

Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills
Melody Wilding
Have you ever felt like you're the only one struggling with self-doubt at work? Maybe you’ve wondered why office politics seem so complicated or how some people seem to influence so effortlessly? The secret is that every day at work, we're surrounded by psychological dynamics - internal and external. There's the voice in our head second-guessing our decisions, the subtle power plays in meetings, the unspoken expectations that shape our behavior and others. Yet most of us are dropped into our careers with zero insight into these invisible forces.That changes today. Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.While your coding skills might land you a job, it's your ability to manage stress and stay focused under pressure that will help you meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality work.Your financial acumen might get you noticed, but it's your ability to navigate stakeholder relationships and office politics that will help you secure buy-in for your ideas.Your strategic thinking might earn you a promotion, but it's your self-awareness and ability to regulate your emotions that will make you an effective leader people want to follow.The title of this show is a playful nod to our double focus. First, we explore how psychology operates in professional settings. But second, in each episode you’re going to walk away with practical insights that you can put to work right away. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the workplace when you're sensitive, empathetic, and prone to overthinking. That's why I created this podcast that brings you the tools and insights I wish I'd had earlier in my career.Get ready, because you’re going to learn how to master the ‘silent rules’ of human behavior so you can achieve career success without sacrificing inner peace.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2024 • 54min
05. The 7 Psychological Needs Everyone Brings to Work with Moe Carrick
In this episode, Melody talks with Moe Carrick, an expert in organizational development, about creating thriving workplace cultures. Moe shares the 7 psychological and emotional needs we bring to work, discusses the evolution of workplace culture, and provides practical advice for leaders to manage team dynamics effectively.What You’ll Discover:The seven essential needs we all have at work, and how understanding them can transform your career satisfactionWhy your colleague's constant complaining might actually be a positive sign for your team's healthThe simple question that can instantly clarify your next career move, especially when you're feeling stuckHow a 19-word Post-it note boosted student performance by 30% and what it means for giving feedback at workThe counterintuitive reason why remote work flexibility isn't always the solution to work-life balance issuesAbout Moe: Moe Carrick is an internationally respected pioneer in the study and practice of workplace culture. Her award-winning frameworks and tools have been used by some of the country’s most recognized brands such as Nike, Nintendo, Amazon, Hydroflask and Reddit. Learn more at https://moementum.com/ Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

Sep 11, 2024 • 36min
04. Why Aren't You Getting the Recognition You Deserve at Work? with Shanna Hocking
Imagine you're working hard, giving your all, but your boss doesn't seem to notice–or care. It's a scenario many of us have faced, but the good news is that there's more you can do about it than you think! Today, we're diving into the psychology of workplace recognition and how to stay motivated when you're not getting the appreciation you deserve. I'm thrilled to welcome my friend and colleague Shanna A. Hocking, founder and CEO of Hocking Leadership and author of ONE BOLD MOVE A DAY. In today's episode of Psychology at Work, we cover: Why recognition in the workplace is essential for your performance How to stay motivated when not receiving acknowledgmentHow to get feedback and praise from a difficult managerHow to cultivate a network of champions beyond your boss, including mentors and senior leadersHow to manage feedback in the remote work environmentAbout Shanna: Shanna A. Hocking (Shanna rhymes with Donna) is the founder and CEO of Hocking Leadership, which specializes in leadership development and fundraising strategy. Shanna spent 20 years raising hundreds of millions of dollars and leading collaborative teams at organizations such as the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Alabama, and Duke University. Shanna is the author of One Bold Move a Day: Meaningful Actions Women Can Take to Fulfill Their Leadership and Career Potential (November 2022, McGraw Hill), which was recognized by The Next Big Idea Club as “must read nonfiction.” Connect with Shanna: https://www.shannaahocking.com/ Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

Sep 6, 2024 • 12min
03. DON'T Be Your “Authentic Self” at Work – Here’s Why
In this episode, Melody Wilding unpacks the concept of authenticity in the workplace and challenges the conventional wisdom that being true to yourself is the ultimate secret to success in the workplace. She shares how the pursuit of authenticity can sometimes be a defense mechanism or way to play it safe.What You’ll Discover:Rethinking Authenticity: The conventional advice to "just be yourself" at work may be a trap that hurts your career progress. What we consider our authentic self might actually be a defense mechanism.Impact of Early Messages: Messages you received during your formative years, like "tone it down" or "don’t rock the boat," can fool you into staying small – and you mistake that for your authentic self.Authenticity vs. Safety: Playing it safe by not speaking up or standing out is not authenticity. Before holding back, evaluate whether you are acting out of fear or outdated perceptions rather than genuine self-expression.Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

Sep 4, 2024 • 49min
02. Breaking the "Box Checker" Mentality to Get Ahead at Work with Kelli Thompson
In today's corporate world, confidence isn't just a nice to have – it's a career-defining asset. Today on Psychology at Work we're diving into the confidence gap and how to close it. I'm thrilled to welcome Kelli Thompson, executive coach and author of "Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck." Kelli's on a mission to advance women to the rooms where decisions are made, and she's here to share strategies that will help improve your presence, beat burnout, and make a bigger impact at work.In today's episode of Psychology at Work, we cover: Why confidence and emotional control matter in the workplaceHow to identify your talents and map out your “genius zones” to enjoy your tasks morePractical strategies for becoming more confident at work, even when you’re not an expertHow to make difficult career decisionsAbout Kelli: Kelli Thompson is an executive coach and speaker who is on a mission to advance women to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained thousands of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program, and a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business—Coach of the Year. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck. Connect with Kelli: https://www.kelliraethompson.com/.Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

Aug 28, 2024 • 46min
01. Does Giving & Receiving Feedback Make You Stressed? with Dr. Joe Hirsch
Have you ever felt that knot in your stomach when giving or receiving feedback? Well, today we're diving into the psychology of fearless feedback. Melody is excited to welcome Dr. Joe Hirsch, TEDx speaker and author of 'The Feedback Fix’ on to the show. Joe has helped over 30,000 people find joy, even in tough conversations. In today's episode of Psychology at Work, we cover: Why feedback is so psychologically and emotionally loaded for both the giver and receiverThe biggest mental barriers and fears around feedback – and how to overcome themTactical steps for delivering constructive criticism at workStrategies to manage your emotions when receiving difficult feedbackAbout Joe: Dr. Joe Hirsch helps organizations design and deliver feedback without fear. He's a TEDx and global keynote speaker and the author of "The Feedback Fix," which has been praised by Fortune 500 executives, NFL coaches and educational leaders for its forward-looking view on team effectiveness. Joe's work and research has been featured in Harvard Business Review, CNBC, Forbes, Inc., The Wall Street Journal and other major outlets. He's helped more than 30,000 people across three continents find joy at work and hosts the popular podcast, "I Wish They Knew." Connect with Joe: https://joehirsch.me/ Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up

Aug 26, 2024 • 3min
Psychology at Work Trailer
Have you ever felt like you're the only one struggling with self-doubt at work? Maybe you’ve wondered why office politics seem so complicated or how some people seem to influence so effortlessly? The secret is that every day at work, we're surrounded by psychological dynamics - internal and external. There's the voice in our head second-guessing our decisions, the subtle power plays in meetings, the unspoken expectations that shape our behavior and others. Yet most of us are dropped into our careers with zero insight into these invisible forces.That changes today. Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.While your coding skills might land you a job, it's your ability to manage stress and stay focused under pressure that will help you meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality work.Your financial acumen might get you noticed, but it's your ability to navigate stakeholder relationships and office politics that will help you secure buy-in for your ideas.Your strategic thinking might earn you a promotion, but it's your self-awareness and ability to regulate your emotions that will make you an effective leader people want to follow.The title of this show is a playful nod to our double focus. First, we explore how psychology operates in professional settings. But second, in each episode you’re going to walk away with practical insights that you can put to work right away. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the workplace when you're sensitive, empathetic, and prone to overthinking. That's why I created this podcast that brings you the tools and insights I wish I'd had earlier in my career.Get ready, because you’re going to learn how to master the ‘silent rules’ of human behavior so you can achieve career success without sacrificing inner peace.Connect with Melody: FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work FREE NEWSLETTER: Psychology at Work Weekly Get on the Speak Like a Senior Leader™ Waitlist Follow Melody on LinkedIn Follow Melody on Instagram Get Melody's new book, Managing Up