TEDxAsheville: The Power of Self-Awareness

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How Can Leaders Maximize Their Potential and Create High-Performing Teams?

In this episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture podcast, Dr. William L. Sparks and host Nicole Greer explore the intricacies of leadership and team dynamics. Dr. Sparks discusses the concept of self-actualization in leadership, the impact of a leader’s shadow on team culture, and the importance of understanding team and individual motivations. They touch upon the five dimensions of teamwork and offer strategies for enhancing team performance. The conversation also covers the necessity of leadership commitment to team development and the application of assessments to foster organizational change. Practical advice is given on implementing development processes and prioritizing personal growth. The episode concludes with resources for further learning and engagement with Dr. Sparks’ work.

🌟 Main Lessons & Ideas:

• Discover the nine attributes of self-actualized leaders and how they can transform your leadership style.
• Learn about the three unique team shadows and how they shape your team’s culture – whether it’s detached, dramatic, or dependent.
• Dive into the five dimensions of teamwork that are critical for a high-performing team: communication, conflict management, engagement, purpose, and trust.

Will Sparks discusses his new book, 'Actualized Teamwork: Unlocking the Culture Code for Optimal Performance,' which focuses on team actualization and the impact of leaders on team culture will be released in May 2024. He emphasizes the importance of leaders acknowledging their shadows and the impact they have on the team. The journey towards team actualization begins with awareness, acknowledgement, and assimilation of the team's culture. Sparks introduces the concept of the Actualized Team Profile (ATP) framework, which helps individuals understand their unique styles and shadows and their impact on team culture. He also discusses the different types of team cultures, such as detached, dramatic, dependent, and dynamic, and the importance of creating a dynamic culture for optimal performance. The conversation with Will Sparks focused on the concept of actualized teamwork and the assessment tool he has developed to measure team culture. The assessment tool, called the Actualized Team Profile (ATP), provides a snapshot of a team's culture and identifies areas for improvement. The ATP measures four dimensions of team culture: dynamic, detached, dramatic, and dependent. Will Sparks emphasized the importance of being in range in all four dimensions for a team to be fully actualized. He also discussed the non-linear nature of team development and the need for regular reassessment. The conversation also touched on the insights shared by leaders who have embraced actualized teamwork, including the importance of open communication, reflection after difficult conversations, and the role of trust and purpose in team dynamics. 

How can you harness the power of organizational culture to drive optimal performance in your nonprofit? In episode 260 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dr. Will Sparks, an expert in leadership and organizational culture, delves deep into the dynamics of culture, leadership, and team performance. Drawing from his extensive research and experience, Will unpacks the nuances of leadership influence and the role of executive tenure in shaping organizational culture. He explores the challenges and opportunities for new leaders in transforming established cultures, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and candid communication. From navigating board dynamics to founding the Center for Human and Organizational Potential (CHOP), Will offers actionable strategies and valuable insights for nonprofit leaders seeking to cultivate a culture of excellence. 

Accurately assessing your strengths and weaknesses can guide you to treating yourself and others better. Dr. William Sparks shares the personal benefits of increased self-awareness with Katherine Kam in this Washington Post article.

There's a noticeable uptick in the use of narcissism across social media to describe people in our personal and professional lives. In this episode, Erika Weed, dives deep into her dissertation research as a Doctoral candidate around how narcissistic traits show up in leadership, the impacts, and the benefits of narcissistic leadership to organizations.  She'll explain how to effectively manage work relationships with those who are higher in narcissistic traits and describe how organizations can support these leaders for the success of the leader and the organization. Tune in to the very end for Erika's take on her most recently encountered paradigm shift. 

How do great leaders actualize their highest potential? Self-awareness is foundational for both leadership effectiveness and personal growth. As famed Swiss psychologist Carl Jung once said, “We don’t become enlightened by pretending to be perfect. Instead, we step into our brightest light and highest potential when we dare to face our shadow in the darkness.” In this episode, Dr. William Sparks, walks us through his leadership assessment tool and framework for better understanding our dominant motive needs. He’ll also walk us through some ways to manage our leadership shadows so they don’t manage us.  Tune in to the very end for Will's take on his most recently encountered paradigm shift. 

What is your leadership shadow, and why should you worry about it?  That's exactly what Dr. Will Sparks and I discuss in episode #14 of the Path. He's spent 20 years researching the characteristics of great leaders, and also the "shadow" side of their leadership styles which often hold them back in ways they're not even aware.  Will and I  explore  the practical aspects   of his studies, and how nonprofit  leaders can   amplify their positive qualities - but more   importantly - identify specific ways to identify their shadow side and do something  about it. You'll see how this can not only accelerate your  journey on the leadership path, but also create a more dynamic and  productive environment for  your staff, board and volunteer colleagues.   

"If we don't manage our leadership shadow, it will manage us.