In this insightful episode of The Growing For It Podcast, hosts Travis and Mikkel sit down with renowned Silicon Valley leader and best-selling author Kim Scott. Kim shares her extensive experience working with top companies like Google, Apple, and Twitter, and delves into the intricacies of effective leadership and management styles.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Understanding Management: Kim emphasizes that most bad leaders aren't inherently bad people; they simply haven't learned how to manage effectively. She discusses the importance of having hard conversations and providing constructive feedback, while balancing authority with empathy.

- Building Respectful Relationships: The conversation highlights the two different types of respect: earned respect and unconditional respect. Kim explains how managers can navigate these concepts to build stronger, more respectful relationships with their teams.

- Personal Leadership Stories: Kim shares her personal journey, including her time living and working abroad in Russia, and how these experiences shaped her approach to leadership.

- Power Dynamics in the Workplace: Addressing the inherent power imbalance in manager-employee relationships, Kim offers strategies for managers to lay down their power and foster a level playing field.

- The Role of Empathy: Kim talks about the dangers of both micromanagement and absentee management, advocating for managers to become thought partners who provide support without overstepping boundaries.

Quotes:

From the Host (Travis):

1. "It's fascinating how you balance authority with empathy in management. It’s a fine line to walk."

2. "Your insights on building respectful relationships are truly enlightening, Kim."

From the Guest (Kim Scott):

1. "Most bad leaders are not bad people, but they haven't learned how to manage."

2. "A big part of radical candor is about addressing the power imbalance and building real human relationships."

Connect with us and stay updated with the latest episodes:

Travis James Mathers www.linkedin.com/in/travis-james-mathers/

Mikkel Karsgaard www.linkedin.com/in/10xmks/

Kim Scott www.linkedin.com/in/kimm4/