Episode 197 - Are You a Toxic Leader Without Knowing It?

Welcome to another episode of Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! Today we have an insightful discussion lined up with our special guest, Kimberly J. Benoit. Kimberly, an expert in leadership and organizational culture, delves into her personal journey of reflecting on her own leadership mistakes and how she realized that others might have perceived her as a poor leader. We'll explore why labeling leaders as "toxic" can be misleading and how good intentions sometimes lead to poor outcomes. In this episode, Kimberly emphasizes the role of self-awareness and introspection in leadership, especially in the blurred lines between work and personal life brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. She advocates for authenticity in the workplace, highlighting how allowing team members to bring their true selves to work can boost engagement and productivity. Kimberly also shares practical strategies for managing distractions, the power of continuous feedback, and the importance of building trust within teams. Additionally, we'll touch on the benefits of meditation for enhancing self-awareness and stress management, with Kimberly's personal techniques and apps like "Insight Timer" taking center stage. From creating a culture of anytime feedback to addressing foundational trust issues within organizations, this episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders and professionals alike. So, tune in as we explore how incremental steps toward mindfulness and intentional self-awareness can lead to transformative changes in both personal and professional realms. Time stamps: 00:00 Reflecting on past behavior and defensiveness. 05:28 Leadership training lacks focus on self-awareness. 06:33 Consultants address symptoms, not actual problems. 09:34 Self-awareness and asking difficult questions are crucial. 15:41 Constant feedback overwhelmed me; mentor provided support. 17:11 Became reliant on consistent feedback for growth. 21:03 Balancing authenticity with stage presence feedback. 25:24 Accountability is key to team trust culture. 26:55 Apply workplace relationship skills at home. 32:39 Deep breathing induces calmness and relaxation. 35:16 Focus on self-pride, not just self-criticism. Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-j-benoit/ Website: https://kimberlyjbenoit.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij