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...]
Can You Make Work a Source of Vitality?
Season 3 – Episode 5: With Ben Simpson Do you end each day full of energy or drained and in need of recovery? This week's guest, Ben Simpson, believes that our working lives should be a source of vitality, and not something we have to recover from, and he shares his insights on how to achieve that. Ben is the Chair of the Deming Alliance in the UK and co-founder of VitalOrg, so he knows plenty about what makes organisations and people tick. Plus, you hear from hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber to see if their working lives were ever a source of vitality. If that isn't enough, James takes a walk down memory lane, visiting universities with his daughter, whilst Jimmy is just back … [Read more...]
How to Inspire Your Team
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...]