The Case for “Status Intelligence”

In a recent edition of The Wall Street Journal, Professors Gavin Kilduff and Tessa West of NYU suggest there is a different skill in team interaction than previous researchers have found, which they call “status intelligence” [1] –– the ability to read status hierarchies within a team. They separate it from other skills, such as … Read more

Focused Listening

Focused listening is a key component to being a Level Five leader. At today’s modern pace, often with the intention of multitasking, information can be lost. Conversations end up needing to be repeated. Meetings are held, but is everyone truly “present?” In a hybrid, remote/in-person world that many are now in, these issues can be … Read more

Come Rain or Shine

A few months ago, I was happy to be a guest on Dan Cockerell’s podcast, “Come Rain or Shine.” We started out by discussing some of my military history, starting with my unlikely journey to West Point. Moving ahead, we talked a bit about how the military turned itself around in the 1980s, with a … Read more

Hello? Are You Listening? Adaptive Leadership, Part 3

This post about effective listening is the third in a series of blogs on adaptive leadership. It is my belief that foundational leadership principles give leaders the ability to build teams capable of handling whatever might come their way. This series is based around what we at Level Five Associates have as one of our … Read more

Podcast Episode 10: Becoming A Learning Leader

This episode of our podcast is titled “Becoming A Learning Leader.” It features a discussion with Doug Wiles, president of Herbie Wiles Insurance and former minority leader in the Florida state House of Representatives. We talk about the importance of listening, planning leadership succession, the signs of a healthy work culture, and more — have … Read more