About the Episode
About the Episode: On this episode, Jeremy sits down with talented Higher Ed leader, Anne Johnson. You’ll hear about:
Key Takeaways
- Start with Curiosity
Effective feedback begins with asking better questions. Curiosity invites collaboration and helps leaders guide their teams without creating defensiveness. - Appreciation Fuels Team Success
Recognizing and valuing diverse skills within a team enhances productivity and morale. Mutual appreciation is the foundation of a strong, collaborative workplace. - One-on-Ones Build Trust
Regular one-on-one meetings are vital for understanding team members, addressing challenges, and fostering open communication. - Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity
Leaders who share aspects of their personal lives create stronger connections with their teams, fostering trust and camaraderie. - Feedback Requires Empathy and Context
Tough conversations are most effective when approached with empathy, clarity, and a focus on mutual solutions.
Episode Summary: Key Questions and Answers
What makes higher education so rewarding for Anne Johnson?
Anne values the variety and dynamic nature of higher education. Whether assisting students with financial aid, coaching interns on presentations, or collaborating with faculty, she finds energy in the diverse opportunities the field provides.
What is the most important quality in a leader?
Anne believes in the power of mutual appreciation. Effective leaders value the unique skills and perspectives their team members bring, filling gaps with complementary talents that elevate the whole team.
How does Anne ensure intentional leadership?
Anne incorporates tools like the "Best of Me" form, where new staff share insights about their motivations, triggers, and preferred recognition. Additionally, annual self-assessments provide valuable feedback for improving job satisfaction and addressing potential retention issues.
Why are one-on-one meetings critical to leadership?
Anne highlights one-on-ones as an essential way to gauge team morale, tackle challenges, and provide personalized support. Letting team members lead these meetings fosters ownership and ensures meaningful conversations.
How does Anne approach giving tough feedback?
Anne emphasizes starting with curiosity, asking questions to understand the team member's perspective. This approach transforms feedback into a collaborative process focused on growth and problem-solving.
What advice would Anne give to her younger self as a leader?
She would advise her 23-year-old self to listen and learn from her team rather than trying to prove herself. Prioritizing people over protocol and embracing flexibility are key lessons she’s learned.
About the Show: Jeremy Tiers, a well-known speaker in college admission, enrollment marketing, and leadership circles is your host for Mission Admissions. Join him every other week as he sits down with industry leaders and difference makers from both inside and outside of Higher Ed. You'll walk away with advice, tips and strategies you can apply in your day-to-day life.
Connect With Our Host:
Jeremy Tiers
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremytiers/
https://twitter.com/CoachTiers
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mission Admissions is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and The Application with Allison Turcio.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — many of your favorite Enrollify creators will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
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