Managing Up: How Leaders Can Advocate for the Frontline and Bridge the Gap with the Executive Suite

Engaging Leadership

Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Jim is joined by Federico Demarin, Chief People Officer at GroupM, to discuss the implications of short-term thinking on an organization's people strategy. They explore the importance of leadership with generosity and empathy, the need to challenge prevailing wisdom, and the role of emotional intelligence in creating an innovative culture. Federico shares insights on how to navigate the gray areas of leadership, build trust with executives, and balance short-term and long-term goals. Tune in to gain valuable advice on creating a high-performing team and driving strategic conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Perspective: Leaders must balance short-term results with a long-term strategic vision for their people, cultivating a culture that values diverse insights and innovation.
• Emotional Intelligence: Developing emotional intelligence is critical for leaders to manage personal reactions and create a safe space for open dialogue.
• Advocacy Is Key: HR and people leaders need to serve as advocates, ensuring the executive team recognizes and responds to front-line realities, connecting strategy and execution.
• Recruitment for Innovation: Hiring with an eye for behaviors that foster innovation and challenge the status quo is essential for long-term growth.
• Building Relationships: Fostering trust and open communication with both the executive team and employees at all levels is fundamental for HR leaders to effectively influence and implement people strategies.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

03:27 Navigating the Complexities of People Leadership

06:09 Advice for New Managers: Embracing Uncertainty and Learning

08:24 Debunking Leadership Myths and Fostering Innovation

15:16 Strategic Leadership: Balancing Short-Term Pressures with Long-Term Vision

17:36 Effective HR Leadership: Speaking Up and Managing Up

26:07 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Federico

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Federico Demarin: linkedin.com/in/federicodemarin

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact

Mentioned in this episode:

Engaging Leadership Outro

Engaging Leadership Intro