200. Rule-benders, quiet quitting and the DEI dilemma. PLUS! Is happiness overrated? With Julian Hayes II

This week, we’re celebrating our 200th episode by asking:
– Why do some leaders earn more trust by bending the rules?
– What’s the right move when an employee asks to borrow money?
– And is it fair to expect “diverse” employees to do extra DEI work just because of who they are?

We’re also joined by Julian Hayes II for a Hot Take on why happiness might be the wrong goal for your workplace. Forget the ping-pong tables — let’s talk about what really matters.

🔥 News Roundup
– Happy staff = better business: The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work 2025 report proves it’s not about perks, but about trust, ownership, and listening.
https://www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-work/features-companies/article/best-places-work-companies-uk-2025-cpw5wnr2z

– $40 for loyalty? A Boston moving company boss went viral after an employee asked for a $40 loan — some say never lend to staff, others call it a loyalty-building move.
https://x.com/salvin_joseph/status/1927002447974654253?s=12&t=Nu1sn41l6BG_ubgGziYG1g

– Rule-benders vs. rule-followers: A new study shows we trust rule-benders more than strict followers — and they might make the best leaders.
https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/rule-benders-make-more-appealing-leaders-rule-abiders

🔥 Hot Take: Happiness Is the Wrong Goal
Julian Hayes II argues that we’ve been chasing the wrong metric: happiness isn’t enough to sustain performance or engagement. Real well-being comes from meaning, challenge, and shared purpose — not just feeling good in the moment.

Connect with Julian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/

Julian's Website: https://www.executivehealth.io/

Julian's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/executive-health-and-life/id1500205650

💬 This Week’s Workplace Surgery

– The DEI overload dilemma: A listener asks how to push back when they’re constantly asked to be the “diverse” voice in interviews — even at the expense of their own work.
– First-time manager nerves: Another listener wonders how to become more assertive without losing their friendly style.
– The “I’ve stopped caring” slump: Finally, someone asks if it’s okay to check out at work when you’re not valued — or if they’re just giving up too easily.

🔗 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being
– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

💡 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/
– Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/
– Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/
– Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat