It’s time to revolutionize leadership development. In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws and guest Mick Spiers, founder of The Leadership Project, discuss Mick’s new book, You’re a Leader, Now What?. Get a glimpse into best practices for how to transition from contributor to leader and build effective leadership habits through applied learning.     TAKEAWAYS More emphasis needs to be placed on leader preparation instead of placing contributors into leadership roles without adequate development. When it comes to leadership, it doesn't matter what you know but rather how much you care about your people. A true leader should be motivated by helping people unlock their best version of themselves. Through smart and clever questioning and coaching, new leaders can quickly accelerate through the learning curve. The Leadership Project embraces concepts of collaborative or social learning to get people talking, reflecting, and building habits for successful leadership.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws discusses the pressing yet largely unaddressed issue of invisible disability. Guest Jill Griffin, career strategist and executive coach, defines the term and provides best practices for how to advocate for it when working toward comprehensive inclusivity in the workplace. Think that invisible disability isn’t an issue in your workplace? Listen in to learn how an estimated 20% of the US population is dealing with this struggle, in many cases without speaking up.   TAKEAWAYS It’s common for people to assume that if you look a certain way, you're able-bodied, and this assumption is a hindrance to creating a truly inclusive workplace environment.  Those with invisible disabilities may need additional accommodations to perform their duties effectively. By not disclosing an invisible disability, the employee doesn't create a capacity for the leadership to help them. When employees are working side by side with people with visible and non-apparent disabilities, they feel better about the social construct of the company.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Many businesses are returning to face-to-face operations. As the dust of the pandemic settles, the workplace conflict that we set aside while dealing with the unexpected is, in some cases, bigger than ever. So what is a leader to do? In this episode, you’ll hear from Chris Sheesley and Clare Fowler of In-Accord, a conflict management company based in Portland, Oregon. They discuss pitfalls and best practices for resolving conflict so that businesses can move forward united by purpose.   TAKEAWAYS Post-pandemic business leaders are meeting conflict issues head-on, which has resulted in a significant increase in morale. The pandemic taught us to humanize each other and prioritize relationships in the workplace. Diversity should reflect not only an appreciation for different demographic backgrounds and different cultures but also for neurodiversity and different approaches. Today, people are more empowered to share concerns and to raise issues, and that creates more confrontation that must be resolved.  If we can help people understand their contribution to conflict, we're not only helping with the immediate problem but we’re also helping to prevent it from returning.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

When it comes to gender equality, are businesses missing the mark? In this episode, Brandon Laws and guest Christine Wzorek, Founder and CEO of White Label Advisors take a hard look at the data and evidence surrounding gender equality in the workplace. According to Wzorek, businesses that recognize and maximize the distinct skill sets of female employees are setting themselves up for even greater success.    TAKEAWAYS Businesses must make a stronger effort to recognize the indispensable qualities that women bring to the table. To make measured progress in gender equality, men and women must come to the table and work together toward this common goal. Leaders must move beyond networking and acquiring talent from within their comfort zone. Businesses with executive boards that have greater female representation have shown better sustainability and longevity. Businesses must be intentional about creating better pathways and access to leadership positions for women. This episode is sponsored by Swag.com. Get 10% off your order by going to https://swag.com/tyw and enter promo code TYW10 at checkout. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Join us for a special episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, where host Brandon Laws gets a chance to be on the other side of the mic for an interview about side hustles. Al Nodarse, Client Development Manager at Xenium HR, gets the lowdown on if and how employers should support employee side hustles. The two discuss laying down ground rules and the unexpected benefits that employers can see at their own companies when they let their employees explore the idea of a side hustle.   TAKEAWAYS Side hustles can reinvigorate and engage employees who have lost interest in their full-time roles. Employees who pursue a side hustle learn new skills that they might be able to bring to their role at the organization. A side hustle gives employees an opportunity to earn more money, leading to lower dissatisfaction with their full-time pay. When balancing a full-time position and a side hustle, leaders and employees should err on the side of caution by over-communicating and setting clear ground rules.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

A sense of belonging is critical to the productivity of any business, but how can leaders tackle the challenge of creating an authentic climate of diversity, equity, and inclusion? In this episode, listen in to a discussion between host Brandon Laws and guest DDS Dobson-Smith, executive coach and belonging advocate. The two talk about the underpinnings of an inclusive workplace and how to shift perspectives and facilitate change.   TAKEAWAYS In today’s workplace, the employee’s sense of belonging is critical to a productive team, and businesses are realizing more and more that they cannot ignore it. Without a sense of belonging, employees have to expend an enormous amount of energy curating an identity that helps them fit in. When employees don’t feel fully accepted at work, there is a monumental impact on their workplace performance. To have the experience of belonging, you have to have the behavior of inclusion. and to have the behavior inclusion, you have to have the fact of diversity. Psychological safety occurs when we know that it's not “expensive” to be ourselves in the workplace. Leaders should think about bottom-up recruitment, not only plugging in diversity at senior levels but at entry levels too.  This episode is sponsored by Swag.com. Get 10% off your order by going to https://swag.com/tyw and enter promo code TYW10 at checkout. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

In March of 2020, small and large businesses alike had only hours to pack up and begin navigating the new normal of remote or hybrid work. And a little over two years later, it’s clear that the pandemic has left an indelible mark on our teams and our processes. In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, Brandon Laws interviews Ali Greene, remote work expert, speaker, and advocate, about how to keep remote teams connected and productive no matter where their “office” is.     TAKEAWAYS When leading a remote or hybrid team, leaders must ensure that their employees have access to information so they can be more effective and efficient in their roles. By defining terms like “remote” or “hybrid,” leaders give their teams clear expectations of what it means to be part of an organization. Remote Works contains reflection questions and activities that managers and leaders can ask themselves to make sure that they’re using best practices for keeping teams connected. Business leaders must take advantage of communication tech tools to ensure that employees are engaged and productive at every turn.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

SHOW NOTES Struggling to find a genuine, streamlined method for sharing appreciation with your employees? Aaron Rubens, CEO/Co-Founder of Kudoboard and expert in employee recognition and appreciation, is here to talk about an innovative, authentic tool for making employees feel seen and valued. It’s called Kudoboard, and just under 3 million users have already bought in. Listen in today, and learn more about how Kudoboard could transform your employee appreciation measures.   TAKEAWAYS Kudoboard is an online group card for honoring employees and recognizing special milestones both inside and outside of the workplace. Users can create a Kudoboard, invite others to collaborate, and post short or detailed messages, GIFs, photos, or videos to commemorate a special occasion. The more formulaic an appreciation initiative is, the less authentic it feels to the employees. Employees need specific and consistent recognition from their workplace peers and leaders. When times are difficult, Kudoboard brings people together and helps them press forward. This episode is sponsored by Swag.com. Get 10% off your order by going to https://swag.com/tyw and enter promo code TYW10 at checkout.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

It’s time to get honest about what makes a horrible boss. According to executive coach Tamica Sears, a**hole bosses play a significant role in employee attrition and low productivity, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Most horrible bosses are redeemable, and it starts with recognizing the tell-tale signs and committing to change. Listen in to this episode featuring the author of the How to Tell if You're an A**hole Boss: A Humorous, Yet Honest Exposé on Misguided Management Behaviors.   TAKEAWAYS Those without leadership skills may start off at that bottom rung, but they “aren’t stuck there” — they are still capable of learning and growing in their leadership roles.  Bad bosses are inextricably linked with higher employee attrition and lower productivity. Good leaders must take real action on the data collected from employee engagement surveys. Succession planning is critical to effective future leadership and employee placement. This episode is sponsored by Swag.com. Get 10% off your order by going to https://swag.com/tyw and enter promo code TYW10 at checkout.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

SHOW NOTES Chown Hardware was founded almost 150 years ago, and despite countless ups and downs, the company is still thriving. So, what’s the big secret? In this episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast, Brandon Laws interviews President and CEO Kyle Chown of Chown Hardware. Chown gives listeners an insider’s glimpse into casting vision, conquering team or leadership complacency, and laying the groundwork for a stable, successful future.   TAKEAWAYS Work-life balance is a significant challenge for those leading family-owned and operated businesses. Chown Hardware, as with any successful business, has a responsibility to care for not only the employees themselves but also the families of those employees. During his transitional period into the role of President/CEO, Kyle Chown grappled with interpersonal conflicts about his identity as a leader. To lead effectively, leaders must be intentional about being their authentic selves. Involving team members in goal setting toward a common vision helps them to become deeply invested in the company itself.   A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ Host: Brandon Laws 📋 In his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” Contact Brandon and Xenium HR:  Email Brandon.Laws@xeniumhr.com or connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Learn more about Xenium HR at xeniumhr.com Follow Xenium on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.