How often do we think of leadership not just as a set of skills, but as a reflection of our character? Kevin welcomes Meredith Bell to explore the often-overlooked connection between leadership effectiveness and character skills. Meredith highlights the importance of focusing on "who we are being" as leaders, not just what we are doing. Kevin and Meredith discuss why character isn’t fixed and how it can be intentionally developed over time. She introduces the 36 character skills, grouped into three core areas: building a stronger self, building stronger relationships, and building a stronger work ethic. Meredith offers practical strategies for developing patience with ourselves, with others, in everyday situations, and during life's big, uncertain moments.

Listen For

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:58 How to Join Future Live Episodes
01:15 Sponsor Message – Flexible Leadership Book
02:00 Introducing Guest Meredith Bell
03:32 Meredith's Journey from Teaching to Leadership Development
06:00 The Evolution of Grow Strong Leaders
07:00 Focus on Character in Leadership
08:40 What is Character and Why it Matters
10:00 Character as a Learnable Skill
10:45 The 36 Character Skills Framework
12:30 Universality and Cultural Relevance of Character Skills
14:20 Starting Points for Building Character
16:30 The Overlooked Value of Patience
18:00 Practicing Patience: With Self and Others
22:00 Real-Life Situations to Build Patience
23:10 Self-Awareness and Emotional Control
24:45 Practicing Patience During Major Life Events
26:00 Forgiveness as a Leadership Strength
28:00 The Importance of Letting Go and Positive Intent
31:00 Reflection and Control in Relationships
32:00 Meredith's Personal Interests and Book Recommendations
35:00 Grow Strong Leaders Skill Builder Program
36:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Meredith's Story: Meredith Bell is the co-founder and president of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes online tools that help leaders strengthen their character and communication skills, so they build strong relationships and inspire others to perform at the highest level. Meredith is the author of three books and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. Meredith believes in building strong relationships herself. She and her two business partners have worked together for 31 years, and many of the customers have done business with her company for more than 20 years.

This Episode is brought to you by...

Flexible Leadership is every leader’s guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos.

Book Recommendations

Like this?

Join Our Community

If you want to view our live podcast episodes, hear about new releases, or chat with others who enjoy this podcast join one of our communities below.

Join the Facebook Group
Join the LinkedIn Group