Leading Lightly with Kurt Kinnear: Recent Episodes
Kurt Kinnear
Leadership and lifestyle insights from the journey of a husband, father, executive leader, entrepreneur and now a public sector CEO. Kurt‘s mission is to help lighten the burden of young leaders who want to make a big difference as a leader while keeping their lives in balance.
Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this podcast are for brainstorming and discussion purposes only and do not represent the opinions of any organizations.
In this episode, we delve into the pernicious effects of victim mentality on leaders. We explore how this mindset drains energy, hinders personal growth, and stifles organizational progress. By succumbing to victimhood, leaders relinquish their power to shape outcomes and instead adopt a pessimistic outlook. This episode highlights the four primary dangers of victim mentality: energy wastage, abdication of responsibility, self-protective tendencies, and the constriction of vision and growth. Tune in to gain insights into how leaders can break free from this detrimental mindset and foster a culture of empowerment and growth.
- In this episode, we explore how leaders can overcome challenges and setbacks in their personal and professional lives. We discuss how to create separation between yourself and your organization, how to make your goals more achievable during difficult times, and how to shift from a victim to an adventure mindset to grow stronger and more resilient. We also share some inspiring stories and examples of leaders who have bounced back from adversity and achieved remarkable success.
Do you ever find yourself spending too much time on things that are not essential to your core business? Things that are interests for yourself, your team member or even your industry or its culture but not your clients? These are what I call the icing on the cake, but they are not the cake itself. In this episode, I share the common ways I see clients become distracted from their main goals and how to avoid them. I also give you some tips on how to focus on the cake, which is the value you provide to your customers and the revenue you generate which allows you do also dabble in the fun stuff you couldn't otherwise do. Tune in and learn how to stay on track and grow your organization faster.🍰
From the Freedom 55 retirement ads in the late 90's to today my experiences have significantly changed my perspective on retirement in a way that has given me much more freedom than I ever expected well before 55! This episode walks through several life changing lessons that have occurred over 20 years that I think could really help you as well.
Have you ever heard about an amygdala hijack? I promise you have experienced it! The term was coined by Daniel Goleman book: "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" response has been experienced by everyone but very few understand this critical response and its impact on each leader and their team.
How much clarity people have around the difference between busy and productive can be the difference maker for anyone who is trying to effectively lead a team. This episode provides an example of someone in a busy industry who is constantly challenging himself and his organization to strive to be lazy fully knowing that will remove unneeded busy work from their lives and help them move the needle. It also discusses steps that you can take to step out of the busy norm and become a far more productive person in your life.
Everyone has faced difficulty in their lives. It is not the difficulty people face but how they process and move beyond tough times that makes the difference. This episode talks about some simple ways to process and then move beyond difficult times while growing stronger. It also provides an odd analogy that just might help you let go of some lingering effects of those hard times.
The 80/20 Principle was first discovered by Vilfredo Pareto after he realized 80% of the land was controlled by 20% of the people. Hmm sound familiar? We think its new when so few have so much wealth but its been happening for years! This principle has been applied to work, leadership, investing, and much more. This episode talks about a strategic way I have been applying this principle in every organization to constantly yield the best results in the non profits I have led. The best part is it is not too difficult and can bring great results to you and your organization.
One of the most deadly gaps in organizations is the distancing that occurs between the decisions made and the consequences they result in. This episode discusses the ways organizations can become disconnected as they grow, the warning signs to watch out for, and simple ways to keep your organization connected in ways that help those you serve and your overall team.
How many times have you stepped back and looked at the times in your life when you grew the most and became a stronger person? As a leader, you must keep growing and evolving who you are and how you work to serve your community. Throughout my experience I have found that growth comes in three core elements and this episode explores those key elements I have utilized to grow. The 3rd element will likely surprise you and may help change your perspective on certain times of your life.
Enjoy,
KK
I am very excited to be back for season 2. This season will be all about helping emerging nonprofit leaders get their organizations on the right track. This episode explains why this podcast is important and how we can lead your organization into a brighter future!
A previous episode about upholding values triggered a tough question for me. Am I upholding my values for me or am I spending too much time and energy on everything else.
Its not easy at first but in the long run this lesson can help you so much in your leadership journey and life.
What started with a lesson in canoeing and then raft guiding shifted to leadership in a powerful way! This episode talks about the importance of leveraging the flow of your staff and their talents instead of resisting.
In this episode I discuss the main reason people hold themselves back when opportunities are right in front of them.
Enjoy,
Kurt
Life is not easy but you do need to find balance living it. This episode shares a simple reflective exercise that will help you measure and secure more balance in your life and make sure you are you...through and through.
Are you a followable leader? This is a question you always need to ask as you set goals and the pace for your team. This is a discussion around pace and how strategically pacing your goals can make things move faster and easier as you lead your team or cause.
How much do you think being right can cost your organization? In this episode I am sharing an experience that made me realize that there was something far more important and valuable than being right.
We all know culture is incredibly important to organizational success. However figuring out what that culture should be seems far more complicated than it needs to be. This episode is all about how to simplify how to figure out what culture you should strive for.
It can be easy to see all the positive attributes that loyalty can create however, as a leader there may be a few areas that loyalty may become dangerous.
Too many times in our lives we drive to achieve something believing life will be great after that achievement. What happens when reality strikes and its not great?
How vulnerable and open are people with you? This is a very important question if you truly want to make a difference in your organization and the lives of those around you and is the topic of todays Episode.
I am very excited about this episode and hope it changes how you think about a fundamental human response to life.
Enjoy
First of all thank you to everyone participating in our leading lightly community. We just made it to episode 100 and I can promise, I could not have made it without you! This episode discussed a simple rule I have implemented that has saved me hours to months of work and I know it can do the same for you.
This episode discusses some considerations that should occur when deciding where to allocate your invaluable time and energy.
While hunting for a new senior staff member I remembered an incredible lesson that no leader should forget. I hope you enjoy!
K
What do you do with your time. How do you think your can build momentum in your life. In this episode I share a lesson A lesson on building momentum that I learned after realized while watching my son complete a project.
What you do when a community member publicly accuses or discredits someone under your leadership is critical to leading lightly and this episode will discuss why.
How many times are you blessed with the opportunity to serve a large audience? After years of public speaking, including many mistakes and successes I will be sharing a few key considerations I have to ensure a memorable impactful speech.
What do you do after someone resigns? Do you see a resignation as a threat or an opportunity? In this episode I break down a few key steps I take before refiling a role.
When good staff leave it can hurt, but that resignation is also an excellent opportunity to evaluate and grow which is what this episode is all about!
In a world where work and personal cross so often how do you draw the line for your ethics around meals, hours, phone use/billing, office supplies, and so many other considerations that can get gray very quickly. In this episode I spend more time breaking down ethical boundaries. After years of wrestling with these issues, I have found an easy way to clarify my ethical lines and find more peace at work and at home.
In a day and age where words like integrity do not seem to be a staple or a focus, I am going to discuss its importance in your role as a leader and share a little trick to consider while being tempted to compromise.
I struggle with is turning things off and taking a rest. This episode discusses a few little things I have done that help.
How many times do you calculate what matters more to you as a leader who does something or what someone does? I have found where you weight your focus between who and what makes a big different on the results you obtain in your leadership role and the burden you care.
While reflecting on Remembrance Day it is easy to take for granted the freedom and safety each one of us has. In todays episode I will be reading a post I wrote as encouragement to stand up when we know we need to in order to support all of the sacrifices those who have served have made for us. In small ways we can each make a big difference in this world.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-kinnear-5373b235/
How do you strategically add or change a staff members workload without causing long term pain for you and your organization? This episode talks about what I have commonly seen done with good intent that leads to bad outcomes for your organization.
How many times do we find ourselves using the same language when stressed? I do this all the time and after a little experiment getting our kids ready for school, I finally found a creative solution that works in the workplace. This episode discusses the challenges of urgent situation and a simple trick to find powerful language to move things forward when under stress.
Lets face it. Politics have always existed and will always exist within earth dwelling humans. Its a part of life despite the pain and lack of clarity they can create. This episode is all about ways to understand politics so you don't get caught up or caught by politics and some key ideas for managing them and reducing them in your organization.
How many times have you felt like the situation you or your team is facing is a lose lose situation?
If you are a leader and you are pushing forward...you will commonly face difficult situations and I am telling you that there is always a 3rd option however it takes a few key steps to free your mind up to come to it. This episode talks about the process I have learned in some cases the hard way, the myths we are told as leaders, and how to find that 3rd option.
Have you ever had a simple solution and instead of doing it you over think it and never get it done? Do you know what scope creep is? Well this happens to me all the time and I will share some ways I attempt to clarify it so I can catch it at the right times and move quickly forward.
Do you ever slide into that non stop grind of work and next thing you know its the end of the day and you don't even know what you got done? If this happens to you sometimes, you are not alone. In this episode I share a simple and fun way to get more out of your day and come out of the other end knowing you made the most of your day while taking care of you and having time to reflect.
I have always struggled to create an simpler way to describe how to asses how staff and teams work together and own their work. Yesterday I finally thought of a new way to simplify what so many of us are experiencing but cannot describe easily enough to find a way to identify what is working well and what is not working well. Its a new concept for me and I was excited to share so let me know what you think!
Kurt
Do you find it hard to enjoy those success as a leader? After failing to celebrate for my first 14 years in leadership, I was gifted with an opportunity to learn how while getting a new company started and now I have a little trick that makes all the difference to me and I hope it will for you!
Enjoy,
Kurt
Recently its been a rough week but as you know that comes with the territory...so today I am sharing a story that will hopefully bring a smile to your day.
Enjoy,
Kurt
How many times do you have a solution but wont be the one to carry it forward? To many leaders this predicament happens often. When I started I always thought my job was to push my team all the way to the solution but then I realized that approach yielded poor results and cost me more time and energy and stole my teams motivations. This episode talks about a strategy I now have that works far better, is way easier, and yields much better results!
Enjoy
Kurt
Have you ever considered the differences between consultants, leaders, and guides? All three are very powerful supports for you and your organization, yet all three need to be used in strategic ways as we grow and attempt to mover our organizations forward. I hope you enjoy!
Are you a spectator or are you going to try and climb. Leading youth to climb up a wall has some incredible parallels to trying to achieve the impossible. This episode discusses those parallels and some tough lessons on how to make your way up your climb. Go for It! Try something new, even if it might not work out.
I hear from so many leaders that just around the corner or in the next year or two things will finally get better in their leadership role. Unfortunately that lie can go on for years at the cost of yourself and your organization. This episode breaks down that lie and how to shift your focus so things do eventually get better.
Although we often feel like it, we are often not alone in your organization. Teaching your talented staff how to begin to step up and into leadership is a key way for you to serve your community. However if you do it incorrectly you may minimize their success. This episode includes a few steps to take as you increase leadership in your team, strengthen your organization, challenge your team, and lighten your burden
How many times do you look at a document and realize its way too long and you think its your job to wade though it. That is what I used to think until one email crossed the line so I began my fight to simplify and it changed everything. I hope you enjoy and find something in this to use in your life.
Do you have a formula you lean in to start healthy valuable conversations?
In this episode I share my formula, why I do it, and how I use it to test and refine my skills in conversations and connecting with people.
Whether you adopt or create your own, practice, refine, and make sure it pushes your skills.
This episode discusses how trusting my gut and caring for my staff helped me avoid a big mistake, a lot of work, and most importantly losing an incredible employee.
I will share the one question I use to initiate all conversations to create meaningful conversations and connect.
If you are trying to improve your life or your organization, you will inevitably need to create change which will lead to conflict and friction with some of your community.
After taking criticism for years I am finally learning how to reduce the pain of critics while gathering the right pieces of information to drive forward. I hope this helps you on your journey.
A big lesson from one of my favorite burger joints about evolving your organization and leading.
While it is important to have your organization in order, eventually without trying new things your organization will disappear.
This is why it is also important to lead your organization into new opportunities no matter how uncomfortable it may feel.
How a simple lesson from a facility expert shifted my perspective on customer service leading me to free up several $100,000/year, reduce frustration and grow leaps and bounds.
Understanding staff tolerance on issues is a key to creating a highly productive workplace and in a previous situation, it saved a life.
Every individual has different skills and expectations and your job is to understand and leverage them for the safety and smooth operations of your organization.
No matter how difficult the situation, no matter how much pressure you as a leader get to take up a cause and get in the ring...stay out and stay strategic.
This episode is some of my ways to keep a clear head no matter how frustrated you may be with the situation you are facing as a leader to best serve the best interests of your community. No matter how important the situation I am sharing my mindset to emotionally detach from difficult emotional situation and find the best solutions.
If you want to make your life easier you need to take a new approach for how your staff approach their work.
This episode discusses key factors to consider while shifting how your staff/volunteers/community approach their work.
Decrease friction while increasing success and satisfaction while at work.
Have you ever thought of the impact of trust in your life.
How to measure trust through communications
What do you include to increase trust
How to decrease trust
Learn why surveys can be dangerous without a key consideration.
This episode provides the key difference of of your strategic approach between what people say and what they do to make the most of your efforts.
Have you ever considered how much time staff could be wasting in other peoples business?
Staff getting their fingers in other staffs business is incredibly common in work places and it impacts all aspects of the organization.
This episode discusses the many considerations and practical approaches to consider when stoping it as a leader.
How to you find peace when it feels like the chaos will never end?
This situation is very common as you push forward as a leader in new challenging roles.
This episode discusses my trick to finding some peace and how to measure and know that the chaos will eventually slow down.
This episode also discusses the 4 different scenarios you could step into as a leader.
Why are some things in life so hard to let go?
"Stuff" from the past impacts our personal and professional lives more than we know. Removing the past the right was clears a path for a brighter future.
This Episode discusses one very key consideration to healthily removing stuff from your personal and professional life.
Middle management positions are critical to your success or failure as a leader.
Some middle management positions create friction, politics, and slow progress while taking focus away from the clients while other middle management positions significantly increase the progress. This is a discussion around the differences between the ineffective and effective middle management positions.
Politics is the most important way to take your organization's focus away from your clients.
While this approach will not be easy it will make things easier in the long run.
How to step in when your team needs you.
How to lead without covering for your staff.
Deal with the tough stuff while following and relaxing when the team is doing well.
A critical lesson from a happy long-term police office that has helped me keep a positive attitude no matter how tough the day was as a leader.
Also, a fun little story about a playful fox while camping.
Making a clear distinction between leading and doing the work in front of you.
This podcast is a discussion about knowing when to help, when to move and when to remove staff as the leader of an organization
Identifying those who pick up the pieces so you can keep the responsibility on those who are hired to carry it.
I am sharing a painful story about when my tank finally ran out of energy and what I learned about who fills your cup, how to understand and manage my energy and how leading at the right time is critical to leading lightly.
A little reflection on how looking at colleagues doing similar work during difficult times can hurt your organization.
How can you lead in your organization if you are looking over your shoulder?
I recently learned a very cool tip from a leader in another organization to help progress those projects that seem to have gotten stuck.
Also, a key way to ensure your team is focused on progress over perfection.
Some friends recently asked us why our kids listen to them as adults and really seem to care.
This episode talks about a different way to visualize listening to all ages, all skills, all interests so that you can be heard.
Conflict is inevitable and as a leader, you are likely the only one who can actually resolve it.
How to avoid common traps of conflict and how to persevere and make a difference during difficult conversations.
Learn the basics of Parkinson's Law and how to strategically use it as a leader.
How to use Parkinson's Law to test for experience and competency.
How an experience with an MBA student changed my perspective on how to learn.
The importance of applied learning and how to move away from learning too much.
My constant battle with making excuses and using but instead of trusting myself and moving forward.
How one "but" can lead to more "buts" in your life.
A simple way to moving beyond your own excuses and self imposed limitations.
How many times do you have a good idea go to waste?
This episode talks about how to strategically get through the bureaucracy and leverage your great ideas to gain opportunities and make a larger impact in your organization.
As a leader sometimes we simply cannot squeeze in more than a day off a week for certain periods of time.
I will share the two traps leaders can get into during busy stretches and how to recharge when we are unable to take an extended break.
How I have seen the shift from directing to coaching for leaders in the past 15 years.
The importance of evaluating the amount of time in self-reflection vs external advising
Many times in life, it is far easier to look out the window than into the mirror.
How do you help people improve their actions when they can't see that what they are doing is hurting themselves and others?
The typical reactions to conflict and the power of strategic story telling
Have you ever seen an individual or organization with a limited or over-the-top bias?
This podcast is about just how much personal bias can impact an organization as well as a key strategy to support clearer thinking.
I can't believe I have been thinking about the topic of willpower the wrong way for so long.
How does this key lesson apply to the environment you create at work?
What do you do when preparing to address an issue?
Are you confident and comfortable in the conversation?
After years of addressing issues I will be sharing a key way to prepare yourself before addressing any issues that could create conflict.
Do you think you have a bad memory? In this episode, you will learn how to easily remember 10 Items
A fun way to associate and file things you need to remember.
This technique was taught by Rapid Recall -Matthew Goerke & Unlimited Memory Kevin Horsley
While it is critical to match industry expectations around wages, there is a simpler way to assess the values of employees and your own work to ensure a clearer perspective.
Kurt
Some people with the right skills are just a few strategic actions away from creating an opportunity for promotion.
A few lessons I learned on the journey into more impactful roles.
How I think many great leaders increase their capacity to move beyond the daily conversations and ensure the organizations are moving in the right direction.
How one game in High School Volleyball taught me the importance of consistency in the big moments
3 different tools to help you improve your consistency as a leader
We take a look at the all too often missed part of the "Jack of all Trades and Master of None" quote
Is it bad to be interested in a lot of different things as a leader?
A different way of looking at working with your teams
Today I am sharing a simple little analogy that helps me ensure I am working on the right things as the leader for my organization.
A lesson from our invaluable 90-year-old neighbour on perspective and focus that is soo important to remember as a leader during difficult times.
Life can feel overwhelming as a leader with unending issues and challenges.
Today I share my best indicator that you are bound for future success beyond the current challenges you are facing. Keep your head up and keep moving, You will get there.
You are paying your staff constantly but how often are you focused on the tools you provide them?
Time is limited, where are you going to invest it to move forward and make a bigger impact in your life.
This is a discussion of why it is critically important to chase down simple solutions for making a big impact in your organization.
Be careful not to get drawn into one area of your organization and spread out your focus on what will really make a difference.
The importance of making sure your entire team upholds your organizational rules and how to identify those who don't.
If it's not just knowledge nor just experience...what is the missing piece when building wisdom in your life?
Are you trying to help your team? Make sure to listen to this perspective on using certain types of assessments.
This episode is designed to help you determine the difference of 2 types of conflict. As well and when and how to step in as a leader.
Do you get to work with Auditors, Law Enforcement, and people who have jobs that can create conflict?
How to change your perspective on these excellent people and how to use that perspective to learn, grow, and move quickly through difficult situations.
Key reasons to have your staffs back when it really matters
The checklist before having their back
The importance of doing right no matter what
The importance of managing time off and rest. Also, learn how to manage banked time off and the cycle you create if you don't manage it properly.
These are the three key questions I have learned to ask staff before approving any time off.
Innovation can get so complicated yet can become so simple if you learn this simple little secret.
Who do you volunteer for?
When do you volunteer?
How to leverage your volunteer time to succeed.
A discussion on the ability and importance of upholding your integrity during negotiations and understand and avoiding the slippery slope of manipulation.