Truth, Lies and Work 174. Meta's masculine energy, task masking and toxic superstars. PLUS! How to measure the impact of training, with Valamis' Veerle Numan - This Week in Work, 25th February 2025
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.
Every Tuesday, we bring you This Week in Work - your go-to for workplace news, a hot take from an industry expert, and our world-famous workplace surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest work dilemmas.
🗞 News Roundup:
1️⃣ Meta Layoffs vs. Exec Bonuses: What’s Really Going On?
- Is Meta redefining corporate leadership, or is this just another case of profits over people?
- Full story
2️⃣ Task Masking: The New Workplace Resistance Movement
- Employees are "task masking"—faking productivity to push back against return-to-office mandates.
- Full article
3️⃣ The 4-Part Framework for Finding Meaning in a Chaotic World
- Feeling overwhelmed by political drama, layoffs, and toxic work cultures?
- A quick self-check can help you realign & reconnect.
- Full guide
🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Veerle Numan on The Future of Learning & AI
Veerle Numan, Senior Learning Solution Partner at Valamis, challenges outdated workplace training and explains how AI is changing learning & development.
📌 Why Most L&D Fails:
- Throwing content at employees isn’t learning—it’s just information overload.
📊 How AI & Data Can Transform Learning:
- AI can measure engagement, analyze training effectiveness, and predict skill gaps.
💡 Key Takeaway:
- AI can’t magically fix learning cultures—but it can make training more effective & personalized.
📢 Connect with Veerle & Valamis:
- Veerle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veerle-van-kersen-numan/
- Valamis website: https://www.valamis.com/
💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery:
📌 Q1: My Boss Keeps "Adding Context" (But They're Wrong)
- A manager keeps interrupting during meetings to correct a listener—but he’s often wrong.
- How do you push back without making it awkward?
📌 Q2: My Top Performer is Toxic
- A high-achiever delivers 40% of the team’s output—but is horrible to work with.
- Should you risk losing them by addressing behavior—or keep tolerating the chaos?
📌 Q3: My Employee Disclosed Their Depression—Now What?
- A listener’s team member is struggling with mental health but wants to keep it private.
- How do you support them while balancing team performance?
🎧 What’s Next?
📅 This Thursday:
We’re joined by Dr. Enya Doyle, aka The Harassment Doctor, to tackle some of the trickiest workplace dilemmas:
- Can liking a colleague’s Instagram posts be harassment?
- Should you ban swearing if just one person is offended?
- How do you comfort a crying coworker without HR knocking on your door?
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General Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.
Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)
Connect with Al and Leanne
Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/
Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: Hello@truthliesandwork.com
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat