How Can Leaders Navigate Cultural Differences Effectively?
What does it take to lead authentically while navigating the complexities of cultural differences and balancing team dynamics? In this episode of the Leadership Jam Session, I sat down with Ken Miller, President and CEO of Nasco Healthcare, to delve into his journey from sales rep to CEO. Ken shared valuable insights from his 30+ years in leadership across global roles, giving us a look into what it means to lead with authenticity, agility, and compassion. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation that can inspire leaders at every stage of their journey.
Find Purpose in Your Work
For Ken, the decision to enter healthcare shaped his approach to leadership. “I was able to do well while doing good,” he said, underscoring the importance of finding alignment between personal and professional values. Ken’s journey began with a commitment to make a difference, not just for his own career, but for the communities his company serves. “From the beginning of my career, that shaped me,” he shared, illustrating the power of purpose in maintaining a career that satisfies both personal and professional goals.
Adapt to Cultural Differences
Ken’s experience in Switzerland marked a turning point in his leadership style. Initially, he struggled to understand and adapt to the cultural work differences, bringing American practices into a Swiss workplace where the structure and pace differed greatly. His colleague’s feedback—“We’re getting the work done, but you’re losing the team”—helped him shift his approach, embracing the diversity of his team and, in turn, improving communication and cohesion. This experience taught him to prioritize cultural sensitivity and adapt his methods to the local context.
Lead with Authenticity
Ken reflects on how, early in his career, he tried to model himself after others instead of leading as his true self. With time, he learned the power of authenticity: “Now, I’m far more willing to be vulnerable…my team sees my passion and drive,” he noted. By embracing his genuine style, Ken has become more effective at inspiring his team, helping them see that he’s equally invested in their collective success.
Collaborate for Success
Ken has evolved from a leader who drove initiatives solo to one who now creates strategies with his team. He described his previous approach as coming to the table with a “clear, dry, ready-to-implement” plan. Now, he brings “wet clay”—ideas that are open for his team’s input, which allows everyone to invest in the process and outcome. This collaborative approach not only builds trust but also ensures that the strategy is tailored and robust.
Embrace Imperfection
For many leaders, there’s a temptation to have all the answers and set flawless strategies. Ken’s view: embrace imperfection and involve the team in finding solutions. In his experience, leaders often achieve better results when they work through challenges together rather than dictating the direction. He encourages leaders to be open to failure, treating it as part of the learning process rather than something to be avoided.
Key Takeaways
– How personal experiences shape leadership approaches (00:01:17)
– The importance of adapting leadership styles to different cultures and contexts (00:06:02)
– Encouraging collaboration and buy-in through team ownership (00:09:12)
– Balancing leadership goals with the need for compassion and empathy (00:16:26)
Ken Miller emphasizes the value of cultural sensitivity, team collaboration, and authentic leadership. His journey showcases how embracing vulnerability and encouraging input from others can create a high-performing, cohesive team. Tune in to hear Ken’s insights on how to grow as a leader through experiences that challenge your comfort zone and push you to become more adaptive and collaborative.
Leadership Resources
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About the host, Rob Fonte
Rob Fonte is the founder and President of Sarto Leadership Group, whose reputation has been built on being a transformational leader and inspirational coach with a passion for developing others. His twenty-year career spans across multiple disciplines including leading award-winning sales teams. Rob is an academically trained Executive Coach certified by The University of Texas and the International Coach Federation.