Mick Unplugged: Episode Summary

Title: Matthew Kohut: Why Your Open Door Policy Isn't Enough
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Matthew Kohut
Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Mick Unplugged," host Mick Hunt engages in an insightful conversation with renowned communication coach and author, Matthew Kohut. Known for coaching presidential candidates, Fortune 500 CEOs, and TED speakers, Matthew delves deep into the intricacies of modern leadership, emphasizing the pivotal role of effective communication.

Discovering Your 'Because'

Mick Hunt introduces the concept of a leader’s "because"—a deeper driving force beyond the conventional "why." He poses the central question to Matthew:

Mick [01:25]: "Matt, what's your because? Why do you keep doing all the amazing things that you do?"

Matthew Kohut responds by highlighting the fundamental role of communication in human interaction and organizational success:

Matthew Kohut [01:44]: "Communication is at the heart of everything that we do as human animals... Communication gets me out of bed in the morning. Just the commitment to making people as good at it as they can possibly be is always something that makes me... it hasn't bored me yet."

This underscores Matthew’s passion for enhancing communication skills to drive personal and professional growth.

The Genesis of a Communication Expert

When asked about recognizing his talent, Matthew shares his journey from a writer to a communication specialist:

Matthew Kohut [02:37]: "I was a writer by training... working as a baby speechwriter... trying to figure out why some people are good at speaking and others struggle. This mystery unlocked the bigger question of communication for me."

His exploration into public speaking and interpersonal communication fueled his lifelong dedication to understanding and improving how we relate through words.

Strength and Warmth in Leadership

A significant portion of the discussion centers on strength and warmth, two critical attributes for modern leaders.

Mick Hunt poses a compelling question about balancing these traits under pressure:

Mick [06:31]: "How can modern leaders find the right balance of strength and warmth while they're under pressure?"

Matthew Kohut elaborates on these concepts:

Matthew Kohut [06:31]: "Strength is the capability to get things done, a combination of competence and assertiveness... Warmth is showing people you share their concerns and emotions, or at least you understand and account for them."

He emphasizes that effective leadership requires a nuanced balance of being task-oriented (strength) and people-oriented (warmth), adapting to the specific context and needs of the organization.

Navigating Political and Social Issues as Leaders

Matthew addresses the increasingly prevalent role of corporate leaders in political and social discourse, a theme he explores extensively in his book, "Speak Out."

Mick Hunt raises the challenge of leaders addressing divisive issues in real-time:

Mick [14:11]: "What's your advice to leaders who are seeing this for the first time, where immediate reactions are necessary?"

Matthew Kohut advises a strategic approach:

Matthew Kohut [14:11]: "You have to do some really quick risk-reward calculations... determine your audience and decide if taking a stance aligns with your organization's values and mission."

He stresses the importance of understanding the potential repercussions and aligning any public stance with the company's core values to maintain credibility and integrity.

Debunking Leadership Myths

The episode features Mick challenging common leadership clichés, with Matthew offering profound insights:

1. Myth: "I have an open-door policy."
   Matthew Kohut [21:47]: "Either you're present for people and they know they can have a direct line with you, or you're not. And yeah, I also think it's just not true usually."

2. Myth: "You never have to tell people how smart you are."
   Matthew Kohut [22:48]: "Using the language of the people you talk to is critically important. Simple language ensures clarity and relatability, avoiding intimidation and fostering connection."

3. Tip: "Get to know your team personally."
   Matthew Kohut [25:03]: "Breaking bread with people, having informal conversations, fosters trust and understanding, which are essential for effective leadership."

Through these discussions, Matthew dismantles outdated notions, advocating for authentic and empathetic leadership practices.

Practical Advice for Modern Leaders

Matthew Kohut offers actionable strategies for leaders to enhance their communication and leadership effectiveness:

1. Assess Your Strength and Warmth:
   Identify which attribute comes naturally and where there's room for growth. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or record yourself to gain objective insights.

2. Listen Actively:
   Emphasize listening over speaking to understand team members deeply, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

3. Use Clear and Simple Language:
   Avoid complex jargon. Clear communication ensures that your message is understood and resonates with a broader audience.

4. Align with Organizational Values:
   When addressing social or political issues, base your stance on the core values of your organization to ensure authenticity and consistency.

5. Build Personal Connections:
   Invest time in informal interactions with your team to build strong, trust-based relationships.

Harnessing Communication for Accountability

Discussion on the role of communication in maintaining accountability within an organization highlights its critical importance:

Matthew Kohut [20:38]: "You stand behind what you say. If people don't see you follow through, your credibility as a leader and the company's credibility suffer."

He underscores that consistent and honest communication not only builds trust but also reinforces the leader’s commitment to their promises and the organization's objectives.

Promoting Matthew Kohut’s Work

Towards the end of the episode, Matthew shares where listeners can find his book and connect with him:

• Website: matthewkohut.com
• Available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers
• Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram, and Blue Sky

Conclusion

Mick Hunt wraps up the episode by reiterating the power of understanding one’s "because" as a superpower in leadership:

Mick [27:35]: "For all the viewers and listeners, remember your because is your superpower. Go unleash it."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast, as well as to take actionable steps towards embodying modern leadership principles discussed throughout the episode.

Key Takeaways

• Communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership, facilitating better relationships and organizational success.
• Balancing strength (competence and assertiveness) with warmth (empathy and understanding) is crucial for modern leaders.
• Leaders must navigate political and social issues strategically, aligning their stances with organizational values to maintain credibility.
• Debunking outdated leadership myths fosters a more authentic and empathetic approach to leading teams.
• Practical strategies such as active listening, clear communication, and building personal connections enhance leadership effectiveness and accountability.

For more insights and practical leadership strategies, subscribe to "Mick Unplugged" and join Mick Hunt and guests like Matthew Kohut on the journey to modern, impactful leadership.