Creating Leaders Of Character!: Recent Episodes
Dava Flowers & Chief Bob Vásquez
Dava Flowers and Chief Bob Vásquez share their thoughts on how to create leaders of character based on their very diverse experience and knowledge.
This episode is focused on discussing whether it's possible to be "too nice." Ms Dava and Chief explore the concept of self-transcendence in giving. Ms Dava shares personal examples of generous acts, including helping a coworker by buying a car and investing in a rental property to support family, which resulted in unexpected costs. Chief discusses Maslow's hierarchy of needs and explains that self-actualization can be surpassed by self-transcendence, which involves giving away one's resources when they have abundance.
The episode focuses on discussing laissez-faire leadership styles and leadership effectiveness. Chief and Ms Dava share their perspectives on what constitutes true leadership versus management, with Chief explaining that leadership is a noun requiring no action while leading involves active behavior. They discuss the importance of training followers to be self-sufficient and how an effective leader's success is measured by their followers being able to say "We did it ourselves."
Chief poses a question to Ms Dava: What would you do if you spotted one of your workers sitting under a tree doing nothing? Throughout the discussion, Chief emphasizes the importance of practicing "empathic curiosity" rather than assuming negative intentions. Ms Dava shares some specific examples from camp that illustrate the situation Chief describes and how to deal with it.
Chief and Ms Dava discuss Ms Dava's use of WDEP (Wants, Doing, Evaluation, Planning) therapy, a counseling approach developed by William Glasser, in her work with autistic children. Ms Dava shares a specific example of how using the WDEP approach helped her understand a young camper's wants and needs, ultimately leading to a positive resolution. Chief provides feedback on the importance of understanding others' values and wants as a leadership principle, emphasizing the flexibility needed in leadership approaches.
Chief and Ms Dava discuss the importance of initiative, particularly among followers, and explore ways leaders can encourage and develop this quality. They examine the challenges of instilling initiative, including the need for clear communication, showing rather than telling, and providing opportunities for followers to take action.
What does a Leader of Character do when a follower crosses the line, by being rude, unprofessional, or doesn't want to be part of the team and brings down the entire team with them? Ms Dava and Chief discuss possible reasons for the behavior and possible ways to help them become effective team members.
Chief and Ms Dava discuss preparing for an upcoming summer camp program, focusing on leadership strategies and team management. They explore the implementation of a new organizational structure with four levels of leadership to support 30 team members, with Ms Dava sharing her experience convincing team members to adopt this approach. Chief emphasizes the importance of giving new leadership methods sufficient time to prove effective and using questions rather than directives to empower team members.
Chief and Ms Dava discuss the difference between core values and corps values, and how they affect each other in organizations, with Chief explaining that core values come from the heart and are emotional/spiritual in nature, while corps values are applied by the organization based on its core values. Chief suggests that organizations should regularly revisit their core values at least once a year to ensure they remain relevant.
Ms Dava shares some GREAT news before she and Chief discuss the possible issues that personality tests can have if they lead to developing stereotypes. Chief shares an exercise about stereotyping using cadets at the Air Force Academy to demonstrate how personality tests and stereotypes can lead to unfair treatment of individuals. They discuss the importance of treating people as unique individuals rather than fitting them into personality types, with Chief emphasizing that effective leaders lead persons rather than people.
Chief and Ms Dava discuss personality types and leadership, with Chief sharing his experience as a certified MBTI practitioner. They explore how personality tests like MBTI can help leaders understand individual preferences, but warn against stereotyping people based on their results. Ms Dava shares examples from her work at a camp where she uses personality tests to better understand and manage her diverse staff. Chief emphasizes the importance of treating each person as an individual rather than fitting them into stereotypes, and discusses how effective leaders need to be flexible and adapt their leadership styles to different personalities.
Chief poses the question, "As a Leader, what would you like your Followers to do more of that would make your life better?" Ms Dava shares her perspective, and both discuss what her answer means and how her Followers might apply it.
Chief poses the question, "As a Follower, what would you like your Leader to do more of that would make your life better?" Ms Dava shares her perspective and both discuss what her answer means and how to apply it.
People learn best by watching. And they learn more about us by watching us. AND they're always watching, especially the leader(s). You will never lead by policy. You'll lead by behaving the way you should. Are you doing what you should be doing? The way you should be doing it? You might be surprised!
Chief and Ms Dava discuss leadership principles from Ken Blanchard's "One Minute Manager" book, focusing on the shift toward side-by-side leadership relationships. They explore the balance between "being" and "doing" in leadership, with Chief emphasizing that effective leaders inspire others to be their best selves rather than just managing tasks.
This episode focuses on managing employee attendance issues, particularly when a critical employee frequently calls in sick. Chief shares his daughter's dilemma regarding an employee who is absent due to caring for a sick grandfather, creating a ratio violation in the child development program. Dava suggests setting clear expectations about PTO usage and having open conversations with employees about their absences. They discuss the importance of balancing empathy for employees' personal situations with the operational needs of the business.
If you enjoy giving or receiving feedback, you're a saint! If you're like most of us, feedback stinks! Mostly because we don't know how to give or take it. Most leaders, AND followers, are not trained to give or receive it. But WAIT! Chief has a different term that suits the purpose better! You'll have to listen to this episode to hear Chief's solution.
Chief and Ms Dava discuss various personal and professional topics, including work-life balance, identity, and leadership principles. They explore themes of conflict resolution, trust, and organizational effectiveness through shared experiences and insights about managing teams and maintaining core values. The conversation concludes with reflections on societal changes and the importance of modeling unified purpose in both personal and professional relationships.
Chief and Ms Dava discuss managing overwhelming workloads and prioritization strategies, with Chief providing guidance to Ms Dava on time management techniques and resource allocation. They discuss Stephen Covey's time management principles and the importance of creating a master task list, with Chief recommending Todoist as a helpful app for organizing tasks. The conversation concludes with Chief offering advice on delegation and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of giving team members appropriate responsibilities while maintaining trust and clear communication.
WHAT?! DRAMA in the workplace?! Oh, NO! Say it isn't so! Well, it IS so! Ms Dava, the new leader, is dealing with that. So she asks the sage advice of a seasoned leader, Chief, for advice. The Wise Man provides Ms Dava with ideas that MAY, or may not, help her get out of her dilemma.
Ms Dava and Chief welcome you back to a new season! Most people create New Year resolutions that are based on doing. But what about creating resolutions based on being? How about creating Character resolutions? Who, or what kind of a person, will you be by the end of 2026? A lot of things to consider, as Chief and Ms Dava share their thoughts with you on how to BE a better person, a Leader of Character!
Chief Vásquez and Ms Dava close out the season sharing their thoughts on things that they're grateful for, including YOU! THANK YOU for listening to us! Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays! All of them!
What do you do when someone gets angry at you? You tell them to calm down and move on, right?! WRONG! That never works! So what does? Chief shares four things, or more, with Ms Dava that can help the situation. Oh, the situation is one of those four things. You'll have to listen in.
Chief and Ms Dava attempt to analyze what "Adulting" is. Chief proposes that it's sometimes simply being there. Their discussion includes examples and perspectives.
How do you recover from the Dip? Following up on last week's discussion, Chief offers Ms Dava some suggestions on how to recover and continue to grow. They discuss Ms Dava's 75 Hard Challenge progress and how to be effective in using it. She's found an Accountability Partner!
Ms Dava and Chief discuss “the dip” in this episode. After continuous success, it’s not unusual to go through a period of less success, often referred to as the dip. Ms Dava is in the dip and asks Chief how to recover from it. Chief, of course, has some suggestions that may help Ms Dava, but the bottom line is that it’s an internal choice. You’ll have to listen to get the gist of Chief’s perspective.
What do you do when new rules are sent down from above? The first thing is to panic. Then, maybe figure out the good in the new. When there's a good reason, we shouldn't fight the new.
Ms Dava practices two traits that Effective Leaders practice, the trait of transparency and the trait of authenticity, as she shares some of her recent experience with dealing with life and leading. She and Chief discuss what to do when your teammates become complacent and apathetic. Sometimes, there are no answers, only questions….
There are some aspects of leading that are difficult to deal with. What does a leader do when someone in their organization dies? Worse, when someone dies from suicide? This is a tough subject to discuss, but Ms Dava and Chief share some thoughts on how to get through those hard times. Their best advice is SEEK HELP!
Dr Stephen Covey used to say that our national paradigm is fire, aim, ready. We do before we consider the consequences of our decisions. Probably NOT the best process for succeeding in business and in life. Ms Dava and Chief have a great discussion on how the best process is thinking before doing.
One of the most important things a Leader of Character knows how to do and practices doing so is the art of SLOWING DOWN! Why?! Because there's huge value in knowing when to stop letting external forces influence us. There's huge strength and power in slowing down. SLOW DOWN! That's HUGE!
Chief and Ms Dava discuss the concept of "Tired." What does that mean? As Chief suggests, there's a GOOD Tired and a Not-So-Good Tired. There's value in being GOOD Tired. They share thoughts on Accountability Partners, especially a spouse, as well as the importance of rest and sleep. Gotta maintain a balance!
Since this is a learning environment, the student, otherwise known as Ms Dava, can't get away without some kind of assessment. While many of y'all were enjoying the Summer, Ms Dava was experiencing her first leadership experience as a Boss! How did it go, you ask? Listen in to find out!
As Chief has suggested a few times to Ms Dava, assessing what we've learned is critical to becoming a Leader of Character. So, Chief guides Ms Dava through an assessment of what she's learned from her experience as a leader the past few months. Ms Dava shares her thoughts and experiences on the topics of assessment, empathy, confrontation, and win-win agreements to name a few. Chief constantly reminds Ms Dava that leaders have to take a break once in a while to regenerate their energy, so they'll be taking a hiatus during the month of July. Happy Summer, Everyone! And THANK YOU for listening to our bantering!
Can a leader, especially a Leader of Character, have too much patience? Is that even possible? Is there a difference between policy and philosophy in the workplace? Is Chief right again? What is one to do? Here's another episode of Boots on the Ground Leadership, where Ms Dava shares her real-life experiences as a young boss as she strives to be a Leader of Character.
Ms Dava is having a great run as a boss! Things are going so well that she's bored. Being the experienced teacher, Chief warns her not to become complacent. Things can change drastically very quickly. He reminds her to keep striving for improvements, especially when it comes to serving her workers. And since Fathers' Day is right around the corner, Chief takes some time to share what dads REALLY want. Oh, NO! ANOTHER TIE?!
The best way to learn anything is by doing it! Ms Dava has experienced what it's like to be a professional leader in her position as director of her summer camp. This is boots-on-the-grounds stuff, folks! In this episode she shares her most recent experiences as a leader, what she's learned, and how it's tested her character. Chief advises and guides her. That's what Chiefs do.....
Here's a throwback episode from Jan 2023. A Leader of Character does what's right! But what does that mean? By who's measure and perspective?
As a new leader, Ms Dava is learning how hectic things can get when you're trying to herd cats! Chief suggests that she delegate more. She agrees. But how? Cheif suggests four areas to consider: Trust, Competence, Observation, and Agreement. They share some thoughts on what those terms mean and how to apply them. Chief challenges Ms Dava to assess how she does in each of those areas to continue to grow as a leader.
Ms Dava and Chief discuss the merits of cursing in public. THERE ARE NONE! But why do people do it? Do they not have better words? Are there better words? Yeah, it's a choice. Life is a choice. Character is a choice. Just don't do it around Chief! Better yet, just don't do it at all!
What IS success to you? Is it the same for all of us? SOME of us? Maybe. Ms Dava and Chief discuss the path toward success and what guides us toward it.
How does one create hope? Where does it come from? You've heard that hope is not a strategy, but it's a powerful energy to help propel us toward success. Chief and Ms Dava share their perspectives on hope.
Do you have favorites? Are you human? If the answer to the second question is yes, then the answer to the first is too. We ALL have favorites! But how do you deal with that as a Leader of Character. Listen to Chief's and Ms Dava's thoughts.
You've heard the adage, that honesty is the best policy. But IS It? Are there times when it's not? Are there times when you should speak the truth and nothing but the truth? When is that appropriate? Are there different consequences for being honest and for not being honest? Chief and Ms Dava ponder these questions a provide their unique perspectives on the topic.
As Simon Sinek says, "We're better together." There are few, if any, things that we can do by ourselves. Most of our successes will be driven by the strength of our relationships with others. Maintaining relationships can be one of the most difficult parts of leading but incredibly fulfilling when they're in sync with our purpose. Ms Dava shares some of her success in developing and maintaining relationships as a boss, even as young and new to leading as she is.
WOW! What a powerful thought! Instead of judging someone immediately, maybe we should get to know about them, even get to know them, first. Sounds like something a Leader of Character might do. Chief and Ms Dava share some thoughts on the subject based on their personal experiences. Don't judge!
Chief and Ms Dava have a VERY interesting conversation on the topic of fear. What do we fear? Why? How does one deal with it? A lot of questions and a very interesting scenario.
You've heard of tough conversations. Ms Dava and Chief have one on this episode. It's not confrontational, but it's a contemporary topic that needs discussing, that of RESPECT, or lack thereof. Ms Dava and Chief discussed this topic a few years ago but have some specific examples in this discussion. Please, understand that there's no intent to disrespect anyone, just to discuss the topic.
Ms Dava has a new topic in mind as she and Chief discuss the idea of Comfort Zones. What IS a Comfort Zone? Do you really HAVE to get out of it to succeed? You may be surprised by the discussion and the answers.
Ms Dava and Chief cuss and discuss what discipline is about and how to develop it. Chief has some pet peeves! Yes, he does! And Ms Dava agrees with them. Together, they'll make the world better!
When does a person become and adult? When does that person become a mature adult? Is there a difference? Why is the sky blue? Ms Dava and Chief ponder the universe's most powerful questions in this episode. But do they discover answers? You'll have to listen to find out. Join us now!
Chief answers the question that he asked Ms Dava at the conclusion of last episode, "What is the most important thing an Effective Leader does?" And the answer is.... You'll have to listen to this episode. Sorry....
Chief and Ms Dava begin the discussion talking about slowing down. Ms Dava is in charge of a large organization and is rolling at Mach 4 with her hair on fire. Chief shares some thoughts and suggestions on how to slow down so as to make better decisions and for her to lead more effectively.
Chief and Ms Dava continue their discussion on Goals, Goal Setting, and Goal Accomplishment. The focus topics in this episode are rhythm and routine as well as habits and the value of having good accountability partners.
Ms Dava and Chief start this new season with a discussion on goals, goal setting, challenges, resources, and resolutions, although Chief calls them revolutions. What are some challenges? How do you ensure that you meet those challenges and succeed? Happy New Year!
Ms Dava and Chief close out this season by sharing their thoughts and stories about being grateful. Thanks to all of our listeners. We wish you a great holiday season and look forward to sharing more thoughts in January 2025!
Can we break trust with someone and regain it? Great and tough question that Ms Dava and Chief ponder on this episode.
What is Truth? Ever ponder that question? That's what Ms Dava and Chief do in this episode. What are the characteristics of that word? Who knows what is THE Truth? What's the value of it? Ms Dava And Chief ponder those and other questions.
Ms Dava and Chief discuss and banter about common courtesies, which, as the discussion goes, are not necessarily common. And what makes them courtesies? Are different behaviors courtesies in one culture and not another? What's the common purpose in being courteous? What's the truth?
Ms Dava just ran a Spartan Race! Not CHIEF! NO WAY! He and Ms Dava connect the tenets of Jame Clear's Atomic Habits book to Ms Dava's experience with the race. They talk about Creating Immediate Results, Tracking Your Progress, Offering Immediate Success, and the value of Surprise and Delight. It's all about strengthening yourself so that your can strengthen your character!
Make it easy! That's the third law of developing Atomic Habits. Yeah, RIGHT! Make it easy is easier said than done! Ms Dava and Chief discuss how to make it easiER. Atomic Habits author, James Clear, shares his 2-minute Rule that Chief translates into breaking the habit up into small parts so that you don't overwhelm yourself. But, whatever works, works!
Ms Dava and Chief continue their discussion on James Clear's book Atomic Habits by focusing on Mike it Obvious. What does that mean? How do we do it? What are the effects of doing it?
Ms Dava and Chief share their perspectives on the tenets of James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, including make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying.
Chief shares some thoughts about 9/11, where he was, how he felt, the impact of events, etc. Ms Dava wasn't yet born.... The Nation's character changed then forever more.
Finishing up their discussion of Chief's book, The College Freshman's BEYOND Survival Guide!, Chief and Ms Dava share what they're grateful for and what we all should be grateful for on a daily basis. It may not be easy, but it's worth it!
Have FUN! Learn SOMETHING! Now, Make a DIFFERENCE! That's what Ms Dava and Chief discuss in this episode. Making a difference can be difficult if you don't know who you're trying to help. Does what you think makes them better actually what makes them better? How do you know? Yeah, more questions.....
Having discussed the first lesson in Chief's book, The College Freshman's Beyond Survival Guide, which is Have Fun!, Ms Dava and Chief discuss the next lesson, which is, Learn Something! What SHOULD you learn your first year of college and beyond? And how does that happen? Listen in and you may learn the answers.
Ms Dava and Chief discuss the first tenet of his book, The College Freshman BEYOND Survival Guide, Have FUN! But what is that, anyway? What does FUN mean? How do you ensure that having fun is an effective way to create Leaders of Character? Listen closely....
It's the time of year when many youngsters are preparing for the next chapter in their lives, college! Ms Dava and Chief begin a series of discussions based on his and his daughter's book, The College Freshman BEYOND Survival Guide, that will help empower a future Leader of Character as they embark on a new adventure.
Last episode, Chief left y'all and Ms Dava with a thought that he said he'd share and discuss this episode. And so here it is! Chief and Ms Dava discuss Abraham Malow's Hierarchy of Needs, particularly, the highest need. They even get into the discussion of what love means. A lot of meat in this episode.
Dava's been reading again! And has some questions that may, or may not, stump the Chief. The book she's been reading is Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People. Believe it or not, Chief has never read the book. No excuse! He has an opinion on what Ms Dava asks relating to the book and its tenets.
Is there a difference between discipline and punishment? Are you a Leader of Character? Do you know the difference? Ms Dava and Chief share some thoughts, experiences, and events that describe the difference between the two terms. BTW, there IS a difference!
What happens when you don't live up to something you said you would do? Is there a way to apologize or make amends so that both people are not offended or hurt? That's the topic that Ms Dava and Chief discuss. It's real-world stuff. And it builds character.
Ms Dava experiences some real conflicts in her new job. The theory of conflict resolution is all well and good, but when it actually happens in life, it can be difficult to resolve because it involves real people, real-time. Chief suggests Acknowledging that WE create or are part of the conflict, choosing a Win-Win Mentality, among other methods.
Ms Dava reports back to Chief about how the week went after attempting to accomplish hers, and her husband's, Big Rocks. Chief suggests that we all have to prioritize ourselves FIRST.
Now that Ms Dava has time to read what she wants to read, having recently graduated from the University of Texas, she's selected The One-Minute Apology, written by Kenneth Blanchard & Margret Mc Bride. Chief gives Ms Dava his perspective.
Ms Dava and Chief discuss the foundations of self-help, which Chief suggests include four domains: values, purpose, vision, and influence, and how to improve them. Chief suggests that you have to begin at the beginning, by doing some self-assessment and discovery.
Ms Dava shares her perspective on what went on at her college, the University of Texas at Austin a few weeks ago.
Chief and Ms Dava continue their discussion on the merits of formal education vs trade schools. Is one more valuable, more important, than the other? Is there a balance to be struck?
As Ms Dava gets ready to graduate from college, Chief asks her for her perspective on the value of formal education. Is it still important? Why? Does everyone need a college degree? What's the alternative?
Still discussing conflict resolution, Chief suggest a revolutionary way of thinking about the topic and how to apply different methods.
Ms Dava and Chief discuss how to resolve conflicts. WAIT! Do they? Or is there a conflict between them that needs resolving?
Ms Dava and Chief discuss the importance of communication in any relationship and how to improve on it.
Chief and Ms Dava conclude their discussion on the Character Identity Discovery Process proposing that the measure of our identity is based on what we do and don't do.
Ms Dava and Chief ponder the question of whether we have multiple identities or just one with different parts.
Ms Dava and Chief continue their discussion on the Character Identity Discovery Process, I DO!, as they touch on topics such as procrastinating, the OODA Loop, and the power of saying no.
Having discussed the first two parts of Chief's Character Identity Development Process in previous episodes, Ms Dava and Chief discuss the third part of the process that Chief calls "I DO!" Our character is measured by what we do, but doing what we know we should is not necessarily, nor always, easy. It takes a deep commitment. Here are their thoughts.
Ms Dava and Chief finish off their discussion on the second step of the Character Identity Discovery Process, I WILL!, by sharing their thoughts on such topics as respect, forgiveness, motivation, and accountability, and their importance to helping one discover their Character Identity.
To know but not to do is not to know. The first part of the process, the I CAN!, is important but is of no value until you DO IT! That is a matter of commitment, which is the I WILL! In this episode, Ms Dava and Chief discuss how to make that commitment. It takes discipline and willfulness. And it works best when it's habitual!
Ms Dava and Chief introduce the idea of willingness as part of the Character Identity Discovery Process. It follows the self-efficacy part of "I can."
Chief and Ms Dava continue their discussion on the Character Identity Development Process, particularly the power of self-efficacy.
Chief mentioned a four-part identity/integrity process last episode that he and Ms Dava discuss more deeply in this episode, specifically the first step, which is I Can or self-efficacy.
Ms Dava and Chief share their thoughts on what the future might hold and how to envision the future. The holidays are a good time to seek solitude and answer the most powerful questions such as what ARE my values, purpose, vision, and influencers, and how will they affect my character development? This episode concludes Season 2. We'll take a break and return in mid-January 2024. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Chief and Ms Dava discuss some things that happened this past season that they call blessings and the value of assessing and measuring past achievements and plans as part of creating our character.
Ms Dava and Chief share what they're grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday, which includes their listeners. Thank you! And Happy Thanksgiving!
As a new mom, Ms Dava's purpose and priorities have changed. Purpose and values are key parts of a person's character. Ms Dava's character has grown a lot in the past few months.
First of all, BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Ms Dava and her husband, Jacob, on the birth of their son, Joel! Chief and Ms Dava talk about the biggest character test of her life. New responsibilities require adapting to a new life.
Ms Dava is having a baby soon, very soon, so we'll be taking a break until after the baby is born. She needs to focus on more important things. Blessings for an easy birth, Ms Dava!
We all know that all high school and college students cheat! Or do they? Why do they, if they do? What's the answer?
Diet, rest, and sleep are critical to maintaining a resilient body. Here are some thoughts on how to do that.
Ms Dava and Chief share some thoughts and ideas regarding the importance and value of physical fitness to maintaining and sustaining a person's resiliency. Gotta take care of the vessel to be a Leader of character!
What is your life's purpose and how do you find it? Those are the topics Ms Dava and Chief discuss in this episode.
We're constantly bombarded with influences, but, ultimately, our values are still a choice.
You may think you know what's important to you, but do you know what the labels you use mean? Yeah, more defining stuff....
It's very difficult to discuss or understand a topic if you don't know what it means first. We start our discussion on VALUES by defining the term.
Gratitude and humility are foundational virtues that Leaders of Character practice daily.
A Leader of character is selfless. It's not about him or her. But where does one get that CHARACTERistic?
A Leader of Character does what's right! But what does that mean? By who's measure and perspective?
Chief Bob Vásquez, and Ms Dava Flowers introduce themselves, sharing who they are and where they're from physically and philosophically.