Better Thinking, Better Leadership: A Conversation with M.J. Clark (Part Two) cover art

Better Thinking, Better Leadership: A Conversation with M.J. Clark (Part Two)

Better Thinking, Better Leadership: A Conversation with M.J. Clark (Part Two)

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In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with M.J. Clark – Vice President at Integrated Leadership Systems and author of “Leading Through Listening – M.J. dives into the internal side of leadership, explaining how mindset, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence shape the way leaders communicate, handle conflict, and build trust.

She introduces the ABC model (Activating Event, Belief System, Consequences) as a practical framework for understanding and changing reactions, and explains how leaders can shift from emotional responses to more thoughtful, productive behaviors. M.J. also explores why cognitive dissonance and lack of self-awareness often lead to poor decisions, miscommunication, and even dishonesty in the workplace.

The conversation also covers how leaders can navigate difficult conversations, de-escalate conflict, and create accountability, while reinforcing why face-to-face communication remains essential for building trust and strong team dynamics.This is the second part of a two-part conversation.

Topics Covered:
  • The ABC model and how thoughts drive emotions and behavior
  • How to reframe negative thinking into practical, productive responses
  • What cognitive dissonance reveals about self-awareness and behavior
  • Why leaders struggle to accurately assess their own communication style
  • The role of emotional intelligence in handling feedback and conflict
  • How reactive behavior signals low leadership maturity
  • Techniques for de-escalating conflict through tone, pacing, and questions
  • Why asking questions helps shift emotional conversations to logical thinking
  • The importance of face-to-face communication for trust and accountability
  • How to create accountability without formal authority
  • Why starting with trust accelerates relationships and team performance
  • The difference between communication and true conversation
  • Practical ways to close the loop and ensure clarity in communication
  • How journaling and self-observation improve leadership effectiveness
Links:
M.J.’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjclark22/
M.J.’s book, “Leading Through Listening” - https://amzn.to/4ugN22q
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