Dave Martin of Right to Left and the Problem Busters talk leadership and how to do it right. Whether you are a first-time leader or an old hand at it, there is plenty to learn here from Dave's experiences as a Software Engineer, Product Leader and eventually, as an Executive coach.

Dave shares plenty of practical advice for remote working, running effective meetings, the styles of leadership and of course his own model for Product leadership: The Product Leader Map.

About the show:

Problem Busters is a show that explores solutions to the biggest and the smallest of problems. Hosts Jonathan Goodwin and Oliver Happy discuss making the world a better place with guests from far and wide.

About our guest:

Dave Martin is an Executive coach with a background in Engineering, Product and as an Executive himself. Dave coaches leaders to grow SaaS companies with Product Led Growth, via his Consultancy Right to left.

• Dave's Consultancy: Right to left

Show mentions:

• Starting as a Software engineer in the days of C++
• A couple of decades in Product leadership, even before it was called product
• 15 years in roles of transformation from the old world to becoming product-led (and unlocking product growth)
• Tes global (Times Education Supplement) and time spent helping Tes transition to a subscription-based revenue model.
• 03:00 Moving Tes global from a transaction-based business to a subscription-based business.
• 04:20 The decision to move into Executive coaching - as the thing I enjoyed the most.
• The first job, at 16, teaching windsurfing and sailing - and loving that the most.
• 05:00 enjoying watching individuals grow and prosper. Learning a new skill and controlling a boat on their own. Teaching people and helping people grow and reach their ambition being the biggest kick.
• 07:00 Today we develop our skills and are measured individually. As you become an expert, the journey to leadership eventually emerges as the way to grow your income and your impact. <------
• 08:00 Having to relearn your job when you become a leader. To delegate and yet still be responsible <-----
• 09:30 The key mistakes many make when moving from doing to leading <----
• It's hard when your message isn't landing, that you aren't communicating well and that folks haven't heard what you said.
• There is too much pressure on the word "great" and being a "great leader". We are not all going to be charismatic leaders who will change the world, but we can all help people achieve their goals and the business along with them.
• 11:00 Give yourself permission to not be the very, very best. Be open to don't knowing everything. To being vulnerable and accepting you'll get some things wrong.
• The best leaders don't protect their teams like some sort of military leader.
• Empowering teams to fill the gaps you leave with your own ability and limited time.
• 12:00 You are not a leader just because people have to follow you. That's a Manager. If people choose to follow you, then you are a leader.
• What makes a competent leader? What about a competent coach?
• 14:30 Leaders of leaders and the Situational leadership model. The first box is about telling. Be clear when you have to tell non-negotiable things to your team (quality, core principles, contractuals). The next box is supporting. Supporting is helping individuals with their tasks, their problem to solve. Helping, showing, and knowing when to stop supporting. Coaching is guiding them to work it out for themselves. Finally delegating is sharing a task, making it clear and stepping back to let them do it.
• Coaching in it's truest form is questioning and helping people work it out for...