Season 3 – Episode 4: Everyone wants to inspire people - it's an ambition, a badge of honour, but is it that easy? Hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber talk about their experience of how they've been inspired by their managers (rarely) or demotivated by them (often), and their experience of trying to inspire others (ditto). Despite this, they identify some things anyone can do to inspire others—as ever, James reverts to system-related changes, while Jimmy focuses on the people side. But there are some things they agree on that could have a significant impact. Plus, you can hear about the Nottingham tradition for Cock on a Stick at the Goose Fair, a hotel recommendation for your next … [Read more...]
Why Some People Thrive at Work (and Others Don’t)
Season 3 – Episode 3: With Caroline Mabon This week, we welcome Caroline Mabon, co-founder of Compassionate Cultures, to discuss the concept of thriving in the workplace. We explore how individuals can take care of themselves, find joy and grow in their professional lives. Caroline shares insights from her company's research, including their Thrive and Grow Index, which helps organisations create environments where employees can thrive. Caroline also shares tips on how to 'Lead Yourself', aligned with her simple model: setting intentional goals, owning your personal development, and building resilience. Don't settle for work being ok. You deserve moments of joy every day! Further … [Read more...]
The Power of Innovation
Season 2 – Episode 42 In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber delve into the topic of innovation, dispelling common misconceptions and emphasising its true value in enhancing performance and enjoyment at work. They share personal experiences and discuss both successful and failed innovations, highlighting the importance of involving all employees in the innovation process. They then also discuss the necessary cultural and procedural changes required to create a genuinely innovative environment. Tune in for practical tips on generating ideas, testing them, and scaling successful innovations. Don't just leave it to the 'Innovation Team', everyone has a role to … [Read more...]
Peak Performance and the State of Flow
Season 2 – Episode 39 In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss “Flow”, a mental state where we achieve peak performance whilst our actions feel effortless. They discuss how Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi discovered this phenomenon, and they also explore the benefits of being in the “Flow” state and its effect on happiness. The discussion leads to practical tips on achieving and maintaining flow state - setting clear goals, challenging yourself, eliminating distractions, and creating the best environment. Finally, the hosts share personal experiences and recommend resources for further understanding. You can tune in to learn how to boost your … [Read more...]
How to Boost Your Performance at Work – Debunking Workplace Myths
Season 2 – Episode 37: The Things You've Been Told That Just Ain't So! In this episode, host James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss common corporate myths that hinder performance and productivity in the workplace. They explain that while targets will drive performance, it won't be the performance you want, the fallacy that senior management has all the answers, and the misconception that long hours equal productivity. They also highlight the importance of small, tactical improvements over big strategic projects, the value of treating suppliers as partners, and how introverts can make exceptional leaders. The episode wraps up with a reflection on social media perceptions versus … [Read more...]