The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

Episode #304: Laura Gassner Otting - How To Carve Your Own Path

Full show notes can be found at www.LearningLeader.com

The Learning Leader Show

"It starts young. We have a world where we are given an identity. We need to think, 'is that really what I want?"

Show Notes:

Sustaining excellence:
- Live on the edge of your incompetence -- "The more you talk, the less you listen." Need to be asking questions and listening.
- Tenacity, grit
- Put yourself in uncomfortable situations
Be in a position to learn something new from your failures... "That is delightful."
"Looking into someone and seeing their greatness."
Running coach -- "Calm, confident, reflect back to the dream Compete.
Issues with execution... Why? "We get stuck chasing someone else's dream."
How do we know? "It starts young. We have a world where we are given an identity. We need to think, 'is that really what I want?"
The four parts of consonace:
- Calling -- It's bigger than you
- Connection - The work actually matters
- Contribution - It contributes to the life you actually want
- Control - How much do I have?
"My mother told me I needed to be a lawyer." -- "I wanted to run for office."
How did Laura end up in the Clinton Whitehouse?
"I learned how to show up for others... And be dedicated to excellence"
"I was a great leader, but a terrible manager." You need to be self-aware
Advice to new managers:
- "People want feedback. Ask them if that project reflected their understanding of the assignment or their ability?"
Laura's TEDx Talk:
- Stop asking, 'how can I help?'
- Think, 'what needs to happen?'
Her fight with Ann Coulter
Must be willing to change your mind as a leader -- "Our stories are our connections."
Becoming an athlete -- Laura ran the first mile of her life nine years ago. Now, she's a competitive rower. And she ran in the Boston marathon.
Confidence is built through doing. Continue to push the boundaries of our own competence.
Tel Aviv:
- Hunger
- Weight
- Tenacity
- Speed
- Grit/Heart
Don't get in the comparison trap with other people's highlight reels on social media
Advice she received that's been helpful -- "You're just not that important"
Study -- Team of Rivals -- About Lincoln
Use the "Get To Know You Document"
Why joining The Learning Leader Circle is a good idea