Balancing Act

About the Author

Andrew Temte, CFA, is the President and Global Head of Corporate Learning at Kaplan. He leads efforts to help employees stay relevant in the future workforce and helps companies continuously improve through attracting the right talent and upskilling/reskilling their workforce. A thought leader on professional education and workforce skills, Dr. Temte has been published and cited in numerous media outlets. He earned his doctorate in finance from the University of Iowa, with a focus on international finance and investment theory, and has over 14 years of university teaching experience in corporate finance, investments, and international finance.

Main Idea

Balancing Act: Teach, Coach, Mentor, Inspire by Andrew Temte explores the critical role of balance in both personal and professional life. Temte provides practical advice on how to achieve balance and become more effective leaders and team members. The book emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, and nurturing a supportive and balanced work environment.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Leadership for the Next Generation
3. You Are Responsible for Your Own Wake
4. Teach, Coach, Mentor, and Inspire
5. The Light in Your Eyes
6. Opportunity, Joy, and Purpose at Work
7. Disorder, Chaos, and Growth
8. Education and Lifelong Learning
9. Think Globally, Act Locally
10. The Reskilling Revolution Versus the Clay Layer
11. The Value of a Personal Continuous Improvement Journey
12. Four Core Competencies of a Future-Ready Workforce
13. Solving the Leadership Shortage
14. Effective Communication
15. Listen Up
16. Responsiveness: The Neglected Leadership Trait
17. The Whole Self
18. Alignment
19. Leader Standard Work
20. Conclusion

Introduction

Success without balance often leads to disaster. Achieving victory while off-balance reinforces destructive habits, whereas balanced defeat fosters resilience. Being off-balance limits open-mindedness and leads to assumptions and taking people for granted. Balancing Act focuses on how to find and maintain balance in careers and lives, benefiting everyone from entry-level employees to top executives.

“Being off-balance almost assuredly results in hurting the people you care for most, because it renders you unable to open yourself up to other points of view.” - Andrew Temte

Leadership for the Next Generation

The concept of effective leadership is evolving. Modern leaders must balance strength and vulnerability, confidence and selflessness, passion and measure, among other qualities. Effective leaders demonstrate balance, which allows them to connect with their teams and lead with empathy and inclusivity.

“In order to do their jobs effectively, leaders need to demonstrate balance.” - Andrew Temte

• Balancing confidence with humility to foster team trust.
• Integrating passion with a measured approach to inspire and guide effectively.

You Are Responsible for Your Own Wake

Leaders create a 'wake' in their interactions, impacting individuals and teams within and beyond their immediate surroundings. Awareness of this wake is crucial for positive leadership. Leaders must understand the effects of their actions and strive to leave a positive, balanced influence.

“Like a boat on the water, leaders at all levels leave a wake as they interact with the organization.” - Andrew Temte

• Reflecting on how decisions and behaviors impact team morale.
• Adapting leadership styles to minimize negative impacts and enhance positive outcomes.

Teach, Coach, Mentor, and Inspire

Effective leaders teach, coach, mentor, and inspire their teams. This involves providing constructive feedback, assessing talent, and fostering an environment where team members can surpass their potential. Balancing judgment and empathy is key to effective leadership.