Podcast Summary: "How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith" | Episode 272
Podcast Information:
- Title: This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil
- Host: Nicole Kalil, Bleav
- Episode Title: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith
- Release Date: January 15, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 272 of This Is Woman's Work, host Nicole Kalil delves into the critical topic of emotional maturity in leadership with renowned expert Dr. Christie Smith. Dr. Smith, an author, international speaker, and advisor, brings over 35 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies on strategy, leadership, and organizational culture. Together, Nicole and Dr. Smith explore the nuances of emotional maturity, its distinction from emotional intelligence, and its profound impact on effective leadership in today’s multifaceted workplace.
Understanding Emotional Maturity vs. Emotional Intelligence
Nicole opens the conversation by highlighting a prevalent issue: the diminishing presence of maturity in leadership roles within the age of social media. She emphasizes the importance of maturity in handling disagreements and fostering responsible communication.
Notable Quote:
Nicole Khalil [01:26]: "Emotional intelligence is important, for sure, but isn't it time we bring maturity back into the leadership equation?"
Dr. Christie Smith responds by distinguishing between emotional intelligence and emotional maturity. She explains that while emotional intelligence focuses on self-awareness and understanding oneself, emotional maturity extends to comprehending and valuing the humanity of others in the workplace.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Christie Smith [05:20]: "Emotional intelligence is a phenomenal concept, framework, tool... Emotional maturity is for leaders to understand the humanity in their workplace."
Developing Emotional Maturity
Nicole probes deeper into the concept of emotional maturity, seeking practical steps for its development. Dr. Smith outlines key attributes and mindset shifts essential for cultivating emotional maturity in leadership.
Key Attributes:
- Suspension of Self-Interest: Prioritizing team performance over personal accolades.
- Insatiable Curiosity: Genuinely understanding team members' motivations and challenges.
- Culture of Excellence: Fostering a team-centric environment where everyone thrives.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Christie Smith [06:29]: "The number one behavior associated with that is insatiable curiosity. We need to be curious about the people who work with us and for us."
Nicole raises a pertinent concern about the potential overemphasis on others' needs, particularly for women leaders, fearing it might lead to self-neglect. Dr. Smith reassures that true emotional maturity includes self-care to maintain the capacity for empathy and leadership.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Christie Smith [10:26]: "The idea that me as a leader, I need to be mature enough to know that in order for me to suspend self interest... we're holding each other accountable to the wellness, to everyone's wellness. And that includes the leader themselves."
Identifying Emotional Immaturity in the Workplace
Nicole shifts the discussion to recognizing emotional immaturity in leadership. Dr. Smith identifies common manifestations, such as an excessive focus on short-term productivity and outcomes at the expense of team trust and well-being.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Christie Smith [13:00]: "We see emotional immaturity in the sheer focus on productivity numbers and on outcomes, short term outcomes."
She shares an anecdote about a CEO who prioritized personal image over team morale, illustrating the detrimental effects of such behavior on employee trust and organizational health.
Statistics Highlighted:
- 62% of people report having trust in leaders globally.
- Low employee engagement costs economies approximately $8.8 trillion annually.
Gender Dynamics in Emotional Maturity
Given the podcast's focus on women's experiences, Nicole inquires about gender differences in emotional maturity within leadership roles. Dr. Smith challenges traditional gender stereotypes, emphasizing that emotional maturity is not inherently tied to gender but is instead a set of qualities essential for all leaders.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Christie Smith [25:22]: "We have the male archetype for leadership and what that should look like. And that is still a bias we carry in most of our organizations. What we have to do is dismantle that."
She advocates for a diverse understanding of leadership attributes, urging organizations to value trust-building, transparency, compassion, and curiosity over outdated gendered expectations.
The Cost of Tolerating Emotionally Immature Leaders
Nicole brings up the issue of high performers who exhibit emotionally immature behaviors, questioning the sustainability of prioritizing their contributions over a healthy workplace culture. Dr. Smith emphasizes the long-term negative impacts on organizational trust and employee well-being.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Christie Smith [27:59]: "We're falling back on the traditional measures of business and a scarcity mindset that really has led to... disengagement, disillusionment and distraction from most of your employee base."
Actionable Steps to Enhance Emotional Maturity
Concluding the conversation, Nicole seeks practical advice for leaders aspiring to develop emotional maturity. Dr. Smith outlines actionable strategies:
- Allocate Time for Reflection: Dedicate moments in the day for introspection and assessing leadership approaches.
- Gain Diverse Perspectives: Engage in activities outside the workplace, such as conferences or volunteer work, to broaden understanding.
- Foster Intergenerational Dialogues: Encourage conversations across different organizational levels to bridge generational gaps and enhance mutual understanding.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Christie Smith [32:32]: "Take time to go five levels down in the organization and just have some coffee with people... Go learn from Gen Z's."
Conclusion
Nicole wraps up the episode by reiterating the essence of emotionally mature leadership—prioritizing presence, grounding, and continuous personal and professional development over authority or perfection. She leaves listeners with an empowering thought:
Final Quote:
Nicole Khalil [33:39]: "Maturity may not always be the loudest voice in the room, but it will be the one that people trust to lead them out of the noise."
The episode underscores that emotional maturity is not just a leadership trait but a foundational aspect of fostering resilient, engaged, and thriving teams.
Learn More:
- Book Mentioned: Essential by Dr. Christie Smith
- Dr. Christie Smith’s Website: thehumanitystudio.com
- Podcast Host: Nicole Kalil - nicolekalil.com