How to Change and Improve Organisations | Nilguin van Raad | Beyond Coding Podcast #109

Leadership Feedback

Feedback within leadership contexts is crucial for organizational growth. Nilguin van Raad emphasizes the importance of providing honest and transparent feedback to leaders, even when it might be uncomfortable. She believes that pure intentions allow for open communication without judgment, which can lead to significant improvements 1. Patrick Akil shares his experience of seeking feedback from colleagues to understand how he is perceived, highlighting the value of self-awareness in leadership interactions 2.

If your intentions are pure, you can say almost anything interesting.

--- Nilguin van Raad

This approach fosters a culture where feedback is seen as a tool for growth rather than criticism.

   

Team vs. Group

Understanding the distinction between a team and a group is vital for effective leadership. Nilguin explains that a true team has shared goals and mutual dependence, whereas a group may not necessarily rely on each other to achieve success 3. Patrick discusses his expectations for leadership to operate as a cohesive team, emphasizing the need for alignment and clear communication 4.

If you mean team, in achieving a goal together, they need to be mutually dependent.

--- Nilguin van Raad

This distinction helps leaders tailor their strategies to either foster teamwork or manage groups effectively.

   

Congruence and Trust

Building trust within leadership teams hinges on congruent actions and intentions. Nilguin introduces the trust equation, which links trustworthiness to the alignment of actions, words, and intentions 5. She also shares a personal anecdote about fearlessly engaging in difficult conversations, underscoring the importance of genuine intentions in fostering trust 6.

Staying congruent is utmost important.

--- Nilguin van Raad

This approach ensures that leaders are perceived as reliable and sincere, which is essential for effective leadership.