The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk: Episode 610 Summary
Title: The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk
Host: Ryan Hawk
Guest: Jeff Jansen
Release Date: November 25, 2024
Episode Focus: The Commitment Continuum, Leadership Accountability, Team Captains, and the 7 Secrets of Successful Coaches
Introduction
In Episode 610 of The Learning Leader Show, host Ryan Hawk engages in an insightful conversation with Jeff Jansen, the founder and president of Janssen Sports Leadership Center. The discussion delves deep into effective leadership within teams, exploring concepts applicable both in sports and the broader business world.
The Commitment Continuum
Understanding Commitment Levels
Jeff Jansen introduces the Commitment Continuum, a framework that categorizes team members based on their level of commitment. The continuum ranges from Resistant to Obsessed, highlighting the varying degrees of engagement and dedication within a team.
- Resistant: Individuals who oppose the team's direction and may hold personal agendas.
- Reluctant: Members who are not fully bought into the team but are less vocal than the resistant category.
- Existent: Individuals who are merely present without contributing meaningfully ("sandwich eaters").
- Compliant: Team members who do the minimum required without additional effort.
- Committed: Highly engaged individuals who go the extra mile.
- Compelled: Members who are on a mission, deeply invested, and elevate the team's performance.
Notable Quote:
Jeff Jansen emphasizes, “The art of leadership is identifying where people are on the commitment continuum, understanding why, and is there anything that I can do that's going to make it easier for them?” (00:11)
Handling Resistant and Reluctant Team Members
Assessing and Addressing Resistance
When encountering resistant or reluctant team members, Jansen advises leaders to first self-assess their own position on the continuum. Leadership credibility directly influences team commitment.
- Self-Assessment: Leaders must evaluate their own commitment levels to effectively guide their team.
- Open Dialogue: Engage in honest conversations to understand the reasons behind resistance.
- Problem-Solving: Determine if issues are fixable within the team's culture and leadership approach.
Notable Quote:
Jeff Jansen states, “We have to have you at least at the compliant level. Our team and our culture need to have you at the compliant level.” (19:00)
Elevating Existent and Compliant Members
Re-engagement Strategies
For team members who are merely existent or compliant, Jansen suggests strategies to foster deeper commitment:
- Reframe Mindset: Encourage a "get to" rather than a "have to" perspective.
- Personal Goals Alignment: Align individual aspirations with team objectives.
- Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledge contributions to boost morale and engagement.
Notable Quote:
Jansen shares, “I get to be employed at Google or I get to work on things that are making a difference in the world.” (23:21)
Maintaining Committed and Compelled Members
Sustaining High Commitment
To ensure that committed and compelled members remain engaged, leaders should:
- Provide Challenges: Offer measurable goals to satisfy their competitive nature.
- Leadership Roles: Assign leadership positions to harness their influence within the team.
- Continuous Recognition: Regularly acknowledge their contributions to maintain motivation.
Notable Quote:
Jansen remarks, “The best teams understand that the little things are the big things.” (37:41)
The Team Captain's Leadership Manual
Developing Effective Team Leaders
Jansen discusses his Team Captain's Leadership Manual, a comprehensive guide aimed at cultivating leaders who earn respect and trust within their teams. The manual encompasses:
- Self-Leadership: Leading oneself with commitment, confidence, character, and composure.
- Encourager Role: Recognizing and promoting positive behavior within the team.
- Enforcer Role: Holding team members accountable to maintain standards.
- Servant Leadership: Prioritizing the team's needs over personal interests.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing issues constructively to foster a healthy team environment.
Notable Quote:
Jansen explains, “If you're going to lead, you have to lead the person sitting in your own chair first.” (44:12)
Characteristics of Sustained Excellence
Traits of Successful Coaches and Leaders
Drawing from his collaboration with Greg Dale, Jansen outlines seven key characteristics that define long-term successful leaders:
- Character: Trustworthiness and integrity.
- Commitment: High levels of dedication and passion.
- Competence: Expertise and knowledge in their field.
- Confidence Building: Empowering team members to excel.
- Communication: Effective listening and clear messaging.
- Consistency: Reliable and stable leadership practices.
- Adaptability: Ability to evolve strategies as needed.
Notable Quote:
Jansen highlights, “We are not calling you out, we're calling you up.” (64:06)
Conclusion
This episode offers a profound exploration of leadership dynamics within teams. Jeff Jansen provides actionable insights into assessing and enhancing team commitment, developing effective leaders, and maintaining a culture of excellence. His emphasis on the interconnectedness of individual roles and collective success serves as a valuable guide for leaders across various fields.
Final Thought:
Jeff Jansen underscores the lasting impact of effective leadership, stating, “I'm doing this for the impact of 40 or 50 years after they leave college than the four or five years they might be there.” (60:25)
For more insights on leadership and team development, listen to the full episode here.