Coaching for Leaders: Episode 730 - How to Take Initiative with Tom Henschel

Introduction

In Episode 730 of Coaching for Leaders, host Dave Stachowiak engages in a profound conversation with Tom Henschel, an esteemed executive coach and host of the acclaimed podcast The Look and Sound of Leadership. Released on April 21, 2025, this episode delves into the essential skill of taking initiative within leadership roles. Drawing from over 15 years of leadership experience at Dale Carnegie and his extensive work with senior leaders globally, Tom Henschel offers actionable insights to empower listeners to embrace and cultivate initiative effectively.

Understanding Initiative: Perception vs. Intention

The episode begins with Dave highlighting a universal challenge: the struggle to both take initiative personally and to foster it in others. He introduces the notion that initiative is often "in the eye of the beholder," a concept Tom elaborates on early in the conversation.

Notable Quote:

Tom Henschel [02:23]: "Initiative is in the eye of the beholder. Your action shows up, the initiative you took shows up, but your intention does not."

Tom explains that well-meaning actions can sometimes be misinterpreted. For instance, sending an email intended to help might be seen as irrelevant or untimely by a superior, highlighting the gap between intention and perception.

Personal Experiences: Dave's Journey with Initiative

Dave shares his early career struggles with taking initiative, despite his efforts and creativity. He recounts receiving repeated feedback about lacking initiative, leading to confusion and missed opportunities. This personal anecdote underscores the episode's central theme: understanding how others perceive our actions.

Notable Quote:

Dave Stachowiak [03:06]: "I thought I was taking initiative... but in their minds, I wasn't showing initiative at all, at least not in the things that mattered to them."

Reflecting on his growth, Dave acknowledges that his initial efforts were insufficient in making significant organizational impacts, a realization that aligns with Tom's insights.

Tom's Three Steps to Taking Initiative

Tom Henschel outlines a three-step framework to effectively take and encourage initiative within leadership contexts:

1. Think and Talk About Your Work

   Tom emphasizes the importance of actively thinking about one's work and articulating ideas. Whether through reflection or conversation, externalizing thoughts can surface new insights and opportunities for initiative.

   Notable Quote:

   Tom Henschel [06:21]: "If you would like to get better at taking initiative, the very first thing you need to do is to start thinking actively about your work."

   Dave echoes this by highlighting the value of diverse perspectives in uncovering blind spots, reinforcing the necessity of dialogue in leadership.

2. Execute on Your Idea

   After formulating an idea, the next step is execution. Tom advises leaders to act decisively, balancing boldness with caution. He introduces the concept of a "bold continuum," encouraging incremental increases in boldness to drive meaningful change.

   Notable Quote:

   Tom Henschel [12:47]: "There is always room to move towards bold, even if it's just 5%."

   This approach helps leaders step out of their comfort zones gradually, fostering growth without overwhelming risk.

3. Communicate Effectively

   Communication is pivotal in ensuring that initiatives are understood and supported. Tom differentiates between advocating for an idea versus self-promotion, urging leaders to present their initiatives as beneficial to the organization rather than personal agendas.

   Notable Quote:

   Tom Henschel [18:09]: "You are advocating for the idea that you had... you're trying to be of service to the work."

   Effective communication involves preparing data, crafting compelling narratives, and aligning initiatives with organizational goals to garner support and momentum.

Overcoming Challenges to Initiative

Throughout the discussion, Dave and Tom address common obstacles that impede initiative, such as fear of judgment, uncertainty, and reluctance to overstep boundaries. Tom provides practical strategies to navigate these challenges:

• Assumption-Based Action:

  When unsure, Tom encourages making informed assumptions and proceeding with actions based on those assumptions. This method allows leaders to take initiative without being paralyzed by indecision.

  Notable Quote:

  Tom Henschel [25:20]: "If you make an assumption, know that you've made that assumption, and communicate about it."

• Commitment to No Questions in Emails:

  Tom shares a personal strategy of avoiding questions in emails to compel decision-making and initiative. By framing communications as statements, leaders are prompted to make clear choices and take responsibility.

  Notable Quote:

  Tom Henschel [26:12]: "If you have a question, see if you can turn it into a statement. It forces you to take initiative."

These techniques empower leaders to act proactively, fostering a culture of initiative within their teams.

Practical Tips and Anecdotes

Tom illustrates his points with relatable stories, enhancing the episode's practical value:

• Childhood Lessons on Initiative:

  Reflecting on his upbringing, Tom recounts how his parents instilled a sense of responsibility and proactive behavior in him. This foundation was beneficial during his early team experiences but posed challenges when transitioning to leadership roles, where decision-making became paramount.

  Notable Quote:

  Tom Henschel [27:24]: "When you're the leader, you're suddenly making the work... I didn't know how to take initiative for them and make the decisions they needed."

• Real-World Example from Tom's Son:

  Tom shares a story about his friend's son taking initiative by directly engaging with a coach to secure a position, illustrating the effectiveness of proactive behavior.

  Notable Quote:

  Tom Henschel [24:10]: "The kid goes down the hall, sits down, talks to the coach... he took initiative."

These anecdotes serve as powerful reminders of the impact and importance of taking initiative in various contexts.

Conclusion

Episode 730 of Coaching for Leaders offers a comprehensive exploration of taking initiative, blending personal experiences with professional expertise. Tom Henschel's three-step framework—think and talk about your work, execute on your idea, and communicate effectively—provides a clear roadmap for leaders seeking to enhance their proactive behaviors. By addressing common challenges and offering practical strategies, the episode equips listeners with the tools necessary to transform initiative from a perceived shortfall into a demonstrable leadership strength.

Further Resources

Towards the end of the episode, Dave recommends several episodes from Tom Henschel's The Look and Sound of Leadership podcast for listeners seeking to deepen their understanding of leadership nuances:

• Episode 166: Leadership versus Management

  Explores the distinctions between leadership and management, emphasizing that management addresses complexity while leadership drives change.

• Episode 239: 5 Strategies for Dealing with Narcissists

  Provides practical approaches for navigating relationships with individuals exhibiting narcissistic tendencies in leadership roles.

• Episode 250: How to Answer "Tell Us About Yourself"

  Offers guidance on effectively responding to open-ended questions in interviews and professional settings.

• Episode 254: How to Talk So People Understand You

  Introduces the "sorting and labeling" framework to enhance communication clarity and effectiveness.

Dave also encourages listeners to engage with additional resources available at CoachingforLeaders.com, including a comprehensive leadership and management library accessible through a free membership.

Final Thoughts

Tom Henschel's insights in this episode are invaluable for leaders aiming to cultivate a proactive mindset. By understanding the perceptions surrounding initiative and implementing structured steps to enhance it, leaders can drive meaningful change within their organizations. This conversation not only highlights the importance of taking initiative but also offers tangible strategies to overcome the barriers that often impede it.