The Elegance of Soft Power - Mind Shift Podcast

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In this week's episode of The Mind Shift Podcast with Erwin and Aaron McManus, we explore the intricate dynamics of leadership and the striking balance between soft power and hard power. Our journey takes us from the vibrant ambiance of Miami to the thoughtful confines of a conference room, where our reflections and experiences paint a broad canvas of insights into more effective leadership and deeper connections.
Our narrative starts with a heartfelt recount of our time in Miami, a city that initially held reservations for us, yet unveiled the profound beauty of human connections and experiences. The lively spirit of Miami and the warmth of its people, particularly during a game of pickleball with Rich Wilkerson Jr. and his family, highlighted the joy found in simple moments of connection. These experiences, along with the privilege of attending a conference with Mariah Carey, emphasized the power of presence and the importance of nurturing genuine relationships.
As we delve into leadership and communication, our conversations at the conference shed light on the essential lessons about soft power and hard power. The strategic insights from Rich Wilkerson Jr.'s mastermind sessions and the wisdom from guest speakers illuminated the path to leadership that influences through trust, understanding, and empathy, rather than through coercion and dictates.
We further explore the distinction between hard power and soft power through personal stories and theoretical discussions, moving from authoritative to relational approaches. Our dialogue spans cultural figures and global perceptions, showcasing the undeniable impact of soft power in crafting movements and allegiances, from Donald Trump's use of social media to the nuanced global stance towards the US.
In our discussions about faith communities, Erwin shares his experiences with Mosaic, a community founded on the principles of soft power. This journey underscores the effectiveness of leading with kindness, influence, and cultural values, creating a durable and meaningful culture, juxtaposed against the challenges posed by leadership styles that might lack direction or clarity.
As we navigate the complexities of leadership, structure, and adaptability, the analogy of Sandra Bullock in "Gravity" poignantly reminds us of the need for a balance between hard and soft power. The necessity for organizations to remain adaptive and flexible is highlighted, with a particular focus on the evolving challenges faced by churches in the contemporary world.
In moments of introspection, Aaron reflects on his leadership style, expressing a desire to lean towards a gentler approach characterized by patience, influence, and relationships. This opens up a broader conversation on the significance of soft power in leadership, and the potential for synergy and growth when leading with empathy and understanding.
The episode rounds off with our examination of the process of seeking and providing advice, uncovering the frustrations and revelations from our interactions. We discuss the fine line between seeking advice and seeking agreement, offering valuable lessons on openness, the willingness to embrace new perspectives, and the teachability required for personal and communal growth.
Through this episode, we traverse the complex landscapes of leadership and power dynamics, revealing the transformative potential of soft power and the critical importance of adaptability, relationships, and cultural values in building meaningful connections and inspiring change. Join us as we continue to explore the depths of greatness and the power of influence in our lives and communities.
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[@stephenp.rogers5922]

Your candidness between you two as father & son in the context of both family & ministry is great! I appreciate your differences. As a father of 4 myself with adult sons I can relate.

[@karimmorato4515]

Aaron, thank you for your honesty! They create the best conversations. I admired how you honor your father’s wisdom ❤

[@paulhanash8411]

"It was not the first command of the night!" 😂Too funny

[@aaroncmcmanus]

!!!!!! lol

[@wusrllygoood]

Love every minute of this!!!

[@PastorFury]

40:16 Beautiful metaphor/analogy

[@TKMprof]

🎤Bar of Episode: "the most powerful use of Soft Power is when you are able to lead people without a single command through Trust, Influence, & Perspective" (TIP) #Consensus #collaboration #collectiveAction #culturalUnity 💯

[@21Manoftheyear]

Fantastic episode! Can you guys talk about how to use soft power without coming off as passive?

[@arvinsepehr9450]

Extremely valuable conversation -- thanks guys!

[@zinhlemkhize2332]

I'm so grateful for this conversation, I literally clicked because I've struggled with communication my whole life and now I've decided to really dedicate myself to make it better because it has costed me a lot of r/ships, I'm down to only my kids 😂😢 No family, no friends, work was hell. According to this, I've been 100% aggressively hard power where and when I had no authority or equity. The goal has been context, then conclusion where context is soft and conclusion is gel. Not hard as in like a direct command, but clear objectives so the other party is not floating, understanding exactly what my needs are. I feel hard is dictatorship, no room for love and compassion, not treating the other human as a person with a working mind. Especially is r/ships, to give people the option to choose to deliver without building up resentment.

[@mishavanniekerk]

THANK YOU!

[@ConnorTGrim]

One of the best leadership conversations I’ve heard. Love this pod

[@markandjuby]

This episode was great! Love you guys and thank you so much for both of you guys honesty.

[@jennifersportel4976]

I think you would really benefit from looking into the Six Working Geniuses. Everything you’re discussing today about soft and hard power, super relates that concept and work productivity. I hope you take this to heart. I think that would be beneficial. Thank you for your podcast. Bless you!!!

[@livlynsey4371]

A friend of mine told me about the 6 WORKING GENIUSES a few months ago! What would you say for yourself personally was a major takeaway or benefit from discovering and learning your own working genius? Sometimes I need convincing lol 😉

[@sandraaragon2246]

The power of asking-not telling

[@davelarter5970]

Would also like to be a "test" for the 7 frequencies assessment if possible...learned that is Erwin's next book!!

[@MatteoLomarteConsulente]

Epic episode!

[@LinchPin48]

I think we need both soft and hard power. I am a very stubborn individual. I am not proud of it, lol. If I believe something to be true, I need to be convinced in order to change my mind. In my relationship with God, there have been times where there are commands and no explanation and the message was very much "obey" and there have been times or areas in my life where God has taken a more gentle and subtle approach. Leadership is complicated because we are all a bit different. I think what makes soft leadership more efficient as Erwin says is that it is rooted in trust which cannot exist without a form of affection or love. When you respect or admire someone, often it is easier to listen to them. Hard leadership can feel abrasive and harsh, and almost entitled...as Aaron expressed, frustrating bc "I didn't need to have this conversation"... which can come off as harsh and uncaring...as if there was time wasted...(and idk Aaron, so this is not a rebuke, just a simple observation) I will say that personally I have experienced the frustration of desiring to keep someone from harm and being powerless to will someone to do what I know is best... in personal relationships, professional settings, and ministry..it is difficult to want more for people than they want for themselves, and I understand that is the greatest flaw to hard power in our human state.... God understands he gave us free will and he has no desire to choose for us, He desires our good and has outlined the path for us, and yet fully accepts our rejection of his wisdom and yet never considers the hefty price he paid as a waste of time, and I think that is something that is difficult for us humans to emulate... anyways, as always ty for another great conversation that sparks thought and debate.. ❤

[@jsbv2865]

49:13 hahaha que buen episodio!🤯

[@davelarter5970]

Another Great Discussion guys! Would it be possible to share Mosaic Core Values? Thanks!

[@ErwinRaphaelMcManus]

They are listed here! mosaic.org/about

[@davelarter5970]

Thanks, Erwin! Looking forward to new book this fall@@ErwinRaphaelMcManus

[@MatteoLomarteConsulente]

Ps. How do you realize it's the "right time" for that 10% of hard power?

[@okayehere]

When is this assessment coming out? I’d love to know what my results are. I think I’m a soft power kind of person. 20:06

[@aaroncmcmanus]

officailly releasing this fall! unofficially in a few weeks !!

[@okayehere]

Woohoo! 🎉 I’m looking forward to it.

[@DommEllis]

Where can I get the orange hoodie??

[@francesco6012]

Dude needs to talk less & Erwin more 😭 respectfully

[@maribaudoin]

Just saying “respectfully” after you say something rude doesn’t change the fact that it’s rude.

[@Ejr123richard]

agree

[@livlynsey4371]

This podcast is a conversation not an interview so with that, it seems he speaks the appropriate amount!