The Thoughtful Leader Podcast

Can you be a confident leader without being the loudest in the room? Absolutely. This is a common challenge for thoughtful, introspective leaders. We often feel pressure to be more outgoing or “on show” to be seen as confident. In this episode, I explore how to build genuine leadership confidence without changing who you are. What You'll Learn: Why the “shoulds” are holding you back How to reframe what effective leadership really looks like Why it's OK to be quieter – and how it can actually be a strength How to balance being your introverted self with the times you need to step up and speak out Resources & Links: The Useful Thinking Journal Leadership Confidence Online Course Episode 281 – Speaking Up in Meetings The PRINT® Assessment

Feeling stuck in silence during meetings, even when you have something valuable to say? You're not alone. In this episode, I respond to a listener question about how to speak up more in meetings – a common challenge for many thoughtful, quieter leaders. If you're someone who finds it hard to contribute when others are dominating the conversation, or you feel like everything worth saying has already been said, this one is for you. What You'll Learn Why this is only a problem if someone sees it as a problem – like your manager Why relying on a more introvert-friendly workplace isn't always an option Simple preparation techniques to help you contribute with confidence How visualisation and practice can help you feel more comfortable when it's time to speak. Resources & Links The Useful Thinking Journal – to support reflection and confidence Toastmasters – a safe space to practise public speaking Leadership Confidence Online Course – build presence and authority your way Thoughtful Leader Podcast #104 – Why Leaders Must Set Boundaries at Work

Episode Summary Collaboration is often seen as the default approach in leadership, but it's not always the most effective choice. In this episode, Ben Brearley explores a practical model to help leaders decide when to collaborate and when another strategy might be more appropriate. By understanding the dynamics of goals and relationships, leaders can make more intentional decisions that benefit both their objectives and their teams. In This Episode, You'll Learn The importance of assessing both the goal and the relationship when deciding to collaborate An overview of the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode model and its five strategies: Collaborate, Compete, Accommodate, Avoid, and Compromise How to evaluate the importance of your goals and relationships to choose the most effective approach Questions to consider that can guide your decision-making process Strategies to encourage collaboration when others are resistant Key Takeaways Collaboration is valuable but should be used intentionally based on the situation Understanding the balance between achieving goals and maintaining relationships is crucial Not all situations require collaboration; sometimes, competing, accommodating, avoiding, or compromising may be more effective Being strategic in your approach can lead to better outcomes and stronger relationships Resources Mentioned Episode 119: Too Collaborative? Let's Avoid This Leadership Trap 3 Ways That Leaders Can Improve Cross Team Collaboration Leadership Coaching with Ben Enjoyed This Episode? If you found this episode helpful, please leave a positive review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps spread the word to other thoughtful leaders. Ready for More Support? Book a free 30-minute consultation with Ben to explore how leadership coaching can address your challenges:

Episode Summary In this episode, Ben Brearley shares three straightforward strategies to help leaders feel more in control, reduce stress, and make better use of their time each week. These practical steps are designed to enhance your effectiveness without adding complexity to your schedule. In This Episode, You'll Learn The distinction between being effective and feeling effective How to create a simple weekly plan using time blocks Techniques for breaking down tasks to fit into your schedule The importance of weekly planning to stay on top of priorities How to identify when your workload is unsustainable Ways to communicate effectively about workload challenges Key Takeaways Time blocking helps prioritize essential tasks and ensures you allocate time for what matters most Breaking tasks into manageable chunks prevents procrastination and increases productivity Regular weekly planning keeps you focused and adaptable to changes Recognising workload limits allows for proactive discussions with stakeholders about capacity and expectations Resources Mentioned Episode 156: Let's Dismantle the Cult of Busyness Time Management for Leaders Online Course (Use code TIME50 for 50% off) Leadership Coaching with Ben Enjoyed This Episode? If you found this episode helpful, please leave a positive review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps spread the word to other thoughtful leaders. Ready for More Support? Book a free 30-minute consultation with Ben to explore how leadership coaching can address your challenges:

Episode Summary Feeling overwhelmed is a common challenge in today's workplaces. In this episode, Ben Brearley delves into practical strategies to support team members grappling with stress and burnout. Ben offers actionable advice to help leaders navigate this pervasive issue. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Identifying Overwhelm: Recognize signs of stress and burnout in your team. Clarifying Workload: Assist team members in assessing the feasibility of their tasks. Categorizing Tasks: Help prioritize work by grouping tasks into manageable categories. Time Management: Understand the importance of aligning tasks with available time blocks. Setting Boundaries: Encourage setting personal limits to maintain well-being. Empowering Autonomy: Foster a culture where team members can manage their workload effectively. Key Takeaways Uncertainty Fuels Overwhelm: Clarifying tasks and expectations can alleviate stress. Simple Strategies Work: Implementing straightforward methods can lead to sustainable improvements. Avoid Micromanagement: Empowering team members promotes independence and resilience. Resources Mentioned Feeling Overwhelmed? Here's How to Help Your Team Episode 197: Helping Stressed Team Members Episode 65: How to Deal With Uncertainty – Working "In the Grey" What to Do When You're Asked to Do It All. Enjoyed This Episode? If you found this episode valuable, please leave a positive review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps spread the word to other thoughtful leaders. Ready for More Support? Book a free 30-minute consultation with Ben to explore how leadership coaching can address your challenges:

Episode Summary Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we can accidentally enable bad behaviour within our teams. In this episode, Ben explores three subtle but powerful ways leaders might unintentionally allow bad behaviour to grow and how to address it before it causes bigger issues. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How being unavailable to your team can create opportunities for bad behaviour to go unnoticed. Why addressing only the symptoms (not the real issue) can allow bad behaviour to persist. The risks of focusing too much on results and overlooking how those results are achieved. Key Takeaways: ✅ Being present physically or virtually helps you observe, support, and guide your team more effectively. ✅ Direct conversations with team members about their behaviour are essential - don't just tweak processes and hope for the best. ✅ Results matter, but so does how you achieve them. Ignoring bad behaviour in high performers can harm team morale, collaboration, and long-term success. Resources Mentioned: Episode 149: Steps to Break Negative Behaviour Patterns Top 3 Time Management Skills for Busy Leaders Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a positive review on your podcast app of choice - it helps spread the word to other thoughtful leaders like you!

Welcome to Episode 276 of the Thoughtful Leader Podcast! In this episode, we explore why thoughtful leaders tend to take things personally and how to break free from this habit. If you find yourself internalising feedback, criticism, or workplace challenges, this episode is for you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why thoughtful leaders are prone to taking things personally. The impact of personalizing feedback and criticism on leadership effectiveness. Practical strategies to create separation between personal identity and workplace challenges. Key Takeaways: Understand Why We Take Things Personally Thoughtful leaders are introspective and tend to overanalyse situations. Low confidence or comparison to extroverted colleagues can make leaders more vulnerable to negative self-talk. Examine the Context Write down the factors involved in a situation and assess how many are actually about you. Extract the Lessons Separate self-blame from constructive learning by asking: What would I do differently next time? Consider the Other Person's Motive Most negative interactions are influenced by external factors unrelated to you, like stress or fear. Learn more about the Iceberg Model of Human Behaviour in Episode 209. Question Expectations Ask yourself whether unrealistic “shoulds” are driving your reactions. Use Psychological Distancing Describe the situation as if you were a fly on the wall to gain a more objective perspective. Reframe the issue by imagining how you'd advise a respected colleague in the same situation. Resources Mentioned: What is Self-Concept? How to Accept Feedback in a Useful Way Should You Be Yourself or Adapt to Your Audience? Low in Confidence? That's a Good Thing Thoughtful Leader Podcast #209: How to Build Empathy Using the Iceberg Model 3 Ways to Reduce Unhelpful Thinking Leadership Confidence Online Course: Get 50% off with code CONFIDENCE-50. Check it out here. Connect with Ben Brearley: Website: www.thoughtfulleader.com LinkedIn: Connect with Ben Email: ben@thoughtfulleader.com

Welcome to Episode 275 of the Thoughtful Leader Podcast! In this episode, we explore why an employee might appear “bad” and uncover some hidden reasons behind poor performance and behaviour. Before jumping to conclusions, it's essential to dig deeper and find out what's really going on. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why an employee might be struggling – skill gaps, motivation issues, or personal challenges. How leadership style and team dynamics play a role in shaping employee behavior. Actionable steps to diagnose and address poor performance constructively. Key Takeaways: A Skill Gap Can Look Like a Motivation Problem Employees may avoid tasks they aren't confident in, leading to misinterpretations of laziness or disengagement. Motivation Issues Often Have Hidden Causes Boredom, lack of challenge, a poor work environment, or a mismatch in job fit can all reduce motivation. Team Dynamics Matter Conflict with colleagues or a poor cultural fit can affect an employee's performance and engagement. Leadership Approach Influences Behavior Overbearing or hands-off leadership can contribute to performance issues. Personal Challenges Can Affect Work Performance External stressors such as financial struggles, health issues, or family problems may be at play. Resources Mentioned: Leadership Coaching: Need support with difficult employees? Book a free coaching consultation. Thoughtful Leader Podcast #251: Dealing with People Problems? Remember These Things. How to Create a Skills Matrix and Improve Your Team 4 Types of Motivation to Look For In Your Team Introverted Leaders vs. Extroverted Leaders. Who Wins? Are You a Micromanaging Boss? Let's Make a Change Thoughtful Leader Podcast #209: How to Build Empathy Using the Iceberg Model. Connect with Ben Brearley: Website: www.thoughtfulleader.com LinkedIn: Connect with Ben Email: ben@thoughtfulleader.com

Welcome to Episode 274 of the Thoughtful Leader Podcast! In this episode, we explore the balance between authenticity and adaptability in leadership. Should you stay true to your natural style, or adjust to meet the preferences of those around you? Let's dive in. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The Benefits of Being Authentic: How staying true to yourself can build trust and make leadership more effortless. The Drawbacks of Rigidity: Why sticking strictly to your natural style might not always serve you or your team well. When to Adapt Your Approach: Identifying situations where adjusting your style can lead to better outcomes. Key Takeaways: Understand the Power of Authenticity Being yourself allows for natural interactions and can build trust within your team. Authentic leadership fosters integrity and consistency. Recognise the Need for Adaptability Certain situations may require you to adjust your style to communicate effectively. Flexibility can enhance your ability to lead diverse teams and handle various challenges. Assess the Situation Consider the context and the individuals involved before deciding whether to adapt or remain steadfast in your approach. Balance is Key Strive to find a middle ground where you remain true to your core values while being open to necessary adjustments. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Brian Little's TED Talk: “Who Are You, Really?” – Watch here. Introverted Leaders vs. Extroverted Leaders. Who Wins? Personality Assessments: PRINT® Assessment 16Personalities Special Offer: As a valued listener, enjoy a 20% discount on the Useful Thinking Journal. Use the coupon code TLPODCAST at checkout. Get your copy here. Connect with Ben Brearley: Website: www.thoughtfulleader.com LinkedIn: Connect with Ben Email: ben@thoughtfulleader.com Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and share it with other thoughtful leaders navigating the balance between authenticity and adaptability!

In this Q&A episode, we dive into an important topic: How to Keep Supervisors Motivated in Leadership Roles. Supervisors are the middle layer between senior management and the front line. In many ways, they set the scene and role model the behaviours that you want the front line employees to be following.  So what happens when your supervisors aren't motivated? Well… not good stuff. In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✅ Why demotivated supervisors can impact team performance ✅ How leaders can create conditions for motivation without forcing it ✅ A five-step game plan to support and engage supervisors Key Takeaways: Get the Basics Right Address hygiene factors like fair pay, safe working conditions, and equitable policies. Diagnose the Issue Have one-on-one conversations to understand individual motivation challenges. Build a Sense of Purpose Help supervisors see how their work connects to broader company goals. Encourage Autonomy Allow supervisors to take ownership of their roles and decision-making. Support and Remove Roadblocks Engage with senior leadership to ensure supervisors have the tools and support they need. Resources Mentioned: Leadership Coaching for Thoughtful Leaders – Need help navigating leadership challenges? Apply for coaching today. The Useful Thinking Journal – A powerful tool for self-reflection and leadership growth. Get your copy here. PRINT® Assessment – Understand team dynamics and improve motivation. Learn more here. Iceberg Model of Human Behaviour – Learn about underlying motivation factors. Read more. Motivation Models – Explore Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory and Daniel Pink's motivation framework. Read more. Connect with Ben Brearley:

Micromanagement is not a good thing, but I think it's natural to feel like doing it sometimes.  But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to reduce the habit! In this episode I take a look at the problems with micromanagement, and how you can reduce the feeling that you need to do it with your team.  Interested in working with me?  Book your free 30-minute consultation, where we'll discuss your goals and challenges and how my coaching may be able to help.  Then we can decide whether we're a good fit to work together.  >>> Click here to book your free consultation. Show Links:  Build Empathy Iceberg Model – This link leads to an article discussing the Iceberg Model of Human Behaviour, which is useful for understanding the hidden factors driving behaviors like micromanagement. Thoughtful Leader Podcast #123: Common Leadership Fears and How to Challenge Them – This podcast episode explores common leadership fears and strategies to overcome them, helping leaders manage their emotions and actions more effectively. Thoughtful Leader Podcast #232: Trying to Give Your Team More Autonomy? Watch These Traps – This podcast discusses how leaders can empower their teams with more autonomy, while avoiding common pitfalls. Can't Trust Your Team? Why it Really Matters – This article delves into the importance of trust in leadership and how lack of trust can affect team dynamics. Top 5 Time Management Tips for Leaders – This post provides valuable time management strategies for leaders looking to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. The 5 Whys root cause analysis technique – This resource explains the “5 Whys” technique for identifying the root causes of problems, a helpful tool for leaders trying to address micromanagement tendencies. Why Exercising Restraint Is Important For Good Leadership – This article highlights the importance of showing restraint as a leader and how it can enhance leadership effectiveness.

If you have a favourite employee at work, you aren't the only one! Good employees are like gold – they help you out, make your job less stressful and lighten the load.  But… there's always a but… what is happening in the team when you have a favourite employee?  Let's find out in this episode.  Interested in working with me?  Book your free 30-minute consultation, where we'll discuss your goals and challenges and how my coaching may be able to help.  Then we can decide whether we're a good fit to work together.  >>> Click here to book your free consultation. Show Links:  Thoughtful Leader Podcast #228: Should You Be Friends With Your Team Members? – This podcast episode explores whether it is appropriate to develop friendships with team members. Why Even Good Leaders Can Show a Lack of Integrity – A blog post discussing the potential for even good leaders to exhibit integrity issues. What Is the Halo Effect? – An article that explains the Halo Effect, a cognitive bias that can lead to favoritism and overlooking flaws in certain individuals.

Blaming others is a common past time in many workplaces.  And it's so easy to slip into the habit of blaming, because we want to protect ourselves and let everyone know it wasn't our fault! In this episode I look at some of the reasons why we blame, and what to try doing instead.  After all, it's not helping you or your team! Interested in working with me?  Book your free 30-minute consultation, where we'll discuss your goals and challenges and how my coaching may be able to help.  Then we can decide whether we're a good fit to work together.  >>> Click here to book your free consultation. Show Links:  Brenè Brown's short video on blame – Brenè Brown discusses the relationship between blame and accountability. Why Leaders Should Show Vulnerability at Work – An article on the importance of vulnerability for leaders. Just Beyond Yourself: When to Push Out of Your Comfort Zone – A guide on pushing beyond comfort zones for growth. Do You Have a Victim Leadership Mentality? – Explores the concept of victim mentality in leadership. Thoughtful Leader Podcast #209: How to Build Empathy Using the Iceberg Model – Podcast episode on building empathy through the Iceberg Model.

The phrase “feedback is a gift” is pretty common in many workplaces.  While feedback can be a great way to know how you're doing and to improve, it can also be a bad thing.  Many people are terrible at giving feedback, so accepting it all would be a mistake.  In this episode I take a look at how to decide whether to accept or reject feedback, and how to use feedback to keep improving.  >>> Struggling to accept that feedback you received? Reflect on it using The Useful Thinking Journal. It will help you process your thoughts and feelings and help you do better next time.  Interested in working with me?  Book your free 30-minute consultation, where we'll discuss your goals and challenges and how my coaching may be able to help.  Then we can decide whether we're a good fit to work together.  >>> Click here to book your free consultation. Show Links:  Blind Spots: How to Shrink Yours to Lead Better – A guide on how to reduce blind spots in leadership to lead more effectively. 10 Simple & Effective Tips For Giving Feedback – Practical advice on how to give feedback in a constructive and helpful manner. Thoughtful Leader Podcast #247: How to Listen Better at Work (and Why It Matters) – A podcast episode discussing the importance of active listening in the workplace. Why Leaders Should Have a Reflective Practice – An article emphasizing the benefits of reflective practice for leaders. My Useful Thinking Journal – A tool designed to help individuals reflect and improve their decision-making processes. How to Stop Ruminating – A resource offering strategies to stop overthinking and reduce stress from negative thoughts.

Everyone wants to feel more confident, because we worry less and feel as if we've got everything under control.  The problem is, we all have those self-doubting thoughts from time to time.  And the more you push yourself and improve, you'll be putting yourself in new situations which will stretch you even more, and potentially make you feel even less confident! But, what if your lack of confidence could actually be a good thing? I reckon it is, and that's what I'll talk about in this episode.  >>> Stop overthinking, make sense of your emotions and start taking action: The Useful Thinking Journal. Interested in working with me? If you're ready to improve your leadership situation, click the link to apply for your complimentary 30-minute discovery call: Apply Now. Show Links:  Thoughtful Leader Podcast #219: 4 Steps to Grow Your Leadership Confidence – Gain insights into practical steps for building confidence in your leadership role. Leadership Confidence Problem? Let's Diagnose It – Explore potential confidence challenges in leadership and strategies to overcome them. How Much Technical Expertise Should You Have to Lead Your Team? – Delve into the role of technical expertise in effective team leadership. Thoughtful Leader Podcast #58: Why Leaders Should Do More Planning (and Why They Don't) – Understand the benefits of planning in leadership and reasons why leaders sometimes avoid it. Why Leaders Should Show Vulnerability at Work – Learn why showing vulnerability can help leaders build trust and credibility with their teams. Start Being Trustworthy For Your Team: Here's How – Discover actionable steps for developing trustworthiness as a key leadership trait.

Our beliefs shape the actions we take, which makes a big difference in how we lead.  In this episode, I'm going to look at some key beliefs which can make a positive difference on your team. But what if you don't have these beliefs? Well, I'll discuss that too.  >>> Stop overthinking, make sense of your emotions and start taking action: The Useful Thinking Journal. Interested in working with me? If you're ready to improve your leadership situation, click the link to apply for your complimentary 30-minute discovery call: Apply Now. Show Links:  Thoughtful Leader Podcast #158: Let's Build a Better Leadership Mindset. – Explore how mindset shifts can improve leadership and build a positive workplace environment. Team Improvement: 5 Reasons Smart Leaders Love It – Discover strategies to help leaders support team growth and encourage continuous improvement. Motivation at Work: Moving Your People Along the Motivation Spectrum – Learn techniques to increase employee motivation and productivity within your team. Thoughtful Leader Podcast #22: Self-Fulfilling Prophecy & Leadership. – Understand how a leader's beliefs and expectations can impact team behaviour and outcomes.

Leaders have a huge impact on the people they lead in terms of job satisfaction, morale and performance.  So do we want leaders who are running around busy, with no time to think? No, you need time and space to think, so you can be more intentional about what you're doing.  You'll make better decisions, and that will benefit your teams and your organisation (not to mention yourself). In this episode, I discuss some ideas to get more thinking time in your day, so you can lead better. >>> Stop overthinking, make sense of your emotions and start taking action: The Useful Thinking Journal. Interested in working with me? If you're ready to improve your leadership situation, click the link to apply for your complimentary 30-minute discovery call: Apply Now. Show Links:  3 Ways to Reduce Unhelpful Thinking – Practical tips to manage and reduce unproductive thought patterns. Parkinson's Law – Explanation of Parkinson's Law and how shorter meetings can increase productivity. Thoughtful Leader Podcast #156: Let's Dismantle the Cult of Busyness – Podcast discussing the need to move away from constant busyness. Too Busy at Work? Try These 5 Things – Advice for leaders feeling overwhelmed by work. Stakeholder Management Tips For the Everyday Leader – Tips to handle challenging stakeholders and maintain focus. Why Leaders Should Have a Reflective Practice – Benefits of a regular reflective practice for leadership. Risk & Reward: How to Provide Development Opportunities For Your Team – Ideas for identifying and providing team growth opportunities. Thoughtful Leader Podcast #112: Why Smart Leaders Seek Continuous Improvement – Podcast discussing continuous improvement as a leadership skill. Meaningful Work, the #1 Motivator (and How to Provide it in Your Team) – Insight on creating meaningful work for team motivation. Thoughtful Leader Podcast #73: Why We Need More Mindfulness In Leadership – Explores how mindfulness can enhance leadership.

Self-motivation is an important ingredient in the leadership puzzle.  After all, we generally know how we should be leading. We've read the leadership books and listened to all the leadership podcasts.  But it's hard to show up every day with a great attitude and feeling motivated. That's why in this episode, I take a look at some self-motivation ideas to help you show up in the best way you can, more often. >>> Stop overthinking, make sense of your emotions and start taking action: The Useful Thinking Journal. Interested in working with me? If you're ready to improve your leadership situation, click the link to apply for your complimentary 30-minute discovery call: Apply Now. Show Links:  Dan Goleman – Psychologist Daniel Goleman popularized the concept of Emotional Intelligence, essential for leadership. Emotional Intelligence has been shown to be one of the best predictors of leadership success – Harvard Business highlights EQ as key to effective and successful leadership. How to Manage Your Emotions For Better Leadership – Practical tips for leaders to manage emotions and handle stress constructively. Why You Need to Know Your Values In Leadership – Understanding core values guides leaders toward more authentic decision-making. Lead Better By Understanding Your Core Values – A podcast on aligning leadership actions with personal values to inspire authenticity. Values at INSEAD – INSEAD shows how core values enhance leadership effectiveness in its programs. Wellbeing at Work: How Leaders Can Support It – Strategies for leaders to promote well-being and balance in the workplace. Setting Team Goals: Tips for Thoughtful Leaders – Tips on creating clear, achievable team goals that motivate and align with vision. Writing down goals – Writing down goals boosts commitment, motivation, and follow-through. Hal Elrod's Miracle Morning – A morning routine guide aimed at boosting daily productivity and positivity. Waking Up – A meditation app by Sam Harris to help improve focus, self-awareness, and emotional health. Morning sunlight – Morning sunlight supports better sleep, mood, and overall health. Smiling and mood – Smiling, even when forced, can improve mood and reduce stress.

The 4-day work week is becoming more popular these days, following several trials in various countries.  There are a few characteristics of the 4-day work week which I find contribute to its success. In this episode, I look at these characteristics and how we can apply them to any workplace, even if you aren't lucky enough to have a 4-day work week! Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Regular reflection is generally regarded as a great thing to be doing, but I've found that the majority of leaders (that I speak to anyway) don't do it! That's why I created The Useful Thinking Journal, which is a journal aiming to help you reflect in a structured way, and turn those reflections into real action so you can improve, or keep achieving success. In this episode I talk about some of the benefits of reflection, the challenges that many leaders face when it comes to reflection, and how The Useful Thinking Journal can help. You can order your copy of the journal here: https://www.thoughtfulleader.com/the-useful-thinking-journal/.

Many thoughtful leaders find themselves feeling guilty at work.  Not because they've necessarily done anything wrong – more that they are heaping pressure on themselves and suffering under the weight of expectation.  In this episode, I look at the common sources of guilt and introduce a simple process you can follow to unravel these feelings and feel better about taking action.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

You might think of unproductive workplaces as ones where people aren't doing much.  I've found it's quite the opposite – often people are running around madly… being busy. In this episode, I take a look at the cost of an unproductive workplace (other than just the money) and some of the common signs that we might hear that make it a bad place to be! Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Bashing the boss is a favourite pastime for many employees. We don't want to be a boss that's worthy of this sort of treatment, so in this episode I take a look at some of the common reasons why people generally complain about their boss. Then we can do things differently and give them fewer things to complain about! Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Talk to many employees, and they'll tell you that their boss is one of their biggest time management challenges. So is this the case when it comes to your leadership? In this episode, I take a look at whether you might be time management problem for your team, and what to do about it.  Interested in working with me? If you're interested in potentially working with me, I invite you to apply for a complimentary coaching call. This can help you to:  Understand more about how I coach Make progress on some of your key challenges; and Decide whether we're a good fit to work together. I can't coach everyone who applies, but if you don't try, we'll never know!  >>> Click here to apply for your complimentary coaching session.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Reflection has significant benefits for leaders, but I find that many leaders don't engage in reflection very often. In this episode, I'll take a look at the benefits of reflection and some of the issues that people encounter with it. Then, I'll outline some practical steps to implement a reflective practice for yourself (and keep it up!) Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Having a sense of purpose is critical according to several motivation theories and models.  So how do we help our people find it? In this episode, I take a look at some practical ways that you can assist your team to find their sense of purpose.  It's not our responsibility to find it for our team, but we can help to create the right environment.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Getting out of your comfort zone is a worthwhile thing to do.  But being out of your comfort zone all the time is stressful and draining.  So when it comes to leadership, when should we make the effort to get out of our comfort zone? I take a look at this topic in this episode.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

“Quiet quitting” is a relatively recent term that describes people doing the bare minimum at work.  They aren't exactly quitting, but they're no longer going “over and above” for their organisation. In this episode, I take a look at whether this is a real problem at all… and whether simply leading better could be the solution. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Thoughtful leaders have the positive quality of being… well… thoughtful. This can be a great thing, but it can also come with challenges of overthinking and rumination which aren't at all helpful. In this episode, I take a look at some research-based ideas that might help when you are struggling to get out of an unhelpful thinking rut. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Having career conversations with your team members can make a huge difference in leadership. However, many leaders don't make the time for them and I think they're missing an opportunity. In this episode, we'll take a look at the benefits of career conversations, how to have them effectively and some of the reasons why many leaders don't have them… or really struggle to deliver them effectively. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Displaying vulnerability takes courage, especially when you're in a leadership role.  Many leaders feel an expectation to know all the answers or give the perfect directions, or to display the “stiff upper lip” mentality and show resilience in the face of any challenge. In this episode, we're going to look at the potential benefits of showing vulnerability and how you might start going about it.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

It's easy to fall prey to some common leadership excuses that stop us from taking action.  But… doing nothing is a choice like any other! In this episode I discuss some common excuses I hear for putting up with bad behaviour or poor performance. Do any of them sound familiar? Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Dealing with people problems in a team can be stressful and frustrating.  But to manage them effectively, you need to demonstrate persistence! So in this episode, I take a look at some point to keep in mind that may help you feel a little more positive about your situation. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Most of us don't feel like we're very inspiring. We tend to leave that to the “celebrity” leaders out there. But wait a minute – being an inspiring leader might be easier than you think! In this episode I take a look at why being inspiring is important, and some simple ways you might go about it. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Many people are looking for one thing: a perfect way to have a challenging conversation without people getting upset or saying the wrong thing. Unfortunately, this doesn't exist, and a challenging conversation will always be uncomfortable! In this episode, I take a look at some principles to apply to challenging conversations, instead of focusing on the perfect preparation or process. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

“Pick your battles” is pretty good advice.  Unless you use this statement to avoid tackling important issues, when you should be trying to solve them.  In this episode, I take a look at some guidelines to help you decide whether you're actually practicing avoidance, or wisely picking your battles.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

We know that communication is an important leadership skill.  However, I think we sometimes get stuck on the speaking and writing more than the listening.  In this episode, I offer some ideas of how you might listen better at work, and why this can be so important.  The DISC Model Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

I think there is a difference between displaying confidence and being confident.  One is within your control, the other isn't.  In this episode, I take a look at how you might start to display confidence in leadership from a simple starting point: noticing. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Hearing “it's not my job” from a team member can be frustrating, and it's a common occurrence in many workplaces. But before we blame the team member, it's worth thinking about the possible reasons for this statement. In this episode, I take a look at some of the common causes of this behaviour and what you can do about it. Apply For Your Complimentary Coaching Session I invite you to a complimentary Discovery Coaching Session, where we will: Get clear on your most important goals and what is most important to you Identify blockers and limiting beliefs that are holding you back; and Develop key actions you can take to move forward and make progress. You will leave the Discovery Coaching Session with a sense of clarity, purpose and practical steps to move you forward. There is no obligation to pursue further coaching after this session - but many people do!  >>> Click here to apply for your complimentary coaching session.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

I'm a big fan of using self-assessment (or psychometric) tools to help people understand more about themselves and each other. However, they aren't perfect and we need to use them with a bit of caution. In this post, I take a look at some of the things to watch out for and clarify when you're using these types of tools for your team. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Being assertive is important in leadership, because it helps us to look out for our own needs and those of our team. But it doesn't come naturally to everyone, and we can fall into non-assertive habits.  In this episode, I take a look at some tips to appear more assertive, based on tweaking the language that we use. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

I find that many thoughtful leaders are introspective and often stuck in their own heads.  It goes with the territory of being thoughtful, I suppose! This can be problematic if we start to worry excessively about work.  So in this episodes, I've collected some tips that have helped me over the years and hopefully they can help you too. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Company values have been around for years, but they can certainly attract a lot of cynicism. If they are just a poster on the wall which nobody reads, they probably aren't doing much good. However, I think they can be valuable when you're trying to get lots of people working in the same direction! In this episode, I take a look at why many people don't care about company values, and some ways that you might start to make them more useful for your team. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

We all have stories that we carry around in our heads like baggage.  Some of these stories are helpful, while others can actually work against us.  In this episode, I take a look at the concept of stories and think about how we might challenge them to put ourselves in a better place.  Apply For Your Complimentary Coaching Session I invite you to a complimentary Discovery Coaching Session, where we will: Get clear on your most important goals and what is most important to you Identify blockers and limiting beliefs that are holding you back; and Develop key actions you can take to move forward and make progress. You will leave the Discovery Coaching Session with a sense of clarity, purpose and practical steps to move you forward. There is no obligation to pursue further coaching after this session - but many people do!  >>> Click here to apply for your complimentary coaching session.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Encouraging someone to change their behaviour or attitude is hard work, because there are a bunch of barriers that may get in the way.  To help you understand and navigate your way through the process you can use the simple model in this episode. It's simple, generic and can be used in many situations! Apply For Your Complimentary Coaching Session I invite you to a complimentary Discovery Coaching Session, where we will: Get clear on your most important goals and what is most important to you Identify blockers and limiting beliefs that are holding you back; and Develop key actions you can take to move forward and make progress. You will leave the Discovery Coaching Session with a sense of clarity, purpose and practical steps to move you forward. There is no obligation to pursue further coaching after this session - but many people do!  >>> Click here to apply for your complimentary coaching session.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

We often hear about controlling managers who micromanage people.  But what about controlling employees, who hoard information and wield influence? In this episode, I take a look at trying to lead a controlling employee, as well as what might be beneath the surface for them. Apply For Your Complimentary Coaching Session I invite you to a complimentary Discovery Coaching Session, where we will: Get clear on your most important goals and what is most important to you Identify blockers and limiting beliefs that are holding you back; and Develop key actions you can take to move forward and make progress. You will leave the Discovery Coaching Session with a sense of clarity, purpose and practical steps to move you forward. There is no obligation to pursue further coaching after this session - but many people do!  >>> Click here to apply for your complimentary coaching session.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Leadership is not easy, and sometimes we need a boost of courage and motivation to keep us going.   In this episode, I take a look at some of my favourite motivational resources that I've collected over the last few years. Hopefully they can help you too! Apply For Your Complimentary Coaching Session I invite you to a complimentary Discovery Coaching Session, where we will: Get clear on your most important goals and what is most important to you Identify blockers and limiting beliefs that are holding you back; and Develop key actions you can take to move forward and make progress. You will leave the Discovery Coaching Session with a sense of clarity, purpose and practical steps to move you forward. There is no obligation to pursue further coaching after this session - but many people do!  >>> Click here to apply for your complimentary coaching session.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

There are many stereotypes we hear about younger generations. They're lazy…. uncommitted…. have no loyalty.  But are the younger generations actually just showing behaviours that can guide us towards better leadership? In this episode, I take a look at some lessons I think we can learn from younger generations which can make our workplaces better. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Leaders don't set out to seem like they don't care.  They become that way because of stressful work environments and chaotic workplaces.  Even thoughtful leaders can seem uncaring if they aren't careful. In this episode, I take a look at my top 5 innocent uncaring leadership actions, so you can look out for, and avoid them. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Sometimes leaders can let their roles go to their heads, becoming wrapped-up in their own self-importance. This can be a trap which even thoughtful leaders can fall into! In this episode, I'll take a look at some common warning signs that you might be taking yourself a little too seriously, so you can lighten up a bit. You never know, people might respect you more for it.  Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!

Tuckman's Team Development Model has been around for a while, but I find it to still be relevant and useful today. Some people think that you can whack people together and become high-performing straight away. This just ain't true, and this model helps to understand what stages a team goes through to get to that high-performing point. In this episode, I'll take a look at the stages and how you can navigate them. Like the Show? Please Leave a Review! ✅ If you like this episode or the show in general, please take a few minutes to leave a review by clicking one of the links below. Your review really helps me to reach a wider audience of thoughtful leaders, so we can improve workplaces around the world. I appreciate you taking the time!