Bob Kaplan on leading through failure.

Are leaders allowed to fail?

In this episode of Mercycast, I talk with leadership consultant Bob Kaplan to explore the intersection of compassion, leadership, and personal growth. Bob Kaplan is the author of the new book GRAPPLING: Leaders Striving To Improve, a series of short stories that bring executive coaching to life. The book is based on his decades of experience consulting CEOs, founders, and senior leaders. He is the founder and president of his own leadership consulting firm, Kaplan DeVries. We discuss the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity, the role of mercy and connection in relationships, and how suffering can impact leadership dynamics. Kaplan shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome through positive feedback and the significance of building trust and confidence in leadership roles. In this conversation, we both explore the nuances of compassionate leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing productivity with personal connection. We discuss the concept of healthy selfishness, feedback's impact, and self-care's necessity in leadership roles. The dialogue culminates in a reflection on personal growth and the faith required to navigate challenges in leadership.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Failure can be an influential teacher in leadership.
• Mercy is a challenge for those in positions of power.
• Connection is crucial for couples facing challenges.
• Suffering can either unite or divide relationships.
• People often underestimate their own abilities.
• Positive feedback is essential for personal development.
• Trust between partners enhances their ability to support each other.
• Addressing problems compassionately fosters growth.
• Imposter syndrome can hinder self-confidence and performance.
• Building confidence requires focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. Compassionate leadership empowers individuals to grow at their own pace.
• Positive feedback is essential for building confidence in teams.
• Balancing focus on people and productivity is crucial for effective leadership.
• Healthy selfishness allows leaders to recharge and support others better.
• Work-life balance is vital for personal and professional fulfillment.
• Self-care should be meaningful and restorative, not just a checklist.
• Leaders can be kind and candid simultaneously when providing feedback.
• Recognizing one's own needs is essential for effective leadership.
• Growth requires acknowledging imperfections and striving for improvement.
• Faith in oneself and a higher purpose are necessary for overcoming challenges.

Learn more about Bob Kaplan. Buy his book, Grappling here.

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