Shows
Sheer ClarityMark Scheinberg - Inspiring a values-based cultureToday’s guest is Mark Scheinberg, founder and president of Goodwin University.Mark is the first university founder to be on the show and a dear friend who I’ve known for over 20 years. No matter where we meet, one of the hallmarks of our friendship is that within two minutes, we're laughing at something. I couldn't be happier to have him here.As Peter Drucker put it, culture is “the way we do things around here.”At Goodwin University, their mission-centered culture doesn’t come from buzzwords reserved for wall signs and the employ...2020-12-1742 minSheer ClarityChris Bello - The Millennial LeadershipToday’s episode is a little different than my recent interviews – we’re coming to you from the other side of the entrepreneurial journey.Where most of my previous guests have been around the halftime of their lives, Chris Bello is still in the first half of the game and looking to the future. I connected with Chris on his podcast and wanted to bring him onto my show so you could share in his insights and generosity.Chris Bello is a realtor, podcaster, and entrepreneur and at his young age is pondering questions I’m still...2020-12-0349 minSheer ClarityGareth Vaughn - Building a Legacy with Humility (The Northeast Ohio Series)Taking over the reins of a successful generational company as someone without the family name is a prospect most people would find daunting. Being responsible for carrying on that legacy could even be considered a burden. But that’s not the case for my guest today. For him, an obligation to the employees of the company, to the next generation of leadership, and the legacy of the Higley name is a responsibility he has happily taken on.Today we’re coming at you from right in my backyard in Northeast Ohio with another great leader and friend who...2020-11-1941 minSheer ClarityMike Swiger - Developing Emotional Intelligence through Self-ReflectionToday’s interview is with a leader in a non-traditional category who I’ve known for years, Mike Swiger. Mike is the Executive Director of True Freedom Ministries, an evangelical, non-profit organization dedicated to reaching people locked in jails and prisons, the homeless, and those trapped in addiction across Ohio. While a student at Case Western Reserve University, Mike was convicted as an accomplice to a crime his older brother committed and ended up serving 17 years for involuntary manslaughter. While incarcerated, he became a Christian and began the process of preparing himself for a better life once he was back...2020-11-1239 minSheer ClarityKeith Alper - Loving People and Loving What You DoWhen we stop preening and performing, that’s when we open ourselves up to our people and the community around us and embrace the fact that a good leader is one who recognizes it’s not about them. If you’re still wondering what love has to do with leadership, this episode is for you.Keith Alper is the CEO and co-founder of CPG Agency and author of From Like to Love: Inspiring Emotional Commitment from Employees and Customers. With over 30 years of expertise in marketing, branding, business strategy, and event production, Keith has produced events, video/film...2020-10-2953 minSheer ClarityManaging vs LeadingIf I aspire to be in a leadership role, how can I get there? What should I do to get myself to be identified and placed in such a role? How do I communicate my ambitions and experiences when I’ve taken on leadership responsibilities but don’t have the title to show for it? If you find yourself asking these questions, this is the episode for you.As an ambitious high achiever, you have probably taken on more than your share of responsibilities at work. At first glance, the terms management and leadership may seem synonymous but...2020-01-2900 minSheer ClarityCompassion in CrisisIf someone who works for you is having serious challenges at home, do you believe that they would confide in you? Being compassionate towards your team is one thing but how do you handle a situation where you are the one who is going through personal issues? In becoming the consummate leader by attraction, compassion in crisis is one of the toughest lessons we have to learn.In previous episodes, we’ve spoken about the importance of creating a culture of caring and in difficult situations like these, the tone from the top becomes even more important. As...2020-01-2200 minSheer ClarityNo Time To CarePicture this: You know how valuable it is for people to care about each other, so you organized a team-building retreat. The retreat is a success but within a few weeks of returning to work it all fades away and it’s back to the status quo. What happened?Most work environments are completely counter to this idea of peace, patience, and kindness. The incredibly fast-paced nature of the corporate world has us focused on productivity and performance metrics and in all likelihood, there is no time being carved out for reconnection. So how can you make th...2020-01-1500 minSheer ClarityThe Problem with RetreatsIf you’re using retreats as a catch-all for everything you want to get done in your company, then this episode is for you. As leaders, we have to have a long-term focus but that same focus can cause us to skip over the essentials which need to be in place before strategic planning can happen. Without connection, your team is just a workgroup that is not equipped to adapt and succeed when plans go awry. To build that connection, team building should be your priority. To help with that I’m sharing the critical eleme...2020-01-0800 minSheer ClarityGranting ForgivenessWhenever a group of people comes together, conflict can occur. Whether it’s a squabble over misplaced Tupperware or a fundamental disagreement about how to handle a client’s account, the result tends to be two people being angry simultaneously with each other. Regardless of how it all started, someone has to make the first move toward resolution.Many people hold on tightly to their anger, thinking that the offense committed against them cannot be excused, however, forgiveness doesn't mean you have to let go of the fact that a transgression was committed. Forgiveness means letting go for...2019-12-0400 minSheer ClarityBeing Grateful and ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving! Before we dive into the show, I want to express my deep appreciation for you. I am thankful for you plugging in and spending time with us, week after week. The idea that there are people actually listening and caring about our content and maybe taking away stuff that we share and using it to better their lives is something I am very grateful for. Thank you! This week, in the spirit of this national time of celebration, we’re taking a closer look at gratitude and what it means for the consummate lea...2019-11-2700 minSheer ClarityThere’s No Such Thing as a Good or Bad Personality AssessmentIn today’s episode, Mathew becomes the subject of a tried-and-tested behavioral assessment facilitated by Kevin. The subject of Mathew coming under public scrutiny is met with nervous laughter initially. However, we come to realize that such a thing as a “good” or “bad” reading doesn’t exist: the assessment is not a value judgment. This is because a perceived strength can always translate into a shortcoming, with the reverse being true as well. Kevin’s years of coaching experience become clear as he guides the audience through the structure of the test, all the while divulging the reading it gave Mathew...2019-11-2000 minSheer ClarityHow Personality Assessments Make You a Better LeaderThis episode of Sheer Clarity is all about personality assessments, inventories, and how you can utilize them to expand your understanding of yourself and those around you. For most of us, our natural personality and behaviors are solidified by our mid-twenties, and once we know how we operate, we can use that information to play to our strengths and our weaknesses, rather than fight them. When we are more self-aware, we can communicate better with those around us, and be more efficient in the workplace. In this episode, we discuss the components that make up your personality, how personality...2019-11-1300 minSheer ClarityExercising the Right Kind of Power in the WorkplaceThis episode of Sheer Clarity is all about power in the workplace and how it is exerted by different levels of leadership. Whether it is the CEO or a low-level manager, power plays out in relationships and interactions all the time. There is such an array of ways that it can manifest and the main assertion of this discussion is that when we exercise power in the right kind of ways, in aid of those affected by it, it can make a colossal difference compared to when we are negligent, ignorant and abusive. We have all probably been on...2019-11-0600 minSheer ClarityLoincloths and the Beating of DrumsThis week we’re closing the loop on the issues clearing model. As a tool of last resort, the issues clearing model is the one you’d reach for when all else has failed. Unfortunately, that also means that by this point tensions are probably running high and the risk of a communication breakdown is increased.So, what happens if the issues clearing model fails? As a leader, what can you do when the model doesn’t work? How do you handle a team member walking out on the process? I’ve been there before and it’s in those...2019-10-3000 minSheer ClarityThe Issues Clearing ModelAs a leader, you’ll inevitably encounter conflict, whether with your colleagues or team members. It might start as small quarrels that add up over time, sowing the seeds of resentment, or it might happen as one a big eruption that blocks the channels of communication immediately. You've lost control, you start disagreeing about the facts, the whole relationship is broken down. How do you move forward?When communication has broken down, emotions are running high and resentment has taken hold, it’s time to call on the Issues Clearing Model - an essential tool for every lead...2019-10-2300 minSheer ClarityNavigating Negative FeedbackPositive feedback is important in affirming and reinforcing when people are doing things well, but it doesn’t necessarily teach you about what you need to do to get better. That’s where negative, or constructive, feedback, comes in. Today we’re back with Part 3 on the topic of feedback and we’re taking a deeper look at the not-so-easy second dimension of feedback: negative feedback.On your path to sheer clarity, I believe mastering negative feedback is essential - both how to give it and how to receive it. But while most people would agree constructive feedback...2019-10-1600 minSheer ClarityThe Positive Side of FeedbackThis week we’re back with Part 2 on the topic of feedback. Now that we’ve gotten clear on the philosophy of feedback, we’re drilling down into the first of the two dimensions of feedback: positive feedback.Being a part of a high-performing team means that there’s a constant expectation of growth, improvement, and positive results. With that focus on performance, we’re often too busy to stop and give positive feedback. So in becoming the consummate leader by attraction, why should you prioritize positive feedback? What does it look like in the corporate context? How do you...2019-10-0900 minSheer ClarityThe Philosophy of FeedbackFeedback is a topic with which I have an ongoing love-hate relationship. It’s extremely common in business settings and for many people, it brings up painful memories of tedious annual performance reviews which never resulted in any progress. But done right, feedback is at the core of every successful team.So, what do you need to do to set the tone for an effective system? What is positive and negative feedback? How do you give constructive criticism? Do you care about the evolution and development of your team? We’ve talked in the past about the impo...2019-10-0200 minSheer ClarityThe Halftime Model Part 2: Developing Your Humility as a LeaderLast week, in part one of this two-part series on the Halftime Model, we explored halftime as a concept, how it works, and the types of questions you’ll asking yourself as it approaches. Today we’re diving deeper to the next level of the halftime of life and if you’re approaching the halftime, we want to help you to develop the tools you’ll need to have a meaningful conversation with yourself about where you are today and where you want to be in the second half.Life is perplexing and societal pressure leaves a lot of u...2019-09-2500 minSheer ClarityThe Halftime Model Part 1: What is it?For most leaders, at a certain age you’ll find yourself naturally leaning towards thoughts of self-reflection and questioning. That natural break point in your life is known as the halftime of life. It’s that time where you look back at the first half of your life, check the scoreboard and adjust the game plan for the second half.
Today’s conversation is part one of a two-part series and we’re exploring the halftime model as a concept. What is halftime and how does it work? When is the halftime of life? What questions will you ask...2019-09-1800 minSheer ClarityThe Power of Your WorldviewHow you show up in the world and your strength as a leader has a deep connection to the strength of your worldview. On your path to sheer clarity, with self-reflection and by asking the right questions, you’ll develop your personal theory of the world which helps to guide you on the journey to becoming the consummate leader by attraction.Many people get caught up being busy making a name for themselves, building their career and paying their bills and overlook the value of being introspective. But having a strong conviction in your worldview is the be...2019-09-1100 minSheer ClarityDeveloping Your Humility as a LeaderLast week we broke down what humility is and if it was possible to have humility while being a big personality with a high-profile name. At first glance, it seems like a paradox, but we came away from that discussion realizing that it was possible through self-awareness. This week, we’re diving in even deeper to help you develop this virtue in yourself as you continue on the path to sheer clarity.
As we continue our discussion about humility, we want to understand not only whether it is something that can be learned, but also, if it is...2019-09-0400 minSheer ClarityWhy Humility is Essential for Great LeadershipHumility is fundamentally an incredibly powerful leadership attribute. Despite that, from Jack Welch to Elon Musk, many celebrated leaders in recent history are not known for displaying humility. Beyond that, our selfie culture seems to promote values that are quite the opposite.
So, why should we as leaders be interested in the virtue of humility? Coming from our last episode about how you will measure your life, I want you to join me on another level of self-reflection and talk about the importance of humility for leaders.
A leader by attraction has a brand that’s...2019-08-2800 minSheer ClarityHow Will You Measure Your Life?How Will You Measure Your Life? I’ve found myself coming back to this article by Harvard Professor Clayton Christensen time and time again because it perfectly captures a message that I try to point out to all my clients: While we can be focused on all the things that the world wants us to focus on, that’s not what you're going to be remembered for.
Our society and culture are focused on money and power. From a young age, our educational system teaches us that achievements, awards, and an outstanding resume should be our number one...2019-08-2100 minSheer ClarityBattling Imposter SyndromeNot knowing something is not a weakness, it is an opportunity to get stronger. Despite the fact that creativity and innovation are intrinsically linked to exploring the unknown, embracing your own uncertainty can be terrifying. As we close the door on our series on appropriate vulnerability, we’re taking a deep dive into a very specific aspect of vulnerability: imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome affects people at every level and your experience with it might range from manageable fears that are quickly dealt with, to frequent anxiety and the feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. If...2019-08-1400 minSheer ClarityAppropriate Vulnerability Part 3: Encouraging it in OthersIn the past couple episodes, we’ve talked about what appropriate vulnerability is, why you need it, how to be vulnerable and how to approach vulnerability as a leader. Now we’re looking at the final element: how to encourage appropriate vulnerability in others.
What does that environment look like? How do you pull it off? What are the benefits to you as a leader? Years of research has shown that the biggest factor that impacts employee engagement is their relationship with their boss. It’s up to you to set the tone in your workplace and show y...2019-08-0700 minSheer ClarityAppropriate Vulnerability Part 2: How to be Appropriately Vulnerable as a LeaderVulnerability isn't about winning or losing. It’s about having the courage to show up and be seen.
As business leaders, we set audacious, future-oriented goals that inherently have an element of risk. The bigger the goals, the bigger the risk. In those moments where the outcome is uncertain, vulnerability is a key part of the equation. And being vulnerable enough to understand where you need help and when to ask for that help is a huge part of becoming a successful leader by attraction.
So as a leader, what do you do if you’re n...2019-07-3100 minSheer ClarityAppropriate Vulnerability Part 1: What is It?Vulnerability is still a bad word in a lot of corporate environments. Wall Street culture is pervasive, and people are trained to be tough above everything else. Despite being more in focus today than any other time in history, it’s still not the norm - even Brené Brown has been asked to avoid the topic of vulnerability when speaking to Fortune 1000 companies. But appropriate vulnerability isn’t a weakness.
Getting comfortable with appropriate vulnerability gives you and your team an edge over others who aren’t. Once you’ve created a safe environment for vulnerability, less time is s...2019-07-2400 minSheer ClarityHonesty Part 3: Knowing When Others Are Honest With YouFor the past two episodes, we’ve been talking all about the second component of the sheer clarity model, honesty. We started off with the foundational element of self-honesty and followed up with how to be honest with others. Building on those two components, today we’re looking at how to know when people are being honest with you.
On the journey to becoming the consummate leader by attraction, one of the stumbling blocks for many C Suite executives is getting honest feedback which is critical to growth and development. You might be up against corporate norms of d...2019-07-1700 minSheer ClarityHonesty Part 2: Being Honest with Other PeopleLast week we did a deep dive into the first component of honesty: self-honesty, which is the first critical step to master before being able to be truly honest with others. As a leader by attraction, self-reflection, self-management, and self-curiosity are key tools you’ll use over and over again as you continue on the path to sheer clarity.
The next component of honesty which builds upon self-honesty is honesty with others. This is an enormously important skill set in the area of leadership and something you will be faced with on a daily basis in your in...2019-07-1000 minSheer ClarityHonesty Part 1: Deep Self-ReflectionAs a leader by attraction, sheer clarity is about becoming crystal about every aspect of yourself, your goals, your business, and understanding others. To achieve that, you’ll need to master all three elements of the sheer clarity model – trust, honesty and appropriate vulnerability.
For the past two weeks, we’ve been looking at trust and all its components. Today, we’re moving on to the next leg: honesty. An important part of self-honesty is purposeful deep self-reflection and self-curiosity. But how do you find the time for that in the midst of a busy life? Can it reall...2019-07-0300 minSheer ClarityPreview of Sheer ClarityHi, I'm J.Kevin McHugh, and this podcast is your chance to get more than 25 years worth of business leadership coaching and strategies, which are aimed at helping C-Suite Executives and other leaders like you develop trusting, honest, and healthy relationships at work.
This is Sheer Clarity.
Learn more and subscribe today at SheerClarity.com2019-05-0800 min