Bar chats about leadership - theme #2

Welcome back – My chat with AJ

As mentioned in my intro post, I had the opportunity to speak with 40+ successful business leaders about key traits that distinguish exceptional leaders and how they cultivate these skills. Most of my conversations were casual chats at a bar; several while I served as their bartender (I took some time away from the corporate world to be a bartender).? The leaders I spoke with were from different industries and have roles such as CFOs, CIOs, CMOs, heads of sales, regions, industry practices, and business units.

My aim now is to share excerpts of these conversations as a guide for the next wave of leaders. I've identified 5 key themes. Think of these posts like a cocktail recipe—a blend of leadership tips to create a complete drink. I welcome your perspectives (please see the questions at the end). Let's engage in this discussion as if we're chatting at a friendly bar. ?Cheers!

Theme #2: ?Content is king - build credibility by immersing yourself in a topic relevant to your role. Invest the necessary time and effort to attain a high level of expertise. AJ described it as “squeezing your brain.”

A bit about AJ:

·???????? Senior partner at a global management consulting firm

·???????? Originally from the UK, lives in New York City

·???????? 25+ years of leadership experience

·???????? Advises ‘Fortune 100’ companies on business, marketing, product, and operations strategies

·???????? Highly analytical, curious, and uses metaphors in storytelling

·???????? AJ’s go to mocktail/cocktail - Negroni https://www.moodymixologist.com/blog/how-to-make-a-perfect-negroni-cocktail

As with RK and most of the leaders I spoke with, AJ told me his leadership behaviors largely happened by adopting qualities he admired in others, and then “making it my own”.

"When I see a quality or behavior in a leader that really strikes a chord, even if I don't necessarily connect with that person on a personal level, I note it, adapt it, and then make it a part of my own leadership style. It's been a crucial tool in my development as a leader."

AJ shared a story of how he became a champion of Content is King:

·???????? When I was a new partner leading one piece of a large M&A project, the managing partner overseeing the entire engagement was relentless about details.? He would say 'No detail is too small... every member of the team (including himself) is accountable for the quality, delivery, and the minutiae!' He would meticulously prepare for client meetings…often gather the team in a 'war room' to brainstorm potential questions the client might ask. He kept a list of these questions and asked the team for possible responses. For each response, he made sure someone had the data and specifics to support the position. These sessions were long and intense, but I have to say when I walked out of the room, I felt empowered and confident, and so did the team. This leader taught me that there's tremendous power in truly knowing the subject matter... he taught me to think deeper- to squeeze my brain. If you share a high-level position with someone, you need to be ready with the details to support it… preparation is key. ?I aim to be a leader who never shirks my responsibility of doing the homework, especially when situations get messy…and the more prepared you are, the more effortlessly you'll come across! ?It’s not complicated.”

AJ also uses this approach to build his professional relationships. “Being well prepared (my team and I) to go deep on a topic is a fantastic way to build strong bonds. Even if it’s someone who doesn't see eye-to-eye with you, they know you will bring something valuable to the table because you’ve put in the work.”

A few questions:

1.?????? Do you have a specific area of expertise that defines you/is part of your brand?

2.?????? What is your approach to strengthen / deepen your expertise?

3.?????? If you like Negronis - please share your favorite sweet vermouth? It’s the magical part of this unusual 3 ingredient cocktail! ?My favorite - Carpano Antica Formula 1786. Here’s a few others to consider - https://imbibemagazine.com/5-to-try-vermouths-for-negronis/