Business Problems Solved's 300th episode features host Lee reflecting on his personal transformational journey of running the London Marathon and completing a 100-kilometer ultra challenge. Through his experience, Lee introduces the SMART FIRST method for setting and achieving goals, emphasising the importance of strategic, meaningful, ambitious, real, and targeted goals. He also discusses the FIRST method, focusing on fueling the body and mind, being in the moment, preparing adequately, having ...
Aug 26, 2024•22 min•Ep. 300
Lee talks about an unconventional yet thought provoking analogy between cleaning and successful change initiatives. Lee draws parallels between the four key components of cleaning—movement, cleaning solution, heat, and time—and the essential elements required for effective change. Through this insightful comparison, listeners are encouraged to apply the same rigour and methodology to their change initiatives as they do to everyday cleaning tasks, ultimately aiming to create sustainable and impac...
Aug 19, 2024•10 min•Ep. 299
Lee explores the key insights from Carlo Ancelotti's leadership book, "Quiet Leadership." He reflects on the importance of relationships, connection, and authenticity in leadership, drawing inspiration from Ancelotti's approach to managing world-class football teams. The episode highlights the three Cs to becoming a champion: capability of tasks, cultural fit, and contribution to the team. Listeners are encouraged to apply these principles to enhance their leadership skills and team performance....
Aug 12, 2024•16 min•Ep. 298
Lee's latest episode talks about the intricacies of maintaining change momentum and combating loneliness within change management. He shares insights on understanding individual journeys, building belief and trust, leading with connection over tools, and the importance of habits in driving change. Through engaging anecdotes and actionable advice, Lee encourages listeners to embrace the challenges of change management with enthusiasm and purpose. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understand that everybody is on a jo...
Aug 05, 2024•21 min•Ep. 297
Lee talks about the complexities of leading change within organisations, focusing on maintaining momentum and limiting loneliness in the process. He emphasises the importance of understanding where individuals are on their change journey, addressing resistance, and building belief, trust, and confidence in the solution, approach, and organisation. This episode serves as part one of a two-part series, offering practical approaches to make positive strides in the ever-evolving landscape of change ...
Jul 29, 2024•20 min•Ep. 296
Join Lee as he talks about the importance of considering three key factors before implementing tools in business change initiatives. Lee emphasises the significance of prioritising connection and understanding the audience before introducing tools, drawing parallels to the world of comedy where connection is paramount. He highlights the need to assess the problem the tool aims to solve, the design principles behind it, and the predictability of results in the current environment. Listeners are e...
Jul 22, 2024•13 min•Ep. 295
Lee's latest episode explores the concept of change as a journey, emphasising the individual nature of each person's experience. Lee discusses various models like the Kubler-Ross change curve and Bridges transition model, highlighting the importance of understanding people's past experiences and emotions when leading change initiatives. The episode underscores the significance of making individuals feel positive, safe, and supported throughout the change process, ultimately expressing the need f...
Jul 15, 2024•15 min•Ep. 294
Lee reflects on the first six months of 2024, sharing his personal achievements, including running marathons and launching online courses, attributing his success to the intensity and frequency of his nine-month challenge. He discusses the importance of structure and rhythm in achieving goals, emphasising the concept of intensity times frequency equals connection. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to apply intensity and frequency to their endeavours for a successful second hal...
Jul 08, 2024•14 min•Ep. 293
This episode explores the crucial concept of connection in the realm of leadership, change management, and organisational success. Lee emphasises the significance of connecting people to the purpose, vision, and initiatives of a business to drive sustainable performance excellence. Through the framework of the four C's - connection, conversation, collaboration, and celebration/reflection - Lee explores how fostering strong connections among individuals and aligning behaviours with organisational...
Jul 01, 2024•16 min•Ep. 292
This episode explores the intriguing debate between maturity and ownership when implementing solutions in organisations. Lee reflects on his experiences and conversations, emphasising the importance of balancing these two factors. Through engaging storytelling and practical advice, Lee navigates the complexities of decision-making in organisational improvement, offering a thought-provoking perspective on achieving long-term success. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ownership Over Maturity: When introducing a solut...
Jun 24, 2024•16 min•Ep. 291
Business Problems Solved's latest episode discusses the concept of operational excellence and high-performing environments. Lee emphasises the importance of engaged and empowered people in driving business performance. By focusing on the interactions and engagement of team members rather than just metrics and tools, Lee highlights the true essence of operational excellence - making people and driving performance simultaneously. Listeners are encouraged to consider the impact of their leadership ...
Jun 17, 2024•13 min•Ep. 290
Lee explores the concept of creating an innovative and engaged workforce by challenging the traditional notion of "ask for forgiveness, not for permission." He discusses the importance of leading with context, giving permission, and encouraging behaviours like challenge, conflict, failure, and problem-solving within a safe environment. Listeners are encouraged to embrace failure and conflict as opportunities for growth and improvement, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous learning and de...
Jun 10, 2024•15 min•Ep. 289
Lee explores the concept of operational excellence through the lens of two renowned entrepreneurs, Steve Jobs and Richard Branson. He talks about the importance of connecting the dots in operational excellence, drawing on the wisdom of Jobs and Branson. Through examples and practical insights, listeners are encouraged to connect the dots between tools, behaviours, and environments to drive success in business operations. The episode underscores the need to start with the end in mind, as advocate...
Jun 03, 2024•15 min•Ep. 288
Lee delves into the common issue of setting vague deadlines and lack of follow-through in business meetings. Lee challenges the practice of assigning generic due dates like "next Friday" or "end of the month," urging listeners to prioritise specific times for completing tasks. By emphasising the importance of committing to realistic deadlines and actively prioritising key activities, Lee highlights how this approach can lead to increased productivity and successful task completion. KEY TAKEAWAYS...
May 27, 2024•13 min•Ep. 287
This episode delves into the importance of intent, intensity, and impact in achieving desired outcomes. Lee introduces the concept of the three I's - intent, intensity, and impact - as key factors in determining the success of actions and conversations. Listeners are encouraged to look inward, assess their approach, and strive for greater effectiveness in their interactions to achieve the desired impact. KEY TAKEAWAYS Intent, Intensity, and Impact: The three I's discussed in the podcast are cruc...
May 20, 2024•15 min•Ep. 286
Lee delves into the importance of not just doing tasks, but doing them well to make a real difference. He emphasises the four levels of performance: not doing it, doing it, doing it well, and doing it well to shift performance. Drawing parallels to driving a car, Lee explains how simply completing a task is not enough; it must be done with the aim of achieving a specific goal or destination. He challenges listeners to consider their internal motivations and the impact of their actions on reachin...
May 13, 2024•18 min•Ep. 285
In this episode of Business Problems Solved, Lee reflects on his recent completion of the London Marathon and shares five key takeaways that helped him achieve this milestone. Lee draws parallels between lessons from his marathon experience and their applicability in business settings, emphasising the significance of proper fueling, being in the moment, perseverance, support, and training to achieve success. KEY TAKEAWAYS Fuel Brain and Body Properly: Focus on providing the right fuel through fo...
May 06, 2024•13 min•Ep. 284
Lee reflects on his recent completion of the London Marathon and shares five key things that helped him achieve this milestone. Lee draws parallels between these lessons from his marathon experience and their applicability in business settings, emphasising the significance of proper fuelling, being in the moment, perseverance, support, and training to achieve success. KEY TAKEAWAYS Fuel Brain and Body Properly: Focus on providing the right fuel through food, thoughts, and sleep to ensure optimal...
Apr 29, 2024•22 min•Ep. 283
This episode explores the importance of understanding and meeting the needs of others in conversations. Lee discusses the concept of the three H's - being heard, helped, or hugged - and how individuals typically seek one of these in interactions. Drawing inspiration from Charles Dewick's book, "Super Communicators," Lee emphasises the significance of recognising what the speaker wants from a conversation to enhance connection. The episode concludes with a reminder to prioritise connection over m...
Apr 22, 2024•14 min•Ep. 282
This episode delves into the practical application of the ICE model in coaching conversations to drive transformational change. Lee introduces a four-box model that focuses on the coachee's level of thinking and action, guiding leaders on how to navigate coaching sessions effectively. The episode offers a structured approach to coaching that aims to empower individuals to think differently and take meaningful action towards improvement. KEY TAKEAWAYS ICE Model: The ICE model consists of three st...
Apr 15, 2024•19 min•Ep. 281
Lee delves into the art of coaching, specifically focusing on the role of an improvement coach. Host Lee Horton emphasises the importance of having a clear intent, using conversation starters, and defining expected outcomes before engaging in coaching sessions. He introduces the ICE model (Intent, Conversation Starter, Expected Outcome) as a mental framework for effective coaching. Lee shares personal experiences of learning from mistakes, highlighting the significance of actively listening to t...
Apr 08, 2024•14 min•Ep. 280
Lee Horton delves into the concept that the best teams do not necessarily consist of the best thinkers, but rather create the best thinking environment. He emphasises the importance of leaders asking questions to empower and engage their teams, rather than providing all the answers. Lee discusses the significance of morning meetings or daily huddles in setting the tone for the day and encourages leaders to ask thought-provoking questions that stimulate critical thinking. KEY TAKEAWAYS Focus on A...
Apr 01, 2024•13 min•Ep. 279
Join Lee as he talks about the art of coaching and the importance of asking great questions. Lee Horton emphasises the significance of thought-provoking questions that are succinct, open, relevant, timely, and free from bias and emotion. By exploring what makes a great question, Lee highlights the role of coaching in supporting performance and development opportunities for individuals. KEY TAKEAWAYS Coaching is essential in managing and leading people, as it involves asking thought-provoking que...
Mar 25, 2024•13 min•Ep. 278
This episode delves into the crucial aspect of leadership buy-in in successful change initiatives. Lee talks about the importance of senior leaders actively engaging and supporting change efforts beyond just financial investment. Using the analogy of a glass ceiling and floor, Lee highlights the disconnect between leaders and employees, stressing the need for transparent communication and genuine connection at all levels of the organisation. By discussing the role of leaders in setting vision, e...
Mar 18, 2024•15 min•Ep. 277
This episode delves into the crucial aspect of role modelling within change teams. Lee, drawing from his 18 years of experience in change management, highlights the common failure of change teams to effectively role model the behaviours and strategies they advocate for others. By emphasising the importance of role modelling, Lee underscores the significance of change teams embodying the principles they aim to instil in leadership and operational teams. Through practical insights and real-world e...
Mar 11, 2024•13 min•Ep. 276
Lee explores the concept of footprints leaving clues in our personal and professional journeys. Reflecting on his own diverse experiences, including DJing, owning a bouncy castle business, and self-publishing children's books, Lee highlights the valuable lessons learned from each endeavour. By exploring the footprints left behind by these experiences, Lee emphasises the importance of understanding and maximising the potential of one's team members. KEY TAKEAWAYS Reflect on past experiences to un...
Mar 04, 2024•13 min•Ep. 275
Join Lee as he delves into the crucial role of rest in personal and professional growth. Drawing from his experience training for marathons, Lee highlights the necessity of rest periods for muscles to grow and strengthen. He parallels this concept with the workplace, emphasising the importance of downtime between meetings to allow for reflection, action, and progress. Through relatable analogies and thoughtful insights, Lee encourages listeners to consider how adequate rest can lead to enhanced ...
Feb 26, 2024•11 min•Ep. 274
Lee talks about the concept of looking at people through a deeper lens to truly understand and engage with them. He discusses the importance of considering individuals as a whole person, comprising their thoughts, feelings, actions, and beliefs. By breaking down the person into these four components, Lee explores how leaders can effectively engage with their teams and drive positive change. The episode emphasises the significance of whole-person reflection, encouraging listeners to reflect on th...
Feb 19, 2024•12 min•Ep. 273
In this episode, Lee discusses the importance of managing things, leading people, and coaching the gaps in a business setting. He stresses that while coaching is an effective way to develop employees, it is crucial to recognise when to manage situations and lead people instead. Lee highlights the need for clarity of vision, setting expectations, and role modelling when leading people. He also emphasises the importance of asking questions and providing challenges to close gaps and empower employe...
Feb 12, 2024•12 min•Ep. 272
Lee explores the difference between organisational habits and personal habits. He reflects on his previous discussions about individual habits and how they influence culture. Lee defines organisational habits as routines that occur automatically within an organisation, independent of specific individuals. He emphasises the importance of understanding and influencing both personal and organisational habits to shape the desired environment and achieve collective goals. KEY TAKEAWAYS Differentiatin...
Feb 05, 2024•14 min•Ep. 271
