The New Portrait Of Leadership: Theresa Pidcock Of zant On Which Legacy Ideas About Leadership Need To Be Discarded, And Which New Approaches To Leadership Should Be Embraced
An Interview with Karen Mangia
Excellent Listening Skills: A key trait I emphasize in leadership is the ability to listen actively. This goes beyond merely hearing words; it involves understanding the underlying messages and emotions. For instance, in my journey of moving away from micromanaging, I learned that listening to my team’s insights and concerns was crucial. It helped me understand their perspectives, fostered trust, and enhanced our collective decision-making.
We are living in the Renaissance of Work. Just like great artists know that an empty canvas can become anything, great leaders know that an entire organization — and the people inside it — can become anything, too. Master Artists and Mastering the Art of Leadership draw from the same source: creation. In this series, we’ll meet masters who are creating the future of work and painting a portrait of lasting leadership. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Theresa Pidcock.
Theresa Pidcock is an executive coach with multiple certifications and a master’s degree in business dynamics, known for her passion for unlocking individual greatness. Her coaching philosophy centers on recognizing and harnessing the untapped potential within each person, emphasizing the power of emotions to achieve extraordinary results. With a commitment to leading through collaboration and a talent for solving complex problems, Theresa inspires clients to unleash their true potential and cultivate a winning mindset for personal and professional fulfillment.
Thank you for joining us. Our readers would enjoy discovering something interesting about you. What are you in the middle of right now that you’re excited about personally or professionally?
Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time both personally and professionally. Currently, I’m deeply involved in enhancing our emotional intelligence programs, a venture that’s both challenging and rewarding. What’s particularly thrilling is the expansion we’re planning in late 2024. We’re branching into a lifestyle-focused domain, aiming to provide more personalized support to our clients. This shift marks a significant step as my focus has predominantly been on business development, and witnessing our client base grow every day is truly inspiring. For me, the core of this excitement stems from my lifelong passion for understanding and nurturing the ‘heart of people’. I firmly believe that when a company and its leaders truly connect with people at a heartfelt level, success naturally follows. This belief has been my guiding star for decades, and seeing it come to life in these projects is incredibly fulfilling.
We all get by with a little help from our friends. Who is the leader that has influenced you the most, and how?
I’ve always believed that the journey to success is rarely a solo endeavor. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to encounter numerous mentors who have shaped my path in profound ways. It’s challenging to pinpoint just one as the most influential because each has contributed uniquely to my development. I subscribe to the idea of creating a personal board of directors — a diverse group of individuals who embody the traits, achievements, and values I aspire to. This board isn’t just about professional guidance; it extends to all facets of life. From someone whose business acumen I admire to another whose family life resonates with my aspirations, each member plays a vital role. They collectively guide my personal ethos and principles, providing a well-rounded perspective on leadership.
Rather than viewing others’ successes with envy, I see them as benchmarks and sources of inspiration. This approach of learning from a variety of leaders has been instrumental in shaping my holistic view of leadership. It’s about emulating their successes in both professional and personal arenas, recognizing that the two are intricately linked. This philosophy of inclusive mentorship and personal leadership is a cornerstone of my approach, and it continually drives me to evolve and grow.
Sometimes our biggest mistakes lead to our biggest discoveries. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made as a leader, and what did you discover as a result?
One of the most significant mistakes I made as a leader was not trusting my own judgment. Reflecting back, there were numerous instances where self-doubt overshadowed my confidence, even when I intrinsically knew the right course of action. This tendency stemmed partly from a deep-rooted pursuit of perfection and a desire to please others. However, with experience and the challenges that come with managing high-pressure situations, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of my capabilities. I’ve learned that my intuition is a reliable guide and hesitating to express my true perspective benefits no one — not my clients, not myself, nor the ultimate objectives we strive for.
This realization didn’t come easy. It emerged through instances of significant growth and advancement, often when the stakes were highest. Over the past few years, I’ve largely overcome this challenge. It’s not that the specter of self-doubt has completely vanished; it’s that I’ve become adept at recognizing its patterns and triggers. More importantly, I’ve developed strategies to counteract it effectively when it arises. This shift in approach has been transformative, enabling me to lead with greater confidence and clarity.
How has your definition of leadership changed or evolved over time? What does it mean to be a leader now?
In my earlier years, I perceived leadership as simply being at the helm of a team, managing tasks and overseeing responsibilities. However, my understanding of leadership has evolved significantly over time. I now see it as a role that encompasses far more than just task management. A true leader is someone who sees beyond the immediate duties to the whole spectrum of human experience within their team. They recognize that beneath every task lies a complex web of emotions, human dynamics, challenges, and triumphs. It’s about understanding that, while holding a title, the real essence of leadership is the profound responsibility of positively impacting the lives you’re entrusted with every day.
Even in roles that might not seem life-altering on the surface, effective leadership has a profound impact. We’ve all experienced leaders who’ve made our lives difficult, affecting our well being even outside of work. Conversely, we’ve also known leaders who inspire loyalty and respect, whom we’d gladly follow regardless of their professional destination. Great leadership is transformative, leaving a lasting positive impact on people’s lives. Most importantly, one doesn’t need an official title to be a leader. True leadership is about influence and impact, not just formal authority.
Success is as often as much about what we stop as what we start. What is one legacy leadership behavior you stopped because you discovered it was no longer valuable or relevant?
The leadership behavior I’ve consciously moved away from is micromanaging. In my early leadership days, micromanaging was not just common, it was often expected. However, over time, I’ve come to see it as an ineffective and counterproductive approach. Instead, I’ve learned the importance of empowering team members by clearly communicating expectations and needs. By articulating what information and results I require, and why they are important, I’ve found that the need for constant oversight diminishes significantly.
One key factor I’ve identified is the role of communication in preventing the need for micromanaging. Clear, open communication channels can eliminate much of the ‘chasing’ that goes on in team management. Furthermore, I’ve observed that time management skills are crucial both for leaders and team members. Through my consulting work, I guide successful individuals on how to optimize their time and schedules. Imagine the negative impact if this guidance came across as adversarial. Instead, by fostering a collaborative environment and focusing on how each team member can contribute and succeed, we create a more efficient and less stressful workplace. By shifting from a micromanaging mindset to one of teamwork and open communication, we not only achieve our goals more smoothly but also build a more positive and empowering work culture.
What is one lasting leadership behavior you started or are cultivating because you believe it is valuable or relevant?
The leadership behavior I continuously emphasize, and nurture is effective communication. In my view, there’s no such thing as too much communication. It’s crucial for conveying your vision, reaffirming goals, keeping the team updated, or reiterating the plan. The importance of continuous communication in business, personal growth, and especially during times of rapid change, cannot be overstated.
A common pitfall I’ve noticed, even among seasoned leaders, is underestimating the necessity of regular communication during periods of fast-paced growth or change. When a company is evolving quickly, leaders might become reactive, and as a result, communication with their teams can suffer. Team members strive to adapt and support these changes, but when their queries or requests for guidance are met with silence or delay, it can adversely impact the company culture, morale, and performance.
The key to preventing these issues is proactive and ongoing communication. No matter if things are going exceptionally well, facing difficulties, or somewhere in between. Consistently ensuring everyone understands the mission and direction is crucial. This approach not only reduces errors and maximizes efficiency but also allows the team to effectively seize new opportunities. It creates an environment where everyone feels empowered to ask questions and is assured that their understanding is a top priority. Clear, open communication ensures that as a leader, you are preventing potential problems in culture and morale before they even start. A team that is well-informed and aligned with its mission is a team that is poised for success.
What advice would you offer to other leaders who are stuck in past playbooks and patterns and may be having a hard time letting go of what made them successful in the past?
The key piece of advice I’d offer to leaders clinging to outdated methods is the importance of self-belief and adaptability. The saying ‘What got you here won’t get you there’ is particularly apt in this context. While it’s valuable to have past playbooks as a reference for what has worked before, it’s crucial to recognize their limitations in a rapidly evolving world. Our environment today moves at an unprecedented pace, requiring a constant state of adaptation and growth.
Past strategies and patterns should be acknowledged for their contributions, but it’s equally important to discern which aspects remain relevant and which ones need re-evaluation. Leaders must embrace the notion that our world’s continuous evolution demands our own evolution as well. Believing in ourselves is about understanding that we are capable of replicating past successes in new contexts. This requires not just relying on old playbooks, but actively seeking to develop ourselves and our teams, keeping pace with the changing landscape. It’s about striking a balance between leveraging past experiences and being open to new ideas and approaches, ensuring we remain dynamic and relevant in our leadership roles.
Many of our readers can relate to the challenge of leading people for the first time. What advice would you offer to new and emerging leaders?
For those stepping into leadership roles for the first time, my advice is to embrace openness and a learning mindset. Understand that mistakes are an inevitable part of the journey. It’s crucial to avoid setting rigid boundaries that limit flexibility and adaptability. Remember, you’re dealing with real people, and your actions and decisions will significantly impact their lives.
The transition to a leadership position is often filled with excitement and enthusiasm. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this new role, often accompanied by a title and a raise, doesn’t always come with the necessary training and guidance. This can lead to a lot of guesswork and on-the-fly decision-making, a situation many of us have experienced. To navigate this effectively, prioritize open communication and active listening. These skills are key to understanding your team and building trust.
Being a good listener doesn’t mean you always follow the crowd or base your decisions solely on popular opinion. Rather, it’s about showing genuine interest and consideration for your team’s perspectives. This approach not only helps in making informed decisions but also demonstrates your respect and care for those you lead, fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
Based on your experience or research, what are the top five traits effective leaders exemplify now?
1. Excellent Listening Skills: A key trait I emphasize in leadership is the ability to listen actively. This goes beyond merely hearing words; it involves understanding the underlying messages and emotions. For instance, in my journey of moving away from micromanaging, I learned that listening to my team’s insights and concerns was crucial. It helped me understand their perspectives, fostered trust, and enhanced our collective decision-making.
2. Effective Communication: Communication is a cornerstone of leadership. As we discussed earlier, it’s not just about conveying information but also about keeping the team aligned and motivated. I remember a time when rapid changes in the company required quick adaptation. By maintaining open lines of communication, I was able to clearly articulate the new directions and ensure everyone was on the same page, thus avoiding confusion and keeping the team focused.
3. Ability to Pivot When Necessary: The business world is dynamic, and effective leaders must be able to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances. This trait was particularly evident when I expanded our company’s focus to include numerous coaching methodologies. Recognizing the evolving needs of our clients, I adapted our strategy to provide more comprehensive support, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to market demands.
4. Stress Tolerance: Managing stress effectively is vital for leaders, especially in high-pressure environments. For example, during phases of intense growth, the pressure can be immense. By maintaining composure and managing stress, I am able to lead my teams effectively through these challenging periods, making clear decisions and keeping morale high.
5. Maintaining Sight of the Big Picture During Times of Chaos: In tumultuous times, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Effective leaders must keep their focus on the larger goals. A personal example of this was during a major project shift. Despite the chaos, by keeping sight of the overarching objectives and reminding my team of these, we navigated through the turbulence successfully and achieved our long-term goals.
Each of these traits has been integral in my leadership journey, helping me navigate through various challenges and opportunities while maintaining a focus on growth, both for myself and for those I lead.
American Basketball Coach John Wooden said, “Make each day your masterpiece.” How do you embody that quote? We welcome a story or example.
John Wooden’s quote resonates deeply with me, as I strive to make the most of each day, recognizing that ‘my best’ varies from one day to the next. There are days when my energy and motivation are soaring, and I feel capable of achieving extraordinary feats. On other days, my capacity might be more limited, and accomplishing more moderate tasks feels like a significant achievement.
Embracing this quote means accepting that each day is unique and valuable in its own way. It’s about understanding that the combination of high-energy days and more subdued ones contributes to a rich, diverse life experience. Just like a tapestry, where every thread has its own color and texture, each day adds its own hue and pattern to the larger picture of my life.
This philosophy is about creating a legacy — one where, upon reflection at life’s end, I can see a mosaic of days, each different, but all contributing to a life lived fully and with purpose. It’s not about grand gestures every single day, but rather about finding value and purpose in every moment, whether it’s filled with monumental achievements or quieter, introspective activities. Each day, in its own way, is a piece of art that I contribute to the overall masterpiece of my life.
What is the legacy you aspire to leave as a leader?
My aim is to leave a legacy of joyous leadership. I firmly believe in the potential to revolutionize leadership, making it a more human and healing experience. It’s a misconception that success requires sacrificing one’s values or well-being. I stand by the idea that you can be an impactful leader, positively change lives, and still maintain a fulfilling family life, robust health, and a strong sense of personal faith and well-being.
I also believe that financial success in business does not have to come at the cost of ethical integrity. Companies can be profitable while still doing what’s morally right. Every day, I strive to live by this philosophy and encourage others to do the same. My goal is not just to achieve this balance in my own life but to guide others in finding this harmony in theirs. The legacy I aspire to create is one where leadership is synonymous with joy, health, and ethical success.
How can our readers connect with you to continue the conversation?
You can stay updated with my work online through my website, which is https://theresapidcock.com/. Additionally, you can connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresahampsonpidcock, and you’ll find me on Instagram under the username @theresapidcock. I’m always eager to connect with readers, learn about your experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions, so please feel free to reach out and let’s enjoy the journey together.
All photos included in this interview are by Brio Photography.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to experience a leadership master at work. We wish you continued success and good health!
About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
