PocketCasts 
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube What's your "Why?" for becoming a leader? with Joel Lindstrom
#02. Today I'm learning from Joel Lindstrom. Joel is a senior director at Hitachi Solutions America, where he oversees the Power Platform, Low-Code and Automation team. Before joining the Microsoft channel as a solution architect with Customer Effective, Joel sold office equipment. Customer Effective was acquired by Hitachi Solutions seven years later, and Joel has been building his career there for over a decade. Joel has a long history with the Microsoft MVP program and he also played a pivotal role in giving Neil a break in podcasting back in 2017.
KEY LESSONS
- Defining Leadership Goals: Joel emphasizes the importance of understanding why you want to be a leader. It's not just about the impressive title or the increased salary; it's about embracing the additional responsibilities and making a positive impact on your team.
- Managing Yourself First: Before taking on a leadership role, Joel advises assessing your personal habits and time management skills. Can you manage your own mindset and health effectively? These are crucial skills for managing a team.
- Empowering Your Team: One of Joel's greatest joys in leadership is seeing his team members succeed. He believes in the power of nurturing talent and celebrating the achievements of others, even if it means they surpass him in rank.
- Monday Morning Updates: Joel shares a practice of sending out Monday morning messages to his team, acknowledging successes and setting priorities for the week. It's a simple yet effective way to maintain team cohesion and focus.
- Continuous Learning: While Joel values keeping technical certifications current, he acknowledges that every leader can show commitment to continuous learning in their own way. It's about setting a strong example for your team.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Joel on managing a project vs. a team
00:46 Introduction to Practice Leading and guest Joel Lindstrom
01:46 Joel Lindstrom's career journey
03:22 Finding your 'why' in leadership
06:57 Challenges in transitioning to leadership
07:21 The joys of leadership
10:07 Recognizing team achievements
14:03 Managing yourself before managing others
18:13 Handling an unpredictable schedule as a leader
22:50 Strategies for balancing meetings and deep work
26:41 The importance of self-management
28:23 The role of certifications for leaders
RESOURCES
- Joel Lindstrom on LinkedIn
- Hitachi Solutions America on LinkedIn
- Punish By Rewards by Alfie Kohn
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
👋 LET'S CONNECT
🌐 Subscribe to Practice Leading newsletter for key lesson takeaways and special event invitations
🧪 PRACTICE LEADING LAB FOR EMERGING LEADERS
Apply to join Practice Leading Lab
⭐ RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW
