Leading with authenticity: Insights from Larry Ott

Guest Bio

Larry Ott is the Senior Vice President and CHRO at Cooper Standard. With over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, Larry has held senior HR leadership roles at General Motors, Ally Financial, and Meritor Inc. At Cooper Standard, he leads global HR and communication functions, focusing on employee engagement, talent development, and organizational effectiveness. He is also the co-founder of the Michigan Mobility Talent Consortium.

Embracing Vulnerability and Humor in Leadership

Larry Ott emphasizes the power of self-deprecation and embracing vulnerability in leadership. He advises, “Be self-deprecating whenever you can. When you have an embarrassing moment, make sure you’re the one laughing the loudest and the hardest.” His philosophy fosters a workplace culture that values authenticity and human connection.

Building a Talent Management Strategy

When Larry joined Cooper Standard 11 years ago, the company lacked a structured talent management framework. With a small but mighty team, he developed a well-defined strategy, establishing Cooper Standard University and refining performance management processes. “We built a disciplined, rigorous approach to talent that fosters internal growth,” he shares.

Revamping Performance Management Processes

Larry transformed Cooper Standard’s performance management system to be more efficient and meaningful. Moving from a five-point scale to a simpler three-point system, he eliminated unnecessary complexities and emphasized continuous feedback. “We expect instantaneous and constant feedback, not just an annual review,” he explains. This shift has created a more agile and responsive workplace.

Creating a Learning Culture with Cooper Standard University

Larry’s vision for learning and development led to the establishment of Cooper Standard University, with functional colleges dedicated to different disciplines. “Each functional leader acts as a dean, ensuring that learning aligns with business priorities,” he says. This initiative supports leadership growth and skill development across the organization.

Connecting Performance Management with Talent Development

By integrating learning with performance management, Larry ensures that employees are continuously developing relevant skills.

• Focus on Business Acumen: HR professionals should prioritize understanding business goals and strategies.
• Develop Analytical Capabilities: Equip teams with strong analytical skills to make data-driven decisions.
• Ensure Continuous Learning: Align training programs with employee performance evaluations.
• Encourage Strategic HR Contributions: HR should function as a proactive business partner, not just an administrative role.

“Our focus is on business acumen and analytical capabilities, ensuring HR professionals contribute as strategic partners first,” he notes.

Learning from Mistakes in HR Leadership

Reflecting on past missteps, Larry acknowledges the importance of clear communication in building HR service delivery models. “I assumed people understood my vision, but I wasn’t prescriptive enough,” he admits. Learning from this experience, he now prioritizes structured processes and transparent leadership.

The Evolving Role of HR in Business Strategy

Larry advocates for HR professionals to be seen as business leaders first. “You want to be described as a business person who works in HR,” he states. By aligning HR strategy with business goals, he reinforces the critical role HR plays in driving company success.

Mentorship and Storytelling as Leadership Tools

Larry actively mentors employees across functions, emphasizing storytelling as a leadership tool. “Mentoring is about giving back, and storytelling makes lessons memorable,” he shares. His mentorship initiatives have helped shape the next generation of leaders at Cooper Standard.

Ready to Lead with Impact?

Larry Ott’s leadership journey underscores the importance of vulnerability, continuous learning, and strategic HR integration. His insights provide valuable lessons for HR and business leaders aiming to create lasting organizational impact.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Skilled, Larry Ott shares his experiences in HR leadership, emphasizing vulnerability, strategic talent management, and the power of mentorship. From revamping performance management to fostering a learning culture, his insights offer practical guidance for leaders at all levels.

Resources

• Learn more about Larry Ott
• Learn more about Cooper Standard
• Connect with Growthspace

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Vulnerability: Self-deprecating humor fosters authenticity and connection.
• Talent Strategy Matters: A structured approach to talent development leads to organizational success.
• Feedback is Key: Continuous, real-time feedback enhances performance management.
• Learning Culture Drives Engagement: Establishing structured learning programs fosters growth.
• HR Must Be Business-Oriented: HR professionals should prioritize business strategy and leadership.
• Mentorship is Essential: Investing in mentorship cultivates future leaders.
• Storytelling Enhances Leadership: Memorable narratives create lasting impact.

Chapters

00:00 – Breaking Glass Doors: Larry shares a humorous yet insightful story about vulnerability and leadership lessons.
09:59 – Embracing Failure in Talent Development: Larry explains how strategic risks and embracing failure improve talent programs.
16:14 – From Feedback to Lasting Impact: Discussing how meaningful feedback and challenging norms foster growth and change.
18:20 – Blending Leadership Approaches: Larry highlights the importance of aligning top-down strategies with bottom-up insights.
23:58 – Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Be curious, stand out, and don’t shy away from challenging the status quo.
28:15 – Leaving a Legacy in Learning: Larry shares personal stories of impact, proving the power of creative and memorable learning moments.
34:03 – Challenges of Leadership: Reflections on balancing passion for learning with the realities of managing strategy, budgets, and teams.
37:31 – Building Inclusive Learning Communities: Larry wraps up by emphasizing psychological safety and his excitement for fostering a strong learning culture.

Watch the full conversation here: