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...]
The Job You’re Never Fully Prepared For: Managing People
Season 3 - Episode 024 The first time you manage people is a little like being handed a live grenade with the pin already pulled. You’re promoted because you’re brilliant at your day job—only to discover that managing humans requires a completely different skill set, one nobody bothers to teach you. Welcome to the brutal, hilarious, and occasionally soul-crushing reality of middle management. In this episode of A Job Done Well, Jimmy and James dissect the moment they realised they were woefully unprepared for leadership. From James’s early days of bollocking subordinates (and then apologising) to Jimmy’s face-off with a delusional cashier who insisted she was never late, they expose the … [Read more...]
Values at Work: Are They Just Corporate Wallpaper?
Season 3 – Episode 017: With Jackie Le Fèvre This week, Jimmy and James welcome back Dr. Jackie Le Fèvre—aka “Dr. Values”—to dissect the messy, often hypocritical world of organisational and team values. Spoiler: those shiny plaques in the foyer? Probably bollocks. But don’t despair—this episode is your survival guide to navigating the gap between what companies say they value and what they actually do. Jackie pulls no punches: if your boss keeps “second-guessing” your work, it’s not (always) about trust—it’s about their own values. And if your company’s “core values” feel more like corporate wallpaper than a compass, you’re not alone. The trio digs into why stated values so rarely match … [Read more...]
Is Conflict Our Greatest Natural Resource?
Season 3 – Episode 012: With Charles Irvine This episode introduces special guest Charles Irvine, who proposes a provocative idea: Conflict is our greatest natural resource. Key Discussion Points The Problem with Denial: Jimmy, James and Charles discuss how much time, energy, and resource people dedicate to denying the existence of conflict or avoiding it, leading to a "long tail of conflict" through rumination and anxiety. The Water Analogy: Charles uses the analogy of water—an essential resource that can nurture or destroy—to explain that, while conflict can be destructive, it must be channelled and worked with rather than demonised or avoided. Conflict vs. Consensus: James raises the … [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...]