50. Skip Bowman: Exploring Growth Mindset, Leadership, and Tennis History

Grand Slam Journey

Picture this: A kid growing up in Perth, Australia, watching his father - a famous Australian tennis player - coaching tennis legend Margaret Court. I am fortunate to have Skip Bowman in conversation with me in our latest episode about all things tennis, scuba diving, and leadership, whether it's on a tennis court, in a deep blue ocean, or a corporate board room.
Skip's journey from being a Master Scuba Diver and Instructor to studying organizational psychology and coaching and consulting leaders in some of the largest organizations in the world is an intriguing one. We chat about the revolution of tennis in the 60s and 70s, the remarkable women who paved the way, and the challenges they faced. We delve into how Skip's scuba diving experience and his international cultural immersion when he moved to Switzerland and then Denmark without knowing the language can unleash the next level of growth mindset, leadership, and understanding of the true meaning behind psychological safety. We reflect on the significance of curiosity, reflective capability, and confidence in nurturing a growth mindset and how leaders can tap into these elements to unleash team potential.
We explore the digital age, its influences, and implications. We underscore the need to discern between manipulation and exploitation, the various leadership styles we see in global corporations, and how Dolphins - a metaphor for an exemplary leadership style - can shape a safe environment for self-expression. Skip argues that relationships play a crucial role and proposes an interpersonal theory of growth mindset that focuses on helping each other grow and mobilizing supporters. We also discuss the societal programming that leads to the promotion of narcissistic leaders and the need for more complex and clever strategies in today's world.

Finally, we address cognitive and collaborative overload in our workspaces, the potential benefits of hybrid working, and the role humor plays in leadership. Join us as we journey through topics of tennis, psychology, leadership, and more - you're in for a thought-provoking ride!
Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skiporgcoach/
Website: https://www.skip-bowman.com/
Get "Safe to Great: The New Psychology of Leadership" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4ljM6wD
YouTube:

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