Scaling Leadership Development: Bri Flynn on Building Better Managers At Scale

The Step UP - Where Leaders, Talent Managers and Leadership Development pros find expert tips for Leadership excellence

Bri Flynn is an experienced HR and Talent executive with broad experience in human capital management, executive coaching, and operational leadership.

With more than two decades of experience leading Human Resources teams and Talent Development programs in both privately held and Fortune 500 companies, her strengths lie in designing workplace solutions that balance strategy, empathy, and impact to help individuals and organizations thrive.

Today's episode: Scaling leadership development is the name of the game today, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride! In this episode, we dive deep into how managing leaders can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle, with many folks out there feeling like they’re drowning under the weight of two and a half jobs. My guest, Bri Flynn, and I chat about the importance of integrating leadership training into the everyday hustle, making it as seamless as slipping on your favorite pair of sneakers. We talk about the magic of blending traditional training with coaching and real-time support, all while keeping it simple and relevant to what people actually do. So grab your headphones and get ready for some golden nuggets on how to empower those leaders without adding to their already overflowing plates!

Navigating the turbulent waters of leadership development is no small feat, and Bri Flynn's insights shed light on how to scale these initiatives effectively. Many managers are currently feeling the heat, often overloaded with responsibilities that hinder their ability to lead effectively. Bri makes a compelling case for embedding leadership development into the daily workflow, emphasizing that it should not feel like an additional chore but rather a natural part of their leadership journey.

We kick off the discussion by unpacking the transition from individual contributor to leader, a shift that can feel like jumping into the deep end without a life raft. Bri stresses the importance of setting clear expectations early on, focusing on compliance, core competencies, and cultural values. These foundational elements are essential for building leaders who are not just effective in their roles but also contribute positively to the organizational culture.

As our chat progresses, we delve into the nuances of scaling leadership development across different levels of an organization. Bri advocates for a hybrid learning approach, combining asynchronous modules with real-life applications and peer coaching. This model supports continuous learning and accountability among leaders, fostering a collaborative environment where they can share challenges and successes. By the end of our conversation, it’s clear that the road to effective leadership development is paved with simplicity, empathy, and a strategic focus on aligning training with business goals.

Takeaways:

• In today's fast-paced work environment, many leaders are juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, leaving them overwhelmed.
• Effective leadership development should integrate seamlessly into the daily workflow to avoid adding extra stress to busy managers.
• Building a strong foundation with early managers is crucial for developing future leaders and ensuring a healthy workplace culture.
• Coaching should be seen as a strategic investment, offering leaders a space to reflect and grow without the pressure of daily tasks.
• Utilizing AI tools can enhance leadership development by offering real-time support and insights to managers as they navigate their roles.
• Engaging in transparent conversations about potential and succession planning fosters trust and encourages employees to pursue growth opportunities.

Links:

• Bri Flynn on Linked In
• Bri's Website
• Co-Intelligence book by Ethan Mollick
• Kent's Linked In Page
• https://kent.coach

**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.**