Episode 013 - Does It Feel Like Herding Cats?

The Impactful Leadership Podcast

Ever tried herding cats?
If you have, you’ll know it’s about as easy as getting a team of diverse personalities to all move in the same direction, especially during challenging times.
But just like with cats, a little patience, understanding, and the right strategies can make all the difference.
I once led an academic department during my 9-year stint as a professor, managing a group that included both seasoned and brand-new faculty members. Most of what they were teaching had a hands-on component, which made implementing new learning technology a bit tricky. The different personalities in the room didn’t make it any easier.
There was one seasoned faculty member who wanted nothing to do with any systems that weren’t on paper, and she was very outspoken about it. On the other hand, we had a new faculty member who was using probably 10+ different types of learning technology to make his course as interactive as possible. And then, there were many others who fell somewhere in the middle.
With this insight, I knew I needed to adapt my approach using emotional intelligence. I used organizational awareness to connect with each individual, empathized with their position on the new technology, and worked through the change with them in a way that served their needs. It wasn’t about forcing everyone to follow the same path; it was about meeting them where they were and guiding them toward a common goal.
This experience taught me the importance of understanding and managing diverse personalities—an essential skill for any leader. And that’s exactly what this mini-sode is about: getting your team motivated and managing different personalities, no matter how challenging it might seem. Whether you're dealing with strong opinions, varying levels of tech-savviness, or just trying to keep everyone aligned, this episode will give you practical tips to make it happen.
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If any of this resonates with you, and you’re wondering how to apply these strategies with a deeper understanding of your team’s emotional dynamics, you won’t want to miss my upcoming virtual workshop on emotional intelligence. It’s all about going beyond the touchy-feely and diving into the science and strategy of EQ to equip you with the tools to motivate your team, manage personalities, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Sign up here.