Modern Mentor

They dig into why frantic speed often hides missing structure and causes missed deadlines and burnout. They contrast disciplined agility with chaotic urgency using a sports analogy. They discuss spotting conflicting directives from leaders and how casual brainstorming turns into real work. They explain building operating rhythms to stop constant fire drills and make invisible problems visible.

Explore the concept of expedition leadership, where teams navigate uncertainty together rather than relying on the false certainty of tour-guide leadership. Discover the power of sharing observations rather than conclusions to enhance collective understanding. Learn to make your assumptions clear and treat friction as valuable data for improving workflows. Rachel emphasizes the importance of proactively supporting colleagues and taking the time to gather information before rushing to conclusions.

Discover what workplace collaboration can learn from unexpected celebrity partnerships, like Snoop Dogg's unique collaborations. Explore the concept of creative alchemy, where teams combine complementary strengths to achieve magic. Rachel emphasizes the importance of setting clear rules of engagement and recognizing all contributors to maintain value and motivation. Sharing tools and practices can enhance efficiency, while prioritizing meaningful impact over quick results leads to lasting improvement.

Ira Bedzow, Executive Director of the Emory Purpose Project and a professor at Emory University, challenges the conventional notion of purpose as a destination. He argues that purpose is an active verb, essential in all industries. Ira offers insights on cultivating skills like resilience and reflection to foster a purpose-driven culture. He emphasizes the importance of listening in leadership and making ethical decisions based on people's true desires. Lastly, he encourages creativity in generating options instead of settling for the first choice.

724. Being strategic at work is about focusing less on quantity—how much you can get done—and leaning instead on doing the right stuff in the wisest and most impactful ways. Here are three strategies to unlock that superpower. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentorhttps://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As 2025 wraps up, the conversation tackles the unpredictable nature of the year and how to reframe uncertainty into proactive preparation. The host emphasizes the importance of experimenting with AI to enhance human skills. Loneliness at work is identified as a significant issue, highlighting the need for meaningful connections. Listeners are advised to protect their careers as workplace loyalty evolves, ensuring resumes are always up to date. Lastly, a message of self-compassion is shared, encouraging listeners to balance pressure with kindness to themselves.

Facing uncertainty can be a challenge, but there are effective strategies to thrive. Focus on what you can control while assessing your true ambitions before climbing the career ladder. Build meaningful connections at work to combat loneliness and infuse purpose into daily tasks for a more fulfilling experience. Be discerning with your time, valuing impact over mere availability. Finally, stay agile and prepared for whatever comes next without succumbing to panic. It's all about taking proactive steps for a better 2026!

Rachel explores the power of observation as a tool for reflection. By identifying your bright spots from the past year, you can repeat what works. She shares insights on analyzing standout feedback and highlights how small efforts can lead to significant wins. Listeners are encouraged to recognize when they feel most engaged and to reflect on moments of courage. Discovering personal patterns allows for the replication of success in the coming year, transforming observation into actionable practice.

JP Elliott, founder of Future of HR Consulting and host of the Future of HR podcast, dives into the enduring human needs in the workplace: belonging, mastery, and meaning. He discusses how these elements remain critical despite technological changes like AI. JP emphasizes the leader's role in fostering an engaging environment through strategic connections to mission and encouraging employee-driven career growth. Additionally, he offers insight on combating burnout by aligning work with purpose, showcasing that understanding these fundamentals can create high-performing teams.

Is the relentless pursuit of productivity really helping us? The host challenges us to shift our focus from merely increasing output to achieving quality and impact. Introducing the 4S framework, we learn the importance of knowing our 'why' to prioritize meaningful work. Protecting our time, making work engaging, and collaborating effectively can enhance both enjoyment and results. Rethinking productivity might just be the key to finding fulfillment in our professional lives.