Live+Work More Human

In this episode, your hosts Alexis and Sally sit down with Rebecca Hinds PhD, an expert in organizational behavior and author of the brilliant new "Your Best Meeting Ever." The conversation delves into the pervasive dysfunction of meetings in the workplace, exploring how they have become symbols of visibility and productivity, often leading to inefficiency and frustration.Rebecca shares insights from her research, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in how meetings are designed and conducted. She introduces the concept of 'meeting doomsday,' a strategy that encourages teams to reassess their meeting schedules and eliminate unnecessary gatherings, fostering a culture of intentionality and clarity in communication.Throughout the discussion, Rebecca outlines her seven principles for effective meeting design, advocating for a user-centric approach that prioritizes the needs of attendees. She highlights the importance of clarity in meeting objectives, the role of technology in enhancing meeting effectiveness, and the necessity of creating a positive atmosphere that encourages participation. The conversation concludes with practical tips for both leaders and team members on how to navigate the complexities of meetings, ensuring they serve their intended purpose and contribute to a more human-centric workplace.Key TakeawaysMeetings should achieve something that couldn't be done via email or Slack.A packed calendar is often mistaken for productivity and value.How to get teams to reassess and redesign their meeting schedules.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Meeting Challenges07:51 Understanding Meeting Doomsday11:19 The 4D CEO Test for Meetings16:31 User-Centric Meeting Design21:37 Creating Delightful Meetings29:32 Strategies for Equal Airtime in Meetings35:34 Empowering Employees to Decline Meetings38:11 Conclusion: Making Meetings More Human38:46 Creating Flourishing WorkplacesLearn more about Rebecca's work and Live+Work More Human at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this entertaining and enlightening conversation, expert and coauthor of Do More in Four: Why It's Time for a Shorter Workweek Joe O'Connor sits down with Alexis and Sally to unpack why a shortened work week truly works. They discuss the historical context of the work week, the necessity of a shorter work week, and the impact of technology and AI on productivity. Joe emphasizes the importance of addressing busy work and pseudo work, advocating for a four-day work week as a strategic tool for organizations. This wide-ranging discussion also covers the role of AI in shaping the future of work and the need for a cultural shift in workplace expectations.Key takeawaysThe modern work week is a construct from the Industrial Revolution.Productivity gains have not translated into reduced working hours for many.AI has the potential to change the nature of work and productivity.Busy work and pseudo work are prevalent in today's work culture.A four-day work week can help attract and retain talent.Implementing a shorter work week requires careful planning and consultation.AI can help streamline processes and reduce workload.Cultural norms around work need to shift to prioritize well-being.Advocating for a shorter work week should focus on mutual benefits for employees and employers.The future of work will require a balance between technology and human-centered approaches.Learn more at liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exploratory conversation, Sally and Alexis sit down with Christopher as he shares insights from his brand new book on courage. Christopher emphasizes that courage is a choice and a skill that can be developed. He discusses the importance of self-reflection, the impact of fear, and unpacks for us the seven choices that embody courage. The conversation also touches on personal stories of inspiration and the contagious nature of courage within communities.Key Takeaways:Courage is a choice we can actively make.It is essential to unmask our fears to understand them better.Courage can be developed as a skill over time.Self-reflection is crucial in understanding our motivations.The journey to courage often involves discomfort and growth.Failure should be viewed as a part of the growth process.Joy can be a strategic approach to resilience.Courage is not just for the extraordinary; it is accessible to everyone.Our personal stories can inspire others to be courageous.Courage is about serving a greater purpose beyond oneself.Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing About Courage03:33 Defining Courage: A Personal Exploration08:49 Courage: More Than Just Bravery09:33 Defining Courage: A Thoughtful Exploration12:17 The Role of Humility in Courage14:21 Navigating Complexity: Courage in Action19:14 Courage as a Superpower22:39 The Seven Choices of Courage33:11 Rejecting Negative Voices: A Courageous Choice44:19 Everyday Courage: Inspiration from Our LivesLearn more about Christopher, his work and his incredible book at liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leadership is undergoing a significant transformation, raising the question: Is leadership dead? While it’s certainly not extinct, recent studies suggest that leadership is facing a branding crisis. With a growing number of leaders contemplating their roles for better work-life balance, it’s essential to explore what these changes mean for the future of leadership.In this episode, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner do just this: they dissect the evolving perception of leadership amidst generational shifts, societal pressures, and workplace transformations. Discover how future leadership can be rebranded to attract and sustain talent, with insights on wellbeing, autonomy, and meaningful work.Key Takeaways:The leadership branding crisis: Why younger generations are reconsidering leadership rolesData highlights: 40% of leaders contemplating leaving for work-life balance; Gen Z's unique leadership aspirationsShift from linear career paths to lateral moves and skill diversificationBurnout risks: The impact of linear career expectations on wellbeingMaking leadership roles attractive: Compensation, meaning, wellbeing, and flexibilityThe importance of designing sustainable leadership structuresCreating alternative career paths beyond traditional managementDecentralizing decision-making to empower teams and reduce leader burdenReframing leadership as a growth opportunity aligned with millennial and Gen Z valuesRole of organizational culture in supporting healthy leadership practicesRethinking in-office expectations and remote leadership modelsThe potential of sharing leadership responsibilities within teamsLearn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does success in our careers hinge on understanding and managing ourselves? And what's the first step on this journey towards upleveling your career and your leadership?In this enlightening and wide-ranging conversation, Sally and Alexis sit down with Margaret Andrews, a leadership expert and author, to explore the critical importance of self-understanding in effective leadership. They discuss how managing oneself is essential for leading others, the significance of bridging the intention-impact gap, and the role of interpersonal skills in fostering a positive workplace culture. The conversation also delves into the costs of poor leadership and the necessity of investing in emotional intelligence and self-management for organizational success. Margaret shares practical questions for leaders to reflect on their journey towards better self-management and leadership effectiveness.Key takeaways:Why understanding and managing ourselves is crucial for effective leadership.How self-awareness leads to better understanding of others.The reasons the intention-impact gap is a key concept in leadership.That self-management is an ongoing journey for leaders.Why interpersonal skills are more important than technical skills in leadership.The key reasons poor leadership can lead to high turnover and low morale.How investing in leadership development is essential for organizational success.Why human skills are increasingly vital in the age of AI.That leaders should treat employees as individuals, not resources.How the journey of self-reflection is the first step towards becoming a better leader.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Self-Management in Leadership02:52 Understanding and Managing Yourself05:49 The Role of Self-Reflection in Leadership08:56 The Journey of Leadership Development11:55 Characteristics of Great Bosses17:41 The Impact of Emotional Intelligence23:50 The Necessity of Human Skills in the Age of AI29:53 Investing in Leadership Development32:42 Starting Your Journey to Better Leadership34:53 Introduction to Human-Centric Leadership36:53 Insights from Margaret Andrews on Leadership DevelopmentLearn more about Margaret and her incredible work and order her brilliant book at the Live+Work More Human website right here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This incredibly timely conversation between your hosts Alexis and Sally delves into the complex relationship between loneliness and work identity, exploring how societal pressures and personal experiences shape our connection to work and each other. Sharing personal experience as well as data and expertise, Sally and Alexis discuss the impact of technology on social interactions, the challenges of forming adult friendships, and the responsibility of organizations to foster a sense of belonging. We share candid personal anecdotes and practical strategies for combating loneliness that will resonate for everyone, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and meaningful connections.Key insights include:How loneliness is increasingly recognized as a societal issue.Why work can become a primary source of identity, leading to over-investment in professional roles.The ways creating belonging in organizations is essential for employee well-being.How personal experiences of loneliness can inform our understanding of workplace dynamics.The role of technology in facilitating connections (but why it shouldn't replace in-person interactions!).How engaging in community activities can foster deeper connections.Real talk: adult friendships are hard.Why we feel organizations have a responsibility to address employee loneliness.The ways in which courageous acts of connection can have a ripple effect.Why for all of us, finding meaning beyond work is crucial for mental health.Chapters00:00 Exploring Loneliness and Work13:39 Personal Experiences of Loneliness24:58 The Role of Technology in Connection33:55 Organizational Responsibility in Combating LonelinessLearn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Thank you for being an incredible part of the Live+Work More Human community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of Live+Work More Human (formerly We Are Human Leaders), Alexis and Sally sit down with CEO and author Jon Rosemberg to discuss what it means to shift from survive, to thrive. And the impact this has for our careers and lives.We explore the concept of survival mode as an evolutionary mechanism that many people find themselves in today. Jon generously shares his personal journey from survival to thriving, emphasizing the importance of agency, social connection, and intrinsic worth. And, our discussion explores the distinction between thriving and success, the significance of psychological flexibility, and the development of a map to guide individuals towards a thriving life. Jon encourages listeners to recognize their intrinsic value and practice agency in their daily lives, ultimately fostering a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.Key takeaways:That survival mode is a natural evolutionary response.How we can recognize when we are in survival mode.The reasons thriving is about agency, meaning, and social connection.Why success is often defined by external factors like money and status.The reasons agency is the ability to make intentional choices that matter.How psychological flexibility allows us to adapt and find new paths.Reasons our identities should be complex and not solely tied to our work.That intrinsic worth exists beyond our productivity and achievements.How mall moments of agency can lead to significant change over time.That the journey to thriving is personal and requires self-exploration.Chapters00:00 Understanding Survival Mode06:05 The Shift to Thriving12:45 Defining Thriving vs. Success18:24 The Importance of Agency23:34 Mapping the Journey to Thriving25:31 The Power of Beliefs29:49 Developing Agency Through AIR31:21 The Importance of Psychological Flexibility36:19 Identity and Intrinsic Worth42:56 Embracing Agency for Personal GrowthLearn more about Jon, his book and his incredible work at the Live+Work More Human Podcast page here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this frank and animated conversation, co-hosts Alexis Zahner and Sally Clarke explore the complex relationship between productivity, rest, and burnout. They discuss personal experiences with productivity pressures, the societal expectations that contribute to burnout, and the importance of understanding different forms of rest.This open and insightful dialogue emphasizes the need for self-compassion, the role of therapy and coaching, and practical strategies for preventing burnout while fostering a healthier work-life experience for all of us.Key insights include:Why the struggle with productivity and rest is common among high achievers.How rest should not be viewed as a reward for productivity but as a necessity.The ways societal pressures often dictate our sense of worth based on productivity.Why burnout can occur in both organizational and personal contexts.The power of understanding different types of rest can help in recovery and prevention of burnout.Why therapy and coaching can provide valuable support in managing stress and burnout.The reasons we see self-assessment as crucial in recognizing burnout symptoms.How creating boundaries around work can enhance productivity and well-being.The key reasons finding joy and play in life is essential for mental health.Why, now more than ever, it's important to connect with others and share experiences to combat feelings of isolation. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chaos and Productivity02:50 The Struggle with Productivity and Rest05:59 The Impact of Childhood on Productivity Mindset09:00 Understanding Different Types of Rest11:55 Navigating Faux Productivity14:55 The Connection Between Worth and Productivity17:59 Societal Pressures and Personal Value20:56 The Pervasiveness of Burnout and Its Consequences24:29 Understanding Burnout: Personal Experiences and Definitions30:09 The Role of Therapy and Coaching in Managing Burnout36:09 Practical Strategies for Preventing Burnout40:56 Finding Joy and Play in Life Despite ChallengesLearn more, including the links to the episode with Dr Saunda Dalton Smith, right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/f-productivity-busyness-burnout Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from Live and Work More Human.In today’s Brain Snack, we share practical advice for driving more connection and belonging in hybrid and remote teams. And the do’s and don’ts for using online technology for connection, and how to best use time together wisely to drive deeper relationships.For more resources like this one, check out the Live and Work More Human podcast right here.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, we discuss how to upskill for a future that’s uncertain and unpredictable. We share our expert insights on the mindsets and behaviours that will be critical for success now, and into the future. This is part of a four part Brain Snack series where we answer your questions.For more resources like this one, check out the We Are Human Leaders podcast right here www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcastFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Author and Disruption Expert Terence Mauri shares with Alexis and Sally his take on how leaders need to be framing disruption to harness change and remain relevant. He shares with us the risks of doing nothing in a rapidly changing world, and how AI is as much about people as it is about technology. For more, check out the full conversation How to Befriend Uncertainty with Terence Mauri here.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Relationship Psychologist Rachel Voysey shares with Alexis and Sally her advice on navigating romantic relationships in the workplace, especially in the early stages. She gives us the non-negotiable boundaries for keeping this professional, while still allowing our relationships to grow.For more, check out the full conversation Romance, Cheating and BFFs: Relationships at Work with Rachel Voysey.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today’s brain snack, Mindfulness Expert Researcher Megan Reitz shares with Alexis and Sally her advice on how we can create more spaciousness in our increasingly busy and complex world. She shares the five fundamental pillars of spaciousness, and some practical insights to begin using these to escape the busyness hamster wheel in your own life.For more, check out the full conversation Escaping the Busyness Trap with Megan Reitz here.For now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.