Leadership in Times of Change: Insights from Annabel Beerel and Joseph Michelli
For a while, I hosted a podcast which featured several interviews with people from all walks of life. Some authors, others business leaders, nonprofit executives and more. One of my favourites was author, Joseph Michelli[1]. He had written a book, The Starbucks Experience, that really changed the way I looked at customer service and fuelled pieces of my masters thesis. I reached out to him on X (née Twitter) to invite him on and he agreed. While reading Annabel Beerel’s, Rethinking Leadership[2], it made me think of my interview with Michelli and I thought I would weave the two into one post here. The two of them offer a compelling picture of what contemporary leadership looks like.
The Call for Kindness in Leadership
Our discussion in the podcast emphasized the pivotal role of kindness in leadership, a theme that resonates deeply with Beerel’s leadership philosophy. In a world often characterized by cutthroat competition and a relentless drive for results, Beerel’s work urges us to consider the transformative power of kindness. This isn’t about softening the edges of leadership but about integrating empathy[3] and understanding into our leadership style. Kindness in leadership redefines success, shifting the focus from mere outcomes to the wellbeing and growth of the team. It’s a leadership that sees beyond the immediate tasks and connects with the people behind the work.
Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity
One of the striking aspects of our conversation with Michelli was the discussion around vulnerability[4] and authenticity in leadership. This aligns seamlessly with Beerel’s critique of traditional leadership models. In a rapidly changing and uncertain world, leaders who show their vulnerabilities create spaces where honesty and openness thrive. Authenticity isn’t just about being true to oneself; it’s about being real with others, acknowledging imperfections, and leading with integrity. Beerel’s work underlines this aspect, advocating for leaders to embrace their humanity and connect with their teams on a more personal level.
The Human Connection in Leadership
A significant takeaway from the podcast was the importance of human connection in leadership. Beerel’s book echoes this sentiment, highlighting the need for leaders to understand and relate to their teams beyond professional capacities. It’s about recognizing that each team member brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. Leaders who foster these connections[5] not only build stronger teams but also create a culture where individuals feel valued and understood. This approach, as discussed in the podcast, is about moving beyond transactional leadership to transformative leadership.
Leadership in Times of Crisis
Another theme that emerged from our discussion, and is central to Beerel’s work, is leadership in times of crisis[6]. The recent global challenges have underscored the need for leaders who can navigate through uncertainty with composure and clarity. Beerel’s insights suggest that such times call for leaders who are not only decisive but also compassionate and empathetic. It’s about leading with a balance of head and heart, making tough decisions while being mindful of their impact on people.
Adaptive and Mindful Leadership
In our conversation with Michelli, the concept of adaptive leadership was prominent, resonating with Beerel’s emphasis on the need for leaders to be flexible and responsive to change. Beerel argues for a leadership style that is not rigid but evolves with the changing dynamics[7] of the environment. Similarly, Michelli highlighted the importance of being customer-centric and responsive to their needs, a principle that can be extended to team management and organizational leadership.
Transformational Leadership and Its Impact
Transformational leadership, a concept explored in Beerel’s book, aligns with the themes discussed in the podcast. This leadership style is about inspiring and motivating teams to achieve more than they thought possible. It involves setting a vision, encouraging innovation, and fostering a sense of shared purpose. Michelli’s insights on customer service excellence exemplify this approach, where leaders not only guide but also inspire and empower their teams.
Ethical Leadership for Sustainable Success
Ethical considerations in leadership, a critical aspect of Beerel’s work, also found echoes in our podcast discussion. In today’s complex business environment, leaders are increasingly held accountable for their actions and decisions. Ethical leadership is about making choices that are not only profitable but also responsible and just. It’s about building trust and credibility, not just with the team but also with customers and stakeholders.
[1] https://leadingwithnice.com/transformational-leadership-with-joseph-michelli/
[2] Beerel, Annabel. Rethinking Leadership: A Critique of Contemporary Theories. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2021
[3] page 31
[4] page 119
[5] page 67
[6] page 83
[7] page 88
About the Author
Mathieu Yuill
While raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens may be a few of Julia Andrews' favourite things, here are a few of mine: Talking to strangers, Learning about what you do for fun, Conversation over coffee. I own a marketing and communications company in Toronto, Canada called Leading With Nice. There are a lot of names I could have given the company but a trusted friend encouraged me to name it that because I really value the humanness in us all. Bah - this is starting to sound like a horrible LinkedIn post. So whatever, let's have coffee. I'd love to hear about what you do for fun!2 responses to “Leadership in Times of Change: Insights from Annabel Beerel and Joseph Michelli”
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Mathieu,
Thank you for a great summary. I am curious, as you lead a company called Lead with Nice, what style of Leadership do you feel Beerel best fits your style of leadership of your company? Is there a new way of being that is piquing your interest?
Hi Matthew, you wrote, “Beerel’s insights suggest that such times call for leaders who are not only decisive but also compassionate and empathetic. It’s about leading with a balance of head and heart, making tough decisions while being mindful of their impact on people.”
Another thing she warned…”We cannot do it alone!”
Wow that hit me.
A prayer request…
This week Stephanie Flohr age 70 arrived in Odesa (Одеса) Ukraine. She will minister to widows and seniors (Stephanie lost her husband 3 years ago). I asked her if she had purchased her body armor and she said she has Ephesians 6. Wow.
Nate Gerber leaves 9 Feb. First to GoodSports Slovakia (Prievidze) then through Poland, to Lyviv where I have asked him to attend a Ukrainian Sports Conference. Then Kharkiv to work with Redemption Church initially to deliver food (Samaritans purse) to elderly in three villages. Too old to move, these folk on the border with Russia are in survival mode. Moving however is something to hard to contemplate.
On Saturday I spoke to Penuel (where Jacob wrestled with God), they have 300 children and need another field. https://www.facebook.com/russell.chun2/videos/2753186971555956 Amazing kids, coaches and an AMAZING God.
Selah…