The Future of Leadership: Expand the Circle with Matt Poepsel

What if the greatest challenge in leadership today isn't about managing performance, but about managing presence? What if the real question isn't, how do I lead my team, but how well do I know myself in a world that's moving faster than ever, where AI burnout and constant change have redefined what normal looks like? Matt Poepsel, PhD , our guest in Episode 291, argues that our leadership playbook hasn't caught up.

Matt Poepsel, a psychologist, professor at Boston College, host of the Lead the People podcast, and author of "Expand the Circle," joins us to explore these profound questions. Matt believes it's time we rethink leadership for a new era, one grounded in authenticity, awareness, and connection. If you've ever felt that hollow sensation of going through the motions at work or questioned whether you're truly being yourself, this conversation is for you.

The Future of Leadership: Expand the Circle with Matt Poepsel

The Evolution of Leadership Awareness

Matt suggests that the traditional methods of emulating past leaders don't fit the complexities of today's world. Instead, he encourages leaders to embrace self-awareness as the cornerstone of effective leadership. Leaders should start by understanding their individual values, strengths, and weaknesses, thus being true to themselves rather than mimicking predecessors. This authenticity allows for a genuine connection with others, essential for creating a productive and engaging work environment.

Connection Over Command: A New Leadership Mantra

In today's collaborative and rapidly changing work environment, the old adage of "accomplishing the mission first" doesn't hold. Matt challenges leaders to approach leadership as a collective effort, ensuring not only the business’s success but also the well-being of its employees. By creating environments where team members can thrive through support and encouragement, leaders can inspire meaningful action and maintain high morale.

Creating a Ripple Effect

In the discussion, Matt emphasizes the importance of expanding the circle of leadership similar to expanding the circle of compassion. This means starting with oneself and moving outwards to influence others, creating a domino effect in the organization. The ultimate goal is to create a culture where each leader's positive actions inspire others to do the same, resulting in a more cohesive and energized workforce.

Bridging the Gap: The Duty of Healing Separation

Leaders today face the challenge of addressing separation—whether it's between team members, departments, or even between the organization and its customers. Matt highlights the importance of reducing separation by fostering trust and encouraging open communication. By doing so, leaders can facilitate a stronger sense of community and belonging across the board, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and effective organization.

Conclusion: Embrace the Leadership Journey

In a rapidly evolving world, the need to rethink leadership has never been more critical. As Matt Poepsel illustrates through his insights, leadership is a craft that requires continuous introspection, adaptation, and a commitment to authenticity. By expanding the circle of leadership—starting with self-awareness and extending to broader team dynamics—leaders can effectively navigate the complexities of today’s work environment and inspire those around them to achieve their best.

In closing, Matt encourages listeners to ask themselves, "What is it like to experience you as a leader?" By doing so, you can begin the journey of self-discovery and become the compassionate, connected leader that today's world demands.