Leverage Your Whole Self for Creative Leadership with Lawrence Armstrong at Ware Malcomb
- Introduction to Creative Leadership
- The Power of Interpersonal Skills
- Succession Planning Challenges
- Wrapping Up Leadership Insights
Don't miss an episode. Subscribe to Growth Think Tank.
In this episode, I sit down with Larry Armstrong, Chairman at Ware Malcomb, to explore the power of Creative Leadership and how leaders can bring their whole selves to the table. Larry shares insights from his extensive experience in architecture and design, emphasizing how authenticity and innovation drive business success. We discuss the importance of fostering a culture of Creative Leadership, where teams feel empowered to think outside the box and push boundaries. Larry also breaks down practical ways leaders can cultivate creativity while maintaining strategic focus. Tune in to learn how Creative Leadership can transform your organization and help you stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.
Layered Leadership: A Conversation with Lawrence Armstrong on Creativity, Growth, and Nurturing Talent from Within
The interview features a deep discussion on leadership and personal growth, centered around Larry Armstrong’s leadership philosophy illustrated in his book, “Layered Leadership.” Gene Hammett, the host, prompts this conversation by reflecting on the idea of creativity in leadership. Lawrence Armstrong, who serves as the chairman of Ware Malcolm, an architectural engineering firm, describes his journey from being an employee to a leader who has now transitioned into a chairman role after nearly three decades at the company’s helm. The conversation begins with Lawrence introducing the metaphor of Tinker Toys, representing how individuals come into their careers with unique strengths and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of developing a diverse skill set beyond one’s inherent abilities. Lawrence articulates the firm’s growth strategy, which prioritizes promoting from within, rather than relying solely on acquisitions for expansion. He shares insights into how nurturing internal talent has been pivotal in fostering leadership and creating opportunities for employees to thrive. His experience is rooted in the belief that effective leadership combines creativity with robust business acumen, advocating for a balance of analytical skills and creativity to navigate complex challenges. This approach, he asserts, is a key theme of his book, which is aimed at helping others learn from his experiences and the firm’s practices.
Whole-Brain Leadership: Lawrence Armstrong on Creativity, Strategic Diversification, and the Power of Self-Awareness
The discussion then shifts to the subject of creativity in leadership. Lawrence underscores the significance of employing divergent thinking, inspired by figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, who exemplified a “whole brain” approach. He explains how creative problem-solving can enrich strategic planning, emphasizing the need for leaders to embrace both analytical and creative faculties. The visible light spectrum metaphor is introduced to illustrate the firm’s diversified strategies, as Lawrence explains how they chose to specialize in commercial real estate while exploring various service types and geographic opportunities. Gene contributes by highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills in leadership, which leads to a genuine conversation about personal growth and self-awareness. Lawrence shares candidly about his own journey, acknowledging that he had to cultivate his listening and communication skills, which were not innate strengths. This reflection resonates with both Lawrence and Gene, emphasizing the necessity for leaders to confront their blind spots and develop soft skills to foster team alignment and communication.
Building a World-Class Executive Culture: Lawrence Armstrong on Collaboration, Succession Planning, and Empowering Future Leaders
As the interview progresses, the conversation delves into the building of a world-class executive culture within Ware Malcolm. Lawrence articulates how bringing together a diverse executive team with complementary skill sets has contributed to the company’s success. Collaborative discussions during executive meetings foster innovation and collective problem-solving, which he believes is vital for any organization’s success. A significant portion of the interview focuses on succession planning, a topic that Lawrence identifies as one of the toughest challenges in leadership. He emphasizes that leaders must prepare for succession well in advance, developing future leaders capable of taking over the reins when necessary. The idea of empowering these successors to the point of confidence in their abilities is presented as a hallmark of effective leadership.
From Chairman to Mentor: Lawrence Armstrong on Navigating Leadership Transitions, Crisis Adaptation, and Cultivating Growth Through Innovation
Toward the end of the dialogue, Lawrence reflects on his role as chairman and what he has learned in this new capacity over the past five years. Navigating the balance between offering guidance and allowing his successors to lead has been a learning curve. He recounts the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating how the leadership team had to adapt quickly while ensuring the company’s longevity and success. The interview concludes with both men reiterating the importance of blending various ideas and approaches to cultivate an organization capable of growth and innovation. They encourage listeners to explore the lessons shared in “Layered Leadership,” hoping it serves as a resource for leaders seeking to develop their skills and enhance their organizations. Overall, the discussion offers a rich tapestry of insights on the interplay between leadership, creativity, and the importance of fostering internal talent to navigate the complexities of growth in today’s business environment.
About the Host
Hi, I’m Gene Hammett. I’m an executive coach – I help founders and CEOs create company growth. After studying the leadership of fast-growth companies — the Inc 5000 — I have discovered how their approach to leadership activates new growth. I’m on a mission “To Change the World Through Extraordinary Leadership.” If you know you want to be a better leader, let’s keep going. ’m also a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the founder of the Growth Think Tank, recognized as a top podcast for leaders by Inc.com and Entrepreneur.com. I love to write about leadership and culture that activates new growth. My work has appeared in large publications like Inc., Entrepreneur, and Success Magazines. ver 1,000,000+ business leaders, founders, and CEOs have listened to my podcasts, read my articles, or used my growth strategies to shift their mindsets to achieve incredible business results. Take your leadership to the next level and get access to a proven leadership framework to activate new growth for your company.
How Core Elevation Can Help You Create Leadership At All Levels and Grow Your Company
Core Elevation is designed to empower leaders at all levels, helping companies foster leadership growth and scalability. By focusing on key areas such as accountability, communication, and alignment, Core Elevation develops leadership traits throughout the organization. This approach leads to better decision-making, higher engagement, and stronger team performance. Companies that embrace leadership at all levels can expect increased innovation and faster growth. The program provides tools and strategies to cultivate leaders who drive transformation. Ultimately, Core Elevation helps businesses create a culture of leadership, positioning them for sustainable success.
Interested in a FREE Leadership Communication Skills Workshop with your team? This is about the most difficult of communication, Tough Conversations…
- Gain confidence in addressing difficult conversations with clarity and composure.
- Boost team performance by resolving conflicts and fostering open communication.
- Build trust and alignment by turning tough conversations into growth opportunities.
Book A Clarity Call with Gene Hammett
Resources
A QUICK FAVOR
And lastly, please leave a rating and review for the Growth Think Tank on iTunes (or Spotify) – it will help us in many ways, but it also inspires us to keep doing what we are doing here. Thank you in advance!
If you want more from us check out more interviews:
Transformational Leadership
Productivity Tips
Best Selling Author Interviews
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | https://www.youtube.com/user/leadersinthetrenches
