The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

#342: Shane Snow - The #1 Skill Of An Effective Leader (Intellectual Humility)

Text LEARNERS to 44222

For full show notes go to www.LearningLeader.com

Notes:

Commonalities of leaders who sustain excellence:
- Pattern recognition - The ability to connect ideas and people
- Systems thinking - Connect dots, zoom out
- The ability to continue to question yourself, a hunger to improve, a "voracious learner" (Liv Boeree)
- Must relearn how to humble yourself
- The #1 skill is intellectual humility -- The ability to sit between gullibility and stubbornness
Why are people so unwilling to change their mind?
- "So much of our ideas are attached to our identities."
- "You must separate your ego from intellect."
What is a solution (as a leader)?
- If you're the one in power, invite people with a different perspective to the table.
- Don't invoke identity. Just ask for perspective.
- Leave space to change your mind... "I could be wrong but..."
Strength and flexibility should not be in conflict
Ben Franklin idea:
- Use idea, leave space for change, set opinion, but use phrases less defensive, only change your mind based on evidence. Say things like:
  - "I could be wrong but..."
  - "The research suggests..."
  - "The evidence suggests..."
Elon Musk -- His pattern to persuade people...
- It's purpose based leadership ("to make life multi-planetary")
- The strength is in his vision and his purpose. He's seen as strong by being willing to change his mind.
Compliance versus Committed = Cult vs Culture
- Difference between a cult and culture:
  - Cult - Must act and think in a certain way
  - Culture - Asked to contribute your ideas in your way
Key part of leadership: "Understand what matters to your people."
Intellectual humility:
- Respect for others' viewpoints
- Lack of intellectual overconfidence
- Separating your ego from your intellect
- Being open to revising your viewpoints
- Openness to new experiences
Separate feelings/thoughts from facts
Trying something new creates new opportunities
Advice:
- Learn about intellectual humility - take Shane's assessment
- Frame changing your mind as a strength -- reward others for doing this
- Habits: Instead of saying "I feel" say "I think." Words matter.
Separate facts from stories
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