Curious Minds at Work

There are many good reasons to look to others. For example, you might need expert advice or feedback to improve your performance. But there’s one reason not to, and, that is, to determine your self-worth. When you look to someone else to define you or tell you how to live your life, you lose a lot. And if you find it hard to believe you’d ever let someone else influence you in those ways, you’d be surprised. Michael Gervais is a high-performance psychologist who’s worked with elite athletes, artists, and leaders. Through his work, he’s learned that one of the biggest obstacles standing in their way is fear of other people’s opinions. And he’s seen just how crippling those fears can be. That’s why he’s written the book, The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying about What People Think of You. In talking to Michael, I learned how our biology sets us up to place a lot of weight on other people’s opinions. I also learned how social media is designed to reinforce that fear. Fortunately, Michael shared insights on what to do. I walked away feeling empowered. Episode Links Stop Basing Your Self-Worth on Other People’s Opinions Free Your People from the Need for Social Approval Build a Great Team on a Relationship-Based Culture, Not the Myth of Family Interview with Jonathan Rhodes on Getting the Life You Want The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Author Jeff Wetzler discusses the importance of seeking knowledge and insights from others to achieve breakthroughs in leadership. He emphasizes the significance of asking for input timely, avoiding missed opportunities. The podcast explores the Ask approach, the ladder of understanding, and fostering psychological safety for open communication in organizations.

Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot discusses why things that make us happy lose their appeal over time. She shares insights on how to rekindle happiness by noticing what was always there. Exploring habituation's impact on happiness, strategies for maximizing joy, and addressing gender discrimination for positive change. Plus, delving into the psychology of curiosity and information seeking to enhance satisfaction in life.

Psychologist Michael Norton discusses the power of rituals in providing meaning and purpose. He explains how rituals, unlike habits, operate on an emotional level, deepening our experiences. The podcast explores the calming effect of rituals, finding joy in shared rituals, and using rituals to ease the pain of breakup. Norton's insights shed light on how rituals can impact emotions, relationships, and daily life.

Award-winning professor and author Adam Alter shares insights on getting unstuck, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and adaptability. He discusses overcoming creative challenges, valuing curiosity over perfection, and eliminating friction for better experiences. Strategies for unlocking creativity through diversity, taking action, and adopting an experimental mindset for personal growth are also highlighted.

Norman Farb, author and researcher, discusses the science of sensation and how tapping into our senses can help us feel better. Exploring topics such as using sensory experiences to stop worrying, the key to depression recovery, and mindfulness meditation. The podcast delves into how sensation influences emotions, mental health, and resilience, offering insights on personal growth and emotional well-being.

Andrew McAfee discusses the Geek Way in business, emphasizing sustainable innovation norms. The focus is on problem-solving, experimentation, and unconventional strategies for success. The podcast explores cultural evolution, company headquarters dominance in tech, analyzing corporate cultures, overcoming overconfidence, and reimagining strategies with quantum computing.

There’s more to being a workaholic than working long hours. Consider what motivates you to work more. Where you’re spending your energy. Think about the impact those longer hours have on family and friends. These are some of the distinctions Malissa Clark makes in her book, Never Not Working: Why the Always-on Culture is Bad for Business and How to Fix it. She not only shares a helpful framework for thinking about workaholism but gives us ways to recognize it. Equally helpful, she explains steps we – and our organizations – can take to undo it. Malissa’s book is a great resource for assessing workaholic tendencies and for changing them – as individuals, teams, and organizations. Episode Links Are You a Workaholic? Don’t Wear it as a Badge of Honor These are the Four Drivers of Workaholism Thomas Curran on The Perfection Trap The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Researchers discuss the increase in loneliness and its negative effects on health. Feeling like we belong can improve motivation and performance in all areas of life. Psychologist Geoffrey Cohen shares insights on combating loneliness and creating connections. Interventions and strategies to foster belonging and overcome challenges are explored in various chapters of the podcast.

Guest: Steven Rogelberg, meeting expert and author of the book, Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1. In this podcast, Steven Rogelberg discusses the importance and effectiveness of one-on-one meetings. He provides practical tips on designing and leading these meetings, emphasizing the value of reflection and attention managers can provide to their employees. The podcast also explores topics like avoiding the 'status update trap', aligning values with meetings, and gathering data on meeting activities and feelings.