Coaching for Leaders Podcast Summary: "Help People Generate Solutions, with Nanette Metzger"

Release Date: March 7, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In the episode titled "Help People Generate Solutions," host Dave Stachowiak engages in a profound conversation with Nanette Metzger, a Sales Manager in the food service industry and an alumna of the Coaching for Leaders Academy. This discussion delves into the art of fostering solution-oriented teams and the transformative impact of effective leadership practices.

Nanette’s Role as a Sales Manager

Nanette begins by outlining her multifaceted role as a sales manager overseeing a team of twelve experienced individuals. Her responsibilities span ensuring next-day grocery deliveries, managing time-sensitive logistics, and expanding the company's business footprint. She emphasizes the dynamic nature of her work, which oscillates between "dealing with regular issues to the futuristic standpoint of trying to develop new relationships, new deals, [and] new customers" (02:06).

Nanette Metzger: "My day can vary from anything from dealing with regular issues to the futuristic standpoint of trying to develop new relationships, develop new deals, develop new customers." (01:12)

Discovering the Coaching for Leaders Podcast

Nanette shares her initial encounter with the Coaching for Leaders Podcast, which occurred during a pivotal moment when she was unexpectedly promoted to a leadership role. Uncertain about her ability to lead a seasoned team, she sought resources to bolster her leadership skills.

Nanette Metzger: "I was standing in front of the mirror and trying to get dressed in the morning and I googled good leadership podcast and you were actually the first one that came up." (03:15)

Her preference for practical, candid discussions over theoretical classroom settings drew her to Dave’s podcast, leading to her application to the Academy.

Joining the Coaching for Leaders Academy

Nanette explains her motivation for joining the Coaching for Leaders Academy, highlighting her desire for "objectivity, outside perspective, collaboration, and real life getting traction on things" (06:56). She sought a peer group where she could openly discuss daily challenges and receive actionable feedback, rather than engaging with traditional, textbook-based leadership training.

Nanette Metzger: "That's really, truly what was provided in, in all honesty, objectivity, outside perspective, collaboration and, and real life getting traction on things. It's not just theory, it's taking action." (06:56)

Focus Areas in the Academy

Upon joining the Academy, Nanette identified three key focus areas that significantly impacted her leadership style:

1. Accountability
2. Situational Learning
3. Input and Organization

These areas served as touchstones for her development, ensuring she concentrated on aspects that would most effectively support her team.

Nanette Metzger: "The first one was accountability. The second one was situational learning. And then the third one was my input and organization..." (07:28)

Commitment to Becoming a Listening Leader

One of Nanette’s most transformative commitments was adopting the identity of a "listening leader." This practice involved "shutting up and listening," incorporating an eight-second silence in conversations to allow team members to fully express their thoughts without interruption.

Nanette Metzger: "I wanted to take on the identity of being a listening leader. But being a listening leader meant that I had to shut up and I had to listen." (08:19)

This approach was inspired by a strategy discussed in a cohort session, emphasizing the importance of patience and active listening in leadership.

Impact of the Listening Commitment

Implementing the listening leadership model introduced initial awkwardness in conversations, both for Nanette and her team. However, this discomfort proved to be a catalyst for positive change. Team members began taking greater ownership of their responsibilities and developing confidence in their decision-making abilities.

Nanette Metzger: "They've taken ownership over their decisions. It's given them the confidence and them the development in their skills to handle and to tackle things just head on." (14:55)

Moreover, when team members approached Nanette for assistance, they did so with well-thought-out business cases, demonstrating foresight and preparedness.

Nanette Metzger: "Whenever they do come to me with something that needs intervention, they're coming with a business case, they're coming with facts, they're coming prepared." (15:47)

Reflections and Lessons Learned

Nanette reflects on the shift from traditional learning methods to situational learning, underscoring the importance of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Her experience with the Academy reinforced that effective leadership stems from continuous action and feedback within one’s environment.

Nanette Metzger: "It's having action in my daily life. It's having action in my reality, action in my world, and feedback in my world." (18:03)

This pragmatic approach has not only enhanced her professional capabilities but also enriched her personal growth.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Dave wraps up the conversation by reiterating the value of situational learning and practical leadership development over traditional, theory-based methods. He invites listeners who are at a "leadership inflection point" to apply to the Coaching for Leaders Academy, emphasizing the program's commitment to fostering growth-minded leadership through real-time support and collaboration.

Dave Stachowiak: "Leadership gets harder at inflection points. If you're ready to get moving together with other leaders and me, I hope you'll apply." (19:59)

Key Takeaways

• Active Listening: Implementing intentional silence can significantly enhance team communication and autonomy.

• Situational Learning: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios fosters deeper understanding and skill development.

• Empowerment Through Accountability: Encouraging team members to take ownership cultivates confidence and problem-solving capabilities.

• Continuous Feedback: Regular, objective feedback from peers and mentors accelerates personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes

• Nanette Metzger: "I wanted to take on the identity of being a listening leader. But being a listening leader meant that I had to shut up and I had to listen." (08:19)

• Nanette Metzger: "They've taken ownership over their decisions. It's given them the confidence and them the development in their skills to handle and to tackle things just head on." (14:55)

• Dave Stachowiak: "Leadership gets harder at inflection points. If you're ready to get moving together with other leaders and me, I hope you'll apply." (19:59)

For more insights and to apply to the Coaching for Leaders Academy, visit CoachingforLeaders.com.

Note: Timestamps correspond to sections of the podcast transcript for reference.