Yes, leadership is built on developing relationships with other people. But there are several key character strengths of leadership that we hone in solitude, including creativity, self-regulation and bravery. And leaders throughout history have made difficult decisions and designed creative solutions in solitude.
In the digital age, however, solitude is a lot harder for leaders to come by. How can we discipline ourselves to put away the smartphone and be with our thoughts long enough to think through difficult decisions, stay on purpose, and create innovative solutions?
Today, Jeffrey sits down with Mike Erwin, the CEO of the Character & Leadership Center and President of The Positivity Project to discuss the leadership qualities he demonstrated in kindergarten and his long history of curiosity around leading people in a positive way. Mike shares the inspiration for his book, Lead Yourself First, explaining how it evolved to become a study of how great leaders practiced solitude during meaningful times. He speaks to the virtues of leadership honed by productive solitude and the difference between a brilliant creative idea and a foolish one. Listen in to understand how the appreciation of beauty can lift you out of adversity and learn to embrace productive solitude in your own life!
[2:29] Mike’s young genius
[4:55] The mentors who influenced Mike growing up
[9:24] Mike’s curiosity around leading people in a positive way
[12:22] What Mike learned as a leader in the military
[16:40] The inspiration for Lead Yourself First
[22:43] The cultural conversation around a need for solitude
[28:21] The pros and cons of digital communication
[37:34] The virtues of leadership honed by productive solitude
[42:19] Mike’s favorite example of creativity in leadership
[49:11] The difference between reckless and brilliant ideas
[53:00] Mike’s ability to appreciate beauty amidst adversity
[56:43] Mike’s insight on embracing productive solitude
[1:01:01] What Mike is questing for moving forward
‘Solitude and Leadership’ by William Deresiewicz
Solitude: A Singular Life in a Crowded World by Michael Harris
Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Character Strengths and Virtues by Christopher Peterson and Martin E. P. Seligman
Podchaser is the ultimate destination for podcast data, search, and discovery. Learn More