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  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy talks with Andrew Brodsky about his new book, Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication. The discussion covers key topics, such as the impact of typos, the use of emojis and exclamation points, and the importance of timely responses.

    Andrew highlights the pros and cons of different communication mediums, offering evidence-based recommendations on when to use email versus meetings, and the benefits of cameras on or off during virtual meetings. Practical advice is given on mimicking language to build trust, improving small talk to enhance virtual hallway interactions, and preparing younger generations for successful virtual communication.

    If you're looking for insights on how to lead and more effectively when you're not face-to-face, this episode is for you!

    Sound Bites “Regardless of whether you work from home, the office, hybrid, anywhere in between, we're now all virtual communicators.” “When you're writing an email, try to read the message in the opposite tone you intended.” “The shorter meetings are and the fewer participants there are, the more engaging they are.” “If it's a new relationship and you're trying to build trust, you're probably going to want your camera on.” “Sometimes a 30-second text can build more team cohesion than a full hour of meeting time." “We assume the recipient wants a response a lot quicker than they do.” “Typos in angry emails made the person seem angrier, and in happy emails made them seem happier.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Start of Interview 01:56 Andrew's Personal Story and Research 03:16 Defining Virtual Communication 04:53 The P of Ping: Perspective Taking 08:15 In-Person vs. Virtual Communication 11:14 Meeting Dynamics and Camera Use 16:09 Email Urgency and Response Expectations 21:34 Impact of Typos in Virtual Communication 22:58 Understanding Typos and Ambiguity in Virtual Communication 24:42 Using AI and Tools for Effective Communication 25:47 The Rise of Voice Notes and Their Impact 27:40 Emojis, Exclamation Points, and Language Mimicry 30:04 Bringing Small Talk into Virtual Interactions 32:48 Preparing Kids for Virtual Communication 35:13 End of Interview 35:40 Andy's Comments After the Interview 41:42 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Andrew and his book at ABrodsky.com.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 407 with Ben Guttman about his book Simply Put. It's an intriguing book on how to design clear messages. Episode 332 with Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel about their book on virtual teams. Episode 237 with Nick Morgan about his book on virtual communication.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Virtual Communication, Email Etiquette, Remote Work, Leadership, Team Cohesion, Productivity, Small Talk, Emotional Intelligence, AI Tools, Generational Differences

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this discussion, Andy welcomes back Kevin Eikenberry to talk about his new book Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. They discuss how leadership complexity increases with career progression and how Kevin’s book offers practical guidance on managing ambiguity. The conversation delves into the concept of flexible leadership, the impact of uncertainty versus fear, the importance of context in decision-making, and why organizations should be seen as both machines and organisms. They also touch on the significance of rituals and handling paradoxes in leadership.

    If you're looking for insights on how to lead and deliver despite uncertainty and ambiguity, this episode is for you!

    Sound Bites “Leadership in many ways hasn't changed for centuries.” “Fear has an endpoint... Anxiety has no end. And that's such a bigger challenge for us.” “We should be thinking pilot, not policy.” “Are organizations more like machines or more like organisms? Well, both are true.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Start of Interview 00:24 What HASN'T Changed With Leadership 04:00 What Does Kevin NOT Mean by 'Flexible' Leadership? 06:19 Understanding Uncertainty and Fear 08:25 The Sense-Making Framework 12:58 Organizations: Machines or Organisms? 15:50 System One vs. System Two Thinking 18:29 Autopilot vs. Deliberate Decision Making 18:51 Understanding Flexors: Compliance vs. Commitment 19:11 The Flexor Concept in Leadership 22:53 Habits vs. Rituals: Navigating Uncertainty 25:49 Parenting and Leadership: Building Confidence 28:20 End of Interview 28:39 Andy's Comments After the Interview 33:13 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Kevin and his book at KevinEikenberry.com/Flexible-Leadership.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 54 with Roger L. Martin about his book The Opposable Mind Episode 47 with Henry Mintzberg about his book on why management is what we think it is. Episodes 360 and 455 with Janet Polach about her books to help us avoid mistakes as we grow as leaders.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Uncertainty, Fear, Organizational Behavior, Leadership Styles, Habits, Rituals, Ambiguity

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy interviews Janet Polach, author of The Strategic Leader's Mindset: Unlocking the Keys to Success They discuss the struggles that come with the journey of transitioning from tactical to strategic roles. Janet shares insights from her book on how to develop a strategic mindset, work through people, and stay authentic.

    The conversation covers key challenges in leadership, such as delegation, decision-making under ambiguity, and the importance of authentic communication. Janet highlights the benefits of structured thinking time and the potential pitfalls of empowerment. The episode provides practical advice for new and experienced leaders aiming to move from day-to-day management to higher-level strategic thinking.

    Whether you're already at a higher level of leadership or want to prepare so you're ready for it, this episode is for you!

    Sound Bites “What I've discovered in coaching executive leaders is that it's about how do you think about things differently? How do you think more broadly? How do you take more risks? How do you lean into ambiguity?” “Surround yourself with people who are more courageous, who are more comfortable in ambiguity. You, as a leader, don’t have to be the perfectly all-knowing, courageous, ambiguous kind of leader.” “Set a timeline for the decision... after all, especially at the executive level, we always want more information. But there’s a diminishing return because you’ll lose the opportunity of time. So maybe by Friday you have three options; by the following Friday, you decide.” “How would we make this worse? So together... everybody has fun with this.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:03 Start of Interview 02:57 What Stays the Same As Your Grow in Leadership? What Changes? 05:54 What It Means To Think Strategically 11:08 The Value of International Exposure 13:47 Empowering Others and Delegation 17:31 Handling Difficult Team Members 21:38 Understanding Employee Termination Fears 22:39 Decision Making Amidst Ambiguity 24:36 Techniques for Facilitating Meetings 26:43 Strategic Leader Success Stories 28:27 End of Interview 28:54 Andy Comments After the Interview 32:48 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Janet, her work, and her coaching services at JanetPolach.com/coaching.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 360 for my first interview with Janet about mistakes new managers make. Episode 391 with Adam Bryant about making the leap to a new level of leadership. Episode 320 with Greg Githins about how to think strategically.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Strategic Mindset, Management, Empowerment, Decision Making, Authenticity, Culture, Coaching, Trust, Ambiguity

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: On Point by Steven O'Brien
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Synthemania by Frank Schroeter
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Christie Smith, a visionary leader and author, about her new book Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership. They discuss the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence and automation on various industries and how leaders can prepare for these changes. Christie shares insights on the unique challenges of modern leadership, as well as the importance of human-powered approaches. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptability, especially in a world increasingly reliant on technology. The conversation also touches on the concept of the Power Paradox, safeguarding connection in distributed work environments, and practical advice for parents on preparing their children for future work challenges.

    Wondering how to lead and deliver in this time of significant disruption? This episode is for you!

    Sound Bites “Leadership isn’t always comfortable. In fact, it can be really hard
 it does mean speaking out.” “What’s unique about this time is the confluence of many things that leaders are having to face. It’s led to a war for skills instead of a war for talent.” “This isn’t soft work... we’re going to be in an economic crisis because leaders are not in tune to the humans that are in their organizations.” “100% of them said they knew they needed to do something... yet only 25% were even thinking of doing something about it.” “The issue isn’t that AI is taking over. The issue is AI must, as a regulator, have human intelligence.” “We need to move from emotional intelligence to emotional maturity.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Start Of Interview 02:00 Christie's Background And Early Influences 04:45 The Unique Challenges Of Modern Leadership 06:27 The Concept Of The Unicorn Job 07:53 Defining Human Powered Leadership 11:05 The Role Of AI In The Future Of Work 15:50 The Importance Of Connection In The Workplace 19:44 Adversity And Innovation: Lessons From History 23:19 Strategies For Building Team Connection 26:02 Building Engagement Through Simple Actions 26:53 The Importance Of Personal Check-Ins 27:12 Adapting Leadership Styles For Better Connection 29:12 Understanding The Power Paradox 31:44 Cultivating Insatiable Curiosity 34:08 Preparing Kids For The Future Workplace 37:17 End Of Interview 37:39 Andy Comments After The Interview 41:21 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Christie and her work at ChristieSmith.phd/.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 437 with Nada Sanders about her book The Humachine. Episode 382 with Hal Hershfield about balancing the now and the future. Episode 329 with Deborah Westphal about preparing your career and your team for the future.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: AI, Automation, Technology, Leadership, Organizational Culture, Engagement, Remote Teams, Future Of Work, Emotional Intelligence, Workplace Culture, Team Connection, Continuous Learning

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy welcomes Corinna Freitag, a coach and project practitioner, to discuss the importance of interpersonal skills in project management. They explore how to navigate workplace conflicts, the significance of understanding others, and the role of Lean Six Sigma in project management.

    Corinna shares her experiences and insights on coaching STEM professionals, particularly those who may struggle with communication and conflict resolution. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence and adaptability in leadership roles. Andy and Corinna delve into the significance of breathing techniques for mental well-being, the importance of understanding cultural differences in professional settings, the challenges of self-sabotage, and the continuous journey of personal development.

    Do you ever dread going to work on Monday morning? Corinna has practical insights in this episode for you!

    Sound Bites "I had the limiting belief that I am not good with people. And
 surprise. Yes. Looks like I am." "There is no magic question. It’s about starting to understand the person, not finding the perfect script." "If you say, 'This is my saboteur talking,' it’s very different than saying, 'I’m not good enough.'" "Assume good intent. To them, their behavior is rational--even if it doesn’t seem that way to you." "We never interact with a culture. We interact with a person." "My top saboteurs? The Stickler, the Hyper-Achiever, and the Hyper-Vigilant." "If you merge a little American boldness with German perfectionism, something great comes out." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Start of Interview 01:50 Corinna's Backstory 03:35 Project Management Lessons Corinna Has Learned 06:10 Lean Six Sigma and Project Management 10:02 Handling Difficult Stakeholders and Conflicts 13:52 Coaching Introverted STEM Professionals 17:31 Regaining Composure in Stressful Situations 21:05 Exploring Breathing Techniques 23:30 Lessons About Working Across Cultures 28:30 Overcoming Self-Sabotage 31:31 Continuous Self-Development 32:42 Connecting with Corinna 33:18 End of Interview 33:38 Andy's Comments After the Interview Learn More

    You can connect and follow Corinna on LinkedIn at LinkedIn.com/in/DrCorinnaFreitag. And check out her website at CorinnaFreitag.de/.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 397 with Dr. Julia DiGangi about her book Energy Rising. It's a wonderful book and discussion! Episode 164 with Derek Rogers and Nick Petrie about their book on stress. Episode 143 with Dr. Mark Goulston about his book on dealing with difficult people.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Coaching, Conflict Resolution, Lean Six Sigma, STEM professionals, Interpersonal Skills, Stakeholder Management, Communication, Culture, Emotional Intelligence, Cross-cultural Communication

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Imagefilm034 by Sascha Ende
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Tropical Vibe by WinnieTheMoog
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy interviews Juliana Tafur, the inaugural director of the Bridging Differences Program at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. The conversation explores practical strategies for bridging divides in a polarized world, both in personal and professional contexts.

    Juliana shares insights from her experiences growing up in a divided Colombia, her work in the U.S. post-9/11, and research on bridging differences. The episode also covers the psychological roots of 'othering' and offers practical advice for fostering connections despite differences. Additionally, resources like the seven-day Campaign for Connection Challenge and the Bridging Differences Playbook are highlighted to help you apply these concepts in your daily life.

    What if you could get better at bridging divides in these polarized times? This episode will help you do that!

    Sound Bites "Disconnection is one of the evils of our time." "Our brains will always go to labeling. That is just how our brains function." "No one is a single label
 we are so multi-dimensional." "Listening is truly like a hidden superpower." "Just by us listening, we are perceived as more trustworthy." "You can affirm their feelings while still disagreeing." "The value of humility, openness, curiosity, empathy—are not really front and center in our society." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:11 Start of Interview 02:24 Juliana's Background and Influences 04:29 Understanding 'Othering' and Tribalism 08:42 The Power of Listening with Compassion 10:33 Practical Steps for Deep Listening 16:40 Real-Life Examples of Bridging Divides 24:54 The Problem with Labels 27:10 The Seven Day Campaign for Connection Challenge 29:54 Resources for Bridging Differences 31:47 Teaching Kids to Bridge Differences 35:29 End of Interview 35:55 Andy's Comments After the Interview 39:23 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Juliana and her Bridging Differences program at GGSC.Berkeley.edu/What_we_do/Major_Initiatives/Bridging_Differences. You can download the Bridging Differences Playbook and access the Bridging Differences Videos from that page.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 380 with Monica Guzman about her book on a similar topic. Episode 371 with Amanda Ripley about her book High Conflict. Episode 276 with Buster Benson about his book Episode 284 with Peter Boghossian about having what seem like impossible conversations.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Listening, Empathy, Connection, Polarization, Leadership, Communication, Conflict, Project Management

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Ignotus by Agnese Valmaggia
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Tropical Vibe by WinnieTheMoog
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy interviews Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener, authors of the book Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection. The discussion explores the concept of radical listening, distinguishing it from active listening and emphasizing the importance of creating genuine connections through intent, curiosity, and acknowledgment. Christian and Robert share personal anecdotes and practical applications of their listening framework, both in professional settings and personal relationships. They also address the impact of cultural differences on listening practices and provide tips for parents to improve communication with their children. The conversation culminates in an insightful look at the barriers to effective listening and strategies to overcome them.

    Whether to help you with your teams at work or loved ones at home, this is a must-listen!

    Sound Bites "Your intention will guide your attention." "I started questioning active listening when I started thinking about how much I summarize when I’m with my friends, which is to say I never do it!" "If I just go in thinking, ‘What can I learn from the conversation?’ that is going to completely direct what I’m paying attention to." "Acknowledgement can’t just be, ‘I have goodwill towards you.’ It actually has to be demonstrated." "So one day I thought, ‘Look, I’ve been shouting, I’ve grounded the kid, I’ve taken away his computer, I’ve done everything
 maybe I just need to understand what’s going on.’" "Not a small portion of my friends, colleagues, and family members were surprised to hear that I was writing a book on listening" Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:59 Start of Interview 02:17 What Does Radical Listening NOT Mean? 04:54 Distinguishing Radical Listening from Active Listening 07:14 When Were You Recently in Listening Mode? 11:30 Handling Difficult Conversations with a Team Member 16:12 Difficult Conversation with a Relative With Different Political Views 20:22 Acknowledging and Interjecting in Conversations 28:22 Cultural Considerations in Radical Listening 28:53 Understanding Cultural Scripts in Conversations 33:21 The Importance of Respectful Listening 35:51 Personal Challenges in Listening 37:31 Applying Listening Skills in Parenting 42:06 End Of Interview 42:30 Andy Comments After The Interview 47:42 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Christian at CoachOnAMotorcycle.com. Also, learn more about Robert at RobertDiener.com.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 371 with Amanda Ripley about her book High Conflict. Episode 195 with Celeste Headlee about her book on communication. Episode 108 with Doug Stone about his book on receiving feedback.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Listening, Communication, Active Listening, Leadership, Relationships, Engagement, Cultural Sensitivity, Communication Skills, Project Management

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy talks with Mark Miller about his book Uncommon Greatness: Five Fundamentals to Transform Your Leadership. They discuss the importance of having leaders who believe in and invest in their teams, contrasting common leaders with those who strive for uncommon greatness. The conversation explores Mark’s journey from a vocational track student to a senior leader at Chick-fil-A, highlighting lessons from his childhood and career. Key topics include seeing the future, engaging and developing others, the power of community in teams, and the importance of lifelong learning.

    If you're looking to level up your ability to lead, this is a great episode for you!

    Sound Bites "When I walk in a room, I'm trying to figure out how I can add the most value. And sometimes that is to take charge, and sometimes it's to take out the trash." "The differentiator is the level of care and concern people have for each other." "Certainty is not ours to provide — but clarity is." "Lifelong learning is the only path to more influence, impact, and opportunity." "If you’re not pursuing something, you’re not leading." "You don’t want to call them out--you want to call them up." "It's not just about personal excellence--it's about making others better." "It’s not about grand gestures. Engagement is built over time through consistent, intentional actions." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:59 Start of Interview 02:50 Mark's Backstory 06:08 A Latin Word to Lead By 07:45 It's More Than Personal Excellence 11:38 How To See the Future 16:45 Maintaining a Customer Bias 18:04 How to Engage and Develop Others 31:12 Advice for Parents 34:03 End Of Interview 34:21 Andy Comments After The Interview 37:16 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Mark and his book at LeadEveryDay.com/Uncommon-Greatness. Also, reach out to Mark via his mobile phone at 678-612-8441.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 410 with Ryan Hawk about his book on excellence. Episode 391 with Adam Bryant about his wonderfully engaging book on becoming a leader. Episode 252 with the Father of the Strengths Movement, Marcus Buckingham.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Team Development, Engagement, Personal Excellence, High-Performance Teams, Lifelong Learning, Influence

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this conversation, Andy interviews Dave Garrett, a senior advisor to the CEO at Project Management Institute (PMI). They discuss the evolving definitions of project success, emphasizing the need to go beyond traditional metrics of scope, time, and cost to include value and customer-centric outcomes. Dave shares insights from his extensive experience and PMI's research, introducing the Net Project Success Score (NPSS) and strategies to enhance project success. Topics include the importance of managing perceptions, owning project success beyond metrics, relentlessly reassessing project parameters, and expanding perspectives. The conversation also explores the impact of AI on project management, practical applications of generative AI, and how project managers can leverage these tools to improve effectiveness.

    Wondering what the future of project management looks like? Join us for this discussion!

    Sound Bites "Value is a tricky thing to pin down." “The Sydney Opera House is a classic example of a project that was considered a failure for a very long time because of cost overruns. It overran from a time perspective, even to a point where the public was very upset about it
 over time became known as one of the more successful projects ever." "Project success is not binary." Our research found that your project success score will double if you do three things: if you set goals up front, if you put in place a system of measurement that aligns and guides decision making, and if you track progress along the way." "Success can't be, 'I guess we didn't suck!'" Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Start of Interview 01:30 Dave's Backstory 03:22 What Dave Does at PMI 03:59 Defining Project Success Beyond Traditional Metrics 08:03 Perception and Success 14:50 Introducing the Net Project Success Score 19:11 MORE Framework for Project Success 23:13 The Value of Being Customer-Centric 24:28 AI's Role in Project Management 31:31 PMI Resources 34:21 End Of Interview 34:39 Andy Comments After The Interview 38:58 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Project Management Institute at pmi.org.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 424 with Karla Eidem, who joined us to talk about project management trends. Episode 319 with Sierra Hampton-Simmons from PMI about the PMP exam. Episode 253 with one of the most passionate advocates of PMI: Lee Lambert

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Ways of Working

    Topics: Project Management, Value, Success Metrics, Stakeholder Engagement, AI, PMI, Research, Project Success

  • Summary

    In this conversation, Andy and Marie-Helene Pelletier explore the concept of resilience, particularly in the context of workplace challenges and personal well-being. They discuss the importance of understanding resilience as a state that can fluctuate rather than a fixed personality trait. Marie shares insights from her book, The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health. She emphasizes the need for strategic planning to enhance resilience and manage burnout. The discussion also covers cognitive patterns that can hinder resilience, the balance of life's demands and supplies, and practical steps to create a personalized resilience plan. Additionally, they touch on the role of parents in fostering resilience in children.

    This episode prepares you to handle the demands that come with leading teams and projects. Enjoy!

    Sound Bites “The class went great. I was a wreck.” "We know from research that resilience is not a personality trait. It’s a state, which means it will fluctuate over time, which also means we can influence it." "Resilience is our ability to go through adversity and come out even stronger." "People will tend to minimize the demands they have, and then on the supply side, people will tend to overestimate the sources of energy they have." "I think we too easily sacrifice our self-care. We wait for things to fall apart and then we’re like, ‘Oh, I hit burnout.’ What if we were able to put together a resilience plan?” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:02 Start of Interview 02:14 What Got You Into Psychology? 04:00 Understanding Resilience Misconceptions 05:45 Is Resilience Just Genetics And Personality? 08:01 The Role Of Context In Resilience 10:43 BEAR Thinking 14:25 Supply And Demands Inventory 18:13 The Role Of Values 26:02 Applying Resilience Strategies To Parenting 28:42 End Of Interview 29:07 Andy Comments After The Interview 32:17 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Marie-Helene and her work at DrMarie-Helene.com/.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 398 with Dr. Neha Sangwan about her book on burnout. Episode 132 with StrengthsFinder author Tom Rath about energizing the burned out project manager. Episode 106, also with Tom Rath, about his book Eat, Move, Sleep.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Resilience, Burnout, Mental Health, Self-Care, Leadership, Personal Development, Emotional Intelligence, Workplace Wellness, Project Management

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: ImageFilm34 by Sascha Ende
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this conversation, Andy talks with Michael Chad Hoeppner to discuss his new book Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. The book is packed with practical drills and insights to improve communication skills. Andy and Michael explore common misconceptions about public speaking, the importance of delivery over content, and practical exercises to enhance communication skills to help you become more confident and effective communicators at work and home.

    Michael emphasizes that everyone is a public speaker in their daily lives and that good communication is fundamentally about being other-focused.

    Want to speak in a way that people actually listen? This episode is for you!

    Sound Bites “You do make a living by speaking.” "There’s no such thing as public speaking—there’s just speaking." "If you ever get advice that features the words ‘don’t’ and ‘just’ in a single sentence, you should probably run away from it." "Filler words aren’t the problem. They’re a symptom." "AI is about to give us perfect content. The real skill? Delivering it well." "If every time you speak, you’re trying to sound smart, you’re going to sound dumb." "Every time you say 'um,' your brain is asking for time. Give it the time—without the 'um'." "If you can tolerate silence, you’ll always sound smarter." "The first rule of better posture? Stop thinking about posture." "If you’re not getting better at speaking, you’re limiting your career without even realizing it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:16 Start Of Interview 03:52 Why Are We All Professional Speakers? 07:34 What Is Some of the Worst Speaking Advice? 11:09 What is Good Communication? 14:29 Why is Delivery More Important Than Content? 20:40 The GK Lego Drill 26:52 About Filler Words Like Um 31:32 What You Need to Know About Posture 39:19 Advice for Parents 44:08 End Of Interview 44:39 Andy Comments After The Interview 47:50 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Michael and his work at GKTraining.com/Michael-Chad-Hoeppner.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 378 with Bill McGowan about his book Pitch Perfect. Episode 98 with communications expert Nancy Duarte. Episode 349 with Tina Kuhn about her book on communication scenarios.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Public Speaking, Communication Skills, Speaking Tips, Leadership, Filler Words, Posture, Parenting, Storytelling, Project Management

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this conversation, Andy talks with Adam Galinsky about his new book Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others. Adam discusses the elements that make a leader truly inspiring, debunking the myth that inspirational qualities are innate rather than developed. The conversation covers Adam's Inspiring Trifecta (being visionary, an exemplar, and a mentor) along with the leader amplification effect. Additionally, they explore actionable strategies from Adam's research, including the importance of perspective-taking, the impact of the leader amplification commitment, and techniques for improving self-awareness and daily practices for sustained inspiration.

    Looking for practical advice to inspire those around you? This episode is for you!

    Sound Bites “It’s not, ‘Are you inspiring or infuriating?’ It’s, ‘Are you currently inspiring or infuriating?” “Your passion can become their passion. Your calmness in a crisis can become their calmness. But on the flip side, your anxiety can become their anxiety.” “Never tell someone, ‘We need to talk,’ without telling them why.” “What if every single morning, over a cup of coffee, you sent one email just thanking someone for something they did?” “Shame turns us into ostriches. Guilt moves us toward action.” “To be visionary, you don’t need to be loud—you need to be clear.” “Your leadership isn’t just what you say—it’s what people see.” “The question isn’t ‘Are you a great leader?’ The question is, ‘What are you doing right now that makes you one?” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:37 Start Of Interview 01:45 What Inspired You To Get Into Psychology? 02:51 What Are Some Common Myths About Inspiration? 03:49 Do You Have to Be Extroverted to Be Inspiring? 05:51 What's The Difference Between Inspiring and Infuriating Leaders? 08:48 Why You Should Never Say "We Need to Talk" 13:45 What Is the Leader Amplification Effect? 19:07 How Can I Better Get Someone Else's Perspective? 22:59 How Does Adam Overcome Feeling Insecure? 25:21 What's The Role of Self-Talk In Helping Us Be Inspiring? 29:15 How Does Ranking Our Values Help? 30:56 How Does Adam Practice Being Inspiring (Introduction to REAP) 32:43 Advice for Parents 36:11 End Of Interview 36:34 Andy Comments After The Interview 42:11 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Adam and his work at AdamGalinsky.com.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episodes 416 and 153 with Jim Kouzes about leadership. Episode 362 with Ayelet Fishbach about her book on motivation. Episode 94 with Heidi Grant and Torry Higgins about their work on motivation.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Inspiration, Leadership, Communication, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Parenting, Project Management

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this conversation, Andy interviews Manu Kapur about his book Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing. They explore the concept of learning through failure and how it can be intentionally designed to enhance understanding and retention. They discuss the importance of context in learning and the science behind memory. Manu and Andy discuss practical strategies for effective learning, particularly in relation to project management and certification exams. Manu introduces the notion of productive failure and its significance in the learning process. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with challenges, understanding the four A's of learning, and applying these principles in real-world scenarios. Manu even shares some ideas for how parents can help their kids reframe how they look at failure.

    Want to improve your memory? Learn faster? This episode is for you!

    Sound Bites “If you want to remember, try forgetting a little so that you can use forgetting to remember.” “Why do we wait for failure to happen instead of designing for it deliberately and intentionally?” “Learning doesn’t just happen when you succeed—it’s the failure signal that tells you you’re in the right place to grow.” “Knowledge gets coupled with the context, the smells, and the sights in which you’re learning it.” “If everything in your life has a success signal, don’t be too happy—chances are you’re playing it too safe.” “We should totally change how we introduce ourselves at parties: guess each other’s names!” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:31 Start Of Interview 03:55 Understanding Productive Failure 05:22 The Problems of Learning: Remembering, Understanding, and Transfer 08:58 The Theory of Disuse 11:39 The Fascinating Concept of Situated Cognition 16:00 Why Getting Questions Wrong Helps You Learn 20:34 Understanding the Zone of Proximal Development 23:06 Designing for Productive Failure 28:33 Applying Failure Concepts in Parenting 32:12 End Of Interview 32:34 Andy Comments After The Interview 37:52 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Manu and his work at ManuKapur.com.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 15 with Ralph Heath about his book on celebrating failure. Episode 432 with Ross Garland regarding why projects fail. Episode 116 with Jim Johnson for another discussion about why projects fail.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Productive Failure, Learning, Memory, Project Management, Education, Teaching, Zone Of Proximal Development, Innovation

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy interviews Rick Czaplewski, who discusses the intersection of project management and negotiation. They explore the importance of negotiation skills for project managers, the significance of building strong relationships with stakeholders, and strategies for dealing with difficult stakeholders. Rick shares personal experiences, including lessons learned from being a cancer survivor, and emphasizes the importance of taking action when delivering bad news. The conversation concludes with advice on teaching negotiation skills to the next generation.

    Want to improve your ability to negotiate more confidently? This episode is for you!

    Sound Bites "Project management is a verb. It's an action sport. We're on offense. We have the ball." "You want to put out fires as a project manager when they're small campfires before they're raging infernos." "If you're in control of yourself, you're in control of the situation." "It's okay if you hear the word no." "Take that feeling of 'I’m not willing to walk away with a loss' and hang in there." "Negotiation isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset that transforms projects." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Start Of Interview 01:40 Rick's Career Journey 03:25 Why Negotiating Skills Are Critical for Project Managers 05:30 How We Can Accidentally Set Up Negotiations to Fail 08:05 How To Deal With Difficult Stakeholders 12:50 Common Mistakes Delivering Bad News 17:05 What If Someone Thinks They're Not a Good Negotiator? 20:20 How Has Surviving Cancer Shaped Your Perspective? 23:00 How Can Parents Help Their Kids Become Better Negotiators? 26:46 End Of Interview 27:05 Andy Comments After The Interview 30:13 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Rick and his work at NoOneWalksAlone.com. Also, please leave us feedback about this episode at Talk.ac/rickc?code=PEOPLE.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 412 with hostage negotiator Scott Walker. Episode 365 with Christie Hunter Arscott about her book for women. Episode 258 with Kari Mirabal about You Already Have the No. Episode 148 with Daniel Shapiro, founder of the Harvard International Program on Negotiation.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Negotiation, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Communication Skills, Leadership, Cancer Survivor, Relationship Building, Delivering Bad News, Negotiation Skills, Personal Growth

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this conversation, Andy welcomes Scott Millson, author of Frequency of Excellence: Tuning in to Everyday Lessons of Life and Leadership. Scott and Andy discuss the importance of lifelong learning and mentorship, the difference between excellence and perfection, and practical strategies for overcoming challenges, such as public speaking anxiety. Scott shares his personal leadership lessons, including the notion of inattentional blindness and the power of a growth mindset. He emphasizes the value of recognizing learning opportunities in daily life and how mentors can shape our professional and personal growth.

    Sound Bites "At any moment of any day, excellence is out there. You just have to be tuned into the right frequency in order to see it." "When things seem to be falling apart, they may be falling into place." "How you do anything is how you do everything." "Excellence and perfection are diametrically opposed. Excellence inspires and motivates, while perfection sucks the life out of you." "I’ve never formally asked anyone to be my mentor. Instead, I watched, learned, and surrounded myself with excellent people." "Speak with a purpose. When you speak, there’s a currency to your words—treat them as valuable." "ADD isn’t a disorder—it’s my superpower. My ability to hyperfocus lets me outwork anyone." "Above all else, choose family." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Start Of Interview 02:02 How ADHD Is Scott's Superpower 04:53 Inattentional Blindness And Key Lessons 10:00 The Concept Of Frequencies 12:40 About Mentorship 15:53 Overcoming The Fear Of Public Speaking 20:22 Excellence Vs. Perfection 22:11 Pursuit Of Excellence 23:24 Handling Stress And Pressure 24:00 A Personal Story Of Resilience 28:24 Et Loqueris Ad, And Why It Matters 31:47 Parenting And Leadership 35:32 End Of Interview 35:58 Andy Comments After The Interview 40:06 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Scott and his book at ScottMillson.com/author.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 410 with Ryan Hawk about his book on excellence. It's a good read! Episode 418 with my friend Randy Fox about pursuing excellence.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Leadership, Mentorship, Excellence, Public Speaking, Personal Development, ADHD, Learning, Lessons, Growth Mindset, Project Management, Perfectionism, Stress Management, Communication, Parenting

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Tranceverse by Sascha End
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Funny by Frank Schroeter
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy discusses the challenges and benefits of being a project manager or team leader with guest Dominic Ashley-Timms, co-author of the book The Answer is a Question: The Missing Superpower that Changes Everything and Will Transform Your Impact as a Manager and Leader. Dominic introduces the STAR model, a framework designed to enhance management effectiveness through operational coaching, and explains the concept of Frankenstein managers. They also delve into the importance of triggers, anchors, and asking better questions to foster growth and problem-solving within teams. The discussion highlights practical applications of the STAR model and its potential to transform leadership impact both professionally and personally.

    What if coaching wasn't something you put on the calendar? What if you could recognize coaching moments in the day-to-day activity of work and life? This episode shows you how to do that.

    Sound Bites “Most of us are Frankenstein managers.” “Stop, think, ask, and secure a result—that's the STAR model in action.” "The hardest part of coaching? Catching yourself and biting your lip.” “Is this a coachable moment? If not now, then when?” “A simple question can turn a two-hour supplier meeting into a seven-hour collaboration that saves millions.” “People might thank you for advice you never gave—just the right questions you asked.” “Changing your management style isn’t about a lifetime—it starts with two weeks of asking better questions.” “Pre-live moments to break the cycle of overreaction.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:53 Start Of Interview 03:00 What are Frankenstein Managers? 07:17 Introducing the STAR Model 09:59 Triggers and Anchors: Tools for Behavioral Change 17:04 The Skill of Asking Questions 18:00 Identifying Coachable Moments 21:05 Crafting Effective Questions 24:40 Example Scenarios 26:12 How Parents Can Apply The Learning 28:40 End Of Interview 29:06 Andy's Comments After The Interview 31:54 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Dominic and Laura and their book at TheAnswerIsAQuestion.com.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 150 with Michael Bungay Stanier about his book The Coaching Habit. It's a perfect compliment to this book! Episode 297 with Glain Roberts-McCabe about her book on coaching communities. AI for Project Managers and Leaders

    With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work.

    This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity.

    Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Leadership, Coaching, Management, Parenting, Personal Development, Communication, Team Management

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    YouTube clip: “Brian Regan Stand-Up” The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
    Link: YouTube.com/watch?v=LWm9Em2rwD4

  • Summary

    In this discussion, Andy welcomes Michaela Flick to discuss her journey in project management, the importance of people skills, practical tools for managing projects, and the balance between work and personal life. They discuss the significance of understanding stakeholders, the value of hands-on experience, and the insights gained from teaching and writing about project management. Michaela shares her experiences and lessons learned throughout her career, emphasizing the need for empathy and connection in leadership.

    Sound Bites "Projects are made by people, for people. When this people thing is not working for you, forget it--it ain’t working." "If you wait until you’re confident to jump in, you will never jump in." "What I consider success might not be what my customer considers success." "Children are natural born project managers." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Start Of Interview 06:00 Lessons on Leadership and Project Management 08:24 Metaphors for Project Management 10:30 Practical Management Practices 15:23 Key Career Decisions for PMs 18:30 Confidence vs Competence 23:25 Priorities Beyond Work 25:05 Books by Michaela 32:23 End Of Interview 33:00 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Michaela on LinkedIn at LinkedIn.com/in/michaela-flick/.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: project management, leadership, career development, people skills, stakeholder analysis, project tools, work-life balance, personal growth

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Great Great Lengths by Blue Dot Sessions
    Licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial License

    Music: Feelin Good by Kevin MacLeod
    License (CC BY 3.0): http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

  • Summary

    In this discussion, Andy welcomes leadership coach and author Kelli Thompson to discuss her book Closing the Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential, and Your Paycheck. The conversation explores topics such as the imposter syndrome, the importance of taking action despite self-doubt, and differentiating confidence from arrogance. Kelli shares practical strategies for building confidence by aligning decisions with personal values and eliminating elements that cause resentment. The discussion delves into the concept of 'expensive thoughts' and ways to transform them into freeing actions, with a focus on overcoming procrastination and self-doubt.

    If you'd like some practical ways to overcome self-doubt, this is a discussion you don't want to miss!

    Sound Bites “The cost of doubting ourselves can be far more expensive than we realize.” “What would you do if you had more confidence?” "Confidence is a side effect of taking action.” “The two most expensive words in our language are ‘but first.’” “If you don’t know what you stand for, what will you fall for?” “There’s a healthy level of doubt that is part of confidence—it keeps you from coming across as a cocky leader.” “You can’t criticize yourself into more confidence.” “Facts ease fear. Name the lie, insert the truth.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Start Of Interview 01:44 What Would You Do If You Had More Confidence? 02:55 What Are Some Nuances That Can Make Confidence Tricky? 06:13 It's Not 'When' You're Confident As Much As 'When' You Are (Or Are Not) 07:09 Values And Confidence 10:00 Values Are Not 'Shoulds' 11:59 The 'But First' Syndrome 14:25 Doubt Vs. Imposter Syndrome 17:03 How Kelli Addresses Self-Doubt 23:09 The Link Between Facts And Fear 23:25 The Pedestal Syndrome 26:37 How Men Can Empower Women In The Workplace 29:18 Building Confidence In Children 31:38 End Of Interview 32:02 Andy's Comments After The Interview 37:36 Outtakes Learn More

    You can learn more about Kelli and her book at KelliRaeThompson.com.

    For more learning on this topic, check out:

    Episode 431 with Dr. Sam Adeyemi. He's a top leadership voice in Africa and has helpful insights on moving from self-doubt to confidence. Episode 295 with Don Moore about his book on more confident decision-making. Episode 179 with Andy Molinsky about getting out of your comfort zone. AI for Project Managers and Leaders

    With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work.

    This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity.

    Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Imposter Syndrome, Confidence, Leadership, Self-Doubt, Project Management, Values, Women Empowerment, Parenting, Fear, Pedestal Syndrome

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ended
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy talks with Yasmina Khelifi and Mayte Mata Sivera, co-authors of The Volunteering Journey to Project Leadership.. Ever feel like you don't have time to volunteer? Yasmina and Mayte share compelling reasons why giving back ends up being a win-win for you and those you are serving.

    Through personal anecdotes, Yasmina and Mayte illustrate how volunteering can open doors and provide meaningful experiences, such as transitioning from managers to leaders and collaborating on impactful projects like their book. They also offer practical advice on starting small in volunteering, choosing opportunities that bring joy, and leveraging LinkedIn for networking.

    Want to give back but feel like you don't have time or know where to start? This episode is for you!

    Sound Bites "Volunteering benefits both you and those you serve." "Start small and evaluate your expectations." "Find something that brings you joy." "There's a great need for the skill sets that project managers and frontline leaders have. We agree that it's important to do, yet in many ways, we're among the busiest of people." "Having this opportunity to experiment with different people helped me to try different styles, to try to find myself as a leader." "I had bad marks in school. I thought you had to be gifted. But thanks to volunteering, I gained confidence. And now I try different things." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:36 Start Of Interview 01:49 Personal Journeys To Project Management 04:28 The Power Of Volunteering: First Experiences 06:10 Developing Leadership Skills Through Volunteering 14:28 Building Relationships And Networking 18:15 Learning Agility And Personal Development 20:18 Overcoming Design Barriers Through Volunteering 22:00 The Importance Of Starting Small In Volunteering 23:08 Finding Joy In Volunteering 24:13 Memorable Volunteering Experiences 27:18 End Of Interview 27:47 Andy Comments After The Interview 31:08 Outtakes Learn More

    You can listen to my previous discussion with Yasmina in episode 361.

    You can connect with Yasmina on LinkedIn here. And connect with Mayte on LinkedIn here.

    AI for Project Managers and Leaders

    With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work.

    This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity.

    Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Power Skills

    Topics: Volunteering, Leadership, Project Management, Personal Growth, Networking, Community Service, Professional Development, Learning Agility, Relationships, Mentorship.

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Tropical Vibe by Winnie the Moog
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • Summary

    In this episode, Andy talks with Jeff Gothelf about the importance of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) as a customer-centric goal-setting framework. Based on insights from Jeff's book Who Does What By How Much?: A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs, they explore the challenges leaders face in ensuring their teams work on the right priorities, the misconceptions surrounding OKRs, and the significance of measuring outcomes and value. Jeff emphasizes the need for organizations to focus on customer needs and behavior changes rather than just task completion. The discussion also covers how to implement OKRs effectively, starting small, and the potential for using OKRs in personal goal setting.

    If you've ever wondered how you and your team could better drive real value for your organization and customers, this episode is for you!

    Sound Bites "The true measure of the value of the thing that you deliver to your customer is measuring outcomes—meaningful changes in their behavior." "The deliverable is variable. You've got some ideas, some hypotheses about what you might make, but the measure of success is not the development and deployment of that thing—it's the behavior change." "You know you've written a good key result when it literally spells out: 'who does what by how much,' which is the name of the book." "Everyone's got a customer. The true measure of value is measuring outcomes, meaningful changes in their behavior. And that's applicable in every scenario." "It's infinitely easier for someone to just tell you what to do. Honestly, it's easier for the person telling you what to do, and for a lot of folks, they're just like 'tell me what to do, and I'll do it.'" "By the time we decide what to work on to the time that it actually comes out in the market, a lot of that consumer demand has moved on or shifted." "One of the biggest challenges is getting folks to start questioning whether the work they're doing actually solves a real problem in a meaningful way." "The incentives for a lot of teams are to produce a thing, and then they get measured, rewarded, and promoted based on that. Rarely do we ask: did anyone need that thing?" "Make them successful, respect their time, solve real problems in meaningful ways, and make it a delight to use." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Start Of Interview 01:49 Why Do People Work On The Wrong Stuff? 04:07 Why Is It Difficult To Get Alignment, Collaboration, And Strategy Focus? 05:10 How Do You Like To Introduce People To OKRs? 07:46 What Are Some Common Misconceptions About OKRs? 10:41 How Do You Define Value? 13:05 What Do You Mean By An Outcome? 17:36 How Do You Go About Starting An OKR System? 20:48 Can OKRs Work For Teams If The Overall Company Doesn't Use Them? 24:35 End Of Interview 24:55 Andy Comments After The Interview 28:07 Outtakes Learn More

    To learn more about this topic, check out these episodes:

    Episode 328, with Terry Schmidt about LogFrames. It's different from OKRs, but it's another way to strategically think through the work we're doing. Episode 127, with Rob-Jan de Jong. It's a strategy book that can help with delivering a vision for an organization or team.

    You can learn more about Jeff and his book at JeffGothelf.com.

    AI for Project Managers and Leaders

    With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work.

    This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity.

    Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects.

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

    Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

    Topics: Project Management, OKRs, Leadership, Customer-Centric, Goal Setting, Business Strategy, Outcomes, Value Measurement, Implementation, Personal Growth

    The following music was used for this episode:

    Music: Underground Shadows by MusicLFiles
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Music: Energetic Drive Indie Rock by Winnie the Moog
    License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license