Transform Your Workplace

We are not built the same when it comes to receiving feedback in the workplace. What might seem as open and direct to one person can seem completely harsh and really sharp to another. Feedback can sometimes break or make someone. How you deliver it matters greatly. When done in the right way it can be the most effective means of communication and performance for you and your organization. Join me today as we redefine what feedback is with M. Tamra Chandler and Laura Dowling Grealish, the authors of the book Feedback and Other Dirty Words - Why We Fear It, How to Fix It. In this episode, Tamra and Laura explain how feedback got such a negative connotation. They share how we can minimize the bad emotional and physical reactions that destroy trust and halts communication. They also offered helpful solutions, suggestions, as well as new definitions to create a better framework for feedback. We can’t totally get rid of no feedback but we can always redefine it! In this episode, you will learn about: Why feedback is such a huge component to the growth of a business, its people, and organizations The problem with the way feedback is being portrayed right now Re-imagining feedback as a fluid ongoing conversation, free of angst and judgment The 5:1 ratio  Actionable suggestions to improve feedback Tamra and Laura’s take on Carol Sandford’s ‘No More Feedback’ book The fine art of noticing Short feedback and long reflections The ‘Shit Sandwich’ method of giving feedback and why it’s not advisable to resort to it How to get better at feedback?   --- What did you think of this episode? Give us a 5-star rating and write a review on Apple Podcasts, or take our survey. Contact Brandon: 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. --- More about Tamra & Laura: Tamra is the CEO and co-founder of PeopleFirm, a talent management and organizational performance consultancy that has earned consistent recognition as a top place to work. She has been named twice as one of the top 25 consultants in the US by Consulting magazine. Laura is a management consultant at PeopleFirm and was a previous Director of Consulting Services at Orion Advisor Services. She has deep experience in designing high-performance teams and has over 20 years of leadership experience under her belt when it comes to helping clients create strategic alignment, talent management, performance management, succession and leadership development programs. Connect with Tamra & Laura: Tamra Chandler - LinkedIn Laura Dowling Grealish - LinkedIn Resources mentioned in this episode: Feedback (and Other Dirty Words): Why We Fear It, How to Fix It by M. Tamra Chandler and Laura Dowling Grealish Transform Your Workplace: More Consciousness, Less Feedback with Carol Sanford PeopleFirm

As an employer, you might have a lot of questions about what potential employees look for in a company before they apply. And you may also wonder where to find the best possible candidates. In this episode, HR Generalist Paige Tamlyn returns to the podcast to answer questions people have about recruiting employees and the common questions asked in the workplace. Finding potential candidates for a job and hiring them can be quite a feat, but knowing what potential employees are looking for in a job can make this task easier and reduce the number of people that aren’t qualified for the position. In this episode, you will learn about: What “Ghosting” is all about Things employees look out for in a Job How to create a company handbook The best place to find candidates Whether or not to put a range of pay on your job ad How to deal with Millennials and loneliness at work   About Paige Tamlyn: Paige Tamlyn is an HR Generalist and a project manager on the side. She is a freelance stylist in her free time.  Her interests in addition to HR is Social Media and Marketing. You can find her moonlighting on Xenium's Podcast or keeping up with the latest trends in social media.  LinkedIn ### What did you think of this episode? Give us a 5-star rating and write a review on Apple Podcasts, or take our survey. Contact Brandon: 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.

Diversity is the future. When an organization has a diversified workforce, this meant better productivity, creativity, and stronger company reputation. It puts the company in a competitive edge that can lead to greater reach in the future. This is why many are seeking to employ people from different backgrounds. Regardless of a company's good intentions, diversity efforts still falter if the ones with privilege won't allow others equal access to power. How can we break this norm and shift others into building a sustainable culture of inclusion? How can we establish a commitment and match our intents with our impact? In today’s episode, La’Wana Harris, the author of Diversity Beyond Lip-Service joins us to talk about her book and the topic of diversity and inclusions. We also talk about how organizations can make it safe to have conversations around diversity and inclusions and be aware where we are at and where we want to go. Grab your copy now and learn how you can build a sustainable culture of diversity and inclusion within your organization. Click here to get your copy!   In this episode, you will learn about: Superficial layers of engagement around diversity and inclusion Gaining awareness Micro-aggression Creating a safe place to talk about backgrounds The problem with diversity programs The gap between the intent and the impact Diversity and inclusion as part of the corporate culture, not a program Using your privilege to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging How to deal with your unconscious bias What does the commit model stand for? How can people utilize it? La’Wana’s personal experience and how she was treated during her professional career as a black woman   Connect with La’Wana: La’Wana Harris, Diversity and Inclusion Strategist LinkedIn Twitter Facebook   Resources mentioned from this episode: Diversity Beyond Lip Service: A Coaching Guide for Challenging Bias by La'Wana Harris Action Guide for Diversity Beyond Lip Service by Harris La’Wana   Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. 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.

Today, August 29th marks the 200th episode of the Transform Your Workplace podcast and it also happens to be Brandon's 34th birthday. In this episode, Angela Perkins, VP of Sales & Marketing at Xenium HR, join Brandon while he's wrapping up his month-long sabbatical to talk about how the sabbatical is going, learnings from the sabbatical, and how employers might think about using this unique benefit in their workplace.  What did you think of this episode? Give us a 5-star rating and write a review on Apple Podcasts, or take our survey. Contact Brandon: 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.

You’re super busy at work — your phone's blowing up from the overflowing inbox of notifications, reminders, and chats. There’s so much interruption that you’ve got no time to think. And when you do, you have to stay stuck at the office, working more than 40-hours a week or force yourself to pull an all-nighter to meet unrealistic deadlines.  You don’t even have time to sleep because of your packed schedules and endless meeting.  When weekends come, instead of spending your precious me-time relaxing and having fun, you have those Sunday-afternoon emails to worry about, waiting to be read and dealt with. It’s just crazy!!! But hey, work doesn’t have to be crazy.  It’s true. We can still deliver a fantastic job without making ourselves miserable and insanely working like crazy to meet those so-called “goals.” We can have a productive work environment that lets people do their work in the best way possible. Basecamp is setting a great example of what it’s like to have a calm and productive workplace! How can we achieve a productive workplace without sacrificing long hours and avoid getting burned out? In today’s episode, I’ll talk about the book “It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work” with David Heinemeier Hansson, the author, CTO, and co-founder at Basecamp. We will also discuss the topic of the constant state of businesses, overworked employees, and the fact that we’re working more hours but still come out as unproductive.  David argues that you can still have that million-dollar business without requiring your employees to work insanely long hours and he’s going to tell you how. He will also share a lot of useful advice and action ideas you can apply back to your organization!  Grab your copy now! Check out the book here. In this episode, you will learn about: What crazy means in the workplace The reason behind the long work hours Hustle Mania and the obsession with growth Burned out and overworked employees Setting your goals the Basecamp way Achieving the state of calmness The negative consequences of introducing technology and rejecting the “present person” practice The reason why Basecamp doesn’t do shared calendars inside the office How David coaches his people not to be distracted by constant interruptions from people internally and externally? Office hours and part-time managers David’s thoughts on work-life balance Out of the office benefits vs. In office Connect with David: Twitter Email: david@dhh.dk Resources mentioned from this episode: Basecamp It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson Rework by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson Remote Office Not Required by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson Henry Ford   What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. 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.

Juggling workplace stress with the daily pressures of family, friends, hobbies, self, and life in general, is a tough feat for employees to achieve. We’re getting busier than ever and it causes heavy damage to both work and personal lives. Today, Anna Mieners from Cascade Centers, a company that provides counseling services and organizational consultations, joins us again to talk about work-life balance, employee’s wellbeing and preventive programs that benefit both the employer, employee, and the business. Last time we talked about the book - Dying For A Paycheck and how we not die from a paycheck, now we’ll be digging deeper into the work that she does to transform workplaces into an environment where people are happier and healthier. Help your company by helping your employees achieve control and balance in their work and life. In this episode, you will learn about: The nature of Anna’s work and how EAPs provide health and crisis services to organizations Helping people have good work-life balance Training managers and leaders around supporting employees mental health and well being Role modeling and providing emotional and instrumental support to your employees Dealing with employee leaves (e.g. parental leaves) and other work-life related conflicts.  Integrating mental health and well-being into their workplace. More Cascade Centers: Cascade Centers is a family-owned company that provides counseling services and other comprehensive and leading-edge services such as EAPs, Work-Life Balance programs, and Wellness Programs and Coaching to name a few. Resources Mentioned:   Cascade Centers   What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. 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.

There are people working at different locations and at different times. With the advancement in technology, communication tools also have greatly upgraded. Unlike before, we’re constrained to finding talent locally, but now we can look for them all across the globe. With this, more and more organizations are adopting the “remote workplace”. This meant working from a place where you’re focused and comfortable.  But wait, wouldn’t that result in a decrease in productivity?  Well, you’ll be surprised to know that the answer is quite the opposite according to Kevin Eikenberry the co-author of the book “Long-Distance Leader”. Whether you’re leading a remote team or not, I urge you to listen to this episode as Kevin and I discuss the changes in leadership when you adopt a remote workplace, the challenges, and perks of leading from a distance, how to lead your team remotely, and why working remotely increases productivity and focus!   In this episode, you will learn about: How to lead people who are working remotely? Is working remotely a barrier to leading people? Why building trust is important when working remotely The difference between the role of a manager and a leader Concerns and reasons why some leaders and managers aren’t embracing long-distance leadership/management Results, outcomes, and getting leaders who are stuck in their ways to make the shift  What role you’re playing in helping someone be successful? Leading by webcam. Finding richness and scope by using the right tool for the right job Put a good person in a bad system and the bad systems wins, no contest. - Peter Drucker Battling loneliness Becoming a more effective leader Efficiently navigate your remote workplace today, order the book here!   Enroll in Xenium's e-Learning Courses   Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. 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.   Connect with Kevin: The Kevin Eikenberry Group Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Channel   Resources mentioned from this episode: The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel Remote Leadership Institute Slack LinkedIn Learn Mastercard Peter Drucker

 “I’ve never been happier than I am ever since I embraced change.” ⁠— John Johnson Many of us prefer the easy path. We find comfort in things that we already understand. When things change too quickly, we tend to go back to the way things were. Change doesn't always feel good. It makes us uncomfortable, but it's essential because the world around us is ever-changing. Our fear of trying something new from what we're used to prevents us from growing and reaching our full potential. You can't always stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to reach you. You have to go out and take the initiative sometimes. But how do you get comfortable with change? How do you get okay with being uncomfortable? Here's the thing, we'll never feel comfortable at all times. That's why we need to push our boundaries a little bit. John Johnson, an Employee Benefits Consultant at USI, is here to help you shift yourself into that discomfort zone. Today's episode focuses on helping you help yourself be more comfortable with being uncomfortable. In this episode, you will learn about: Why encourage people to be comfortable with being uncomfortable John Johnson’s personal journey with being uncomfortable Taking a break and being mindful Looking for things that challenge you How we become the average of who we hang around One of the best gifts you can give someone  Asking for permission when you’re afraid and uncertain Things you can do to make someone feel comfortable when they’re uncomfortable What drew John to the topic of being okay with being uncomfortable and why it matters Practices that makes John feel confident How John gets people to embrace change The first step in talking with people Why your words and approach matters a lot Getting comfortable with conflict John’s role at USI   Connect with John: LinkedIn   Enroll in Xenium's e-Learning Courses   Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. 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. Resources mentioned from this episode: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin Adam Brantley episode - The Benefits of Coaching Culture Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck Pleasantville movie Apple Christopher Columbus    

Having the right data results in better health outcomes. - Springbuk What if you could identify how many of your employees are at risk of suffering from a disease like stroke, cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions through a software that provides intelligent health data? Sounds great right? It's not very often that we highlight a product within the podcast but this product is just too amazing not to share! In today's episode, I get to talk with Rod Reasen, the guy who founded The Healthiest Employer Award program where Xenium has participated and won every year since its start back in 2008.  He and his team started a software company called Springbuk to address the growing concerns of employers over the rising cost of health and wellness programs. The health intelligence software utilizes employee health data to lessen the cost, prevent diseases, and figure out where to allocate funds to create a healthier workforce. Rod is going to simplify everything on how their software works and why you need to incorporate this technology in your workplace. In this episode, you will learn about: Rod's learnings from his career as a broker Helping employers with health insurance and its rising cost How the “Healthiest Employers Program” started Why wellness programs aren't making as big of an impact on health as we hoped Trends within the health data Biometric screening and holistic wellness programs What is the Springbuk app and what does it do for employers   Sign up for the What People Want from Work survey Enroll in Xenium's e-Learning Courses   Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. 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. Connect with Rod Reasen: LinkedIn More about Springbuk: Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Springbuk is a health analytics software solution. The company’s health intelligence platform unifies medical claims, pharmacy, biometric and activity data. The predictive modeling engine helps employers target their engagement with pinpoint accuracy, forecast overall healthcare spending, identify at-risk employees, and measure their wellness programs. Springbuk LinkedIn   Resources Mentioned:   401(k) Barack Obama PPACA - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Population Health   Healthiest Employers Awards Program Indianapolis Business Journal MSK app Uber Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code

"A bravespace workplace is one where people can show up as they are, both perfect and flawed, and do great things together. " — Moe Carrick  Most workplaces are unfit for human life. Many are still miserable at work. Despite the efforts of good leaders and managers in taking care of their people - investing and training them as well as creating an enjoyable workplace, they still fail. Why is that?  Something needs to change to create a win-win situation for both the employee and employer.  This motivated Moe Carrick to write Bravespace Workplace, where she puts everything into perspective. She explores how a lot of employers are treating their employees wrong. She recognizes that people are such a huge component in building a great company.  Our conversation is centered around her book - Bravespace Workspace. In the book, she talks about real-life stories about how companies and organizations are into bringing out the best in their people. We also discuss technology's role in the workplace, the definition of masculinity and femininity at work, inefficient managers, vulnerability, braveness, and many more!  Today's episode is jam-packed with ideas for creating a great workplace that's applicable to any organization!  I encourage you to go grab a copy of her book! It's an excellent book for everyone in the workforce, especially business leaders and managers who are looking into a more thoughtful and human-like approach to leading their people and business.  In this episode, you will learn about: Moe’s motivation and inspiration for writing "Bravespace Workplace" Why organizations are not as human as they need to be able to get the best out of people How the mindset that stems out from the industrial revolution resulted in unhealthy workplaces today Profits and economics What is a “Bravespace Workspace” and what does it look like Brave space workplace vs. toxic workplace Why bad managers and leaders are the major cause of a toxic workplace and why companies still hang on to them The role of technology and machines in our work Defining masculinity and femininity in the workplace Are nap pods and ping pong tables really efficient and effective? (like what big companies like Google do to keep their employees engaged) The advantages of small and medium-sized organizations over large companies Moe's response when people say they love their job What's next after the path of Bravespace Workplace    Win a free book. Tweet or share this podcast on LinkedIn and tag Brandon Laws and Xenium HR.    Sign up for the What People Want from Work survey Enroll in Xenium's e-Learning Courses Connect with Us: What did you think of this episode? Share a review on Apple Podcasts or take our survey. 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. Connect with Moe Carrick: LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram com Bravespace Workspace  More about Moe:  Moe Carrick is the best selling author of the book Bravespace Workplace and also the founder of Moementum Consulting Firm. She believes that people are the ones that make organizations great. She greatly believes that people can and should thrive at work and that when they do, organizations succeed.  With over 30 years of work in organizations on issues of partnership, leadership, inclusion, strategy, and culture Moe believes that rigorous self-awareness, courage, honest dialogue, active involvement, and empathy are fundamental to building full partnerships based on trust and curiosity.  Moe is passionate about the role work plays in creating meaning for our lives and in the role business can play as a force for good. She is a regular blogger on topics related to people at work and is a contributor to Conscious Company Magazine. Maven House Press released her first book, bestseller FIT MATTERS: How to Love Your Job, with co-author Cammie Dunaway in 2017. Her second book, Bravespace: Creating Workplaces Fit for Human Life, releases in June 2019. She holds a Master’s Degree in OD, is a Certified Daring Way™/Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, Coach, and administrator of a variety of tools in her trade.  Learn more about Moe and her work here.   Resources Mentioned: Bravespace Workplace: Making Your Company Fit for Human Life Workplaces fit for humans | Moe Carrick | TEDx talk Dying for a Paycheck: How Modern Management Harms Employee Health and Company Performance—and What We Can Do About It Dying for a Paycheck podcast with Anna Meiners Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. Fit Matters: How to Love Your Job by Moe Carrick, Cammie Dunaway, and Pat Wadors