PPP 456 | Navigating Ambiguity with Confidence, with Kevin Eikenberry

Summary In this discussion, Andy welcomes back Kevin Eikenberry to talk about his new book Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. They discuss how leadership complexity increases with career progression and how Kevin’s book offers practical guidance on managing ambiguity. The conversation delves into the concept of flexible leadership, the impact of uncertainty versus fear, the importance of context in decision-making, and why organizations should be seen as both machines and organisms. They also touch on the significance of rituals and handling paradoxes in leadership. If you're looking for insights on how to lead and deliver despite uncertainty and ambiguity, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “Leadership in many ways hasn't changed for centuries.” “Fear has an endpoint... Anxiety has no end. And that's such a bigger challenge for us.” “We should be thinking pilot, not policy.” “Are organizations more like machines or more like organisms? Well, both are true.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Start of Interview 00:24 What HASN'T Changed With Leadership 04:00 What Does Kevin NOT Mean by 'Flexible' Leadership? 06:19 Understanding Uncertainty and Fear 08:25 The Sense-Making Framework 12:58 Organizations: Machines or Organisms? 15:50 System One vs. System Two Thinking 18:29 Autopilot vs. Deliberate Decision Making 18:51 Understanding Flexors: Compliance vs. Commitment 19:11 The Flexor Concept in Leadership 22:53 Habits vs. Rituals: Navigating Uncertainty 25:49 Parenting and Leadership: Building Confidence 28:20 End of Interview 28:39 Andy's Comments After the Interview 33:13 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Kevin and his book at KevinEikenberry.com/Flexible-Leadership. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 54 with Roger L. Martin about his book The Opposable Mind Episode 47 with Henry Mintzberg about his book on why management is what we think it is. Episodes 360 and 455 with Janet Polach about her books to help us avoid mistakes as we grow as leaders. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Uncertainty, Fear, Organizational Behavior, Leadership Styles, Habits, Rituals, Ambiguity The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license