Unearth your hidden leadership treasures
I recently dove into a great conversation with Business Growth Strategist and author, Lynn Miller. Even when warming up in the background before we hit record, the conversation was already on fire. The rest was, in a word, golden (mmmm, like nuggets). Everyone in a leadership position needs to think about how to focus on more of what we discussed. Here are the highlights...
It's right there in front of you.
Lynn kicked us off by dropping a true golden nugget: companies often overlook the hidden treasures of expertise sitting right under their noses. They're so focused on productivity and task management that they miss out on tapping into the full potential of their team's expertise. It's like having a vault full of gold but not realizing it's there.
Look for the "zone of genius".
But Lynn didn't stop there. She introduced the concept of the "zone of genius" or what I like to call "what makes you shine." It's that unspoken desire within each individual, the expertise they're most passionate about sharing with the world. And oftentimes, it's not what they're currently doing in their role.
We dove deep into the idea of engagement and how crucial it is for leaders to take the time to understand what truly lights up their team members. By asking simple yet powerful questions like "What's working?" "Where are you stuck?" and "What would you do differently if you could?" leaders can uncover a wealth of untapped potential.
The least of things may prove to be the most impactful.
One of the most eye-opening moments of our conversation is when Lynn shared her experience in retail, managing what many would consider the most boring department: underwear. But through keen observation and asking the right questions, Lynn doubled her business by simply rearranging inventory based on customer needs. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes the most mundane tasks hold the key to unlocking extraordinary results.
Actually, people do want to work these days.
We also challenged the misconception that people don't want to work anymore. In reality, people are craving meaningful engagement and opportunities to contribute their expertise. And the best part? Creating an environment where team members feel valued and heard doesn't cost a dime. This takes us back to the earlier points we discussed - find out what's really going on, what's missing, and what can be done to fill the gaps between where people are, and where they could be in your business to unlock greater potential and performance.
So, if you're a leader looking to uncover the hidden treasures within your team, start by asking the right questions, listening actively, and creating space for innovation and growth. Trust me, the payoff will be well worth the investment.
Many thanks to Lynn for guesting on Nuggets with Sauce and sharing her invaluable insights. Stay tuned for more engaging conversations and actionable tips to elevate your leadership journey - on the podcast and this blog.