Coaching for Leaders

Discover powerful strategies for managing up and fostering better workplace relationships. The discussion emphasizes compassionate communication and the shift from dependency to interdependency in team dynamics. Learn how to effectively manage your reading time with various formats and tools like Readwise. The conversation also highlights the evolution of reading habits, promoting a curious approach over rigid goals, and the benefits of shared reading experiences for leadership growth. Dive into actionable tips to enhance both your personal and professional life!

Tim Stringer, founder of Technically Simple and a productivity coach, dives into the art of leading online events. He discusses common pitfalls in transitioning from in-person to virtual formats, emphasizing the importance of early engagement strategies like icebreakers and polls. Tim highlights the role of dedicated technical support during larger events to keep hosts focused. He also shares insights on overcoming Zoom fatigue and the benefits of creating an inclusive atmosphere, ensuring virtual gatherings can be as impactful as in-person interactions.

Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading expert in psychology and neuroscience, shares insights about her book, *Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain*. She discusses how the brain's primary function is survival, constantly predicting our actions. Learning, she reveals, is energetically costly, making it essential for leaders to foster supportive environments for better learning. Barrett also debunks common myths about emotions, emphasizing that they're interconnected biological processes rather than isolated experiences, enhancing our understanding of feelings and regulation.

Tendayi Viki, an author and innovation consultant at Strategyzer, shares his expertise on navigating organizational innovation. He argues that innovators often feel like 'pirates in the navy' due to internal pressures that stifle creativity. The conversation highlights the importance of partnering with early adopters who share frustrations with the status quo and leveraging their influence. Viki also warns against getting too comfortable with CEO support and stresses the necessity of collaboration to celebrate early wins and foster a lasting culture of innovation.

In this discussion, Dave Crenshaw, a productivity expert for Fortune 500 companies and a popular author, debunks the myth of multitasking. He explains how most people are actually switchtasking, losing valuable time and focus. Dave highlights the importance of being present during conversations and shares actionable steps to improve attention and efficiency. He suggests tracking your time and emphasizes that your calendar can be your best ally in managing tasks and priorities.

Therese Huston, a cognitive scientist and founding director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Seattle University, joins to discuss reducing bias in feedback. She highlights how gender influences feedback dynamics, often leading to sugarcoated advice for women. Huston shares language strategies to ensure constructive conversations, emphasizing the importance of high standards and emotional intelligence. She also explores racial feedback disparities, encouraging leaders to cultivate an inclusive feedback environment.

Tammy Bjelland, Founder and CEO of Workplaceless, shares her insights on leading remote teams effectively. She discusses the shift from a control mindset to building trust and emphasizes the significance of focusing on the 'why' of remote work. Tammy outlines five principles of a placeless mindset to enhance collaboration and productivity. She highlights the need for asynchronous communication to combat Zoom fatigue and encourages leaders to create a clear communication charter for better team dynamics. Her expertise empowers organizations to thrive in a distributed environment.

Stefanie Johnson, an associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and author of *Inclusify*, dives deep into leadership and diversity. She discusses how optimism can hinder inclusive change and emphasizes the dual roles leaders play in fostering belonging. Stefanie suggests that organizations need to set measurable diversity goals, much like any performance indicator, to create genuinely inclusive environments. She also advocates for open conversations around sensitive topics and encourages leaders to make public commitments to champion uniqueness in their teams.

BJ Fogg, a behavior scientist and Stanford researcher known for his work on habit formation, shares groundbreaking insights into behavior change. He debunks the myth that repetition creates habits, emphasizing that emotions play a crucial role. Fogg introduces his 3-step process for establishing tiny habits: anchor moment, tiny behavior, and instant celebration. He likens habits to a garden, highlighting that they require nurturing and aren't permanent. Ultimately, he advocates for making change enjoyable to foster lasting behavioral transformation.

Minda Harts, founder of The Memo and advocate for women of color, dives into the unique challenges women of color face in the workplace. She highlights the importance of allyship and discusses the obstacles that hinder effective support from white leaders. Minda also tackles the cultural biases around professionalism, particularly regarding hair. Through actionable insights, she emphasizes the need for individual advocacy and the critical role of representation in leadership roles for women of color.