This is an example of one of Tim’s “habitudes,” which he made the subject of a book by the same name, Habitutes: Images that Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes, one of 37 books he has published. “We think in pictures,” explained Elmore. “So the premise is that if you can see it, you can feel it and then start talking about it, which invites you to do something about it — whatever it is.”
A former track and field competitor himself, Tim has helped sports powerhouses like Ohio State and LSU, and corporate juggernauts like Home Depot and Chick-fil-A, improve team performance by visualizing excellence while learning to embrace ideas that may seem contradictory at first but can lead to great insight.
“We live in an either/or world,” Tim observed. “It’s polarized right now. But when I studied leaders who were uncommonly effective, I noticed they actually combined ideas and practices that seemed contradictory or paradoxical.” For example, when they were in a meeting with a group of people, they needed to speak as if they believed they were right, but they listened to others as if they believed they might be wrong.
In this episode, Tim offers counter-intuitive paradoxes from his new book that, when practiced, enable today’s leaders to differentiate themselves and better connect with their team and customers.
You will learn:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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