512: Your Future Leaders are Sitting in the Organization - Nancy Lyons

Gone are the days when leadership revolved around those at the top of organizational charts. How can we embrace a more inclusive, collaborative, and adaptive approach to leadership?In this episode, I speak with Nancy Lyons on modern leadership. We discuss her latest book, "Work Like a Boss: A Kick in the Pants Guide to Finding and Using Your Power at Work," and dive into the importance of aligning personal values with workplace ethos and the significance of co-creation over traditional top-down mandates.Tune into this episode as we dive into what genuine leadership embodies. In this episode:The broken state of modern work, especially after the effects of the pandemic.The importance of aligning personal values with those of employers.Nancy shares insight on her latest book, "Work Like a Boss: A Kick in the Pants Guide to Finding and Using Your Power at Work."The workplace is adapting to a co-creative approach rather than just following top-down mandates.What we can learn from Martin Luther King on LeadershipThe meaning of culture – What is the difference between superficial perks and true value for employees?How to stay future-proof as change happens at an unprecedented rate.Main takeaways:Reflect on your work's meaning and purpose. Ensure that your personal values align with those of your employer. Workers today have the power to either advocate for improvements in their current jobs or seek out other opportunities where they can make a positive impact.Despite economic challenges, talented individuals who can bring dedicated, thoughtful energy are always in demand.Understand that leadership is not defined solely by one's position on the organizational chart.Avoid being siloed or focused solely on one task or role; be versatile and adaptive.Leaders should not demand followership; instead, they should be individuals whom others feel compelled to follow.As we navigate the future of work, it’s crucial to be proactive in determining how we can best show up rather than merely reacting to changing circumstances.Beyond tangible benefits like lunches or bonuses, employees want to feel genuinely valued, seen and heard in their roles.Shifting towards more inclusive decision-making will lead to quicker implementation and tangible outcomes.Quotes:“Work isn't a prison sentence. We have power, and we can either use it to make work better or use it to find ourselves different opportunities where we can actually make work better.” – Nancy Lyons “There's an opportunity for us right now at this moment in time to ask what is the most meaningful thing for you to do in spending the energy and time you have left in your career?" – Nancy Lyons "It's always going to be an employee's market if you know how to market yourself and if you’re purposeful about it." – Nancy Lyons "Leadership is not delineated by a line on the org chart anymore." – Nancy Lyons "The expectation is that we need leaders throughout organizations. We need people to be able to take initiative, make decisions, take risks, and not be so siloed." – Nancy Lyons “I always tell people that leaders aren't people that say, follow me, darn it. There are people who other people feel compelled to follow.” – Nancy Lyons “Scared is what you're feeling, brave is what you're doing.” - Denis Gianoutsos “Culture confuses gimmicks and perks with what actually matters to people… People want to know that they...