David Novak Leadership Blog – Page 9

Tom Brady, New England Patriots Quarterback | Part 2

Post author By David Novak
Post date 09/05/2018

Tom Brady is starting his 19th season as the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots. Tom has won 5 Super Bowls, 4 MVP awards and has been selected to the pro-bowl 13 times. He has the highest combined regular and postseason winning percentage of any quarterback in NFL history. A leader both on the field and off the field, Tom launched TB12 Sports to help people achieve peak performance at any age.
[bctt tweet=”“I’m trying to be better today than I was yesterday.””]

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This great resource will help you along the way, during or after you listen to the podcast. Not only will you get to know our guest, you will be asked tough questions to really spearhead your journey to becoming a better leader! And look below for more insights and clips!!

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Podcast

Tom Brady, New England Patriots Quarterback | Part 1

Post author By David Novak
Post date 09/05/2018
1 Comment on Tom Brady, New England Patriots Quarterback | Part 1

Tom Brady is starting his 19th season as the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots. Tom has won 5 Super Bowls, 4 MVP awards and has been selected to the pro-bowl 13 times. He has the highest combined regular and postseason winning percentage of any quarterback in NFL history. A leader both on the field and off the field, Tom launched TB12 Sports to help people achieve peak performance at any age.
[bctt tweet=”“When things don’t go right, I think about, ‘what can I do better.’ I try never to put it on other people.””]

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In professional football, if you’re the best, you’re gonna play. The competition pushes Tom to be the best version of himself. He has developed a healthy dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Tom says he’ll never reach the end because there is always room to get better. He knows it’s important to earn it every day.
(24:36-25:22)

Do you feel like you make an effort every day to be the best version of yourself?
How can it affect an organization if team members have a healthy dissatisfaction with the status quo?

In Tom’s experience, managing conflict involves having a healthy respect. There will be situations when not everyone agrees, but it’s important to respect the others’ opinions and decisions.
It’s a good idea to be careful with your words because once they are out, you can never take them back. Don’t say anything that you will resent later.
(27:23-28:45)

What happens when team members aren’t open to differences in opinions?
Tom gives great advice on being respectful. How might you apply this to different areas of your life?

Podcast

Tom Murphy, Former Chairman and CEO Emeritus of Capital Cities/ABC, Inc.

Post author By David Novak
Post date 08/30/2018

Thomas S. Murphy is an American broadcast executive, and is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus of Capital Cities / ABC, Inc. Murphy helped engineer the 1986 acquisition of the American Broadcasting Company in 1986 for $3.5 billion. Murphy, who served as President and Chief Executive of ABC until 1994, are credited with increasing the profitability and efficiency of ABC. Tom Murphy is a member of board of directors of Berkshire Hathaway, General Housewares Corp., Texaco, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, and IBM Corporation and a Life Trustee and Honorary Vice Chair of New York University.
[bctt tweet=”“Most of all, it’s important to love what you’re doing.””]

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Tom took his first leadership role after graduating college. He went to work for Texaco in a salesman position. The job not only taught him about business but also how to lead well. He says you have to be fair with people; when you are fair, your team will respect you.
(5:09-6:27)

Have you ever worked with someone you didn’t respect?

He never had trouble giving up control; he knew one man couldn’t run a company. He made sure to hire smart people and he rarely had disappointments. Because of this, his workers felt they were part of a team and that they were building something.
(14:00-14:53)

Are there any aspects of your role that involve handing over authority? Is that difficult or easy for you?
What are the benefits of giving autonomy to others?

Podcast

Gary Kelly, Chairman and CEO of Southwest Airlines

Post author By David Novak
Post date 08/16/2018

Gary Kelly serves as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Airlines. Under Gary’s leadership, Southwest has grown to become the nation’s largest airline in terms of originating domestic passengers carried and is a mainstay on Fortune magazine’s list of the most admired companies in the world, ranking eighth in 2018.
[bctt tweet=”“You have to be good at what you do, in addition to really loving what you do.””]

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One of the mistakes Gary made as CEO was being too aggressive in believing what could be accomplished in a short time period. Companies need adequate time and resources. Gary learned this the hard way. It doesn’t pay to overcommit to more than your company is capable of.
(11:50-14:00)

What goal or project are you currently trying to accomplish? What is an adequate time frame to complete it?

Southwest is successful because they focus on the basics. The culture Gary promotes within the company is all about knowing their people and treating them like family. They are there for each other in the good times and the tough times. The leadership makes sure to celebrate accomplishments and reward employees. Gary says recognition can’t overcome lack of a genuine relationship.
(24:56-27:33)

In your opinion, what kinds of principles make a work culture great?
What can you improve about the culture where you work?

Podcast

Pete Bevacqua, CEO, PGA of America

Post author By David Novak
Post date 08/02/2018
1 Comment on Pete Bevacqua, CEO, PGA of America

Pete Bevacqua is the CEO of PGA of America. He guides the business and overall strategy of one of the world’s largest sports organizations, serving the Association’s nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals. Under his leadership, the PGA has designed and implemented a long-term strategic plan that is focused on the Association’s mission to serve the PGA Member and grow the game. The plan outlines the PGA’s strategic vision and eight core Member-focused and business-related initiatives. It also defines the PGA’s constant pursuit of excellence and commitment to innovation and collaboration, the teamwork and talent exhibited in its culture, and a devotion to diversity and inclusion throughout the Association.

NOTE: Shortly after the recording of this podcast, Pete Bevacqua assumed the position of President of NBC Sports Group. Congratulations Pete!

[bctt tweet=”“People want to be heard, they want to be acknowledged, they want to be recognized, and they want to be taken seriously.””]

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Pete recalls a difficult situation when he had to terminate the President of the PGA because of his unsavory comments on social media.
Pete recognizes the responsibility involved in being a leader. When you lead an organization, you are representing a group of people. You must be careful with everything you say because your voice matters.
(32:28-34:31)

Have you ever said something and later wished you could take it back?
In what ways do you use your voice to represent those you lead?

Pete tries to create a culture of innovation and collaboration with his team. As a leader, he wants people to perceive him as approachable, which is why he has an open door policy.
He doesn’t pressure people to be perfect all the time. “If we aren’t making some mistakes, we are playing it too safe,” Pete says. That’s why he pushes the organization to the point of being almost uncomfortable.
(37:21-39:17)

How do you want your team members to perceive you?
Why should organizations avoid becoming too comfortable?

Podcast

Peter Georgescu, Chairman Emeritus, Young & Rubicam

Post author By David Novak
Post date 07/26/2018
1 Comment on Peter Georgescu, Chairman Emeritus, Young & Rubicam

Peter Georgescu went from a Soviet-style labor camp in Romania, to obtaining a first-class education in America. His remarkable leadership skills helped him rise through the ranks to become the Chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam, one of the worlds largest advertising companies. Peter is a highly regarded author and speaker who is devoted to income equality and opportunity for all Americans. His remarkable experiences of hardship and oppression, combined with his leadership experience, give him a unique perspective on the challenges facing our society.

[bctt tweet=”“Companies can’t be great unless the leader transforms themself.””]

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Peter’s upbringing inspired his approach to business. He sticks with the notion of being good and kind in times in difficulty. He says it’s important to give others the benefit of the doubt and to treat them like they are good people. And it’s important to be a good person yourself.
(9:55-10:43)

What reaction would you expect from people who are treated as Peter describes?
How has your upbringing influenced your leadership style?

Peter says the secret to success is innovation. The goal of any organization should be customer delight. If your customers change, you have to change. How does an organization become innovative? Through its people.
This is why culture is important. When there is a good work culture, people are more productive, creative, and motivated. Organizations who don’t innovate will fail. You have to stay on top of the game and be willing to change.
(31:50-34:36)

How can organizations take a more innovative approach to meet their goals?

David Novak Leadership in the News

Making the decision to invest in an MBA?

Post author By David Novak
Post date 07/23/2018

Personally, I don’t think an MBA is enough or is even required. I know that you can be successful without getting an MBA because I don’t have one.
However, I do believe there is one skill that can help you get ahead regardless of your degree: being an avid learner.
I believe being an avid learner differentiates good leaders from great ones, whether you have an MBA or not. I got promoted time and time again without one. Let me share an example with you.

Read the CNBC Make it! Article.

Podcast

Terrian Barnes: Diversity, Creativity & Inclusion

Post author By David Novak
Post date 07/12/2018
2 Comments on Terrian Barnes: Diversity, Creativity & Inclusion

Terrian Barnes has held many leadership roles, including being legislative correspondent for a prominent Louisiana congressman to heading the public affairs group for the largest franchise trade association in the U.S. to launching an award-winning diversity and inclusion platform for a Fortune 500 global fast food giant. In addition to being a very active community volunteer, Terrian puts her energy and passion for gender diversity and multiculturalism into her own consulting agency, F. E. Smart, helping organizations envision a future workforce of inclusive leaders who leverage both female and male leadership skills as a source of innovation, creativity and competitive advantage.

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Terrian recalls a time when she wasn’t treated fairly because of her race. At her elementary school, the best student in each class was selected to represent their grade at the school board meeting. When Terrian was in the 4th grade, she had earned the top spot. She was meant to go; however, the teacher chose another girl who was white. Fortunately, the principal intervened and made sure Terrian went.
That experience has stayed with her. It reminds Terrian to treat other people with respect and without judgment.
(20:00-22:13)

What have you experienced in regards to inequality in the workplace?
How does diversity benefit an organization? How can leading a diverse team make you a better leader?

When it comes to work/life balance, Terrian says you can have it all. The size of your plate is limitless. Put some things to the side and bring on new stuff. You have to make it work.
(30:01-30:51)

What does your work/life balance look like?
What things can you shift on your plate to do what matters to you?

Podcast

Bob Burg: Giving, Saying No and Overcoming Obstacles

Post author By David Novak
Post date 06/28/2018
1 Comment on Bob Burg: Giving, Saying No and Overcoming Obstacles

Bob Burg is a speaker and author. His original business parable, The Go-Giver (coauthored with John David Mann), has captured the imagination of his readers and begun a world-wide movement. A Wall Street Journal and Business Week Bestseller, it has sold over 800,000 copies and was rated #10 on Inc. Magazine’s list of the Most Motivational Books Ever Written, and was on HubSpot’s 20 Most Highly Rated Sales Books of All Time.

His newest book is titled, The Go-Giver Influencer, about which the legendary executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith says, “This may be the most important Go-Giver book yet—and it today’s polarized world, it could not be more timely.”

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Bob says the best way to get people on your side of an issue is to help them figure out what they want.
A good leader is able to ask questions and find out what others want to accomplish. When you know this, frame what you want in a way that others feel it benefits them to get onboard. Ultimately, people do things for their reasons, not your reasons. As a leader, your job is to serve people to make sure they get what they want.
(34:44-36:06)

Bob says leaders should serve others. Does you leadership reflect a mindset of serving your team?

Bob went from a top-notch salesman to a renowned author. How did he get there?
He began by studying personal development. He bought lots of popular books to learn best practices. Then he joined the National Speakers’ Association and attended conferences. He paid attention to what the speakers said and did, taking notes and applying what he learned. Bob’s first book sold more than 300,000 copies.
(13:16-15:50)

What inspires you about Bob’s tenacity?
What actions are you currently taking to achieve your goals?

Blog Lead Others Lead Yourself

Why Delegation Makes You a Better Leader

Post author By David Novak Leadership
Post date 06/26/2018

Here’s a secret every leader should know: success isn’t a one-person show. Behind most big successes is a team of great people. A leader’s job is to empower their team to achieve great results, and a strong leader knows the importance of delegation in reaching their business’ goals.

When used correctly, delegation is a powerful tool that helps employees feel more engaged. Plus, goals are much more attainable when one person isn’t accountable for all the work.

It can be difficult to let go of work when it seems easier to do it yourself. But there’s great benefits to giving your team a chance to grow and take on new responsibilities. It’s important to know when to delegate though.

If you’re unsure about how you can best implement delegation, follow these guidelines:

The art of leadership is knowing when to give people total accountability, and knowing when they need a little coaching and help. Autonomy is an earned right. Don’t turn someone loose on something until they demonstrate they have the capability to do it right.
You want your people to feel empowered. Once you take the joy of the decision away, you take the joy of the job away. As soon as your new team members demonstrate that they have the capabilities to make the right decisions, empower them by giving them more responsibility and influence.
Delegation involves knowing when to let go. You don’t want to hover over them and micromanage to the point that they can’t take flight. Let people fly a little bit earlier than you think they might be ready for. By doing so, you show trust and are giving them the opportunity to rise to the occasion. In Jonathan Blum’s podcast, he shares how his boss gave him a huge responsibility early in his career. Find out how that paid off for Jonathan by listening here.

When you delegate, not only do you allow yourself to focus on other things, but you also make your team feel needed and useful. When employees feel like their work matters, they are more productive and work hard for better results. It’s a win, win! How can you start delegating today?

Becoming a better leader isn’t easy, and David Novak Leadership is here to help! Check out our website for leadership advice, blogs and podcasts, all designed to help you become the best leader you can be.

Podcast

Geoff Colvin: Senior Editor at Large for Fortune Magazine

Post author By David Novak
Post date 06/21/2018

Geoff Colvin is an award-wining thinker, author, broadcaster, and speaker on today’s most significant trends in business. As a longtime editor and columnist for FORTUNE, he has become one of America’s sharpest and most respected commentators on leadership and related issues. Hear Geoff discuss leadership insights from his bestselling book Talent is Overrated and his latest book Humans are Underrated: What High Achievers Know That Brilliant Machines Never Will.
[bctt tweet=”“Nobody is a natural-born great performer….leaders are made.””]

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Geoff credits his success to growing up in a supportive environment. It’s very important to have a place where you can try different things and be supported in what you want to do without excessive criticism. It’s a balance of having freedom to try different things, and being gently pushed to go further than you thought you could – but not shoved.
(3:33-7:05)

Think of a mentor who has helped you in your career. How did that person support you?
How can you provide a more supportive environment for your team?

When people use the term “natural talent,” it belies all the hard work involved in becoming great at something. Geoff’s book was written on the premise that great performance comes from deliberate practice.
Natural talent, the ability to do something, is overrated. The world’s greatest performers know that hard work is what brings success, and they resent being told they have a great natural talent because it makes it sound easy. Becoming great at something is never easy.
(8:28-10:44)

Do you think natural talent is overrated?
Do you believe someone can become great at something by deliberate practice alone?

David Novak Leadership in the News

Former Yum Brands CEO David Novak on GE's rise and fall

Post author By David Novak
Post date 06/20/2018

David Novak, David Novak Leadership CEO, discusses the rise and fall of General Electric after news that the historic company is going to leave the Dow Jones index.

^{on CNBC Squawk Box}

Watch on CNBC Squawk Box.

Blog Conflict Lead Others Lead Yourself Training

Break Through Team Deadlock

Post author By David Novak Leadership
Post date 06/19/2018

One of the toughest spots a leader can find herself in is a deadlock with her team members. Have you ever found yourself in this situation?
Your cross functional team is supposed to make a recommendation to the leadership team on Friday, yet no one seems to be on the same page. Marketing is ready to plow ahead. Finance wants more information before making a decision. The operations and supply chain representatives want to go in completely opposite directions. How do you break through this impasse and get to a unified recommendation?

Why This Tool Will Help You Break Through Team Deadlock

David Novak Leadership co-founder, Gregg Dedrick, commonly uses a tool he calls “beat that.” After listening to the perspectives and rationale from each of the team members, he commonly puts out a straw man recommendation and says “beat that.”
The “beat that” recommendation moves the team’s focus and discussion from defending individual positions to reacting to the recommendation on the table. It challenges people to make the recommendation better, not simply poke holes at it.
By creating a “beat that” recommendation, the team can move past impasse and align on a plan to take to the leadership team. It doesn’t mean the plan can’t evolve over time, but by definition, it is the best recommendation that they have at that time.
The “beat that” tool releases your team from deadlock and often creates the best final solution that everyone can agree on. Try using this tool the next time your team comes to an impasse.
For more leadership insight and techniques to help you become a better leader, check out the leadership resource section at DavidNovakLeadership.com.

Blog Intentional Job Hopping Lead Others Lead Yourself

Leadership, Horse Racing and the Triple Crown

Post author By David Novak
Post date 06/12/2018

By: David Novak, Co-Founder & CEO of David Novak Leadership

Donna is an expert in the horse racing field. She rode for 11 ½ years and retired in 1998 as the second leading female jockey in the country by money earned after having won 1,171 races. After retirement, Donna transitioned into reporting on horse racing and currently works as an on-track reporter for NBC. She is also COO of Starlight Racing and co-owner of Triple Crown Winner, Justify.
According to Donna Barton Brothers, winning in the horse racing industry requires leadership, persistence, and finding your niche. And these are lessons that can help any leader.
When I interviewed Donna, I was intrigued by the leadership lessons she shared and how they were relevant to everyone.

Know your people (or horse) so you can lead them well.

Horse racing requires communication, just like your job requires it. Donna learned the importance of communication when leading her horses. Horses communicate by flicking their ears, and this information helped Donna understand what her horses liked and didn’t like. She made adjustments to the way she rode by watching how her horses responded, and that made the difference in her winning races.
It’s important to recognize that people respond to you as a leader too. So, you have to pay attention so you can lead them effectively.
Do you listen and respond to your team and make adjustments? As the late Sam Walton used to say, the most powerful way to motivate people is to listen. Get to know your team. Understand what they like and don’t like. And make adjustments based on what they tell you. This will help you lead a winning team too.

Confidence and persistence can open doors for you.

Donna was passionate about riding for Wayne Lucas, yet she never met him before. So, she took the initiative to meet him. After winning three races at Keenland on opening day, she was the leading jockey. The next day, Donna introduced herself to Wayne and made her intentions known by saying, “Hello Mr. Lucas. My name is Donna Barton. I won three races here yesterday and I know that you are in the habit of riding the hot hand, and right now, that’s me. I was pretty sure you were gonna want to meet me.”
This single introduction wasn’t enough to get her riding in his barn. Donna started hanging out in his barn, sharing her insights on his horses and asking if he needed her to ride in the morning. The answer was typically no, until one day, a jockey didn’t show up and she got the opportunity to ride. Her confidence and persistence paid off and Donna became one of Wayne’s favorite jockeys.
Are you confident and persistent? Decide on what you want and then make your intentions known. Don’t give up after the first few nos. Instead, keep connecting and learning until your intentions become reality.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, find your niche.

Donna’s mother set the bar high for her children. She expected them to be the best at whatever they chose to do. When Donna became a broadcaster, she realized she wasn’t the best at it when she compared herself to other well-known broadcasters like Diane Sawyer. This knowledge really discouraged her.
Her sister helped her work through this by reminding Donna that she was the best broadcaster on horseback – no one did it better than her. Donna used this insight to reframe her perspective and celebrate the unique things she brings to the news, like capturing the emotion of jockeys after finishing a race before the emotion has time to go away and providing real time updates on delays because she’s where the action is. This allowed Donna to focus on being the best in her unique niche.
Do you get discouraged by comparing yourself to others? How can you change your perspective by discovering your niche and being the best in your own unique way?
Knowing your people, being confident and persistent, and finding your niche are powerful leadership lessons for anyone. You have the power to become the best leader you can be if you’re willing to take action on what you learn. It’s time for you to Go Lead!
If you enjoyed these leadership lessons, you don’t want to miss my podcast with Donna where she shares more insight on horseracing, winning, and leading. Listen to it here.

Podcast

Donna Barton Brothers: Leadership, Horse Racing & The Triple Crown

Post author By David Novak
Post date 06/07/2018

Donna Barton Brothers was born into horse racing. As “Donna Barton”, Barton rode races from 1987 to 1998 and retired in 1998 as the second leading female jockey in the United States by money earned. She won 1,130 races.

In 1999 she began commentating for television coverage of horse racing and in 2000 covered the Breeders’ Cup Championships for NBC Sports. She has covered Horse Racing, Show Jumping, Bull Riding and other horse sports for NBC and NBCSN since 2000 and, during that time, has covered 18 Kentucky Derbies and, memorably, the Triple Crown captured by American Pharoah in 2015. Brothers is also an author and wrote Inside Track: Insider’s Guide to Horse Racing in 2011.

[bctt tweet=”“I’ve realized the only thing we can do, truly, is lead by example.””]

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Donna never intended to be a jockey. She wanted to go to college after high school, and planned to take care of horses to earn money for her tuition. But after a lot of prodding from her agent, she agreed to ride one race, just to rule it out as a career choice. It turned out to be the most exciting thing she’d ever done-and the most challenging. She went for it and never looked back.
(5:11-7:29)

Have you ever gotten excited about something you thought you weren’t interested in?

In some ways understanding how to motivate an employee is like understanding how to motivate a horse. Some horses can’t stand to be touched with a whip and other horses won’t move without it. In the same way, people have different traits; for example, some can be sensitive while others aren’t.
(10:51-12:25)

Make a list of your team members and write the best way to encourage them. Who on your team works best with a gentle approach? Who needs you to let them navigate with more independence? Who excels with blunt feedback?

David Novak Leadership in the News

David weighs in on Howard Schultz's departure from Starbucks

Post author By David Novak
Post date 06/05/2018

Not many have a better resume than Howard Schultz, says David Novak, former Yum Brands CEO.

Listen to David on CNBC.