The entirely frank and fearless Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch shares his decades of leadership wisdom in this episode as we grapple with the big question: What makes a good leader?
Oakland shares his experience as a combat arms officer in the US Army and his views on leadership, emphasising the need for accountability and servant leadership. We discuss decision-making, micromanagement, and the importance of honesty and realistic expectations, as well as the limitations of the education system and the need for more leadership role models.
Oakland recalls a dramatic change in leadership style from micromanagement to servant leadership that proved to be a lightbulb moment that was to shape his own leadership journey. This conversation, much like Oakland’s new book, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be, is really practical, insightful and useful.
Micromanagement is a leadership trap to avoid
Why you should listen: the revelations of servant leadership
Leadership that is not ‘all about you’
We explore important leadership characteristics
Leadership strategies for effective decision-making
Leading with integrity at all times
Your leadership standard sets the bar for others
Take action
The first is the concept of the "mama meter" for decision-making. This involves using the perspective of someone you trust and respect deeply, such as a mother figure, to evaluate the potential outcomes of a decision.
The second takeaway is the idea that micromanagement is detrimental to both the individual being micromanaged and the leader themselves.
Tip of the week: From my book, Loyalty, and it is a simple one: understand how your people like to be appreciated. Because, everyone wants to know that what they do matters.
About Colonel Oakland McCulloch
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch is a nationally recognised keynote speaker and the author of the 2021 release, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be.
Both his leadership presentation and his book are based on his 40+ years of leadership experience (23 years as a combat arms officer in the United States Army). In his work, Oak highlights principles that will benefit today’s leaders and inspire the leaders of tomorrow, in any profession and at any level of leadership.
Find out more: https://www.ltcoakmcculloch.com/
Key moments
Planet Human: The importance of access to information [00:00:04]
Planet Zoë: A new program around Wisdom and Power is emerging into the light [00:01:00]
Introduction to Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch [00:03:51]
Zoë introduces her guest, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch, and discusses his background and experience in leadership.
The first time realising leadership was about service [00:11:09]
Zoë asks about the first time Oakland realised leadership was about serving others.
The impact of a new major on leadership perspective [00:12:45]
Oakland shares a story about a new major in the army who had a different leadership style and emphasised the importance of people.
Fear of Consequences and Big Picture Thinking [00:21:34]
The conversation explores the fear of consequences that holds leaders back from making decisions and the reluctance to engage in big picture thinking due to a heavy workload.
Micromanagement and Brutal Honesty [00:23:27]
Oakland talks about the negative effects of micromanagement and the importance of delegating responsibilities.
The importance of ACT scores [00:29:26]
Discussion on the significance of ACT scores for aspiring doctors and the impact of a significant point difference.
Leadership potential and development [00:31:09]
Is leadership innate or learned? With examples of natural leaders and individuals who developed their leadership skills.
Taking responsibility as a leader [00:37:36]
And the importance of not delegating responsibility.
Elon Musk's Impact [00:38:35]
Discussion on Elon Musk's understanding of people, focus on results, and polarising nature.
Poor Decision-Making by Senior Leaders [00:39:16]
Exploration of senior leaders in government, military, and corporations making poor decisions and the negative impact on organisations.
Creating the Next Generation of Leaders [00:44:45]
Explanation of the concept of legacy in leadership, focusing on accomplishments and leaving behind a new generation of leaders.
The Mama Meter [00:49:07]
Using a trusted person's perspective to make decisions and ensure they align with values.
Micromanagement is misery [00:49:59]
Micromanagement hinders growth and responsibility, and leaders should plan ahead instead.
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About your host, Canberra leadership expert Zoë Routh:
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to navigate future horizons.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture sessions with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a near future science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast, dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing Big Ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.