

Modern Mentor
QuickAndDirtyTips.com
Rachel Cooke is your guide to leadership and communication, helping you craft a workplace environment you can feel good about. She’ll share tips to help you balance your work and personal life, effectively invest your time, and be mindful about where you’re devoting your energy. Let Rachel help you navigate your path to success—however you define it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 34min
How to define your professional identity beyond your title, with Dr. Sarabeth Bickerton
Dr. Sarabeth Bickerton, a professional identity expert and author of "Seen, Known, Valued," discusses how to define your professional identity beyond mere job titles. She emphasizes the importance of articulating your unique combination of ethics, values, and skills. Listeners learn about the distinction between belonging and fit in the workplace, and Dr. Bickerton shares three essential career power questions to help clarify personal identity. She also explores the impact of self-definition on professional recognition and performance.

5 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 8min
Fixing morale in tough business seasons
When business faces challenges, boosting morale is essential. Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, leaders can invite teams to solve problems collaboratively. Engaging employees in skill-building during slow periods can elevate capabilities. Hosting cross-industry roundtables fosters networking and new ideas. Inviting customer input reconnects teams to their purpose. This approach emphasizes that morale isn't just a quick fix; it's a long-term leadership strategy that aligns people with business growth.

Sep 23, 2025 • 7min
The invisible ways we’re eroding trust at work
Trust is essential in the workplace, yet we often damage it unknowingly. Unresolved tough conversations can create silent rifts within teams. Poor prioritization and unclear communication also contribute to eroding confidence among colleagues. The host provides practical strategies to mend and strengthen trust, emphasizing the importance of clarity in priorities and actions. Daily trust-building practices can significantly enhance workplace dynamics.

Sep 16, 2025 • 9min
The business case for employee well-being
In uncertain times, many companies are cutting back on wellness programs, but true well-being is about enhancing work life and effectiveness. The discussion highlights innovative strategies for improving connection and reflection in teams, emphasizing the power of short breaks. It advocates for prioritizing tasks to fend off burnout while encouraging open conversations to improve dynamics. By reshaping work design, organizations can boost productivity and satisfaction, ensuring that well-being is more than just perks.

10 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 8min
Make your time at work work for you
Explore the evolving relationship between employers and employees in today's transient work environment. Discover four actionable strategies to transform current responsibilities into stepping stones for personal and career growth. Learn how to leverage your job for networking and leadership opportunities, and enhance your personal brand. Master the art of making every workday a valuable investment in your future.

Sep 2, 2025 • 9min
Your team doesn’t have to hate the workout
Discover how to transform team dynamics from exhausting to engaging through innovative workouts. Explore four creative strategies, like silent brainstorming and role reversals, that foster collaboration and empathy. Uncover how unconventional shifts can lead to stronger results and a more motivated team. Say goodbye to burnout and hello to productivity in a fun, energizing way!

16 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 9min
How to learn at work when there’s no time for learning
Discover how to integrate learning into your busy work life. Explore innovative strategies to enhance workplace growth without overwhelming your team. Understand the importance of vulnerability in learning by revisiting basic skills and asking simple questions. Learn how investing in employee engagement can lead to significant improvements in team performance, encouraging a continuous culture of creativity and development.

23 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 8min
Four steps to fix team conflict at work
Work friendships aren't mandatory, but effective collaboration is essential. Discover a fun exercise using emojis to reflect on team dynamics. Learn four essential domains—clarity, coordination, challenge, and commitment—that can transform conflict into cooperation. Establishing norms for teamwork is key, emphasizing accountability and regular reviews. These strategies not only enhance communication but also drive better results, making team interactions smoother and more productive.

Aug 12, 2025 • 10min
How work design can reignite tremendous results
Explore how small adjustments in work design can dissolve team disconnection and spark productivity. Leaders are discovering that linking daily tasks to clear impacts breathes life into purpose and engagement. Tune in for insights on combating team friction with intentional collaboration and feedback. Plus, learn how fostering a culture of creativity and continuous learning can reinvigorate teams, enhancing communication and overall job satisfaction. A fresh perspective on rethinking work could lead to extraordinary results!

Aug 5, 2025 • 7min
Is "quiet cracking" happening to your team?
Dive into the intriguing topic of 'quiet cracking,' where team members may seem engaged yet feel a sense of disconnection. Discover how this subtle phenomenon signals deeper issues in workplace alignment. Explore the importance of open communication and regular check-ins to combat this silent disengagement and enhance team dynamics. Learn practical strategies to foster teamwork, creativity, and a culture of honesty, ensuring that everyone is aligned and thriving.