Curiosity: The Greatest Gift for Effective Leadership with Sarah Noll Wilson

In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast, host Shari Simpson interviews Sarah Noll Wilson, an expert in leadership development. They discuss common challenges HR professionals face when it comes to developing effective leadership skills. Sarah highlights the burnout and emotional fatigue experienced by HR professionals and emphasizes the importance of self-care. They also explore the trap of confusing knowing with doing and the need for HR professionals to practice what they teach.

Key Takeaways:

1. Curiosity is a core skill for effective leadership. Being curious allows leaders to understand different perspectives, embrace experimentation, and increase self-awareness.
2. Developing first-time managers requires a holistic approach. HR professionals should include and invite as many team members as possible in leadership development opportunities to build essential skills throughout the organization.
3. Conflict avoidance is harmful to organizational culture. Leaders should embrace difficult conversations and approach conflict as a conversation rather than a confrontation. Creating a culture where conflict is seen as an opportunity for growth and learning is crucial.