The Psychology of Work: Why People Do What They Do

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/

In this episode of "The Psychology of Work," Jeff Brittain reveals the secret behind transforming team dynamics and breaking down communication barriers to achieve organizational harmony. Discover how listening with intent and understanding team priorities can turn conflict into collaboration.Jeff Brittain is a seasoned professional known for his holistic approach to teamwork and mission accomplishment. With extensive experience in the corporate world, Jeff has successfully led immediate teams as well as collaborated with a wide array of partners. His expertise spans overseeing IT support functions involving 650 third-party personnel from various companies. Jeff excels in uniting diverse groups, whether within a startup or a large organization, to achieve a common goal. He fundamentally believes in the broadest definition of a team, encompassing all necessary contributors to drive success.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Communication Techniques: Jeff Brittain highlights the significance of analyzing meeting dynamics and focusing on verbal and non-verbal cues, advocating for a listening-first approach.Collaboration in Problem-Solving: Jeff shares an example of diverse departments overcoming blame through data analysis and collective action, emphasizing the power of collaborative solutions.Holistic Leadership: Jeff stresses the importance of treating everyone as unique contributors, respecting their priorities, and co-creating solutions for a cohesive team.Importance of Context: Both Jeff and Dr. Bobbi Wegner discuss how understanding context and questioning assumptions can resolve conflicts and enhance team alignment.Networking and Understanding: Jeff's network-oriented leadership approach, centered on understanding and helping, is highlighted as a way to improve team dynamics and alleviate social anxieties.Todays guest, Jeff Brittain, can be found online at:Website: HealthCare.Bayer.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbrittain/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 Julia Milner, a leadership professor and founder of the stylish workout brand Tayamoon, as she redefines the approach to habits. Julia shares how treating habits like relationships can foster lasting behavior change. She emphasizes the importance of realistic goal-setting for busy lifestyles and normalizing the process of quitting and restarting habits. Discover the interplay between motivation, personal empowerment, and workplace wellness, and learn to embrace self-indulgence as a part of a healthy, balanced life.

Join us on this insightful episode of "The Psychology of Work" as Dr. Bobbi Wegner and Kat McDavitt dive into the intricacies of scaling a people-centric business without losing its essence. Discover the delicate balance between innovation and structure and how embracing individual styles can lead to remarkable team success.Kat McDavitt is the president and founding partner of Innsena, a consultancy specializing in market access, public affairs, communication strategy, and growth within the healthcare technology sector. Leading a fully remote team, Kat emphasizes scaling people over products and maintaining a relationship-based approach during rapid growth. She also co-hosts the "Health Tech Talk Show" and runs the Zorya Foundation, which provides cash grants to women in healthcare roles. Passionate about blending innovation with practical frameworks, Kat advocates for a balanced, individualized approach to business scaling and operational efficiency.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Balancing Growth and Culture: Kat McDavitt and Dr. Bobbi Wegner discuss the challenges of scaling a business while preserving its core relationship-based approach. Kat emphasizes scaling people over products and hiring slowly to maintain uniqueness.AI Use in Business: Innsena has strict policies against AI-generated client deliverables. They explore internal AI for efficiency, with Dr. Bobbi Wegner recommending secure platforms like Playground AI to ensure privacy.Flexibility and Communication: The importance of flexible work environments and clear communication is highlighted. Kat mentions using personalized "user manuals" to cater to individual communication preferences while meeting practical expectations.Sustainable Growth: Kat focuses on building a sustainable health tech company, prioritizing financial conservatism and long-term stability over immediate sales to maintain market presence during economic downturns.Thoughtful Hiring: The episode advocates for "hire slow, fire fast" practices to ensure team alignment with the company's work style, emphasizing clear communication of job expectations and fostering creativity through diverse talent.Today's guest, Kat McDavitt, can be found online at:Website: https://www.zoryafoundation.org/Website: https://www.innsena.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katkovalchikmcdavitt/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 Craig Forman as they delve into how military precision and psychological insights can transform workplace culture, revealing the secrets to creating high-performing, cohesive teams in a post-COVID world. Discover why understanding relational dynamics is key to thriving in the new era of work.Craig Forman is the founder of Culture C Consulting and a seasoned expert in organizational psychology and people analytics. With a background that traces his understanding of human behavior to frequent childhood relocations and a four-year stint in the Air Force, Craig has since obtained a degree in business and a master's in industrial-organizational psychology. His impressive career includes roles at Achievers, LinkedIn, and Culture Amp, where he specialized in enhancing workplace culture through data-driven insights. Today, Craig leverages his military and corporate experience to help organizations create actionable strategies that foster psychological resilience and high performance.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Integrating Military Insights into Workplaces: Craig Forman emphasizes using military principles of cohesion and structured hierarchy to enhance civilian team performance.Clearly Defined Goals: The necessity for teams to have clear goals and visions is highlighted to prevent conflict and foster collaboration and trust.Effective Meeting Framework: Craig shares a structured meeting framework, covering welcome, connection, work, action, and close, to enhance meeting effectiveness.Balancing Tech and Human Interaction: The episode stresses integrating human relational aspects with technology in the workplace to address human-centric challenges effectively.Adapting Post-COVID Workplaces: Emphasizing adaptability, they advocate using data to shape work policies and integrating AI while maintaining focus on human relationships.Today's guest, Craig Forman, can be found online at:Website: https://www.culturecraig.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/culturecraig/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 of "The Psychology of Work," Dr. Bobbi Wegner and leadership expert Dr. Dossier Harps delve into the transformative power of leadership philosophies shaped by personal experiences, the science behind psychological safety, and the intricate dynamics of diverse teams. Discover how intentional spaces and innovative questioning can revolutionize your work environment.Dr. Dossier Harps is a distinguished expert in organizational behavior and leadership, holding a doctorate in organizational leadership. She serves as a regional leadership facilitation manager at LifeLabs Learning and is a faculty member in the MBA program at Savannah State University. Driven by personal experiences as a minority in work settings, Dr. Harps' leadership philosophy centers around creating safe, inclusive workspaces and championing diversity. She is passionate about leveraging pain and purpose to drive impactful leadership and has a keen focus on fostering psychological safety and encouraging diverse perspectives within organizations.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Leadership and Safe Spaces: Garcia discusses the importance of leadership philosophy as a guiding compass and the creation of intentional safe spaces in the workplace.Psychological Safety: Safe environments are crucial for fostering innovation and creativity, allowing for bold and divergent thinking.Ego and Self-Reflection: Effective leaders lower their egos, embrace not knowing everything, and highlight others’ intellect to build a respectful and safe culture.Purpose and Fulfillment: Purpose evolves over time and isn’t necessarily tied to one’s primary job; individuals can find fulfillment in various pursuits that energize them.Diversity and DEI: DEI is pivotal in creating a culture of psychological safety where diverse perspectives thrive, preventing groupthink and promoting open discourse.Today's guest, Dr. Dossier Harps, can be found online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dossierharps/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 us as Jen Fisher, former chief well-being officer at Deloitte, reveals the unexpected ripple effects of checking her email on vacation and shares insightful strategies for fostering psychological safety and connection in the workplace. Discover how vulnerability and transparency can transform your team's well-being and performance.Jen Fisher, the former Chief Wellbeing Officer at Deloitte, spent nearly three decades at the company creating and leading initiatives that prioritized human and social connection in the workplace. Fisher is renowned for her focus on integrating well-being and high performance, fostering psychological safety, and driving innovation. After experiencing burnout and receiving support from a mentor, she transitioned into a role as a Human Sustainability Leader, addressing systemic barriers to well-being. Recently, Jen has embarked on a new journey dedicated to well-being, human sustainability, public speaking, writing, and collaboration to improve the work environment.Below are the key takeaways from this episode:Support Without Spending: Jen Fisher underscores the significance of asking employees how to support them in ways that don’t involve financial expenditure, focusing on actionable and controllable aspects within organizations.Transparency and Vulnerability: Both speakers stress the difficulty yet necessity of leaders modeling vulnerability and maintaining transparent communication about personal struggles and goals for improvement with their teams.Innovative Vacation Management: Jen Fisher describes a creative system her team developed to manage work during vacations, utilizing spreadsheets instead of emails to track tasks, which significantly improved communication and catch-up processes.Impact of Personal Narratives: Dr. Bobbi Wegner discusses how personal stories and experiences influence well-being and work-life balance, highlighting the empowerment that comes from creating a supportive team in a toxic environment.Human Connection and Well-Being: Jen Fisher highlights the critical role of human and social connection in the workplace for fostering psychological safety, innovation, and overall well-being, and calls for organizations to prioritize a culture of connection.Today's guest, Jen Fisher, can be found online at:Website: https://jenfisher.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-fisher-cwbo/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/

Welcome to the first episode of "The Psychology of Work: Why People Do What They Do," a podcast dedicated to delving into the science and narratives behind high cohesion and high-performing teams. Hosted by Dr. Bobbi Wegner, a Harvard lecturer in Organizational Psychology and founder of Groups, this series will explore the psychological dynamics that drive team and individual performance. In each episode, we'll engage with industry experts to tackle real-world challenges and provide actionable insights designed to help teams thrive. Thank you for joining us on this journey to better understand and optimize workplace dynamics.Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/Personal Website: https://www.drbobbiwegner.com/Harvard Faculty Page: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/directory/faculty/bobbi-wegnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/