Episode 163: Staying the Course—Why Core Leadership Skills Still Matter

Published: May 7, 2025

Details

In this episode of The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Bard Parnell, Senior Manager of Learning and Development at Mesa Labs, to talk about what really drives effective leadership—especially in a time of nonstop disruption. While many organizations are quick to chase the latest leadership trends, Bard shares why Mesa Labs has taken a different approach: doubling down on the fundamentals that actually work.

He discusses how to distinguish between training and true development, why clarity and alignment are underrated superpowers, and how maturity in leadership often starts with saying, “I don’t know—but we’ll figure it out together.” If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise in the leadership space, this conversation will ground you in what truly matters.

Key Learnings

1. Don’t Chase Trends—Strengthen the Foundation.
   Leadership development shouldn’t be a series of fads. Bard emphasizes the need to anchor in proven, core leadership behaviors rather than constantly pursuing the “topic of the month.”
2. Training Isn’t the Goal—Development Is.
   True leadership growth requires a sustained process, not a one-time event. Bard distinguishes between “training” and “developing” people, urging organizations to build long-term support and accountability.
3. Clarity and Alignment Are Leadership Superpowers.
   Leaders who consistently create clarity and alignment—especially during disruption—are more likely to earn trust and drive performance. These aren’t complex skills, but they require discipline to maintain.
4. Great Leaders Say, “I Don’t Know—But We’ll Find Out Together.”
   In times of uncertainty, leaders need the maturity to admit when they don’t have all the answers and the skills to guide their team through collaborative problem-solving.
5. Invest in People—Even If They Leave.
   Mesa Labs builds a culture where development is prioritized, even if it means people grow into opportunities beyond the organization. The payoff? A more engaged workforce and a reputation for being a learning organization.

Webinar

Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and talk about their latest leadership development research. Find out more information and register here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:26 — 20.7MB)

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