Investing in the Whole Person as a Leader with Rob McKenna

Dr. Nathan Regier welcomes Rob McKenna, PhD to today’s episode. He was named one of the top 30 most influential I/O psychologists, he is a TedEd speaker and features in Forbes. Dr. McKenna is the founder of WiLD Leader Inc and The WiLD Leader Foundation, as well as the creator of the WiLD Toolkit. Dr. McKenna’s research and coaching with thousands of leaders across corporate, not-for-profit, and university settings have given him insight into the real and gritty experience of leadership. His clients have included the Boeing Company, Microsoft, Heineken, Foster Farms, the United Way, Alaska Airlines, and Children’s Hospital. He is the author of numerous articles and chapters on leadership character, calling, effectiveness, and leadership under pressure. His latest book, Composed: The Heart and Science of Leading Under Pressure focuses on the specific strategies leaders can use to stay true to themselves and connected to others when it matters most.   Key Takeaways: [3:13] What are some of the most formative influences on Dr. McKenna’s journey? [5:52] Dr. McKenna talks about his motivation to study I/O psychology. [7:35] What is WiLD Leaders? Whole and Intentional Leader Development. [8:30] Dr. McKenna explains what the WiLD Toolkit is. [10:20] Dr. McKenna talks about the genesis of his newest book. [13:45] How does pressure impact people? [14:26] Dr. McKenna talks about the importance of efficacy. [18:50] Thinkers and feelers can both be beneficial but can also become a liability. [22:22] “Stop trying to be interesting and start trying to be interested.”  [22:38] Dr. McKenna explains the difference between empathy and perspective taking. [27:40] Selfishness looks different for different people. [28:41] “Human beings are the only species who speed up when lost”, Dr. McKenna explains his quote from the book [31:26] Dr. McKenna talks about the distinction between blame and grace and how it applies to the responsibility as a leader. [35:41] Dr. McKenna explains the difference between peace-keeper and truth-seeker. [37:26] Dr. McKenna shares ‘the secret sauce’: a sense of purpose. [43:13] Readiness beats potential. [47:20] Humans make mistakes, how we relate to our failures is a crucially important aspect. Dr. McKenna shares his personal perspective on faith and human failure. [53:30] Dr. Nate and Dr. McKenna talk about role models. [56:28] Is there anything on Dr. McKenna’s mind that he feels the world needs to know?  [1:01:14] Dr. Nate shares his top three takeaways from an inspiring and energizing conversation with Dr. McKenna.   Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset   Tweetables: “Pressure impacts people in three fundamental ways: thinking, feeling and doing.” #oncompassion   “You can’t sacrifice something you don’t have.” #oncompassion   “The emotional side is the least promoted in leadership development.” #oncompassion   “Worry less about what people are thinking of you and worry more about what they think about themselves.” #oncompassion    “The person who has the most capacity to lead within any system is the one who can express himself with the least amount of blame.” #oncompassion