Leadership today is more challenging than ever. With so many different cultures, generations, and ways of working, leaders need new and innovative ways to connect with their teams and help them grow new skills. Dr. Anthony L. Simmons knows this well. After spending over 25 years leading teams in the Navy, including being a captain of warships and working in human resources, he has learned what it takes to lead diverse groups effectively.
In his book Championing Organization Wellness, Dr. Simmons shares the lessons he’s learned throughout his career. He offers a coaching-based leadership model that helps leaders understand their teams better, create strong connections, and drive success. In this interview, Dr. Simmons explains what makes his approach different, why coaching is so important for leaders, and how his methods can help organizations thrive today.
Q: What inspired you to write this book, and how does your personal experience shape its message?
My inspiration for writing Championing Organization Wellness comes from over 25 years of hands-on leadership experience. As a four-time at-sea commander, I had the privilege of leading diverse teams under high-stress conditions, which taught me the power of emotional intelligence and coaching-based leadership. Many leaders talk about these concepts, but for me, it’s been a natural part of my leadership style since my early days as a student athlete and junior officer. The book reflects my journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way, particularly how to connect leaders and aspiring leaders from different backgrounds and cultures to achieve success. My Naval experience has allowed me to apply my God-given talents while fulfilling my purpose to grow and make those around me better. The emotional intelligence research that has emerged over the past twenty or so years validates the methods I’ve applied for decades, which made writing this book feel like the right time to share these insights with a wider audience.
Q: You emphasize that coaching is an “inside-out” approach to leadership. Can you elaborate on what this means and how it impacts a leader’s ability to support their team?
Absolutely. When I say “inside-out,” I mean that effective leadership starts with the leader themselves. Coaching is an inside out approach, and we must continuously self-assess and grow to help others.
Q: Your experience spans across cultures. How has this diverse background shaped your coaching model?
My work has given me a fresh perspective on leadership. In addition to working across cultures, I have worked in human resources, strategic think tanks, to include Naval Bureau of Personnel, Joint Forces Staff, Quadrennial Defense Review, Navy Futures, and Global Trends 2030. My coaching model is designed to bridge these cultural and generational gaps. The coaching triangulation model, which I detail in the book, helps leaders assess their position, understand cultural differences, and navigate blind spots. This model allows leaders to bring diverse teams together, aligning them toward a common vision while respecting their unique perspectives.
Q: What is the key takeaway for leaders who read your book? How can they implement your coaching-based model in their own organizations?
The key takeaway is that leadership is about encouraging others through emotional intelligence, self-assessment, and continuous growth. My book provides a blueprint for leaders to navigate cultural differences and connect their teams, helping them achieve optimal success.
Conclusion
In a world where agility and adaptability are paramount, Simmons’ model helps leaders not only manage but thrive in diverse environments. It teaches leaders how to connect, then lead. It’s a people-first approach that catapults individuals and organizations to reach their full potential—something we believe is critical to success in the global landscape.
