Season 3 Episode 33 Everyone wants a team of high performers. Or do they? This week, Jimmy and James dismantle the corporate obsession with “high performers”—a label so vague it could mean anything from “top salesperson” to “office psychopath who throws toys out of the pram when they don’t get their way. The episode exposes the absurdity of how organisations define, reward, and often suffer from their so-called high performers. Is it the person who hits the numbers? The one who sucks up to the boss? Or the quiet grafter who never makes a fuss? Jimmy and James argue that the real problem isn’t just the subjectivity—it’s the chaos left in their wake. High performers can be super chickens, … [Read more...]
Hybrid Working: How to Make It Work Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Team)
Season 3 – Episode 014 Welcome to A Job Done Well, the podcast for managers who want to improve their performance—and enjoy their jobs. Hosted by Jimmy Barber and James Lawther, this episode tackles hybrid working, a topic that’s causing headaches, heartburn, and heated debates in boardrooms and Slack channels everywhere. The pandemic proved that remote work could work. But now, as companies scramble to bring people back into the office, many are doing so in the clumsiest way possible: mandating days without considering the why or the how. The result? Frustrated employees, plummeting morale, and—ironically—often worse performance. In this episode, Jimmy and James … [Read more...]
How to Create a High-Performing Team (Part 2)
Season 3 – Episode 11: With Elana Friedman Elana Friedman, an expert in organisational development and team dynamics, continues her conversation with James Lawther and Jimmy Barber this week to discuss the secrets of high-performing teams. (Listen to part 1 here) Building on their previous discussion, this episode explores the second half of Elana’s Adaptable Team framework, focusing on two key areas: the learning rhythm within teams and the dynamics of team leadership. Elana shares practical insights on how high-performing teams create habits of reflective learning—emphasising the importance of regularly pausing to consider not just what the team is doing, but how they are working … [Read more...]
How to Create a High-Performing Team (Part 1)
Season 3 – Episode 9: With Elana Friedman Elana Friedman, an expert in organisational development and team dynamics, joins James Lawther and Jimmy Barber this week to discuss the secrets of high-performing teams. Elana shares her journey from South Africa to the UK, and how her experiences shaped her desire to help teams and organisations thrive. Together, the hosts and Elana explore the Adaptable Team Framework model and the elements that drive team success: clear outcomes, practical actions, and the right mindset. Some of the key points include: This episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips for anyone looking to boost their team’s performance and … [Read more...]