Episode 004: Know Yourself. Lead Better.
Stop Controlling, Start Influencing
In this episode Jane Newman is joined by Brett Shackleton for a conversation about leadership, self awareness and the way we influence the people around us.
Brett spent 40 years with the Queensland Department of Education, including 34 years as a school principal, before moving into executive coaching with school leaders and leadership teams.
The conversation begins with Brett reflecting on how his own learning changed the way he viewed leadership and people.
From there, Jane and Brett explore:
• Why trying to control what other people do can create stress and disengagement
• How our own experiences and beliefs can shape the way we show up in conversations and leadership
• The importance of becoming more deliberate and self reflective about our behaviour
• What happens when leaders acknowledge that they don't have everything right
• Why understanding who we are, what matters to us and what energises us can strengthen our leadership
• The difference between trying to fix people and helping people become better at what they already do
• Why strengths can be more useful to focus on than constantly looking for weaknesses
• The role of a leader in helping other people think and make better decisions
• Creating environments where people feel psychologically safe enough to engage and contribute
A few ideas to take away
"Nobody needs fixing."
Rather than looking for what is wrong with people, what might happen if we became more curious about what is already working and helped people build on their strengths?
"Empty their brain before I enter it."
Brett describes his approach to coaching as creating space for people to do their own thinking before offering advice.
"Better thinking for better decisions."
The conversation explores the value of helping people think rather than simply telling them what to do.
A question to sit with
Where in your life or leadership might you be trying to fix, control or change someone else, when your greatest influence might actually begin with looking at yourself?
About Brett Shackleton
Brett Shackleton is an executive coach working with school leaders and leadership teams. He spent 40 years with the Queensland Department of Education, including 34 years as a school principal, and now supports leaders to better understand themselves, their strengths and the people they lead.