Podcast Summary: The Ed Mylett Show – Episode with John Gordon
Title: Jon Gordon Reveals The Mindset Shift That Builds Winning Teams
Host: Ed Mylett
Guest: John Gordon
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Ed Mylett Show, host Ed Mylett welcomes renowned author and leadership expert, John Gordon, to discuss the pivotal mindset shifts necessary for building and sustaining winning teams. The conversation delves deep into the distinctions between goals and commitments, the essence of positive leadership, and the significance of connection within teams.
The Power of Commitments Over Goals
Ed Mylett opens the discussion by highlighting a fundamental concept from John Gordon's latest book, The Seven Commitments of a Great Team. He poses a critical question: "Why is commitment greater than goals?" [04:44]
John Gordon responds by emphasizing that while goals provide direction, commitments ensure the consistent action required to achieve those goals. He elaborates:
"If you have goals without commitments, that's a vision without execution. You have to take action to realize it." [05:37]
Key Insights:
- Vision and Purpose: Understanding the "why" behind goals prevents burnout and maintains focus.
- Daily Commitments: Breaking down overarching goals into daily actions ensures continuous progress.
- Team Alignment: Each team member's commitments align with departmental goals, fostering a cohesive effort towards the collective objective.
Personal Commitment to Health and Discipline
Ed shares his personal journey towards physical fitness, underscoring the importance of daily commitments over mere goal-setting. He states:
"It's my day-to-day commitments about when I'm eating, what I'm eating, when I do my cardio, when I do my stretching and lifting. It's the commitments that I'm sort of obsessed with." [08:02]
John Gordon praises Ed's dedication, noting how consistent daily actions lead to significant outcomes:
"Those commitments on a daily basis actually lead to the results that you haven't wanted. I feel better than ever." [08:17]
The Intersection of Faith and Daily Practices
The conversation seamlessly transitions to the role of faith and spiritual commitments in personal growth. Ed attributes much of his spiritual growth to his relationship with John, highlighting how daily commitments can transform one's faith walk.
John Gordon introduces the concept of prayer walks, illustrating how daily spiritual practices can lead to profound personal and professional insights:
"All my books have come to me during that time. And this book came to me on a walk. I'm walking and praying, and boom, I got seven commitments of a great team." [13:32]
Overcoming Leadership Challenges and Fatigue
Ed addresses the inevitable challenges leaders face, particularly leadership fatigue—the subtle decline in a leader's energy and effectiveness over time. He warns:
"A leader's job is to carry the emotional burden of the company, of the business, and of the family. If you're the leader of anything, that's the case." [43:00]
John Gordon provides strategies to combat this fatigue:
- Find a New Mission: Continuously evolve your purpose to stay motivated.
- Build a Supportive Team: Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and hold you accountable.
- Maintain a Scoreboard: Regularly measure progress to stay focused and motivated.
He emphasizes the importance of passion and staying connected to one's mission:
"Find a mission that wakes you up every day and excites you. It's usually about an impact you can make, a legacy you can leave." [46:10]
The Essence of Positive Leadership
A significant portion of the episode centers on positive leadership—leading with positivity without compromising on accountability or expectations.
John Gordon distinguishes positive leaders as demanding yet non-demeaning:
"Positive leaders are demanding, they're just not demeaning. There'll be moments when we need to be demanding, but we can't be demeaning." [22:33]
Key Components of Positive Leadership:
- Intentional Positivity: Maintaining a positive outlook, especially during adversity.
- Emotional Intelligence: Recognizing and managing one's emotions to prevent negative outbursts.
- Vulnerability and Connection: Building trust through genuine connections and mutual support.
Building Strong Team Connections
The discussion highlights the critical role of connection in fostering committed and high-performing teams. Ed introduces the concept of the "Five Hs" to enhance team bonding:
- Who’s your hero?
- What’s a hardship you face that made you who you are today?
- What’s a highlight that you are proud of?
- What’s hilarious?
- What do you hope for?
John Gordon explains:
"When you have a connection, there's trust, and there's a bond, there's a relationship, there's love... we just have to make the time intentionally to connect." [50:05]
Practical Application:
- Daily Meaningful Interactions: Engage with at least one team member daily on a personal level.
- Weekly Team Building Exercises: Implement structured activities to deepen mutual understanding and trust.
- Vulnerability Exercises: Encourage team members to share personal stories to break down barriers and build solidarity.
Devotion Over Discipline
A standout moment in the episode is the exploration of devotion versus discipline.
John Gordon asserts:
"It's not discipline that actually drives us, it's devotion. When you're devoted to something and you truly love it, discipline is a whole lot easier." [48:05]
He contrasts transactional discipline with intrinsic devotion, emphasizing that true commitment arises from a place of love and passion, making the endeavor feel less like a grind and more like a fulfilling journey.
The Role of Love and Sacrifice in Teams
Ed and John delve into the profound impact of love and sacrifice within teams. Love, in this context, equates to sacrificial commitment, where team members prioritize the team's needs over personal desires.
John Gordon beautifully captures this sentiment:
"Love is about being sacrificial. That's real love... you have to stay in that role... there's going to be a sacrifice to be a great team member and to be a great team." [33:51]
Implications for Team Dynamics:
- Selflessness: Team members willingly give up personal gains for collective success.
- Trust and Bonding: Genuine love fosters an unbreakable bond, essential for overcoming challenges together.
- Fear Reduction: Love within the team diminishes fear, creating a safe environment for growth and innovation.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
This episode of The Ed Mylett Show with John Gordon offers a treasure trove of insights into building and sustaining high-performing teams through commitment, positive leadership, and deep connections. Key takeaways include:
- Commitments Drive Goals: Daily, actionable commitments are essential for achieving long-term goals.
- Positive Leadership is Demanding but Constructive: Leaders must maintain positivity without compromising on accountability.
- Connection is Fundamental: Building genuine connections within teams fosters trust and collaboration.
- Devotion Trumps Discipline: Passionate commitment makes disciplined actions more sustainable and fulfilling.
- Love and Sacrifice Strengthen Teams: Prioritizing the team's well-being over individual desires leads to unparalleled team cohesion and success.
Notable Quotes:
- "If you have goals without commitments, that's a vision without execution." — John Gordon [05:37]
- "Positive leaders are demanding, they're just not demeaning." — John Gordon [22:33]
- "It's not discipline that actually drives us, it's devotion." — John Gordon [48:05]
For those aspiring to elevate their leadership and team-building skills, this episode provides actionable strategies and profound philosophies that can transform both personal and professional realms.
Recommended Reading:
The Seven Commitments of a Great Team by John Gordon
End of Summary