Strategies to Lead Your Company Forward to the Future of Work

Episode 250: In this episode, you’ll hear David catching up with Dan Michelson, the author of “Holy Shift: Moving Your Company Forward to the Future of Work.” They tackle how critical trust is among leaders and the pivotal mindset shift needed to adeptly maneuver through the evolving work environment. Dan highlights the key elements like fostering community, opening doors for growth, cementing solid connections, and enriching employee experiences. He advocates for a transition from traditional management to a coaching approach, emphasizing personal growth and a culture of belonging. Dan shares actionable advice for leaders aiming to nurture community and connection in their teams.

Navigating the Future of Work: A Journey with Dan Michelson

0:00-0:23: Dive into an enlightening chat with Dan Michelson, the genius behind “Holy Shift.” He shares a golden nugget right off the bat: trust isn’t just about receiving; it’s about giving it freely as a leader.

0:23-2:03: David celebrates a milestone episode and a deep dive into the seismic shifts in our work landscape. The conversation teases a future focus on resolving workplace conflicts.

2:03-4:03: Dan commends the podcast’s success and emphasizes optimism in leadership. He suggests that leaders now, more than ever, are pivotal in navigating through challenges with a forward-looking attitude.

Embracing Change: The Power of Trust and Optimism in Leadership

4:03-5:36: Reflecting on his journey, Dan shares his unexpected path to leadership. It was shaped by personal challenges and a drive to make a difference.

5:36-7:19: Dan dives into the essence of leadership and underlines the power of making people and situations better. This will reshape our understanding of what it means to lead.

7:19-9:30: David and Dan discuss the often-overlooked aspects of leadership. A couple of examples are the role of insecurity as a driving force behind striving for excellence and the importance of self-evaluation.

9:30-11:56: Transitioning to Dan’s current endeavors, he introduces us to his innovative approach to fostering connections within organizations, especially in a remote work environment.

15:06-17:06: They explore a three-step methodology to embrace the future of work: recognizing the shift, changing mindsets, and putting plans into action to navigate through these changes effectively.

17:11-18:46: The discussion turns to setting ambitious goals for leaders, aiming to make your organization the best place employees have ever worked.

20:02-24:22: Addressing the CEO’s perspective, the conversation highlights the underlying reasons for wanting employees back in the office.  They are focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term productivity.

25:32-29:12: AI’s impact on the workplace is also scrutinized. Dan emphasized the dual nature of AI as both a threat and an opportunity, depending on one’s adaptability and willingness to learn.

29:12-33:17: The shift from managing to coaching is discussed as crucial for modern leadership, emphasizing the importance of continuous, meaningful interaction with employees.

Connecting the Dots: Cultivating Community and Purpose in the Workplace

33:58-37:30: They delve into the CORE framework, which focuses on Community, Opportunity, Relationships, and Experiences, as a foundation for addressing productivity, engagement, and retention.

37:30-44:59: Dan provides actionable advice for leaders to cultivate a sense of community and belonging within their teams. He urges you, as a leader, to personalize the company’s mission and values for your employees.

45:58-52:49: Wrapping up, Dan encourages leaders to facilitate conversations that allow employees to connect their personal experiences with the company’s goals, fostering a stronger sense of community and purpose.

This episode with Dan Michelson not only sheds light on the evolving nature of work but also provides practical insights for leaders to adapt and thrive in the future of work.

Thank you To Our Guest

Dan Michelson is the author of “Holy Shift: Moving Your Company Forward to the Future of Work” and CEO of InCommon which helps people grow their company and career by providing a dedicated, digital place to create relationships and build their professional network.