The Psychology of Work: Why People Do What They Do

What if the key to a high-performing team isn’t just what you do, but how you give and receive feedback? In this episode, Joel Greengrass, Global Chief People Officer at Yieldstreet, pulls back the curtain on why feedback feels so risky—and how rethinking it can transform leaders, teams, and company culture.Joel Greengrass is the Global Chief People Officer at Yieldstreet, bringing decades of experience shaping organizational culture and building high-performing teams across leading growth brands, including BuzzFeed, FanDuel, and Equinox Fitness. A seasoned leadership advisor and IPEC-certified coach, Joel is passionate about fostering environments that prioritize feedback, growth, and development. His expertise lies in creating systems where open communication and coaching are central to personal and team success, making him a trusted partner for leaders seeking to drive positive change and alignment within their organizations.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Feedback is Essential: Regular, constructive, and positive feedback underpins high-performing, cohesive teams and should be normalized rather than feared.Behavior Change Takes Time: While skills can be taught quickly, shifting ingrained behaviors requires ongoing feedback and patience.Coaching Culture Drives Growth: Embedding coaching and 360 feedback in organizations empowers employees to find solutions and fosters deeper self-awareness.Leaders Set the Tone: Leaders must actively seek and model openness to feedback, building trust and psychological safety in their teams.Clarity and Timing Matter: The most effective feedback is timely, specific, and anchored in shared goals, making it easier for teams to grow and align.Todays guest, Joel Greengrass, can be found online at:Website: https://www.yieldstreet.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelgreengrass/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

Ever wondered how high-performing teams are built in some of the world’s most demanding environments? In this episode, Jason Watkins, a Colonel in the United States Air Force, dives deep into the psychology, challenges, and surprising humanity behind creating cohesion and trust in military teams—revealing actionable strategies anyone can use to spark stronger connections and elevate performance, no matter where you work. His comments and opinions are his own and do not represent the DoD or the Department of the Air Force.Col W. Jason Watkins is the Commander at the 22d Air Task Force, Fairchild AFB, WA. In this role, he leads a scalable, deployable formation of up to 2,500 personnel consisting of a command element, air base support element and multiple mission generation force elements. This pathfinding effort will develop the Air Force's force presentation model and support the Secretary of the Air Force's objectives to provide a definable unit of action, establish a sustainable force generation posture, and improve future combat wing structure.The Colonel originally enlisted into the Air Force in June 1995 in F-15E maintenance, and then completed his education through an enlisted commissioning program, graduating in 2001 from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He received his commission through Officer Training School in May 2002, then completed undergraduate navigator training in November 2003, and finally, the F-15E Basic Course as a Weapons Systems Officer in Nov 2004.Throughout his career, Col Watkins has participated in eight contingency deployments in the INDOPACOM and CENTCOM AORs. Col Watkins is a master navigator and a master academic instructor, accumulating more than 2,100 flying hours and 2,000 contact hours of classroom instruction. He has led missions in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and INHERENT RESOLVE.Prior to this assignment, the Colonel was the Director for the Commander's Professional Development School, Ira C. Eaker Center, Maxwell AFB, AL where he oversaw execution of the Dept. of the Air Force's-mandated Wing, Deputy Wing, Group Commander, and Squadron Commander pre-command training for over 2300 students per year.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Human Connection Comes First: High-performing teams start with building genuine personal connections and trust among members before focusing on tasks.Healthy Friction Is Crucial: Conflict and friction, when navigated thoughtfully, actually strengthen trust and cohesion within teams.Effective Communication & Norms: Setting clear group norms and adapting communication styles are essential for maintaining cohesion, especially in diverse or fast-growing organizations.Leaders Must Stay Engaged: Strong leaders are actively tuned in to group dynamics, quickly acknowledging and addressing issues to maintain team health.Cognitive Agility Is Key: The ability to reflect, adapt, and shift perspectives—“cognitive agility”—helps leaders and teams thrive in complex, uncertain environments.Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

What happens when humility, innovation, and psychological safety converge in a high-growth tech company? In this episode, Lauren Carey shares the candid behind-the-scenes insights that help teams thrive, take risks, and enjoy their work—don’t miss her actionable take on building a culture where people love to work.Lauren Carey believes in keeping life simple and values the power of humility. Guided by the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid), Lauren focuses on self-awareness, always mindful of her strengths as well as areas for growth. She sees each new work environment as a unique opportunity to learn and evolve, carrying lessons from every experience into the future. For Lauren, every step in her career is about embracing change, staying grounded, and continuously growing.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Humility Drives Growth: Humility being self-aware and open to learning from others is essential for effective teamwork, especially in fast-paced, innovative environments.Agile Reflection Builds Success: Regular team check-ins and retrospectives help Lumafield continuously improve, stay aligned, and maintain accountability as they scale.Trust Through Transparency: Open communication about successes and failures fosters psychological safety and trust, enabling employees to take risks and grow.Culture Is Actively Built: Leadership at Lumafield intentionally shapes culture by embedding core values into daily practices and supporting employee-led connection activities.Adapt and Simplify as You Grow: As companies expand, values and recognition programs should evolve with employee needs—keeping solutions simple and relevant boosts engagement and retention.Todays guest, Lauren Carey, can be found online at:Website: https://www.lumafield.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-carey/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

Explore the complexities of workplace dynamics with Donna Daniels, the Chief People Officer at Ceres, as she explores why well-intentioned initiatives stall and how leaders can foster true belonging and innovation in ever-evolving work cultures. Discover the balance between values and progress in this insightful conversation with Dr. Bobbi Wegner on "The Psychology of Work.”Donna Daniels is the Chief People Officer and Diversity Officer at Ceres, where she expertly navigates the complexities of leadership, human behavior, and workplace culture. With a career dedicated to understanding team dynamics, Donna helps organizations address the challenges of change resistance and connection within teams. Known for her straightforward style, sharp sense of humor, and deep understanding of what can derail team dynamics, she is committed to fostering environments where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ideals but actionable realities. Donna's insights are instrumental in guiding businesses towards more cohesive and high-performing teams.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Change Resistance and Values: People often support progressive ideals like DEI but resist change when it affects them personally, revealing a gap between values and actions.Understanding Bias: Our brains' efficiency wiring can lead to biased judgments, highlighting the need to recognize and address inherent biases for more inclusive decisions.Leadership and Organizational Identity: Effective leadership involves clearly communicating and reinforcing organizational values to prevent stagnation and ensure alignment with company identity.Navigating External Challenges: Organizations must adapt to social, economic, and cultural changes, requiring leaders to be proactive, adaptable, and intentional in their strategies.Diversity's Role in Business Success: Embracing diversity and inclusion is essential not just morally, but also for improving business outcomes, innovation, and creating a culture of psychological safety and belonging.Todays guest, Donna Daniels, can be found online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnamdaniels/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

Join Dr. Bobbi Wegner as she sits down with Dr. Scott Leuchter, the Global Chief People Officer at Ideal Clamp Products, to explore the fascinating intersection of psychology and business. Discover how understanding the science behind employee experience can drive organizational success and uncover some surprising factors that influence performance, productivity, and retention. Don't miss this insightful conversation on why people do what they do at work!Scott Leuchter is a global chief people officer at Ideal Clamp Products and a seasoned expert in industrial-organizational (IO) and business psychology. With over 26 years in the HR field, Scott is deeply committed to understanding human behavior at work and enhancing the employee experience. He has created a cutting-edge employee experience impact assessment that measures and quantifies the influence of employee experiences on key business outcomes like performance, productivity, retention, and advocacy. Scott’s work focuses on the science behind human behavior in the workplace, aiming to foster environments where individuals thrive both personally and professionally.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Assessment Innovation: Scott Leuchter's tool measures how employee experience affects key outcomes like performance and retention, directing focus on areas that drive success.Psychology in HR: Understanding workplace behavior through psychology can transform HR practices, ensuring that taking care of employees translates into business success.Reputation Matters: A company's reputation significantly impacts employee experience and contributes to outcomes like retention, emphasizing the importance of a strong brand.Influential Factors: Among 18 identified factors, work relationships and reputation are crucial in shaping employee experiences and improving workplace outcomes.HR Trends: The field is evolving with AI and flexible work setups gaining prominence, reflecting a shift towards leveraging technology and acknowledging external impacts on employees.Todays guest, Scott Leuchter, can be found online at:Website: https://www.thehackettgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-scott-leuchter/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

Explore the complexities of performance management with Marco Mingolla, who addresses the prevalent misconceptions tying performance to pay and advocates for a shift towards team-oriented performance cultures. Learn how redefining these dynamics can facilitate true organizational effectiveness.Marco Mingolla is a senior partner at Korn Ferry specializing in performance culture, talent management, and helping companies optimize the potential of their people. Based in Copenhagen, Marco oversees operations across 29 countries in the EMEA region, from South Africa to Finland. With a background in HR and as a former CHRO, Marco brings a wealth of experience in working with some of the world's largest and most complex organizations. He is passionate about creating psychologically safe, feedback-driven environments that enhance both individual and team performance, drawing insights from diverse fields, including arts and military. His focus on simplifying performance management processes to make them more human-centered aims to foster high engagement and operational efficiency in global companies.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Performance management should focus on enabling future performance through psychologically safe feedback cultures, rather than being primarily tied to pay differentiation.It's crucial to have a clear definition of what performance means within an organization to effectively enhance individual and team contributions.Performance ratings often reflect the biases of individual raters more than actual performance, so relying on them too heavily can lead to inaccurate assessments and decisions.Emphasizing human-to-human interactions and feedback within teams can drive better performance than over-reliance on systems and processes.Rethinking performance management involves letting go of control and fostering a cohesive, feedback-driven team environment where human dynamics are prioritized.Todays guest, Marco Mingolla, can be found online at:Website: https://www.kornferry.com/about-us/consultants/marcomingollaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-mingolla-5257011/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

Join Dr. Bobbi Wegner and Alexandra Erman as they explore the innovative strategies for building cohesion in global, distributed teams. Discover how a unique approach to trust, dual management, and real-time feedback can transform team dynamics and drive organizational success.Alexandra Erman is a seasoned people officer with over 20 years of experience in startups and 15 years in the technology sector, focusing on SaaS and scaling companies. Currently, a leader at BforeAI, a virtual-first cybersecurity company, Alexandra is passionate about fostering team cohesion and connection within a global, distributed workforce. With a background in internal operations, where she managed people, finance, and administration, she chose to specialize in the people function, driven by the belief that it should be a core business strategy. Alexandra's approach emphasizes building strong team cultures, facilitating asynchronous communication, and creating psychological safety to empower diverse, cross-cultural teams. She is also actively involved in innovative management practices such as dual management and continuous performance management.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Alexandra Erman emphasizes building cohesion in global teams by aligning them behind a compelling mission, central to their work in cybersecurity.Structured group norms and clear expectations for asynchronous work create a safe environment, balancing stability with creativity.The innovative use of "user manuals" helps employees understand team dynamics, fostering relationship-building and trust.The dual management approach separates personal development and technical guidance, enhancing individual growth and psychological safety.Continuous performance management and active development of psychological safety facilitate open communication and trust in the organization.Todays guest, Alexandra Erman, can be found online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraerman/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

In this episode, we speak with Jacqueline Fearer, a distinguished communications professional with over two decades of experience. Explore how strategic communication and thoughtful inquiry can significantly enhance team cohesion, foster innovation, and build a culture of inclusion within organizations.Jacqueline Fearer is a seasoned communication expert with over 20 years of experience in executive, internal, and client communications. Her diverse background spans teaching, journalism, and leadership roles, including positions at Fidelity Investments and currently at Iron Mountain as the Head of Culture and Engagement Communications. An advisor for women in leadership at UVM and a member of the Professional Speechwriters Association, Jackie has dedicated her career to mastering the art of storytelling and effective communication. She’s also pursuing a master's degree in national security intelligence analysis, underscoring her commitment to continued learning and impactful writing.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Career Transition and Growth: Jacqueline Fearer’s career journey transitioning from teaching to journalism to communications highlights the impact of seizing opportunities and the value of mentorship.Power of Effective Communication: She emphasizes the importance of clear, concise, and culturally aware communication in a global organization, using the example of avoiding idioms and jargon that could be misinterpreted.Asking the Right Questions: Both Dr. Bobbi Wegner and Jacqueline Fearer discuss how asking meaningful questions like "Why now?" or using open-ended questions can deepen understanding and foster better connections within teams and organizations.Creating a Culture of Fallibility: Encouraging an environment where failure is accepted as part of the innovation process ("fail fast, fall forward") can promote risk-taking and bring forth creative ideas.Personal Connections and Leadership: Sharing personal stories or interests, such as an executive’s passion for gardening, can humanize leaders and build stronger, more relatable connections with their teams.Todays guest, Jacqueline Fearer, can be found online at:Email: jfearer@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fearer-1a1754a/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

In this episode, Dr. Bobbi Wegner sits down with Rhia Newton, the VP of Learning and Development at RAPP, to delve into the complexities of cross-cultural collaboration and the hidden biases that can impact team dynamics. Discover the actionable insights and real-world strategies Rhia employs to foster true collaboration within global teams and turn cultural differences into strengths.Rhia Newton, the Vice President of Learning and Development at RAPP, has amassed over two decades of experience in the global marketing industry. With professional undertakings spanning seven countries, Rhia excels in fostering collaboration, building effective training programs, and addressing the diverse needs of global teams. She is renowned for crafting development initiatives that align organizational goals with cultural nuances, and her expertise in facilitating cross-cultural communication is a testament to her profound understanding of team dynamics. Rhia's innovative approach has made significant impacts, making her a standout leader in the field of learning and development.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Understanding and Managing Bias: Dr. Bobbi Wegner and Rhia Newton discussed the importance of acknowledging and understanding biases in the workplace. They emphasized that biases are a natural part of human cognition but can be managed and utilized to foster better collaboration and productivity.Stages of Group Development: The conversation highlighted the significance of recognizing the stages of group development—forming, storming, norming, and performing. Addressing these stages and ensuring alignment can save time and improve team effectiveness.Cultural Dynamics and Trust: Cultural differences significantly impact workplace relationships and productivity. For instance, task-based vs. relationship-based trust varies among cultures, and understanding these differences can enhance team dynamics and collaboration.Importance of Clear Communication and Assumptions: Explicitly stating assumptions and expectations helps teams navigate cultural and operational differences more effectively. It’s essential to communicate openly about different working styles and expectations.Practical Tools and Frameworks: Rhia Newton mentioned several tools and frameworks, such as Erin Meyer’s "Culture Map" and the "Get to Know Me" template, which can help teams understand and bridge cultural differences. These resources serve as excellent starting points for improving cross-cultural collaboration.Today's guest, Rhia Newton, can be found online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhia-newton/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/

In this thought-provoking episode, Lee Walker delves into the intricacies of expanding a workforce and managing generational divides in work ethos, offering invaluable insights on fostering employee care and leveraging remote work flexibility for organizational success. Tune in to discover the secret sauce behind building a motivated and cohesive team in today's dynamic work environment.Lee Walker is a SHRM-certified HR professional with a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology. As the founder of Daily Driver Consulting, Lee focuses on the people side of small business improvement, offering strategic HR tools aimed at fostering growth and retention. With extensive experience in helping companies navigate workforce expansion and optimizing team dynamics, Lee's expertise is invaluable for organizations looking to become better employers. Through his consulting work, Lee is committed to enhancing workplace environments by aligning business goals with employee satisfaction and motivation.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Employee Involvement: Lee Walker stresses incorporating employee feedback during workforce expansions to avoid frustration and staff loss.Work Preferences: Both hosts highlight the need for flexible remote and hybrid work options, critiquing full in-office policies.Generational Divide: The episode addresses friction between older and younger employees' work values, emphasizing the need for balance.Strategic HR: Walker advocates for using HR strategically in small businesses, focusing on interviews, training, and growth paths.Intrinsic Motivation: Fostering intrinsic motivation and caring for employees are crucial for enhancing engagement and organizational performance.Today's guest, Lee Walker, can be found online at:Website: https://dailydriverconsulting.biz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-walker-ms-shrm-cp-66a3b8b0/Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-puLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/