03: Character Trumps Competence

Welcome to Let's Talk Family Enterprise, a podcast that explores the ideas, concepts and models that best serve Family enterprise Advisors in strengthening their clients.   This episode explores the idea of character. Your host Ruth Steverlynck is joined by Greg McCann, family business owner, Founder, Principal, and executive coach of McCann & Associates, a consulting firm for family enterprises.   Key Takeaways [:16] Ruth introduces Greg and invites him to talk a little bit about his background. [3:00] Ruth and Greg define character for the purposes of this podcast and its double importance for family enterprise advisors. [5:58] Is there any research to substantiate this idea that families are looking for more than just expertise? [11:07] Because this is a very introspective process, Greg suggests four gears to modulate in order to better your practice as an advisor. [16:07] The 30-second rule. [18:13] Ruth summarizes the four gears: problem-solving, feedback, coaching, and validation. [20:27] Greg shares some tangible practices for working on your character: create some white space for yourself, find someone neutral who can give you feedback, find someone to listen to you. [25:25] Greg shares additional resources for listeners. [26:46] Ruth thanks Greg for his time and experience and invites listeners to subscribe and tune in for the next episodes.   Mentioned in this episode Let's Talk Family Enterprise podcast is brought to you by Family Enterprise Xchange Greg McCann & Associates Book: When Your Parents Sign the Paychecks: Finding Success Inside or Outside the Family Enterprise, by Greg McCann Book: Who Do You Think You Are?: Aligning Your Character And Reputation, by Greg McCann Family Office Exchange Center for Creative Leadership resources on feedback Myers & Briggs Book: The Road to Character, by David Brooks Book: Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation In Everyday Life, by Jon Kabat-Zinn   More about Family Enterprise Xchange Family Enterprise Xchange FEX on Facebook FEX on Twitter FEX on LinkedIn FEX on YouTube   More about our guest Greg McCann's bio on Greg McCann & Associates Greg McCann at Cornell's SC Johnson College of Business Greg McCann on LinkedIn