Stepping Into your Leadership

The Leadership Program

Welcome to Stepping into YOUR Leadership, the podcast where you will learn practical strategies and hear fun stories of management pitfalls or disasters to help you find some inspiration along your leadership journey. Every episode, I, along with a special co-host will focus on one specific area of leadership. It will be a mini-leadership lesson that will pack a major punch. So start learning along with us and STEP into your leadership to make a positive change in your life and in the world.


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In this course, managers will learn how learn how to build trust and engage their teams, communicate more effectively, and empower themselves and others to achieve success

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Episodes

Navigating Personality Types with DISC in Leadership
2d ago
Navigating Personality Types with DISC in Leadership
Dive into the world of leadership dynamics with Christine Courtney in our latest episode of "Stepping into your Leadership" as we explore the intricate maze of personality in the workplace. Join our esteemed guest, Erika Bayh, in an enlightening conversation on the power of the DISC assessment – a tool revolutionizing team synergy and communication.In this episode, titled "DISC," we unravel the four personality quadrants: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C), and delve into how they shape our interactions and leadership styles. Christine and Erika offer in-depth insights into how recognizing and embracing diverse personality profiles can lead to a robust and dynamic team.Embrace the transformation as we discuss the history of the DISC model, its evolution from Dr. William Moulton Marston's seminal work to the popular assessment by Wiley, and the significant benefits it brings to workplace productivity.As we navigate through the quadrants, you'll learn not just about the value DISC brings in understanding your team, but also the importance of adapting your leadership approach to foster an inclusive, efficient, and thriving environment.Discover the benefits of generating a personalized DISC report, fostering self-awareness, and how to leverage these insights to cultivate a harmonious and effective team. We'll also tackle common reservations about taking the assessment and the laughter that comes with recognizing oneself within these profiles.Tune in to "Stepping into your Leadership" and learn how to navigate the intricacies of your team's personalities to step firmly into your leadership role. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping up, this episode is a critical resource for anyone looking to excel in leadership through the power of understanding and adaptation.Visit our website for more resources, and don't forget to share your DISC stories with us. Empower your leadership journey by mastering the art of personality dynamics today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trust-Building Techniques for Leaders: Creating Safe and Productive Environments
29-01-2025
Trust-Building Techniques for Leaders: Creating Safe and Productive Environments
In this episode of "Stepping into your Leadership," we're diving deep into something that's super important for every leader out there: trust. Christine Courtney sits down with leadership pro Greg Shamie, and together, they break down why trust is everything, whether you're dealing with colleagues, friends, or family.Christine and Greg chat about the key ingredients of trust, how it shapes our lives, and its huge impact at work. They sprinkle in some wisdom from Stephen Covey and his insights on trust being the secret sauce of successful relationships. Plus, Greg gets real with us, sharing personal stories about trust—both the good and the bad.The conversation hits on all sorts of gems, like why being open and honest can really help you bond with your team, and what to do when trust takes a hit. They talk about forgiveness, showing character and competence, and putting your values to work. It’s all about taking steps to build trust and keep it strong.Here’s what you’ll get from this episode:The lowdown on why trust is so crucial in leadershipTips from Stephen Covey on making trust your superpowerGreg’s formula for trust: competence + character = credibilityReal-life stories that'll make you think about your own trust-building momentsHow being open, making mistakes, and showing you care can really pay offPractical advice on aligning your values with your team’s and why it’s a game changerSimple but effective ways to create a trustworthy vibe at workWhether you're looking to up your game with your team or just want to be someone people can count on, this episode has you covered. So tune in, take some notes, and let's get real about trust.Key Points:Trust in leadership and lifeInsights from Stephen CoveyThe trust equation: competence + characterPersonal trust stories from GregThe power of vulnerability and honestyBuilding trust at work and at homeSubscribe to "Stepping into your Leadership" and catch Trust-Building Techniques for Leaders: Creating Safe and Productive Environments—you won't want to miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Using 1% Improvement Strategy and Vision Boards for Success
22-01-2025
Using 1% Improvement Strategy and Vision Boards for Success
Welcome to a new episode of "Stepping into your Leadership," where host Christine Courtney continues the conversation with returning guest Erika Bayh. Following up on their previous discussion about manifesting, they dive deep into practical and inspiring goal-setting tips to help you and your team kickstart the new year.In this episode, discover actionable strategies such as:Starting Fresh: Erika suggests throwing away any rushed resolutions made on December 31st and starting with a blank slate at the end of January or early February.Daily and Monthly Goals:Break down your larger goals into daily and monthly activities for better manageability and progress tracking.Vision Boards:Create physical or digital vision boards to keep a visual reminder of your goals. Erika shares how she keeps parts of her vision board as her phone’s wallpaper for daily inspiration.Bingo Cards:Christine brings a creative twist with 2025 Bingo cards, which can include goals like family trips or writing a book. Consider implementing a "reverse bingo" to celebrate accomplishments as they happen.1% Improvement:Inspired by James Clear's "Atomic Habits," aim for just 1% improvement at a time to make sustainable and impactful changes.4000 Weeks:Erika recommends Oliver Berkman's book “4000 Weeks,” which emphasizes the importance of choosing wisely how to spend your limited time.Whether you're looking for new ways to set personal goals or ways to motivate your team, this episode is packed with tips to help you manifest your most productive and fulfilling year yet.Tune in, take notes, and let's step into our leadership together! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Harnessing the Power of Manifestation: Goal Setting Strategies for the New Year
15-01-2025
Harnessing the Power of Manifestation: Goal Setting Strategies for the New Year
Episode Description:As we roll into the new year, it's time to focus on how we can turn our visions into reality and step into our leadership roles with intention and clarity. On this special New Year's episode, host Christine Courtney is joined by leadership expert Erika Bayh to dive deep into the art and practice of manifesting goals.🔥 In This Episode, You Will Learn:The Power of Manifestation: Erika and Christine elucidate the concept of manifesting, breaking down common misconceptions and highlighting its relevance in goal setting for both personal and professional life.Visualization Techniques: Discover how top athletes use visualization to prepare for success and how you can apply these techniques to your own goals.Combating Negative Thoughts: Learn practical strategies to counterbalance negative thoughts and stay focused on your manifestations even when doubt creeps in.Incremental Goal Setting: Erika emphasizes the importance of setting small, achievable goals rather than making sweeping, unrealistic resolutions.Strength-Based Focus: Understand why amplifying your strengths can be more effective than focusing solely on weaknesses and deficits.Community and Accountability: Christine and Erika discuss the transformative power of having a support system and accountability buddy in your goal-setting process.Year-End Reflection Exercise: Get introduced to Erika’s unique exercise of writing a letter to yourself, celebrating the achievements of the best year yet, to help map out actionable steps for the present year.☑️ Takeaways and Tips:Stay Positive:Frame your goals around enhancing and expanding the best version of yourself rather than punishing or berating yourself for past shortcomings.Seek Support:Leverage the power of community for encouragement and accountability.Visualize Success:Create a mental image of your achievements to guide your actions and decisions.Reflect and Reframe:Use Erika’ letter-writing exercise to envision and work towards a successful year.Join us and start your year with a mindset geared towards achieving and manifesting your highest potential! Press play, lean in, and let’s make this year one of abundant growth and leadership.📢 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe for more enlightening episodes!✨ Quotes to Inspire:"The art and practice of manifesting is to start to act as if those things are true." – Erika Bayh"What you look for, you find in life. So if you're looking for these things that you're visualizing, you will start to find them in your day-to-day life." – Christine Courtney#ManifestingGoals #Leadership #Visualization #GoalSetting #PositiveThinking #TeamMotivation #NewYearNewYouDon't miss out on next week's episode where Erica returns to share more practical tips for setting effective resolutions and achieving your goals. 🌟Ready to manifest your goals? Tune in and subscribe today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Empowering Employees: A Guide to Situational Leadership and Critical Thinking
18-12-2024
Empowering Employees: A Guide to Situational Leadership and Critical Thinking
Welcome back to "Stepping into your Leadership" with your host, Christine Courtney! In this insightful episode, Christine is joined by returning guests Tom Armstrong and Tatiana Dominguez, two seasoned managers, as they tackle a challenging case study sent in by a listener.A team manager is grappling with a new team member, Sam, who struggles with self-direction and critical thinking, impacting team productivity. How can the manager foster independence and help Sam develop these essential skills?Tatiana suggests exploring situational leadership to understand Sam's development phase—whether he's an enthusiastic beginner or a disillusioned learner. She also touches on the tough choice of potentially parting ways if progress isn’t forthcoming. Tom expands on this by emphasizing the importance of constructing a clear action plan or Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). He highlights the need for establishing clear deliverables, deadlines, and quality expectations to foster both accountability and growth.Christine adds a critical point: before jumping into action plans, consider having a direct conversation with Sam about his hesitations and the importance of taking initiative. She advocates for creating a safe space for risk-taking and learning from mistakes as a part of the growth process.As the conversation wraps up, the team reflects on the importance of gratitude in leadership. Listen in as they share heartfelt stories of mentors who shaped their early careers, revealing the power of kindness and candid feedback in developing future leaders.Tips from this Episode:Situational Leadership: Identify and understand the developmental stage of your team members.Clear Action Plans: Create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.Direct Communication: Have open and honest conversations to address issues directly.Safe Environment for Risk-Taking: Encourage your team to make decisions and learn from their mistakes.Gratitude and Mentorship: Recognize the importance of gratitude and learn from positive leadership examples.Join us for an engaging discussion that will equip you with practical strategies to elevate your leadership game and manage challenging team dynamics effectively. Happy Holidays from the "Stepping into your Leadership" team!Listen now on your favorite streaming platform!Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoyed this episode. Your feedback helps us bring more insightful content your way! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Navigating Resistance to Change: Real-Life Case Studies and Expert Insights
11-12-2024
Navigating Resistance to Change: Real-Life Case Studies and Expert Insights
In this episode of Stepping Into Your Leadership, Christine is joined by leadership experts Tom Armstrong and Tatiana Dominguez to tackle one of the most common challenges for managers: resistance to change.From dealing with experienced team members who are set in their ways to fostering collaboration and innovation, this discussion is packed with actionable tips to help you lead effectively. Learn how to focus on behaviors rather than assumptions, acknowledge the value of institutional knowledge, and create buy-in through transparent communication and inclusive processes.Plus, hear inspiring stories of leadership and trust that highlight the importance of empowering others to succeed. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating workplace change.Key Takeaways Include:How to encourage openness to new ideas without undermining experience.The importance of stakeholder analysis and collaborative brainstorming.Strategies for setting realistic goals and fostering buy-in for change.Don’t miss this engaging and practical conversation that will transform how you approach change management.Links to Leadership Learning LabInterested in sharpening your leadership skills? Join our next cohort of the Leadership Learning Lab (L3) and gain access to tools and techniques that empower middle managers to lead confidently and effectively.💡 What You’ll Learn:Emotional Intelligence as a SuperpowerBuilding Trust Through RelationshipsNavigating Difficult ConversationsDelegation and Prioritization, and more!👉 Sign Up Here: [Registration Link]📅 Next Session Begins: Feb 5, 2025Learn more about how L3 can help you transform your leadership style: [Info Link]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Embracing Coaching: Building Confidence, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership Abilities
13-11-2024
Embracing Coaching: Building Confidence, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership Abilities
Looking to elevate your leadership game? This episode of Stepping into Your Leadership dives deep into the transformational world of coaching. Hosted by Christine Courtney, with guest expert Greg Shamie, an all-around accomplished coach in leadership, life, executive, and soccer coaching. Together, they unpack the powerful impact coaching can have on your career and personal development.What You'll Learn:The Value of Sharing Projects:Christine emphasizes the bravery in sharing your work and ideas, likening it to manifesting success.Initiating Coaching Conversations:Discover why discussing coaching opportunities with your boss can not only improve your skills but also demonstrate your initiative and lead to more opportunities.The ROI of Coaching:Learn why PwC's research underlines coaching as a worthy investment with substantial returns.Key Areas for Coaching:From emotional intelligence and communication to leadership development and stress management, explore the essential skills people seek to enhance through coaching.Accountability and Growth:Christine underscores the importance of sharing your progress with friends to create accountability and foster growth.Key Highlights:Leading Your Own Learning:Greg Shamie encourages taking charge of your own development in a leadership role.Generational Coaching Trends:Insights into how coaching is approached differently by younger and older professionals.Handling Resistant Clients:Greg shares inspiring stories of initially resistant clients who transform through the power of coaching.Case Study - Sammy:A client story illustrating how coaching helped Sammy transition from a capable contributor to a visionary leader.Building Confidence:Strategies to boost confidence by focusing on past achievements and future plans, especially for women.Tips for Getting the Most Out of Coaching:Set Clear Goals:Be specific about what you want to achieve through coaching.Stay Open and Reflective:Keep an open mind and be ready to embrace growth.Take Notes:Document insights and actions from sessions to facilitate continual learning.Create Accountability:Conclude coaching sessions with identifiable actions to ensure progress.Coming Soon:Christine introduces an upcoming series on situational leadership combined with social styles and versatility, offering targeted coaching strategies tailored to different personality types within an organization.Whether you're considering coaching for yourself or your team, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples. Tune in to understand how coaching can be a catalyst for your leadership development and discover practical tips to maximize the benefits of coaching in your career.Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and start your journey toward effective leadership with expert guidance from Christine Courtney and Greg Shamie!Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Stepping into Your Leadership for more insights on enhancing your leadership skills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: Steps to Foster Invention in the Workplace
06-11-2024
Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: Steps to Foster Invention in the Workplace
Welcome to "Stepping into Your Leadership," where we inspire and empower you to become an exceptional leader in your field. In this episode, titled "Innvention," our host Christine Courtney (she/her) sits down with the extraordinarily creative Blonka Winkfield to discuss the power of invention, creativity, and innovation.In a world where only 29% of employees strongly agree that their workplace is a great environment for creating new ideas, fostering innovation is more critical than ever. Together, Christine and Blonka dive into what separates creativity, invention, and innovation and how these concepts can transform your organization.Key Tips from This Episode:Provide a Platform for Ideas: Offer opportunities for employees to voice their suggestions and encourage a brainstorming process that’s free of immediate judgment.Address Time and Resource Constraints: Make deliberate time for innovation in your scheduled meetings. Consider dedicating specific sessions during quarterly or yearly retreats for brainstorming and problem-solving.Reduce the Fear of Failure: Highlight and discuss failures as part of the learning process. Sharing lessons learned from unsuccessful attempts will help lessen the fear associated with proposing new ideas.Recognize Innovations: Regularly talk about past inventions and successes in team meetings to create a culture that values innovation.Be Flexible and Agile: Allow for experimentation and quick iteration on ideas, adopting a 'run fast and break things' mentality to discover what truly works.Leverage Cross-Collaborative Teams: Mixing team members from various departments can bring fresh perspectives and more innovative solutions.Identify and Utilize Invention Geniuses: Understand who in your organization excels at invention and let them lead brainstorming sessions.Whether you're managing a team or looking to spark more creativity in your personal life, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world insights to help you foster a culture of innovation.Tune in and learn how to unleash the potential of creativity and invention within your team and yourself. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review!Available on all major streaming platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wonder as a Catalyst for Workplace Transformation
30-10-2024
Wonder as a Catalyst for Workplace Transformation
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Erika Petrelli on this special episode of "Stepping into your Leadership" as we explore the vital role of wonder in both the workplace and our personal lives. Erika, a tenured advocate for keeping the spirit of wonder alive, shares her insights on why wonder is essential for effective leadership and innovation.Key Topics Covered:Definition and importance of wonder in the workplaceHow wonder promotes creativity, problem-solving, and change within organizationsReal-world examples of wonder-driven success in startups and beyondStrategies for overcoming the resistance to wonder in established organizationsTips to Spark Wonder in Your Team:Wonder Walks:Take a stroll with your team to ponder challenges and seek inspiration from your surroundings.Question Brainstorm:Dedicate a set time for everyone to ask questions without seeking immediate answers.Don't Crush the Wow with How:Allow space for the initial ideas to breathe before diving into the logistical details.Elicit Insights from Quiet Wonderers:Ask team members questions like "What do you see as the real opportunity or problem?" and "What do you think we're missing here?"Five Whys Technique:Get to the root cause of issues by asking "why" iteratively.Environment Check:Create an environment conducive to wonder by incorporating whiteboards, sticky notes, and inspirational catchphrases.Inspire Wonder in Your Personal Life:Embrace the "what if" questions to explore new possibilities.Approach challenges with a beginner's mind, shedding preconceived notions and expectations.Recommended Readings & Resources:The Wonder Switch by Harris III - Click here for Amazon LinkForbes Article by Cecil Pier (April 29, 2019) Link to article - Click HereArticles by Dr. Karen Rivich on resilience and awe in the workplace - Click here to see her profile from UpennTune in to discover how cultivating wonder can not only transform your workplace but also inspire personal growth and creativity. Don't miss out on this opportunity to dive deep into the genius of wonder.Listen to "Stepping into your Leadership: Wonder" now and don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Decoding the Four Social Styles: Practical Insights for Leaders from Greg and Christine
23-10-2024
Decoding the Four Social Styles: Practical Insights for Leaders from Greg and Christine
In this enlightening episode of "Stepping into Your Leadership," host Christine Courtney and special guest Greg Shamie dive into the world of social styles and versatility in the workplace. They explore the crucial role of social intelligence in understanding and managing one's emotions and interactions with others.Discover the origins of social style assessments from the ancient teachings of Socrates to the groundbreaking work by David Merrill in the 1950s. Uncover the four social style quadrants—Driver, Expressive, Amiable, and Analytical—and learn how they are defined by assertiveness and responsiveness.Christine and Greg provide actionable tips tailored to each social style to enhance workplace interactions:DriversFocus on respecting their time, sticking to facts, and following through on commitments.ExpressivesBalance spontaneity with detailed planning, and ensure inclusivity while moderating energy levels.AmiablesApproach conflict carefully, initiate actions without needing full consensus, and handle issues privately with courtesy.AnalyticalsCommunicate clearly and precisely, give them time and space, and don't rush them into decisions.Tune in to gain insights on recognizing and adapting to different social styles by observing cues like dressing style and workspace organization. Additionally, delve into the concept of "backup behavior" under stress and the importance of developing emotional intelligence.Whether you're a seasoned leader or climbing the career ladder, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you navigate and thrive in diverse workplace dynamics. Listen now to "Situational Leadership" and step confidently into your leadership journey!#Leadership #SocialStyles #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceSuccess #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Power of Offsites: Transform Your Team with Effective Retreats
09-10-2024
The Power of Offsites: Transform Your Team with Effective Retreats
In this episode of *Stepping into your Leadership*, host Christine Courtney and her partner in crime, Greg Shamie, take a deep dive into the world of corporate retreats and offsites. Joined by our producer Tatiana Dominguez, they explore whether these company getaways are worth the investment of time and money or just a costly distraction.Christine and Greg provide an in-depth analysis of the potential challenges and roadblocks that come with organizing a retreat, from high costs to employee resistance. But they don’t stop there—they passionately advocate for the transformative power of retreats, sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights that highlight the immense benefits. From fostering connectivity and reducing workplace conflicts to creating memorable experiences and driving team alignment, discover how retreats can help elevate your team’s performance and camaraderie.Listen in to uncover valuable tips and tricks for planning an effective offsite, regardless of your budget. Learn how to curate a balanced mix of outdoor activities, fun challenges, and strategic sessions that will keep everyone engaged and inspired. Whether you’re a business owner, a manager, or simply someone looking to strengthen relationships within your team, this episode offers practical guidance that could change the way you approach team building forever.Tune in and discover how to make your next corporate retreat not just an expenditure, but a truly worthwhile investment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Effective Leadership for Employees Struggling with Modern Tools
02-10-2024
Effective Leadership for Employees Struggling with Modern Tools
Are you struggling with bridging the generational gap in your team? In our final episode of the summer series, host Christine Courtney is joined by leadership experts Tom Armstrong and Blanca Winkfield to tackle one of the most pressing issues in today's multigenerational workforce. Meet Bob: a longtime employee nearing retirement who finds modern technologies to be challenging, causing friction within the team.Together, our panel explores actionable strategies to leverage Bob's extensive experience while fostering a cohesive and productive team environment. From collaborative training sessions and role adjustments to mentorship pairings and adaptive learning methods, discover multifaceted approaches to empower both veteran employees and tech-savvy newcomers.Featuring insights from production genius Tatiana Dominguez, this episode dives into the nuances of integrating new applications and making sure no one is left behind in the ever-evolving tech landscape.Whether you're a seasoned manager or an emerging leader, tune in to learn how you can create an inclusive workspace that values every team member’s strengths.**Highlights:**- Leveraging the invaluable experience of senior employees- Strategies for effective tech adoption and training- Balancing team harmony and productivity- The importance of diverse learning modalities- Conflict resolution tips and motivational mantrasDon’t miss the enlightening lightning round at the end for a rapid-fire Q&A session on leadership!Join us for a riveting discussion that underscores the importance of empathetic and strategic leadership. Welcome aboard as we step into your leadership journey together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Executives Provide Unclear Goals: Tips for Middle Managers
25-09-2024
When Executives Provide Unclear Goals: Tips for Middle Managers
In this illuminating episode of "Stepping into your Leadership," host Christine Courtney is joined by experts Blonka Winkfield and Tom Armstrong to tackle one of the trickiest challenges for managers: managing up to ensure clarity for their teams. Dive into a real-world scenario where executives provide vague and inconsistent directions, leaving a manager in a quandary. Blanca and Tom share their seasoned takes on confronting this issue head-on, offering invaluable advice on fostering clear communication from the top down.From pinpointing the root problem with laser-sharp questions to strategically navigating company hierarchies, learn practical, actionable steps to ensure your team operates with clarity and confidence. Plus, stick around for our fan-favorite lightning round where Blanca and Tom answer rapid-fire leadership questions with insight and humor.Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into a managerial role, this episode arms you with the tools to advocate for your team effectively and navigate the nuances of organizational communication. Don't miss it!**Highlights:**- Understanding the importance of managing up for clear communication- Strategies for getting clarity from higher-ups- The crucial role of relationship power vs. role power- Celebrating team successes in tailored ways- Insightful takeaways from real-life leadership questions in our lightning roundTune in now to elevate your leadership game and ensure your team never works in the dark again! #Leadership #Management #CareerGrowth #TeamSuccess Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.