Should you really be hiring for “culture fit?” It turns out that doing this could actually keep you from finding your best people! My guest on today’s show explains why that’s the case and what leaders should really be looking for. On this Leadership Spark, I sit down with former Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille to get his perspective on attracting top performers. We discuss why solely assessing culture fit can cause you to miss great candidates, the importance of regularly reviewing your talent pool, tactical advice on hiring for qualities that can’t be taught, and the nine key characteristics that special operations look for in high performers. We also cover the importance of vulnerability in leadership and why asking for help shows strength, not weakness.

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Is leadership like a game of chess? Imagine navigating the complex world of leadership with the precision and foresight of a chess grandmaster. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Watkins, author of ‘The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking,’ who draws parallels between the two realms. Learn how to sharpen your pattern recognition skills, boost mental agility, and develop visionary thinking to guide your team effectively. Tune into today’s episode to better understand the 6 disciplines of strategic thinking, refine your decision-making skills and better prepare to lead future-ready teams.

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Is hybrid work here to stay or are we all going to be working back in offices? The whole concept of hybrid work means that you spend some time in the office and some time working out of the office. But what’s the ideal mix? Why does hybrid work help employees? And what are some strategies that companies can use to make hybrid work a reality? Mark Dixon is the founder of the International Workplace Group and he joins me today to explore all things hybrid work related.

Throughout our conversation, Mark talks about how work has changed, focusing on “hybrid work,” and he shares tips on how to make this work well in companies, based on his experience with businesses worldwide. He also mentions how hybrid work is reshaping how organizations operate, emphasizing flexibility and a balance between technology and human skills.

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Look around you right now. Every piece of technology is powered by a microchip, but what happens if we lost access to those chips? Chris Miller, an expert in international history and “Chip War” author, joins us to discuss the strategic significance of semiconductor technology in shaping your world. Miller reveals how this critical yet often underestimated technology influences global economics, power structures, and policy-making. For leaders eager to leverage technology for their success, Chris underscores the importance of understanding semiconductor technology for effective, forward-thinking leadership, while equipping yourself with the knowledge to lead confidently in a tech-centric world and shape future trends.

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Today, we seem to be living and working in a perpetual state of crisis which is a huge challenge for leaders. How should leaders lead during times of crisis and chaos? In today’s fast-changing world, the way leaders guide their teams is more important than ever. Lorenzo Simonelli is the CEO of Baker Hughes, a 55,000 person energy company with offices in 120 counties. In today’s spark Lorenzo shares his insights and strategies for making tough decisions during crises like the 2008 financial downturn and the pandemic, underscoring the need for transparency and decisiveness, and focusing on agility and adaptability. He highlights his approach to managing uncertainty and how his leadership style evolved from micromanagement to fostering team development and delegation, with an emphasis on listening and vulnerability.

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Why do so many people struggle to reach their full potential? Hal Elrod, the best-selling author of ‘The Miracle Morning,’ unveils the secrets to leading with a positive mindset in the face of adversity. Drawing from his own remarkable experiences of overcoming life-threatening challenges, Hal inspires you as a leader to stay committed to your goals while remaining empathetic and accountable. He provides you with essential strategies to effectively handle challenging scenarios and leaders, while emphasizing the importance of a morning routine in fostering growth and success as a leader.

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How are you cultivating resilience within yourself and your team, especially in times of uncertainty and change? In a world where life can throw unexpected challenges our way, being adaptable and making thoughtful life decisions are like essential tools in our toolkit. In my chat with Ania Smith, the CEO of TaskRabbit, she shows us how these tools can help us create a remarkable path in our personal and professional lives. Her story, growing up as an immigrant, valuing education, and finding her passion in platforms like TaskRabbit, teaches us the importance of being open to new opportunities and actively pursuing what we’re good at and what we love. This story highlights how adaptability and making smart choices can transform our lives and offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate life’s twists and turns.

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What separates good leaders from great ones? Jim Barr is the CEO of Bowflex Inc. and in today’s podcast he shares the importance of choosing the right mentors and teams over brand names and salaries, offering a new perspective on career advancement. Jim also shares the importance of adapting to consumer expectations and business trends to focus on long-term growth. This includes investing in digital transformation and dealing with potential headwinds that might come your way. Don't miss out on learning about the importance of nurturing relationships, embracing learning opportunities, and the transformative power of effective teamwork in today's episode.

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People are turning down leadership roles, how come and are you one of them? In today’s Leadership Spark, I chat with Scott DeRue, the former Dean of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and current President of Equinox Fitness. We’re diving into Scott’s research, digging into the real-world challenges that CEOs are facing these days. It turns out that almost 40% to 50% of capable leaders are holding back because they’re wary of the risks that come with leadership. However, our discussion isn’t just about identifying these problems – we’re also exploring solutions. Scott and I tackle why capable individuals might be hesitating to step into leadership roles, share advice on talent retention for leaders, discuss how to spot leadership potential, and highlight key skills and mindsets crucial for emerging leaders. Plus, we’re shedding light on common leadership pitfalls. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss!

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/