Season 3 Episode 32: Management Inertia Ever sat in a meeting where the same problem gets rehashed for the nth time, only for nothing to change? Welcome to the world of organisational inertia—where analysis paralysis, over-collaboration, and a pathological fear of doing anything turn workplaces into graveyards of good intentions. This week, Jimmy and James dissect why companies (and the people in them) would rather sit on a nail than move an inch, and—more importantly—how to stop the rot. From the “Plan Z” demand for impossible certainty to the “frozen middle” of middle managers trapped between reality and corporate delusion, they expose the absurdity of systems that reward inaction and … [Read more...]
The Way You’re Solving Problems Is Probably Wrong
Season 3 – Episode 028: With Ed Wells Let’s be honest: most managers don’t know how to solve problems. They spend their days firefighting issues they don’t understand, slapping on plasters, and praying the next disaster waits until they are on holiday. Enter Ed Wells, Chief Strategy Officer of What Caused This, who’s here to explain why your organisation’s approach to problem-solving is probably as effective as the proverbial chocolate teapot. This episode explains the messy, often ignored world of root cause analysis—not just as a buzzword, but as a way to stop repeating the same mistakes. Ed breaks down why complexity isn’t going away, why your quick-fix mentality is costing you more … [Read more...]
Understand Your Values: Are You Clashing With the Machine?
Season 3 – Episode 015: With Jackie Le Fèvre Ever felt like you’re swimming against the tide at work, but can’t quite put your finger on why? Or maybe you’ve said “yes” to something only to regret it later, wondering why you ignored that gut feeling? Welcome to the world of values—the invisible compass that shapes your decisions, reactions, and even your stress levels. In this episode of A Job Done Well, James and Jimmy are joined by Dr. Jackie Le Fèvre, a values specialist with a PhD in the subject (yes, really), to peel back the layers on what values actually are, why they matter, and how understanding them can transform your work life. Jackie, who started her career as a zoologist … [Read more...]
Mastering Decisions
Season 3 – Episode 13: The Manager's Essential Skill In this week’s episode, we discuss effective decision-making. It is the cornerstone of good management, and makes up 80-90% of a manager’s role. While pressure and incomplete information are constants, improving this skill is the fastest route to better results. First, we discuss four common mistakes. Then, to help you make solid choices, we discuss a simple, three-phase model: By moving from guesswork to a disciplined, reflective process, you can make better decisions and significantly improve your performance. Further Information Decision Making Checklist Transcript Speaker 6: 0:03 Hello, I'm James. Hi, I'm Jimmy and … [Read more...]
Unintended Consequences, and How to Avoid Them
Season 2 – Episode 38: Examples and Solutions From Snakes to Microwave Ovens In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber study unintended consequences and how they affect you personally and in business. Their discussion ranges from Donald Trump’s tariffs to the introduction of Cane Toads in Australia and the invention of the microwave oven. They also share the unintended consequences that have impacted them personally (both positively and negatively). Most importantly, the hosts also explore why these things happen and how to avoid them from derailing your work. As a bonus, you can learn about the perils of gardening and the joy of realising that you have stopped … [Read more...]