The Leadership Paradox
Manage episode 496120225 series 3552464
Every leader faces the paradox of choosing not between right and wrong, but between difficult options where neither is perfect. As healthcare executive Cory Geffre reveals in this thought-provoking conversation, "Leaders rarely are just choosing between right and wrong. We're usually choosing between a cruddy decision and a little bit less cruddy decision."
This episode dismantles popular misconceptions about leadership. Forget the idea that some people are simply "born leaders" – leadership is a developed skill requiring intentional practice and persistence. Like mastering sales or any complex skill, leadership excellence comes through repetition, failure, and growth. The most successful leaders aren't necessarily the most talented, but the most consistent.
Self-awareness emerges as the cornerstone of effective leadership. Geffre describes needing "painful levels of self-awareness" – understanding your triggers, recognizing when your ego is engaged, and having the discipline to pause before reacting. This internal mastery prevents emotion-driven decisions and allows leaders to maintain perspective during challenging situations.
We explore the danger of confusing effort with results, the importance of setting crystal-clear expectations, and why many organizations suffer from revolving door syndrome. Geffre shares his practical framework for leadership development and explains why implementation trumps knowledge acquisition every time. His personal journey – including writing down income goals decades in advance – demonstrates how consistent action toward clear objectives yields results.
Whether you're leading a healthcare organization, managing a small business, parenting children, or simply taking charge of your own life, this conversation offers actionable insights for improving your leadership effectiveness. Subscribe now and join our community of developing leaders who understand that leadership isn't about popularity – it's about performance.
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Chapters
1. Leadership: Popularity vs Performance (00:00:00)
2. The Myth of Effort Without Results (00:09:25)
3. Self-Awareness: A Leader's Superpower (00:17:51)
4. Ego Management and Leadership Growth (00:27:22)
5. Setting Goals and Taking Action (00:38:22)
6. Crystal Clear Expectations for Success (00:48:16)
7. Closing Thoughts on Leadership (01:00:30)
211 episodes