Leadership Insights from Simon

Introduction

• Informal conversation with Simon on leadership.
• Focus on his journey and insights on effective leadership.

Simon's Origin Story

• Simon identifies as a student of leadership, not an expert.
• His journey began unexpectedly from personal struggles.
• Experienced burnout in his small business after three years of success.
• Realization of the importance of understanding "why" led to his passion for leadership.
• Helped others rediscover their passion, leading to his role in leadership education.

Purpose and Vision

• As a chiropractor, 70% are small business owners, with all doctors as leaders.
• Simon's purpose: "Inspire people to do the things that inspire them."
• Vision: A world where people wake up inspired, feel safe, and end the day fulfilled.

Common Misunderstandings in Leadership

• Leadership is a skill set that can be learned; no one is a natural leader.
• Being a leader means taking responsibility for the growth of those around you.
• Leadership parallels parenting; it’s about nurturing and developing others.
• Strong leaders continuously study leadership, read, and engage with others.

CEO vs. CVO

• Discusses redefining CEO as Chief Visionary Officer (CVO).
• Importance of having a long-term vision rather than just focusing on finance.
• The role is to inspire and guide the organization toward its vision.

Finite vs. Infinite Games

• Finite games: known players, fixed rules, and set objectives (e.g., sports).
• Infinite games: unknown players, changing rules, and the goal is to stay in the game.
• Key takeaway: healthcare and many professions are infinite games; focus on long-term impact.

Creating a Culture of Excellence

• Leadership's priority should be people, not just patients.
• Well-cared-for staff take better care of patients; psychological safety is crucial.
• Example of Four Seasons Hotels: empowered staff make better decisions for the business.

Finding Personal and Professional "Why"

• Importance of discovering personal motivations for work.
• Suggested exercise: friends' inquiry to understand personal "why."
• Being passionate about work can lead to fulfilling the personal why.

Leadership in Action

• Leaders should openly discuss their struggles and be vulnerable with their teams.
• Encourage honest communication and create a safe environment for feedback.
• Focus on building relationships and trust within the team.

Developing Culture and Engagement

• Culture can be by design or by default; proactive leadership is necessary.
• Leaders must model the behavior they wish to see in their teams.
• Importance of recognition and feedback to encourage desired behaviors.

Addressing Resistance to Change

• Understand that individuals may have different experiences affecting their openness.
• Be consistent in approach and focus on small, incremental changes.
• Engage others in discussions about vision and purpose to cultivate buy-in.

Conclusion

• Continuous development and application of leadership principles are vital.
• Emphasize the human aspect of leadership and the importance of connection.
• Final thoughts on the ongoing journey of leadership and fostering a positive culture.