Episodes

  • Cultivating a No-Drama Workplace
    Feb 22 2025

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    15 mins
  • Embracing Radical Candor for Growth and Connection
    Jan 31 2025

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    Can feedback ever be a gift rather than a grenade? Get ready to rethink your approach to workplace conversations as we unpack the concept of Radical Candor, a communication method that's transforming HR practices worldwide. Inspired by Kim Scott's pioneering book, we explore how blending honesty with empathy can turn feedback from a dreaded chore into a chance for genuine development. Picture yourself guiding colleagues like a supportive coach, rather than a harsh critic, and discover why this could be the most critical skill in your HR toolkit. From addressing tardiness to refining that less-than-perfect presentation, we'll arm you with real-world examples and strategies to tackle tough conversations confidently.

    Join us for an enlightening discussion on why Radical Candor is not just another buzzword but a cornerstone for building trust and fostering growth in any organization. Learn how to sidestep the traps of ruinous empathy and obnoxious aggression, and instead, find that sweet spot where honesty fuels improvement and connection. By reimagining feedback, you can transform your workplace into a cohesive and thriving environment, where even the most challenging interactions become opportunities for progress. Whether you're an HR pro or just someone who wants to communicate better, this episode promises to equip you with insights that are as practical as they are transformative.

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    13 mins
  • Navigating Cognitive Biases Pt. 2
    Dec 30 2024

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    Discover the hidden forces shaping your professional decisions with our latest episode on cognitive biases. Ever wondered why you sometimes overreact to minor issues or feel paralyzed by too many choices? We promise a deep understanding of psychological quirks like the spotlight effect and hindsight bias, which can cloud your judgment at work. Together, we’ll unravel these biases, using vivid examples to show how they lead to flawed decisions and unnecessary stress. Our exploration into mind traps like availability cascades and the Zeigarnik effect will equip you with strategies to think more clearly, encouraging strategic leadership and improved workplace dynamics.

    Join us as we dissect common cognitive biases that mislead us during hiring, performance reviews, and strategic planning. We reveal the dangers of the gambler's fallacy and survivorship bias, which skew our perception of success and decision-making. Ever felt overwhelmed by too many options? We tackle the paradox of choice, advocating for simplification to enhance effectiveness. By shedding light on phenomena like Baader-Meinhof and the sunk cost fallacy, we shift focus from past investments to future potential. This episode empowers you to step back, question your thought processes, and make more rational choices in both your professional and personal life.
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    21 mins
  • Navigating Cognitive Biases
    Dec 14 2024

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    Unlock the secrets of your mind's hidden traps and begin your journey toward more rational thinking. Have you ever wondered why we sometimes misjudge others or why our perceptions can be so easily influenced by first impressions? This episode promises to unravel these mysteries by exploring the complex world of cognitive biases like self-serving bias, fundamental attribution error, and cognitive dissonance, offering you practical insights and examples from the workplace. By understanding how these biases shape our decisions, you'll gain valuable tools to navigate the complexities of human interaction and improve your decision-making skills.

    In the second part of our discussion, we challenge you to break free from the cognitive biases that often pervade professional settings. We dissect the halo effect, confirmation bias, and the framing effect, using real-world examples to illustrate how these biases can cloud judgment and reinforce existing beliefs. As we share strategies to counteract these influences, we underscore the power of diverse perspectives and open dialogue in fostering a more inclusive and thoughtful work environment. Tune in to arm yourself with the knowledge to question assumptions and make informed decisions that drive excellence in your career.

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    22 mins
  • Shaping the Future: Empowering HR Advocacy in Government and Workplace Policy
    Oct 25 2024

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    Unlock the potential of HR advocacy as we engage with Stephen Towns from the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana, along with Sarah Weiss and Tracy Justice from local NIRA and Indy SHRM chapters. Discover how HR professionals can proactively influence government policies and workplace environments by leveraging SHRM’s advocacy platform. Listen as our guests provide expert insights into how early engagement in legislative processes, like the Family and Medical Leave Act, can shape future workplace dynamics.

    Explore the critical intersection of workplace advocacy and government regulations, emphasized through the lens of the Northeast Indiana Chamber. We introduce the concept of an advocacy tree, a powerful tool that transforms employee concerns into collective action, fostering an environment of open dialogue and collaboration. This discussion also highlights the struggle small businesses face against complex regulations, urging business owners to become proactive participants in advocacy, utilizing invaluable resources such as local chambers of commerce and advocacy groups.

    Gain strategic insights into effective government relations for HR professionals. Our conversation delves into building foundational knowledge and confidence, encouraging HR professionals to engage with local legislators and participate in community advocacy efforts. We underscore the importance of networking and community involvement to navigate political changes, offering actionable strategies for HR professionals to become informed, empowered, and active participants in shaping policies that affect their organizations and communities.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Turning Elephants into Opportunities
    Sep 29 2024

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    How can you transform difficult workplace conversations into opportunities for growth? Inspired by Sarah Noel Wilson's "Don't Feed the Elephants," we unpack the metaphor of "elephants in the room"—those unspoken issues that can hinder trust and productivity. Through strategies like building conflict capacity, compassionate curiosity, and intentional engagement, we explore how you can address these uncomfortable truths head-on. Our discussion aims to equip you with the tools to improve team dynamics and foster a culture of vulnerability and understanding.

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    29 mins
  • Crafting Your Career: Finding Purpose and Growth in Your Current Role
    Jul 26 2024

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    Can you find greater purpose and satisfaction in your current job without needing to change roles? Discover the transformative power of job crafting with insights from our expert guest from Evolve Me. This episode promises you new ways to reflect on what might be missing in your job and identify opportunities for skill expansion and personal development, ultimately enhancing both your career satisfaction and retention. Learn how workshops and lateral moves can support your growth and experimentation within your existing role.

    We take a detailed look into the importance of career visioning and job crafting for long-term personal and professional growth. Understand how regular career conversations with your manager can align your aspirations with organizational goals, and why organizational buy-in is crucial to make job crafting effective and fair. From self-initiated research to networking, get equipped with valuable tools to explore other roles and opportunities within your company, and to navigate potential challenges like favoritism and political dynamics.

    Navigating the logistics of job crafting within a team is not without its challenges. We discuss how managers can ensure equity and fairness while supporting individual growth. Hear inspiring success stories, such as a CEO who recommitted to her role through self-discovery and leading new initiatives. Additionally, we touch on the benefits of HR membership and volunteering, highlighting the dynamic offerings of the New York Retail Alliance and how they can propel your career forward. To wrap it all up, enjoy personal anecdotes and favorite moments that will leave you inspired and ready to take action on your own career journey.

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    52 mins
  • From Classroom to Career: The Soft Skills Journey
    Jun 28 2024

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    Discover how mastering soft skills can unlock new opportunities in your career with insights from our distinguished guest, Ashley Adamson, Senior Program Manager at JA Innovation Team. Learn why employers are shifting their focus from technical skills to competencies like collaboration and communication. We'll explore the groundbreaking JA Career Ready Credential, a digital platform that equips students with micro-credentials in essential soft skills, making them more appealing candidates in today's competitive job market.

    In this episode, we dive into the collaborative effort to implement a micro-credentialing system in Fort Wayne Community Schools, specifically for 11th graders. Hear from experts Carly Buchanan, Nick Dara, and Patrick Bushing on the role of employer feedback in shaping a system that meets the varied needs of students and businesses alike. We'll discuss how industry leaders are ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and effective, preparing students for the workforce by fostering essential habits and self-determination.

    From early education to entering the workforce, we emphasize the value of nurturing soft skills across all stages of development. Our conversation includes success stories from partnerships with Junior Achievement and how these initiatives are addressing talent shortages in the community. Don't miss out on this enriching episode that highlights the importance of recognizing and cultivating these often-undervalued competencies in the workplace. Join us for more valuable discussions in our upcoming episodes.

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    30 mins