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...]
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...]
Why Most Leadership Development Doesn’t Work
Season 2 – Episode 32: The Cathedral Model, With Frank Devine In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by leadership development guru Frank Devine. Frank shares insights about which methods of leadership development work and which don't. After a long and varied career within HR working with some of the best organisations, people and academic research, Frank shares what he has learnt testing different "best practices". His research led him to develop the Cathedral Model (check out this link or click on the further information tab to see a diagram). It emphasises skills like recognition, coaching, and constructive feedback. We also discuss the pitfalls of … [Read more...]
How to Master the ‘Art’ of Managing Upwards and Still Sleep at Night.
Season 2 – Episode 5: Advice on the Dark Arts Do you resent those who can 'manage upwards’, or do you simply envy them or feel uncomfortable doing it yourself? In this episode, we discuss the power and value of sensibly managing senior members of your organisation. This skill can aid in career management, ensure tasks are completed well, and allow you to sleep peacefully at night without feeling like a sell-out or sycophant. We offer perspectives on its benefits and share various thoughts and methods for achieving the best possible outcomes for everyone involved. We also discuss the merits of O Beach in Ibiza, the NHS and the risks when forwarding emails... If you or … [Read more...]
Why Recognition Matters More Than Reward
Season 1 – Episode 15: The Workplace Steroid This week, we discuss our different tastes in pancakes - what does Jimmy’s preference for vegan delights and James’s taste for galettes say about us? We also talk about Reward and Recognition - what is the difference between the two, and what behaviours and outcomes they drive. They’re like steroids. They will turbocharge behaviours, but are they the behaviours you want? Do large corporate incentives work, or are they a waste of money? We also discuss what works, a simple thank you for a job done well (see what we did there) and creating an environment where your staff can feel and be successful. If you have any questions or comments or need … [Read more...]