Index
Guest Bio
Phil Rhodes is the Chief Learning Officer at Phillips 66, where he leads talent development initiatives that align with the organization’s growth and sustainability goals. With over 20 years of experience, Phil has spearheaded transformational change in industries like energy, technology, hospitality, and environmental services. His career includes leadership roles at Comcast Corporation, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, and Waste Management, showcasing his ability to drive impact through learning and development.
Embarrassing Stories and Lessons Learned
Phil shares two memorable stories that underline the value of authenticity and resilience in leadership. The first involves splitting his pants during a leadership training session, turning an awkward moment into a way to engage and humanize himself with participants. The second recounts a high-stakes meeting gone wrong, where a proposal missed the mark. Phil’s ability to pause, regroup, and turn the situation into a constructive dialogue highlights the importance of adaptability and preparation.
The Importance of Onboarding
Phil emphasizes the critical role of onboarding in setting the tone for success in a new role. He describes his “listening tour” approach, which involves meeting with senior leaders, stakeholders, and frontline employees to understand their needs and expectations. He highlights the importance of creating relationships and aligning strategies with business goals.
Delivering Impact in the First 100 Days
Phil’s approach to creating immediate impact includes identifying key priorities and delivering visible results. For instance, he launched a frontline leadership development program within 30 days and orchestrated a Month of Learning initiative to engage employees at all levels.
Building Relationships and Credibility
Credibility, according to Phil, comes from blending expertise with approachability. He stresses the importance of listening, speaking the language of the business, and offering innovative yet practical solutions. By personalizing interactions, he builds trust and encourages co-ownership of initiatives.
Strategies for Building Credibility:
- Personalize interactions to resonate with leaders’ experiences.
- Use data to support your proposals without overwhelming the audience.
- Focus on co-creation to ensure buy-in and shared success.
Learning from Onboarding Mistakes
Reflecting on a misstep in a previous role, Phil discusses the pitfalls of being an “order taker.” He emphasizes the need to bring fresh ideas and establish credibility early on, rather than simply executing directives.
Advice for Future CLOs
Phil’s advice to aspiring Chief Learning Officers revolves around listening deeply, leveraging data, and fostering collaboration. He highlights the importance of systemic thinking and aligning individual, organizational, and enterprise goals.
Skills to Hone as a CLO:
- Active listening and validation.
- Systemic thinking to connect individual and organizational needs.
- Effective use of data to demonstrate impact and drive decisions.
Ready to Push Boundaries?
Phil Rhodes’ journey offers a masterclass in leadership, emphasizing the power of authenticity, data-driven decisions, and relationship-building to drive organizational success. Listen to the full episode for more actionable insights. Listen here
Episode Summary
In this episode, Phil Rhodes shares stories and strategies that illustrate the importance of authenticity, credibility, and impact in leadership. From onboarding best practices to learning from mistakes, Phil provides actionable insights for leaders at all levels. His focus on listening, building relationships, and leveraging data underscores the value of collaboration in driving organizational growth.
Resources & Links
- Learn more about Phil Rhodes.
- Learn more about Phillips 66.
- Connect with Growthspace.
Key Takeaways
- Humility Builds Trust: Authenticity fosters engagement and connection.
- Listen First: Relationships are the foundation of successful onboarding.
- Deliver Fast Wins: Quick actions establish credibility and build momentum.
- Data Drives Decisions: Leverage data to align learning initiatives with business goals.
- Avoid Being an Order Taker: Bring expertise and innovative ideas to the table.
- Foster Co-Ownership: Collaborate with leaders to ensure success.
- Personalize Leadership: Tailor interactions to resonate with individual experiences.
- Create a Learning Culture: Encourage continuous growth at all levels.
Chapters
25:01 – Advice for Future CLOs: Essential skills and strategies for aspiring learning leaders: The importance of continuous learning, even in retirement.
00:00 – Embarrassing Stories and Lessons Learned: Phil shares humorous and humbling anecdotes that highlight authenticity and adaptability.
04:23 – The Importance of Onboarding: Insights into building relationships and understanding organizational needs.
09:45 – Delivering Impact in the First 100 Days: Phil’s strategies for creating immediate and meaningful change.
15:30 – Building Relationships and Credibility: How to establish trust and co-ownership with leaders.
18:42 – Learning from Onboarding Mistakes: Lessons from missteps and how to avoid being an order taker.
Watch the full conversation here:
For a deeper dive into the conversation, listen to the full episode here: