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In a thought-provoking podcast episode, Andy Dent from The Oxford Group engages in discussion with Sharlene St-Claire, Organisation Development Manager with Jaguar Land Rover. Recorded during the summer of 2023, this conversation delves into the realm of leadership, exploring critical behaviours for leaders, leadership programmes, the significance of emotional intelligence in uncertain times, and the impact of insightful leadership and development books. Notably, Sharlene also shares her personal selection of must-read leadership books, making it an episode brimming with valuable insights for aspiring HR professionals across various industries.

Sharlene emphasises the importance of adaptability, resilience, and agility as key attributes for leaders to navigate uncertainties successfully. She highlights the need for leaders to embrace change and encourage their teams to do the same, fostering a culture of innovation and growth.

Leadership Programme Development

Moving on, the conversation explores the significance of leadership programmes in nurturing effective leaders. Sharlene shares her expertise in designing and implementing leadership programmes that empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. She emphasises the need for programmes that offer a blend of knowledge and practical application, enabling leaders to develop the skills required to excel in their roles.

ChatGPT and Brave Leadership

Sharlene introduces ChatGPT, an AI-powered tool that assists leaders in honing their decision-making skills and problem-solving abilities. She highlights the potential of AI to augment leadership development efforts, providing leaders with valuable insights and perspectives. Furthermore, the concept of brave leadership is explored, emphasising the importance of leaders who are willing to take risks, challenge the status quo, and foster a culture of innovation within their organisations.

Emotional Intelligence in Uncertain Times

Recognising the impact of emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness, Sharlene underscores the significance of leaders who possess high emotional intelligence in navigating uncertain times. She explains how leaders with well-developed emotional intelligence are better equipped to manage their own emotions and understand and empathise with the emotions of others. This ability fosters stronger relationships, enhances collaboration, and promotes a positive work environment.

Insightful Leadership and Development Books

One of the highlights of the podcast episode is Sharlene’s sharing of her ‘desert island’ leadership books. She provides a carefully curated list of books that have had a profound impact on her leadership journey. From classic titles to contemporary reads, the selection covers various aspects of leadership, personal growth, and organisational development. Sharlene’s recommendations provide listeners with a valuable resource to explore and expand their knowledge in leadership and development.

In this engaging podcast episode, Andy Dent and Sharlene St-Claire delve into the world of leadership, uncovering critical behaviours, leadership programmes, the role of AI in leadership development, the importance of emotional intelligence in uncertain times, and insightful leadership and development books. The conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice for leaders and professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and make a positive impact in their organisations. Aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals alike will find inspiration and guidance from Sharlene’s expertise and her selection of must-read leadership books.

Listen now to The Leadership Matters Podcast Episode 3: