Digest

David Novak, a renowned leader and author of "How Leaders Learn," joins the podcast to discuss the power of pattern thinking and active learning. He emphasizes the importance of being curious and seeking out new experiences, even outside of one's usual work and life experiences. Novak shares examples from his career, including the creation of Cool Ranch Doritos and the implementation of a successful kids' night promotion at Pizza Hut, demonstrating how pattern thinking can lead to innovative solutions. He also highlights the importance of turning learning into action, citing examples like Tom Brady's dedication to improving his throwing technique and Roger Goodell's use of Silicon Valley trends to inspire NFL innovations. Novak emphasizes that active learners don't wait for inspiration to strike; they actively seek it out and apply it to their work. He encourages listeners to identify areas where they can learn from unusual sources and to actively seek out mentors and knowledge from diverse backgrounds. The episode concludes with a reminder that leadership requires a broad set of skills and that the Coaching for Leaders podcast provides a valuable resource for developing those skills.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the concept of effective leadership as bringing together diverse people and ideas to create something new. It sets the stage for the episode's focus on creating something bigger and better than the sum of its parts.

00:00:08

Creating Something Bigger Than Its Parts

This Chapter introduces the episode's theme of creating something bigger than its parts, highlighting the importance of leadership in achieving this goal. It sets the stage for the discussion with David Novak, who has a proven track record of achieving this through his leadership experiences.

00:00:27

The Power of Pattern Thinking

This Chapter introduces David Novak, the guest for this episode, and his expertise in leadership development. It highlights his experience as co-founder and retired chairman and CEO of Young Brands, a global powerhouse in the restaurant industry. The chapter also introduces the concept of pattern thinking, which Novak describes as a way to create something bigger than its parts by combining seemingly unrelated ideas.

00:01:55

Cool Ranch Doritos: A Case Study in Pattern Thinking

This Chapter delves into a real-world example of pattern thinking: the creation of Cool Ranch Doritos. Novak shares his experience as the management supervisor of the Doritos account at an advertising agency, where he and his team identified a trend in ranch dressing popularity and applied it to the Doritos brand, creating a successful new flavor. This example illustrates the importance of looking beyond one's own industry and seeking inspiration from unexpected sources.

00:05:53

Active Learning: The Key to Pattern Thinking

This Chapter explores the concept of active learning, which Novak defines as the process of actively seeking out new experiences and applying them to one's work. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and actively looking for patterns in the world around us. Novak shares examples of leaders who have successfully utilized active learning, including Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, who sought inspiration from Silicon Valley to implement Wi-Fi access in stadiums.

00:13:37

Turning Learning into Action

This Chapter emphasizes the importance of turning learning into action. Novak argues that simply reading books or attending seminars is not enough; leaders must actively apply what they learn to their work and personal lives. He uses the example of Tom Brady, who actively seeks out coaching and applies new techniques to improve his performance. Novak also highlights the importance of seeking out mentors and knowledge from diverse backgrounds, citing the example of Deon Sanders, who provided valuable advice on dealing with grief.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is pattern thinking and how can it be applied to leadership?

  Pattern thinking is the ability to identify and connect seemingly unrelated ideas or patterns to create something new and innovative. In leadership, it involves looking beyond one's own industry or field of expertise and seeking inspiration from unexpected sources. For example, David Novak used pattern thinking to create Cool Ranch Doritos by identifying the popularity of ranch dressing and applying it to the Doritos brand.

• What is active learning and why is it important for leaders?

  Active learning is a process of actively seeking out new experiences and applying them to one's work. It involves being curious, exploring different disciplines and industries, and actively seeking out mentors and knowledge from diverse backgrounds. Active learners don't wait for inspiration to strike; they actively seek it out and apply it to their work. This approach helps leaders stay ahead of the curve, generate innovative ideas, and make better decisions.

• How can leaders turn learning into action?

  Leaders can turn learning into action by actively applying what they learn to their work and personal lives. This involves setting aside time for reflection, identifying areas where they can apply new knowledge, and seeking out opportunities to put their learning into practice. It also involves being open to feedback and continuously seeking ways to improve their skills and knowledge.

• What are some examples of leaders who have successfully utilized pattern thinking and active learning?

  David Novak, Roger Goodell, and Tom Brady are all examples of leaders who have successfully utilized pattern thinking and active learning. Novak used pattern thinking to create Cool Ranch Doritos and to implement successful marketing campaigns at Pizza Hut. Goodell sought inspiration from Silicon Valley to implement Wi-Fi access in stadiums. Brady actively seeks out coaching and applies new techniques to improve his performance.

• How can I become a more active learner?

  You can become a more active learner by being curious, exploring different disciplines and industries, and actively seeking out mentors and knowledge from diverse backgrounds. You can also make a conscious effort to apply what you learn to your work and personal life. This might involve reading books, attending seminars, listening to podcasts, or engaging in conversations with people from different backgrounds.

• What are some resources available for leadership development?

  The Coaching for Leaders podcast provides a valuable resource for leadership development, featuring interviews with experts from various industries and backgrounds. The Coaching for Leaders website offers a free membership that provides access to past episodes and a library of resources. You can also find books, articles, and online courses on leadership development.

Show Notes