HCI Webinar Recap: Shifting from a Doer to a Leader Mindset, with Kelli Thompson

In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Kelli Thompson about shifting from a doer to a leader mindset. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!

Watch the episode here:

Quick Recap

Jonathan and Kelli discussed the challenges of transitioning from a doer to a leader role, emphasizing the importance of trust, delegation, and empowering team members. They also explored strategies for leaders to manage their time more effectively and the need for leaders to step out of meetings where they are not needed.

Shifting From Doer to Leader

Jonathan and Kelli begin their conversation about shifting from a doer mindset to a leader mindset. Jonathan expresses his interest in the topic, acknowledging that while he identifies as a doer, this might limit his effectiveness as a leader. Kelli, introduced as an award-winning executive coach and author, shares that she spent over 15 years in corporate America and discusses topics she personally struggled with, including the transition from doer to leader.

Transitioning From Doer to Leader

Jonathan and Kelli discussed the challenges of transitioning from a doer to a leader role, particularly in corporate environments. Kelli shared her personal experience of struggling to delegate tasks and coach others, as she was accustomed to being a high achiever and doing things herself. They agreed that this shift requires a significant change in mindset and can be uncomfortable, as leaders often feel the need to intervene and correct others' mistakes. Kelli emphasized the importance of leaders learning to sit with the discomfort of watching others struggle and to trust their team members to learn and grow from their experiences. They also noted that this transition can be a barrier to career advancement, as leaders who constantly intervene may be perceived as indispensable but not as executive material.

Transitioning to Strategic Leadership Challenges

Jonathan discussed the challenges of transitioning from a hands-on, task-oriented role to a more strategic leadership position. He highlighted the importance of trust, delegation, and empowering team members to achieve their goals. Jonathan also noted that some leaders struggle with this transition due to a fear of not being seen as valuable or productive, which can lead to micromanaging and a lack of trust in their team members.

Building Trust Through Delegation

Jonathan and Kelli discussed the importance of trust and delegation in leadership roles. Kelli emphasized the need to delegate tasks with low stakes to build trust and psychological safety within a team. She suggested that leaders should identify areas where they can delegate tasks without fear of mistakes, as these mistakes can lead to learning opportunities. Jonathan agreed, stating that delegation should be a regular part of a leader's daily interactions with their team. They also discussed the need for leaders to step out of meetings where they are not needed, to allow their team members to develop and grow.

Effective Time Management Strategies

Kelli and Jonathan discussed strategies for leaders to manage their time more effectively. Kelli suggested that leaders should first acknowledge their emotions, such as resentment or frustration, as a sign that something is out of alignment with their values and talents. She then advised them to identify the most draining task on their plate and consider whether it could be dumped, delegated, or outsourced. Jonathan emphasized the importance of intentionality in using the freed-up time for strategic activities or empowering others. He also noted that this shift in mindset requires effort to maintain and protect.

Listen to the webinar here: