The Military Sherpa Leadership Podcast

Join The Military Sherpa, Mark Tilsher, on a leadership journey unlike any other. With years of military experience and top-notch leadership tools, Mark delivers practical and innovative strategies to help you lead your team to new heights. Discover how to cultivate a high-performing culture with episodes focused on personal growth, team building, and leadership development. From the battlefield to the boardroom, Mark's unique perspective will help you unlock the full potential of your team and achieve your goals. Don't miss a single episode of The Military Sherpa Leadership Podcast - subscribe today!

171. More Than Showing Up: Maximizing Member Contributions

Strong private organizations thrive when members actively engage and contribute beyond attendance. This episode explores practical strategies to motivate members, align roles with their strengths, and foster a culture of meaningful involvement. Shift from passive participation to impactful action and watch your organization flourish. Conversation Starters: What are some barriers preventing members in your private org from becoming more involved? How can leaders identify and leverage members’ strengths for better alignment? How does your organization currently recognize contributions, and how can this be improved?

02-10
09:34

170. The Heart of Leadership: Guiding Your Private Org with Vision and Credibility

Effective leadership within private organizations on military bases demands more than authority—it requires influence, vision, and credibility. In this episode, we explore how leading volunteers differs from leading in the workplace, especially when faced with one-year cycles and peer-dominated environments. You’ll learn how to cast a compelling vision, motivate your team, hold members accountable, and build trust that fuels success. Discover why leading with influence is critical and how to make a lasting impact within a limited term. Conversation Starters: 1.     How can leaders tailor their approach to effectively lead volunteers compared to paid team members? 2.     What practical steps can you take to motivate and inspire large groups in a volunteer setting? 3.     How can private org leaders ensure continuity and lasting impact within a one-year term?

02-03
13:28

169. Executing the Vision: Turning Alignment into Action

Many leaders succeed in defining a vision and building buy-in, but execution is where most initiatives falter. In this episode, we explore the art of turning vision into reality by breaking it into actionable steps, fostering accountability, and keeping teams aligned. Packed with practical strategies and real-world examples, this episode will help you ensure your vision doesn’t just inspire—it delivers. Conversation Starters for Your Team: What barriers do you foresee in turning your team’s vision into action? How does your team define accountability, and how can it improve?

01-27
11:23

168. Sustaining Momentum: Turning Vision into Results

Momentum is easy to lose but critical to sustain. In the final episode of this series, we explore practical strategies to keep your team aligned, motivated, and moving forward long after the initial excitement of change fades. Using proven tools like the CORE Process and the 100X Indicator, you’ll learn how to maintain focus, adapt as needed, and ensure long-term success. Whether you're leading a family or a team, this episode will help you turn your vision into lasting results.  

01-20
09:32

167. Building Buy-In: The Heart of Alignment

Struggling to get your team on the same page? Alignment is the secret ingredient for building momentum and achieving success, but it requires trust, strategy, and intentionality. In this episode of The Military Sherpa Leadership Podcast, we dive into the art of building buy-in and creating alignment within your team. From navigating challenging personalities to leveraging relational capital and starting small, we’ll explore practical strategies to align your team and build unstoppable momentum. Discover why alignment isn’t a one-time event—it’s a culture you create and nurture over time.

01-13
13:32

166. Building Momentum: Why Vision Matters

Do you feel like your team is stuck in neutral as the new year begins? Starting strong isn't about resolutions—it's about creating a vision that inspires action. In this episode of The Military Sherpa Leadership Podcast, we explore why vision matters, how it unlocks brainpower and initiative, and the powerful impact it has on team productivity. Learn practical tools to craft a vision that energizes and aligns your team, ensuring you hit the ground running in 2024. Discover how dissatisfaction with the status quo can fuel transformation and how even the smallest steps toward vision-building can create unstoppable momentum.

01-06
14:08

165. Doing More with Less: Finding Your Leadership Sweet Spot

We’ve all heard it: Do more with less. But how do you manage that without letting your work-life balance fall apart? In this episode, we tackle the listener question, “How do we keep getting told to do more with less, and why are we surprised when work-life balance is askew?” We’ll break down five strategies for becoming more effective while protecting your well-being. From working harder to optimizing efficiency and mentorship, we’ll explore what works in the short term versus the long term, the benefits and trade-offs of each, and how to find your personal leadership sweet spot.

09-30
23:19

164. Part 2, How to Deal with a Horrible Boss Without Killing Them: Leadership Under Fire

We’ve all been there—stuck under a boss who doesn’t seem to see past your rank or give you the support you deserve. But in the military, you can’t pick your boss, and sometimes you have to make the best of a bad situation. In this episode, we’ll dive into four key strategies for navigating a difficult leadership dynamic: protecting your boss’s position even when you disagree, offering high support to build trust, practicing good followership, and knowing when to stand up for your values. Tune in for practical advice on how to stay professional, maintain your integrity, and grow as a leader—no matter who’s in charge.

09-23
15:32

163. How to Deal with a Horrible Boss Without Killing Them

We’ve all been there—working under a boss who seems more like a villain than a leader. In this episode, we tackle the tough topic of dealing with a horrible boss. Whether they’re micromanaging, inconsistent, or just plain toxic, a bad boss can make even the best job feel unbearable. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Join us as we explore practical strategies for surviving—and even thriving—under difficult leadership. We’ll discuss how to protect your mental health, maintain your professional integrity, and find ways to grow despite the challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone currently struggling with a tough boss or looking to support someone who is.  

09-16
16:14

Special Episode: Launching a Legacy: Justice Tilsher’s Journey to Becoming a Young Entrepreneur

In this special episode, I sit down with my son, Justice Tilsher, a bestselling author and young entrepreneur, to talk about his new business and exciting podcast for aspiring writers. We dive into the world of young writers and explore how Justice is helping them finish and publish their first book. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about legacy, perseverance, and the impact of storytelling. Whether you're a young writer or simply interested in the creative process, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear how Justice’s journey is just beginning and how his passion for helping others reach their goals is setting the stage for the next generation of authors. Don’t miss this chance to support a young visionary who’s making waves in the world of publishing.

09-13
13:48

162. Silent Firing: The Coward’s Shortcut in Leadership

In this episode, we dive into the concept of "Silent Firing"—the subtle yet damaging practice of quietly sidelining underperforming team members without clear communication or accountability. We'll explore how this passive approach not only demoralizes the individual but also undermines the entire team's performance and culture. Discover how to recognize the signs of silent firing in your organization and learn actionable strategies to address underperformance head-on, fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and transparency. Whether you're a leader struggling with difficult conversations or a team member feeling left in the dark, this episode will empower you to face these challenges with clarity and courage.

09-09
12:26

161. Taking a Leadership Inventory

In leadership, the gap between theory and practice often marks the difference between success and failure. As we conclude our Basecamp series, this episode offers a deep dive into the strategies necessary to embody the qualities of effective leadership. Drawing on advanced leadership theories, such as Google's Project Oxygen and Gallup's research on leadership traits, we will explore a strategic framework for taking inventory of your leadership skills, clearly defining your objectives, and aligning your team's focus with these critical areas. This episode is designed to challenge you and push your leadership development to the next level before we begin our climb.

09-02
10:51

160. Leading Like Google: Key Traits from Project Oxygen (Part 2)

(Part 2) What does it take to be a leader worth following? In this episode, we’re breaking down Google’s Project Oxygen to uncover the top leadership traits that can transform any team. We’ll focus on the key behaviors that Google identified as essential: being a good coach, empowering teams, avoiding micromanagement, creating an inclusive team environment, and focusing on productive behavior and results. These aren’t just tech industry buzzwords—they’re actionable insights for military leaders at every level. Tune in for practical tips on how to develop these traits in yourself and your team, and a few humorous pitfalls to avoid. And remember, there are only two certification classes left this year—visit militarysherpa.com and click “Get Certified” to sign up today!

08-19
12:14

159. Leading Like Google: Key Traits from Project Oxygen (Part 1)

What does it take to be a leader worth following? In this episode, we’re breaking down Google’s Project Oxygen to uncover the top leadership traits that can transform any team. We’ll focus on the key behaviors that Google identified as essential: being a good coach, empowering teams, avoiding micromanagement, creating an inclusive team environment, and focusing on productive behavior and results. These aren’t just tech industry buzzwords—they’re actionable insights for military leaders at every level. Tune in for practical tips on how to develop these traits in yourself and your team, and a few humorous pitfalls to avoid. And remember, there are only two certification classes left this year—visit militarysherpa.com and click “Get Certified” to sign up today!

08-12
24:03

158. Recharge to Lead Better

In this episode, Mark Tilsher explores the critical role of rest and downtime in enhancing team performance and leadership effectiveness. Sharing personal anecdotes and backed by research, Mark delves into why rest is essential for leaders and their teams, how to incorporate intentional rest periods, and the benefits of play and downtime in fostering a productive and happy work environment. Key Takeaways: Understanding the importance of rest for leaders and teams. How to intentionally set aside time for rest. Benefits of integrating play and downtime into the work routine. Real-world examples and strategies for military and civilian leaders.  

08-05
12:13

157. The Assertiveness Trap: Competence Over Noise

Episode Title: Description: In this episode, Mark Tilsher dives deep into the concept of assertiveness in leadership. Often mistaken for competence, assertiveness can either make or break your influence in a team setting. Mark shares personal anecdotes from his military career, backed by research and practical tips on how to harness the power of assertiveness to build relational capital and lead effectively.   Key Takeaways: Understanding the difference between assertiveness and competence. How to manage conflict constructively. Building relational capital through effective communication. Real-world examples and strategies for military and civilian leaders.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – The misconception of assertiveness as competence 07:30 – Personal story: Feeling left out and frustrated in military meetings 12:45 – Research insights on assertiveness and relational capital 18:20 – Practical tips for managing conflict and building influence 24:10 – Real-world examples from military and civilian settings 30:00 – Conclusion and key takeaways   Keywords: Assertiveness, Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Relational Capital, Military Leadership, Influence, Communication, Team Dynamics, Mark Tilsher, Military Sherpa

07-09
13:24

156. Reflecting on Independence: Gratitude and Patriotism in Leadership

Join us for a special Fourth of July episode of the Military Sherpa Leadership Podcast as we celebrate Independence Day with a blend of history, reflection, and gratitude. In this episode, host Mark Tilsher takes us back to July 4th, 1776, spotlighting the inspiring story of John Adams and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Explore how themes of gratitude and patriotism can enrich your leadership journey. Discover how Adams' unwavering commitment and sense of purpose can inspire you to lead with integrity and unity. We'll delve into the importance of expressing gratitude, fostering a sense of patriotism, and building strong, unified teams. Tune in to reflect on the values that make our nation strong and how you can embody these principles in your leadership approach. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of leadership through the lens of historical significance and personal reflection. Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 Listen now and let the spirit of Independence Day inspire your leadership journey!

07-04
05:43

155. Gaining Influence: How Sydney Cox Uses Military Sherpa Tools to Transform Leadership on Base

In this episode of the Military Sherpa Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Sydney Cox, an Air Force Development Advisor who has gained significant influence on her base by effectively utilizing Military Sherpa Coaching tools. Sydney shares her journey, revealing the strategies she employed to gain traction and trust within organizations like Military Equal Opportunity. Our discussion covers the specific tools she finds most effective, how she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of different military groups, and the impactful results she has achieved. Sydney also provides invaluable advice for other military members striving to use these coaching tools on their own bases, offering insights on overcoming resistance and building strong relationships with key stakeholders. Join us as we uncover practical tips and real-world applications of Military Sherpa Coaching tools that can help you enhance your influence and effectiveness as a leader. Whether you're new to coaching or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you succeed. Tune in to learn from Sydney's experiences and take your leadership skills to the next level!

07-01
28:31

154. Empowering Leaders: Beyond Accountability

Dive into the essence of true empowerment in this episode of The Military Sherpa Leadership Podcast, where we explore the top tier of the Empowerment Hierarchy. Understand why empowerment is not just about freedom, but also about fostering trust, innovation, and engagement among your team. Learn how to identify if your team is truly empowered and discover strategies to help them reach their highest potential. #Leadership #MilitarySherpa #EmpowermentHierarchy

02-05
17:33

153. Responsible Leadership: The Empowerment Catalyst

Unpack the 'Responsible' layer of the Empowerment Hierarchy in this episode and learn how it serves as a catalyst for leadership empowerment. Master the art of fostering trust and ownership to transform your team. Tune in for a profound exploration of proactive leadership strategies.

01-29
12:37

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