I've had many conversations about leadership, but my discussion with Nick Smith was one of the most practical.
We often think about strategy and tactics, but how often do we consider the energy of our team, or even ourselves? Where do we naturally excel, and where do we drain our batteries?
💡 Understanding this is the key to unlocking performance, not just for your team, but for yourself.
In this episode, Nick introduces the GC Index, a tool that reveals how we are naturally inclined to make an impact. It was a lightbulb moment for me, showing me exactly why I love starting things but struggle with finishing the details.
Here are three key areas we explored:
✳️ The GC Index & Your Energy - We discuss how knowing your profile (I'm a Strategist/Game Changer, Nick is a Polisher/Implementer) can change how you build your team and manage your own focus. It’s not about fixing weaknesses, but about building on strengths.
✳️ Leadership as a Journey - Nick shares his framework for leadership, from 'Base Camp' (understanding yourself) to navigating 'Rough Terrain' (like difficult conversations) and finally to the 'Summit' (where leadership can become lonely).
✳️ Curiosity Over Judgment - We touch on one of the most powerful tools for any leader: curiosity. Nick’s advice on asking more questions is a simple but effective way to handle almost any difficult situation.
At the end of our conversation, I asked Nick for three actionable things you can do right now.
Here’s what he suggested:
👉 Recognise Differences: Stop trying to build a team of clones who think just like you. True strength comes from diversity of thought and energy. Use tools like the GC Index to build a well-rounded team where everyone operates in their zone of genius.
👉 Ask More Questions: The next time you're in a difficult conversation and feel yourself becoming judgmental, pause. Instead of making a statement, ask a question. This simple shift can transform the dynamic and lead to better outcomes.
👉 Read These Books: Nick recommended three books to sharpen your leadership and communication skills:
Find out more about Snick Smith : https://www.squarepegscoaching.com/
00:00 — Welcome & episode intro
01:44 — Who is Nick Smith?
02:30 — What is the GC Index?
05:03 — My GC Index result
07:37 — Strengths, weaknesses & friction
09:03 — Using the GC Index to build teams
12:35 — Leadership as an energy system
16:24 — The leadership journey
20:34 — Coaching at the summit
22:37 — Diagnosing sluggish organisations
24:27 — Nick’s dream client
26:56 — Three practical amplifiers
28:13 — Recommended reading
31:27 — How to reach Nick & resources
34:08 — Wrap & sign-off
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