree assessment data from more than 60,000 leaders showed us … Continued

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Episode 5: What Great Listeners Actually Do

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:00:09 +0000

Details Chances are you think you’re a great listener. People’s appraisal of their listening ability is much like their assessment of their driving skills, in that the great bulk of adults think they’re above average. What really makes a manager a great listener? Many assume that it involves three components: not interrupting the speaker, following along … Continued

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Episode 104: The Lost Art of Asking Good Questions

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:02 +0000

Details Regardless of who you are in an organization — a great question can help you learn more about your task, unlock hidden opportunities, deliver better results, and mitigate unforeseen risks. In general, most of us don’t ask enough questions because we fail to recognize the enormous benefits in terms of interpersonal bonding and how … Continued

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Episode 103: Skills, Skills, and More Skills— Finding What the Organization Values Most

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Details What skills do you really need from your workforce? What skills are most valuable What are the critical issues? If the answers were clear, every organization would likely change. There are literally thousands of variables that leave leaders baffled as they sift through the clutter of needs and options to decide what is really crucial. … Continued

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Episode 102: Leading with Kindness and Accountability

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:00:04 +0000

Details Leaders are experiencing more demands for compassion at a time when there’s not a lot of room for compromise on what they have to deliver. Do they have to choose between kindness/compassion and the expectations for performance? We wanted to understand how we maximize support and, at the same time, drive performance. In this … Continued

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Episode 101: How to Push Your Team to Take Risks

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:45:21 +0000

Details Most managers want their employees to be curious and experimental, to take the initiative and develop new products and solutions. But, as it turns out, managers also like to micromanage and control outcomes through safe, predictable processes. As a result, managers end up stifling the very experimentation they want to foster. In this episode, … Continued

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Episode 23: Are Women Better Leaders Than Men?

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 11:00:07 +0000

Details We’ve all heard the claims, the theories, and the speculation about the ways leadership styles vary between women and men. There are, of course, many factors that contribute to this absence of a greater abundance of women leaders in senior-level positions. For centuries, there have been broad cultural biases against women, and stereotypes die slowly. In an … Continued

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Episode 100: The Unexpected Bad Habits of Leaders

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:00:43 +0000

Details No one expects ever to be described as an arrogant or complacent boss. Most leaders we know have the assumption that their career will be akin to a musical crescendo. It may start quietly and slowly, but they believe that as they age, more responsibility will come. And because of their years of experience, … Continued

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Episode 99: Ordinary Habits of Highly Effective Coaches

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:00:43 +0000

Details Habits are things you automatically do every day. It’s your morning routine, how you make your favorite drink, or the fact that you always leave every cabinet door open when you leave a room. It is the actions you perform without thinking because they are ingrained into who you are. Researchers at Duke University … Continued

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Episode 98: Discover and Develop Hidden Talent Pools

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 11:00:39 +0000

Details Executives in every company we work with express concerns about their ability to attract and retain managerial talent. The solutions for most organizations are to either recruit young workers directly from school and invest in their development, pirate leadership talent from competitors, or find it internally. Of these alternatives, we strongly advocate that organizations … Continued

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Audiobook Chapter 8: Trust and Speed

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:31:01 +0000

Details The audiobook version of The Trifecta of Trust: The Proven Formula for Building and Restoring Trust is on sale at AUTHORS DIRECT. The audiobook can also be purchased on AUDIBLE, NOOK, GOOGLE PLAY, KOBO, CHIRP, AUDIOBOOKS.COM, and SCRIBD. If you devote a third of your life to your job, then it is worth focusing … Continued

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Episode 97: Remote Work Leadership Report Card

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 11:00:38 +0000

Details Due to the pandemic, the past few years have ushered in the past century’s most significant shifts in working environments. According to data scientist at Ladders projections, 25% of all professional jobs in North America will be remote by the end of 2022, and remote opportunities will continue to increase through 2023. We have had … Continued

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Episode 96: The Unseen Effects of Inspiring Leadership

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:14:52 +0000

Details Download the new eBook, Inspiring in the New Era. A lot has been written about what inspiring leaders DO. From their moving speeches to their magnetic ability to connect. How could you dismiss their powers of persuasion? We often picture inspiring leaders as fearless and attractive because we see them in the movies defeating all … Continued

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Episode 57: 7 Things Leaders Do To Help People Change

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 11:00:13 +0000

Details Have you ever tried to change anyone’s behavior at work? It can be extremely frustrating. So often the effort produces an opposite result: rupturing the relationship, diminishing job performance, or causing the person to dig in their heels. Still, some approaches clearly work better than others. We reviewed a dataset of 2,852 direct reports of 559 … Continued

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Episode 95: Why Do So Many Managers Avoid Giving Praise?

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 11:00:41 +0000

Details Why do managers avoid giving praise? When talking with managers about giving feedback, we often hear comments such as, “I did not sleep the night before,” “I just wanted to get it over quickly,” “My hands were sweating, and I was nervous,” and “They don’t pay me enough to do this job.” Because of … Continued

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Episode 56: Extraordinary Performers- Why You Need Them & How to Keep Them

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 11:00:31 +0000

Details In a society that showers attention on those in power, it is valuable to remember that those in the C suite are not the only ones doing the remarkable everyday work that causes organizations to excel. Much of the excellence comes from the host of people who conscientiously get work done and constantly look … Continued

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Episode 94: Are You Sure You’re Not a Bad Boss?

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:00:48 +0000

Details Conjure up the term “bad boss,” and what comes to mind? Scenes of red-faced people berating subordinates in public. Smarmy souls taking credit for other people’s work or saying one thing and doing another and cutting remarks. Yelling. Feel free to continue — we’re sure you can. In this podcast episode, we’re digging into … Continued

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Episode 93: How Leaders Generate Energy

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 11:00:54 +0000

Details The variety of shortages causing major disruptions has rippling effects that seem to grow more consequential daily. But the one shortage that is the most concerning to us is HUMAN ENERGY. Every employee is under constant pressure to perform as we are being asked to do more with less–to be more productive and effective and … Continued

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Episode 92: The Problems and Opportunities With Leaders in STEMM

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 11:00:23 +0000

Details Increasingly, science and technology are occupying a much more significant role within companies and consumers. But leaders in STEMM organizations are finding a lack of gender diversity, difficulties in retaining female talent, and in the agility of leadership. Researchers from Zenger Folkman and Arcadia compared 360 feedback from 16,419 STEMM leaders with 57,706 non-STEMM … Continued

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Episode 91: Challenging Your Decision-Making Strengths and Biases

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 11:00:52 +0000

Details Each individual has their decision-making tools in their back pocket, ready to utilize for every choice regardless of how different they are. However, if we truly want to become better at the art of making decisions, then we need to break out of these patterns and see things differently, even if that pushes us … Continued

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Episode 90: The Benefits of Deep Listening

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:00:08 +0000

Details Over the last few years, we have gathered data from over 18,000 leaders on their preference for speaking versus deep listening. While very few completely doubt the efficacy of deep listening, many leaders fail to see the remarkable value of being an excellent listener. Rather than taking the time to carefully understand the other … Continued

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Episode 88: Keeping Your Name Off the Layoff List

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:36 +0000

Details The tides are shifting, and the economic downturn is causing some big corporate layoffs. After doing some research with one firm that had a major layoff, Zenger Folkman found some common traits among those who were let go. In this leadership podcast episode, we’re sharing some helpful tips for keeping your name off that … Continued

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Episode 87: 7 Leadership Behaviors That Improve Involvement

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 11:04:08 +0000

Details That feeling of not being an insider, but more of an observer, has a profound impact on your engagement, effort, and commitment. Perhaps you’re relishing the freedoms given through your work-from-home schedule or limited office time, but you recognize there may be a disconnect happening. On the other hand, you could be sitting in … Continued

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Episode 86: Quiet Quitting is About Managers, Not Employees

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 11:00:19 +0000

Details Quiet quitting is a new name for behavior that has long existed. Today the term is mainly applied to individuals who reject the idea that work should be a central focus of their life. They resist the expectation of giving their all or putting in extra hours. They say “No” to requests to go … Continued

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Episode 85: Why We’re Growing Organizations All Wrong

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:00:58 +0000

Details Are we growing leadership in organizations the wrong way? Developing high-potentials isn’t a bad strategy for success—unless you do it at the expense of your other employees. It’s time to focus on leaders at all levels. Organizations die just like trees: They can fail from forces at the top, in the middle, or at … Continued

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Episode 84: 4 Ways to Be More Effective at Execution

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 11:00:26 +0000

Details Many underestimate how important execution is to their careers, it is true that bosses place a premium on execution, which we define as the ability to achieve individual goals and objectives. There are many parts of your job that are important, but if you want to move ahead in your career, it might be time … Continued

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Trifecta of Trust Audiobook–Chapter 3

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 11:04:44 +0000

Details The audiobook version of The Trifecta of Trust: The Proven Formula for Building and Restoring Trust is now available Take advantage of the promotional launch price until August 31st! The audiobook can be purchased on AUDIBLE, NOOK, GOOGLE PLAY, KOBO, CHIRP, AUDIOBOOKS.COM, and SCRIBD. This chapter discusses the three elements of the trifecta of … Continued

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Episode 21: Strategic Thinking–The Skill Required for Advancement

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 11:00:49 +0000

Details Many qualified candidates that are ready to be promoted never see it happen. But what if this common problem that leaders experience could be solved with one overlooked leadership quality. If you want to move up, then research shows you need to start working on your strategic thinking skills. In this episode, we will … Continued

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Episode 83: 6 Ways to Boost Engagement During Summer Slumps

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 11:00:57 +0000

Details With summertime’s flexible and ever-changing schedule, it’s a struggle to stay fully engaged with many distractions and temptations. At the office, you didn’t know what you were missing, but at home, you are very aware. In this episode, we are exploring the research behind how to keep your team engaged during summer slumps, and … Continued

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Episode 30: FUEL– A Proven Framework For Coaching

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 11:00:03 +0000

Details: Coaching conversations are worth planning. They take up valuable time for both parties, so that time should be put to its most efficient use. A good coaching conversation can improve relationships, performance, motivation, and results. In this episode, we discuss a proven framework for coaching conversations to guide leaders effectively through the process. Guest … Continued

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Episode 82: How to Improve Your Coachability

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 10:00:45 +0000

Details: There is high-interest today in how managers can be better coaches and how companies can use external and internal coaches more effectively to enhance and sustain any development activity. The Zenger Folkman company has published a good deal about the positive impact of coaching on helping leaders be more effective, including how that impacts … Continued

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Episode 81: To Get Results, Push and Pull Your Team

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 08:00:02 +0000

Details Over the past year, there has been a call for leaders to be less demanding and more empathetic toward individual employees. They need to inspire and motivate them to work, not demand results! However, our analysis of 360-degree assessments showed that the most effective leaders already know how to push people but are not … Continued

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Episode 80: Can Personal Development and Talent Management Live Together?

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:54:39 +0000

Details: Of the organizations using 360-degree feedback, 95% of them use it solely for individual development. But are they gaining the full value that a 360-degree assessment could provide? From the organization and individual perspectives, the future could be much better. In this episode, we explore a dramatically improved future for all leadership development and specifically for … Continued

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Episode 79: Team Trust—Establishment and Maintenance

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:00:15 +0000

Details If I trust you, are you more likely to trust another person? And, if I distrust another person are they more likely to distrust me? Trust is unfortunately a contagious emotion that can spread for good or bad. In this episode, we are discussing the effects of trust within the teams in your organization … Continued

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Episode 78: The Proven Formula for Building Trust

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:00:53 +0000

Details Order your copy of The Trifecta of Trust: The Proven Formula for Building and Restoring Trust. In 2019, Joe Folkman wrote an article for Harvard Business Review based on research he conducted on trust in organizations. He found that trust is a leading indicator of whether others evaluate you positively or negatively. But how … Continued

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The Trifecta of Trust– Introduction by Joe Folkman

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:00:20 +0000

Details Order your copy of The Trifecta of Trust: The Proven Formula for Building and Restoring Trust. In Trifecta of Trust, psychometrics and leadership expert Joseph R. Folkman has collected a mountain of compelling data to make the irrefutable case for the value of trust in leadership. His research shows that there are three core behaviors … Continued

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Episode 77: The Shifting Alliances of Peers

Wed, 18 May 2022 11:00:29 +0000

Details As you think about your peers at work, are they some of your best friends, always helpful and supportive, or are they your harshest critics, pointing out your mistakes and flaws? While everyone’s situation is different, the answer to this question often is, “It depends.” Context is critical here, and overtime in an organization, … Continued

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Episode 75: As a Leader, How Bold Should You Be?

Wed, 04 May 2022 13:00:26 +0000

Details: Bold is a positive word. Bold leaders are champions of change and are willing to challenge themselves and their thinking patterns with things like inclusion, diversity, and unconscious bias. Is the world afraid of BOLD leaders or is that exactly the type of leadership trait we should try to possess? In this episode, we’re … Continued

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Episode 74: Igniting Your Initiative

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 11:00:47 +0000

Details Inertia is ever-present and always powerful. That’s why people who are skilled at taking initiative stand out. There are energizer bunnies that keep going and going and leave the rest of us wondering how do they do it without burning out? In this episode, we share the secrets of taking initiative and keeping yourself … Continued

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Episode 73: Remastering The Extraordinary Leader

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:00:02 +0000

Details The decision a leader makes regarding their leadership behavior has a profound impact on their career, and the performance of those reporting to them. But the great majority of leaders began their careers with the target of being a good accountant, engineer, marketer, or analyst. Few had set their sights on being an extraordinary leader. … Continued

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Episode 28: Controlling the Disease of Distractions

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 11:21:52 +0000

Details: There are many things competing for your attention every minute of the day. Human attention is the ultimate scarce resource. One of the characteristics that organizations value most in a leader is the ability to consistently produce good results—in short, leaders are valued in large part for how productive they are. What gets in … Continued

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Episode 72: Building a People First Culture with Roy Banks

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 10:55:58 +0000

Details This episode features guest Roy Banks, CEO of Weave talking about their organization’s dedication to building a people-first culture that benefits both employees and customers. Roy Banks has served as our Chief Executive Officer since December 2020 and as a member of our board of directors since August 2021. He has significant experience in … Continued

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Episode 71: 6 Ways Creative Superstars Lead Differently

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 14:36:53 +0000

Details We all love a chance to think through how to do something different and express originality. But most days, most work feels fundamental. Why do organizations have so much trouble facilitating employee creativity? In this episode, we discuss how you can become a creative superstar. To read his latest research, subscribe to Joe Folkman’s LinkedIn … Continued

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Episode 70: Change Your Leaders to Change Your Culture

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 11:00:53 +0000

Details How would you describe the culture of your organization? Some might say, “It’s the smell of the place,” or, “It’s how things are done around here.” However, the ultimate summary statement on the topic may have been Peter Drucker’s familiar saying, “Culture eats strategy for lunch.” In this episode, we discuss how changing your … Continued

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Episode 69: Would You Choose to Fly or Be Invisible?

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 11:30:31 +0000

Details How much can you learn about someone from a silly question? We’ve been collecting data from the business and professional leaders who read our articles. The question we asked was this, “If you were given a choice of two special powers, which would you prefer? A. Ability to fly or B. Power to be … Continued

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Episode 68: Why We Need More Helpful Leaders

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 11:00:11 +0000

Details Helping and serving others reinforces the connection people have with their colleagues, but it also increases our sense of well-being and can lower depression. So what does the world need right now? In this episode, we are exploring the behaviors of those who are deemed, helpful leaders. To read his latest research, subscribe to … Continued

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Episode 66: Cultivating Consistency

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 14:00:59 +0000

Details If a basketball, football, or baseball team wins nine games out of 10, most people assume that this is an outstanding team. Sports teams do not win every game. It would not be that entertaining to watch the games if they did. But what if a person delivers on their commitments nine times out … Continued

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Episode 65: I’m the Boss! Why Should I Care if You Like Me?

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 11:00:26 +0000

Details Many people assume that it’s possible for a person to be an effective leader without being really likable. After all, work isn’t a popularity contest. That is technically true, but you may not like the odds. In this episode, we’re revealing why even if you’re a senior leader or project manager you still should … Continued

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Episode 64: 8 Traits of Practically Perfect Problem Solvers

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 11:00:59 +0000

Details An essential skill we need in practically every life scenario is the ability to analyze and solve problems. While we would all love to have someone to do the work for us, most of the time, we need to figure it out ourselves. So what kind of skills do practically perfect problem solvers possess? … Continued

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Episode 63: How to Improve When You’re Not Getting Feedback

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 11:00:27 +0000

Details Too many managers avoid giving any kind of feedback, regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. If you work for a boss who doesn’t provide feedback, it’s easy to feel rudderless. In this episode, we will discuss how to improve at work when you’re not getting feedback. New Self-Directed Course Learn more about our short … Continued

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Episode 62: How to Eliminate Poor Role Models

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 11:00:30 +0000

Details Perhaps you have seen the Where’s Waldo? books. When placed in a crowd or a complex surrounding, Waldo is an odd individual who becomes difficult to find. Often, when a leader fails to be a good role model or sets a bad example, they believe that their actions will be hidden, much like Waldo. In … Continued

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Episode 61: 5 Ways to Impress Your Boss in 2022

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 11:00:25 +0000

Details It’s that time of year to make plans and whether you’ve been at your job for many years or are just beginning it always helps to keep in mind some ways that you can impress your boss and progress in your career path. In this episode, we’re sharing our research on five different ways … Continued

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Episode 60: The Balance Between Coaching and Managing

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 11:00:56 +0000

Details Ask 100 people if they have good common sense, and more than 95% will tell you they do. Ask them if they are good coaches, and almost as many will say yes. Executives we talk to assume that if they’re good managers, then being a good coach is like your shadow on a sunny … Continued

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Episode 59: Expanding Access to Coaching

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 11:00:53 +0000

Details Demand for coaching within organizations is exploding. Yet certain barriers seem to be blocking the way for coaching to reach its full potential. In this episode, we will discuss the expanding access to coaching and the best practices every leader and organization should follow. Join us on May 23 & 24 for our award-winning … Continued

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Episode 14: The Power of Teams

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 11:00:16 +0000

(Rerun) The companies that focus on teamwork and collaboration are the companies that maximize the strengths of individuals as well. Why? Because being a part of an effective team can bring forth wonderful increases in the work ethic and strength attributes of the individuals. In this episode, we are talking about teams and what leaders … Continued

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Happy Holidays from Jack and Joe

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 12:00:01 +0000

Thanks for tuning into The 90th Percentile Podcast this year. In the book, Blueprint, the Yale scholar Nikolas Christakis, argues that over time we have developed a set of highly beneficial social features that lead us to love, community, friendships, and cooperation. He contends that we cannot escape our overall blueprint for goodness. After reviewing … Continued

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Episode 58: Heroes, Zeros, and Guides

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:30:30 +0000

Details Are you the type of leader who will work hard, assume the risk, and try to save everyone? Are you the type that looks to develop those around you and give them the opportunity to grow? Or are you just getting the job done? What types of leaders do organizations need most? In this … Continued

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Episode 57: 7 Things Leaders Do to Help People Change

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 11:30:30 +0000

Details Have you ever tried to change anyone’s behavior at work? It can be extremely frustrating. So often the effort produces an opposite result: rupturing the relationship, diminishing job performance, or causing the person to dig in their heels. Still, some approaches clearly work better than others. In this episode, we discuss seven things you can … Continued

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Episode 56: Extraordinary Performers- Why You Need Them & How to Keep Them

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 10:45:31 +0000

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Episode 55: The Value of Honesty

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:38:35 +0000

Details When CEOs describe what they want most in the people they hire, they consistently talk about honesty and integrity. Among the leadership competencies that we measure, honesty and integrity have consistently received high scores, putting them at the first or second position in comparison to everything else. In this episode, we’ll unravel the real harm of … Continued

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Episode 54: The Rapunzel Effect– Connecting to the Outside World

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 09:48:01 +0000

Details What value is there in connecting with the outside world? What perspective can we gain from leaving our environment and gaining knowledge from the world around us? It turns out, being stuck inside your tower has a strong influence on some very key leadership skills. In this episode, we will explain the pitfalls of … Continued

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Episode 53: How to Communicate When You Lack Credibility

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 09:30:02 +0000

Details Every day you hear a variety of communications from different sources. Some of these experts have excellent communication skills, while others have in-depth knowledge and expertise. Have you found that some of these messages are more believable than others? In this episode, we’re discussing how to communicate when you lack credibility Check out our … Continued

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Episode 52: How the Best Build Better Relationships

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 11:00:55 +0000

Details Humans are hard-wired to connect. They are social creatures that crave friendship and positive interactions with others. As much as we yearn for these interactions, however, many of us struggle to be good at building relationships. But why? In this episode, we’re discussing the key elements to developing positive relationships both within and outside … Continued

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Episode 52: How the Best Build Better Relationships at Work

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 11:00:34 +0000

Details Humans are hard-wired to connect. They are social creatures that crave friendship and positive interactions with others. As much as we yearn for these interactions, however, many of us struggle to be good at building relationships. But why? In this episode, we’re discussing the key elements to building better relationships both within and outside … Continued

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Episode 50: Balancing Confidence and Competence

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 11:00:02 +0000

Details If you choose an individual to lead you to victory or safety, chances are you will choose the most confident person. Their confidence will inspire and motivate you to achieve great things. That’s what makes them great leaders. But there is a darker side to the confidence that erodes trust and turns away once eager … Continued

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Episode 49: Lessons in Empathy and Competitiveness from Ted Lasso

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 11:00:13 +0000

Details Over the last couple of years, we have all experienced the importance the empathy in the workplace. We’ve had a rough time and it’s important to know your boss actually cares about you. Last year, the character Ted Lasso appeared on Apple TV’s new hit comedy show and taught us all some profound lessons … Continued

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Episode 48: What Younger Managers Should Know About How They’re Perceived

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 10:30:35 +0000

Details The great resignation has arrived. As new managers fill vacancies created by retiring Boomers, how do their skills compare with the seasoned older managers they replace? In this episode, we are uncovering what younger managers should know about how they’re perceived. Connect with Jack Zenger LinkedIn Twitter Webinar Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live … Continued

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Episode 47: Three Myths About Your Strengths

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 11:00:25 +0000

Details One of the most dramatic changes in leadership development in the last decade has been the shift in focus from correcting weaknesses to identifying and expanding on strengths. As this movement continues to catch hold, three myths have emerged that deserve to be dispelled. Key Learnings From the podcast, here are some key learnings … Continued

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Episode 46: Are Employees At Home Actually Working? 5 Behaviors That Signal Productivity To Managers

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:17:47 +0000

Details Have you ever questioned whether you or your direct reports are being as productive as they can be? With the flexibility to work anywhere and anytime, how do you stay connected with your team and manager to maintain trust and signal productivity. In today’s episode, we discuss the five behaviors that indicate productivity. Connect … Continued

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Episode 45: Why Do You Work? Finding Purpose In Your Career

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:00:33 +0000

Details This has been an extremely challenging year. Many are hopeful about the progress that has been made but others still feel disconnected and discouraged. They lament that their current work has begun to feel stale. Yes, social isolation has compounded that. Working from home, while it has some benefits, also has many challenges. The … Continued

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Episode 44: Who’s The Boss? The Struggles of Increased Independence

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 12:00:38 +0000

Details There are many new struggles with dealing with a hybrid workforce. While the increased independence has benefited organizational productivity, we still laying the ground rules for this reformed way of working. In this episode, we will discuss the benefits and struggles of increased independence in the workplace. Connect with Joe Folkman LinkedIn Twitter Webinar … Continued

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Episode 43: How to Encourage Personal Accountability

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:46:44 +0000

Details How is the issue of personal accountability viewed in your organization? Seasoned workers have undoubtedly seen their share of finger-pointing, dishonesty, and “CYOA.” However, personal accountability is a critical step toward improving leadership. In this episode, we are discussing how when people are accountable for their own decisions the effectiveness of an organization can greatly … Continued

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Episode 42: Uncovering Unconscious Bias

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 13:45:57 +0000

Details There is a great deal of interest today in our society on the topics of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. While some people are flat-out biased the larger portion deal with an unconscious bias they often don’t recognize. In this episode, we’re exploring the benefits of 360 feedback tools that enable the gathering of sensitive … Continued

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Episode 41: 5 New Skills That Increase Employee Engagement

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 12:33:41 +0000

Details Remember that event that happened in 2020 that kind of disrupted your life? It turns out that despite all the chaos that happened last year employee engagement increased. In this episode, we explore the new behaviors that led to this sudden increase in employee engagement. Connect with Joe Folkman LinkedIn Twitter Webinar Zenger Folkman … Continued

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Episode 40: The Curious Case of Women’s Strategic Thinking

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 11:00:28 +0000

Details We found that while women generally outperform their male counterparts on most leadership competencies, they are not perceived by their managers, peers, and subordinates as being as adept at strategic thinking as their male counterparts. This gap between women and men in perceived strategic thinking skills begins early, but by age 50, the difference … Continued

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Episode 39: The Battle of Soft Skills and Hard Skills

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 12:00:46 +0000

Details Are the individual contributors in your organization leaders? Are their “hard” skills the only type of useful skills they possess at that level? When it comes to those sitting on the lower levels of the corporate ladder, there are many controversial views of the value of developing “soft” skills for the “worker bees.” In … Continued

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Episode 38: How To Build Digital Expertise

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 12:00:49 +0000

Details The pandemic rapidly accelerated many companies’ digital efforts, but did you possess the digital expertise necessary to function in a completely new work environment? Sure you’ve had a year to work on your zoom skills, but are you running with the rest of your team, or do still feel like you are lagging behind … Continued

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Episode 37: Companies Are Bad At Identifying High Potential Employees

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 10:00:57 +0000

Details A high-potential employee is usually in the top 5% of employees in an organization. These people are thought to be the organization’s most capable, most motivated, and most likely to ascend to positions of responsibility and power. To help these employees prepare for leadership roles in a thoughtful, efficient manner, companies often institute formal … Continued

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Episode 36: Why the Most Productive People Don’t Always Make the Best Managers

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 11:00:46 +0000

Details When a company needs a supervisor for a team, senior leaders often anoint the team’s most productive performer. Some of these stars succeed in their new role as manager; many others do not. And when they fail, they tend to leave the organization, costing the company double: Not only has the team lost its new … Continued

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Episode 35: 7 Traits of Super Productive People

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 11:35:18 +0000

Details Is there someone on your team who seems unusually productive? Someone who gets a huge amount done — without working longer hours? How do they do it? That’s what their coworkers usually wonder. We wanted to know too. In this episode, we share the results from a study with 7,000 employees showing which skills define these … Continued

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Episode 35: 7 Traits of Super-Productive People

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 11:14:01 +0000

Details Is there someone on your team who seems unusually productive? Someone who gets a huge amount done — without working longer hours? How do they do it? That’s what their coworkers usually wonder. We wanted to know too. In this episode, we share the results from a study with 7,000 showing which skills define these super … Continued

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Episode 34: Are You Creating Disgruntled Employees?

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 11:00:52 +0000

Details You can’t make every worker happy, surely, and should a business even try? Evidence from our recent research suggests, actually, that the answer is yes. Or rather, our evidence shows that managers are giving up far too soon on their disgruntled employees, making them less productive than they could be, exposing their companies to … Continued

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Bonus Episode: Our Roles in Modern Business, with Chip Conley

Thu, 27 May 2021 12:00:58 +0000

Chip Conley, the author of Emotional Equations and former Head of Global Hospitality & Strategy at Airbnb, joins Dr. Jack Zenger and Dr. Joe Folkman in this edition of the Zenger Folkman podcast series to discuss the role of an elder in offering advice and direction to a younger generation. He draws from personal experiences … Continued

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Episode 33: 5 Steps to Shift Your Company Culture

Tue, 18 May 2021 10:38:44 +0000

Expecting to change the culture of any size organization is quite realistic. It starts with strong and sustained leadership rippling out from the senior leadership team. After all taking responsibility is the highest mark of great leaders. In this episode, we are diving into the struggles of developing a company culture with the founder of The … Continued

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Episode 32: Innovation– The Forgotten Leadership Competency

Tue, 11 May 2021 10:00:23 +0000

Details Do you ever feel pressure and urgency to generate fresh, new ideas or make time to be innovative? Our economy is driven by innovation– new products, new ways to deliver, and new methods to serve. All of these require creativity. A 2015 study on Global Innovation reported that U.S. companies spend $145 billion dollars on … Continued

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Episode 30: FUEL– A Proven Framework For Coaching

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 11:49:54 +0000

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Episode 31: 6 Fatal Flaws That Kill a Leader’s Effectiveness

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 11:00:16 +0000

Details Chances are you’ve known or read about great leaders and learned that often they have weaknesses. From that, you have probably concluded that you don’t have to be perfect to be a great leader. But there are some weaknesses that cannot be overlooked. In this episode, we are going to talk about serious weaknesses- some would … Continued

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Bonus Episode- Ryan Smith, Founder/Executive Chairman of Qualtrics

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 10:52:09 +0000

Ryan Smith, Founder and Executive Chairman of Qualtrics, joins Dr. Jack Zenger and Dr. Joe Folkman in this past edition (2016) of the Zenger Folkman podcast series to discuss the story of Qualtrics, a company started in his dad’s basement with a valuation of $2.5 billion 15 years later. Ryan tells the story of Qualtrics, … Continued

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Episode 29: The Best Problem Solvers Are Solution Sellers

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:53:46 +0000

Details There are many things competing for your attention every minute of the day. Attention, not money, is the most valuable commodity there is. Solving a complex problem is an exciting experience, but what happens when people don’t accept your solution? It’s true that one big hurdle with problem-solving is knowing how to sell the … Continued

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Episode 28: Controlling The Disease of Distractions

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 22:17:22 +0000

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Episode 27: What Makes a Leader Resilient?

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 11:06:18 +0000

Details A resilient leader is a person who sees failures as temporary setbacks they can recover from quickly. They maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of opportunity during periods of turbulence. When faced with ambiguity, a resilient leader finds ways to move forward and avoids getting stuck. It’s a skill you didn’t know … Continued

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Episode 26: 5 Ways to Maximize Brief Interactions

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:00:46 +0000

Details Life for a manager inside an organization has an unrelenting pace, with very few occasions where there is uninterrupted time. As a result, relationship building and development opportunities may fall by the wayside or become superficial due to the enormity of managerial time constraints. In today’s pandemic world, there is a somewhat different issue. While … Continued

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Episode 24: The Trickle-Down Effect of Good and Bad Leadership

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 14:00:30 +0000

Details How far-reaching is the influence of one bad or good boss? Do they only influence their reports? What about the leaders and managers underneath them? In this episode, we are discussing our research on the trickle-down effect of good and bad leadership. Connect with Jack Zenger: LinkedIn Twitter Webinar Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive … Continued

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Episode 23: Are Women Better Leaders Than Men?

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 10:00:29 +0000

Details We’ve all heard the claims, the theories, and the speculation about the ways leadership styles vary between women and men. There are of course many factors that contribute to this absence of a greater abundance of women in senior-level positions. For centuries, there have been broad, cultural biases against women, and stereotypes die slowly. Zenger Folkman’s … Continued

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Episode 22: Why Leaders Are Not Improving With Age

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 11:15:36 +0000

Details A long-held belief holds that managers acquire the lion’s share of their management and leadership skills from their on-the-job experience. Is it true that just like wine leaders improve with age? In the episode, we are using our data to give some new insight into why leaders are not improving with age. Connect with … Continued

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Episode 21: Strategic Thinking: The Skill Required For Advancement

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 07:27:09 +0000

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Episode 20: Should Leaders Aspire to Warmth or Competence?

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 07:30:20 +0000

Do people consider you a warm person? Or do you rely more on your competence than your likability? Which trait matters more? After searching our database we wanted to know if leaders should aspire to develop warmth or competence. Connect with Jack Zenger: LinkedIn Twitter Webinar Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and … Continued

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Episode 19: The Confidence Gap In Men and Women

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 07:00:25 +0000

Our research shows that as women’s experience increases over time, so does their confidence. But at the beginning of a woman’s career, there is a significant gap in confidence between men and women that may be causing women to miss out or wait too long to the advantage of opportunities they are ready for. Today … Continued

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Episode 18: Achieving Stretch Goals– Push, Pull, and Problem Solve

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 07:00:07 +0000

Leaders who know how to set stretch goals correctly are perceived as significantly more effective leaders, and they also raise the level of employee engagement. In this episode, we will discuss three essential skills that will keep you on the right path to achieve your STRETCH goals. Connect with Joe Folkman on LinkedIn, Twitter, or … Continued

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Episode 17: Agility– 4 Steps To Advance Your Response To Change

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 14:00:33 +0000

In 2020, companies were forced to change, and that transformation exposed the vulnerabilities of leaders and organizations that lack agility. Agile leaders can thrive even in rapidly changing and unpredictable circumstances. In this episode, Joe Folkman shares the four skills that will successfully advance your response to change. Register for this month’s live webinar Leading Agile … Continued

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Episode 16: 3 Steps To Make Your Job More Meaningful and Indispensable

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 07:08:27 +0000

With a full-time job, adults spend a third of their life asleep, a third at home, and the last third of their life at work. The hope for everyone is that the third of your life (or more) spent at work is doing something that means something to you. In this episode, we share a … Continued

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Bonus Episode- Doing Great Work with David Sturt

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 07:27:41 +0000

David Sturt is an executive vice president at the O.C. Tanner Company and author of “Great Work: How To Make A Difference People Love.” He has been a driving force and voice of business publishing and management sciences throughout his entire career. Webinar Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet … Continued

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Bonus Episode- Bold Leadership, with Josh Bersin

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 08:12:01 +0000

Josh Bersin is the founder and CEO of Bersin & Associates, leading industry research and advisory firm in enterprise learning and talent management. In this episode, he joins Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman to discuss his research on bold leadership. Download the eBook of the full interview here. Guest Bio: Josh Bersin is a world-respected … Continued

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The 90th Percentile Podcast Holiday Message

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 07:35:07 +0000

In the words of Jacob Marley, “Business, business—mankind was my business.” That is our Holiday message to our clients and friends. Whatever it is that our firm makes, or whatever service we provide— ultimately it should be that mankind is our business. The betterment of mankind has to be our purpose. View video message here.

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Episode 15: The Science Behind What Inspiring Leaders Do

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 07:00:26 +0000

Despite all research about the nature of leaders, practitioners and scholars still acknowledge that many aspects of leadership remain a mystery. In this episode, Jack Zenger addresses one of the key mysteries that seems to consistently defy traditional analysis —how to be an inspiring leader. Download Chapter 1 of The Inspiring Leader. Connect with Jack … Continued

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Episode 14: The Power of Teams- A Leadership Lesson From My Siberian Husky

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 07:01:57 +0000

The companies that focus on teamwork and collaboration are the companies that maximize the strengths of individuals as well. Why? Because being a part of an effective team can bring forth wonderful increases in the work ethic and strength attributes of the individuals. In this episode, we are talking about teams and what leaders can … Continued

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Episode 13: If Your Boss Thinks You’re Awesome, You Will Become More Awesome

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 07:38:33 +0000

Do you think your boss is judging you fairly? What effect does their opinion have on your performance? Today we are diving deep into our data to prove that if your boss thinks you’re awesome, you will become more awesome. Connect with Joe Folkman on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Sign up for our Newsletter for … Continued

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Episode 12: Six Lessons From The Most Effective Coaches

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 07:44:29 +0000

It is becoming apparent that the best leaders are good coaches. Assuming that most of us would like to become better leaders, what lessons can we learn from those seen by their colleagues as outstanding coaches? In this episode, Jack Zenger shares six down to earth lessons we can learn from the most effective coaches. … Continued

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Episode 11: The Checklist of Excellent Virtual Leadership Practices

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 07:40:01 +0000

The work at home revolution resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about some of the most dramatic changes ever thrust on leaders. Moving from seeing and speaking personally to direct reports almost every day to occasionally connecting on-line, in conference calls, or on Zoom is a significant change. In this episode, Jack Zenger offers … Continued

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Episode 10: Leaders Under Pressure-5 Essential Skills for the New Era

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 06:30:08 +0000

Leaders are under pressure. Are there certain skills that can even make a difference in a crisis? In the episode, we cover a Zenger Folkman study that compared leadership 360-degree assessments before and after the pandemic that revealed five essential skills needed for this new era. Questions: Do I balance getting results with a concern for … Continued

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Bonus Episode- Stand Out and Get Noticed, with Dorie Clark

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 07:45:48 +0000

Joe Folkman interviews Dorie Clark about her research on how leaders can stand out and get noticed. Download our eBook to read the full interview. Dorie Clark, a consultant and keynote speaker, teaches executive education at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School, and she is the author of Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing … Continued

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Episode 9: The #1 Growing Competency- Leadership Speed

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 07:00:10 +0000

It’s obvious that business is moving faster and faster and that to keep up, leaders at all levels need to know how to pick up the pace. Is there a correlation between speed and perceived leadership effectiveness? Today we will discuss Joe Folkman’s Harvard Business Review article, based on his book Leadership Speed. Connect with … Continued

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Episode 8: 7 Steps To Improve Employee Productivity

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 06:30:18 +0000

Productivity improvement lies at the heart of our ability to maintain a high standard of living. The most effective organizations are those whose productivity gains exceed their competitors. In the episode, Jack Zenger shares solutions from his article, “The Productivity Improvement Steering Wheel: 7 Powerful Steps Every Leader Can Take.” Connect with Jack Zenger on Twitter, LinkedIn, … Continued

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