Getting Unstuck: Being a Servant Leader – an Interview with Pat McHugh
Who is the best leader with whom you have ever worked? What made them so? Was it their technical knowledge of the work and the application of their experience? Was it how they led and worked with staff? A combination of these qualities?
In this episode, we hear from Pat McHugh, a highly inspirational and successful sales leader who epitomizes the idea of the “servant leader” – the leader who, as Pat describes the concept, leads from the “other,” and not the self, perspective. It’s the leader who “inspires people to try for extraordinary in all things they do everyday.”
“I don’t need you to jump out of airplanes; I just need you to sell some professional development!”
Listen for:
• The qualities Pat demonstrates to build a winning and sustained organizational culture.• What level of player Pat seeks to include on his team.
• Why it’s important to know your strengths, and define and demonstrate your unique qualities as a leader.
• Why leaders need to have strong powers of observation.
• Why it’s important to constantly check-in with yourself - to assess your behavior and how you’re interacting with others.
• How working with others is all about “improv.”
• How for Pat, jumping out of an airplane – with a parachute – was a metaphor for life.
• Why it’s important to lead where you are even if you’re not the titled leader of the organization.
Two entries on Pat’s list of “100 Things To Do Before I Die” were to collect fine art and classic guitars. What’s on your list?
After listening to the episode:
Pat’s approach to leadership is unique. He is himself as a leader. What are the qualities that make you unique and appreciated?
Try Pat’s exercise: identify the top 100 things you want to do in your life. Do it in one sitting, with one stream of consciousness.
Pat made the comment, ”I have a PhD in knowing how not to lead.” What qualities and behaviors would you not want to demonstrate as a leader?