Today we’re trying something slightly different on the podcast. We’re going through some of the wonderful feedback we’ve received from you listeners, and we’re going to respond to some of the great questions you've thrown at us. Here are a few things we will cover: Leadership styles and corresponding work environments that are conducive to those styles Disentangling personal and professional boundaries in the workplace...
Feb 18, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Today’s episode reflects on, Clayton Christensen, who was a Harvard Business School professor and consultant. He is probably best known because of his book, The Innovator’s Dilemma , which was published in 1997 and introduced his theory of “disruptive innovation.” Christensen died on January 23, 2020, and it reminded us of one of our favorite works of his, a 2010 article in Harvard Business Review titled, "How Will You Measure Your Life?" So, in this episode we reflect on Clayton and explore the...
Feb 10, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode we discuss creating a feedback culture. We hear a lot about how important culture is and many companies are striving to win in the culture wars by offering everything from massages to gourmet free snacks. That’s all great on the surface, but let’s talk about: What is a feedback culture and why does it matter? What can an organization do to foster a feedback culture? What can individual leaders do to foster a feedback culture? Our last episode came in response to one of our listen...
Feb 04, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Today’s episode comes from a recommendation from one of our many amazing listeners. So, this one’s for you, Kate! And the topic we’re addressing today is mentoring . What is mentoring and its types Mentoring programs contrasted with coaching and leadership development Advice for those who seek mentoring...
Jan 28, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 16
We are drawing from the great book by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton and Sheila Heen, Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. If you ARE Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, or Sheila Heen, let us know--we’d love to have you on! In this episode we discuss: what is a difficult conversation and when to have them the three conversations how to prepare for and conduct difficult conversations...
Jan 21, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 15
There is a lot we can say about why people quit and how you can retain them, hence a "part 2" to this discussion. We cover the following. Turnover and retention--what the research says Retention management--evidence based guidelines Unfolding model of turnover Organizational commitment and withdrawal...
Jan 14, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Most managers know that retaining top talent is key to their success. As such, many companies are offering all sorts of "perks" to attract and keep the best employees. What does the research say? In this episode we cover: Turnover and retention--what the research says Retention management--evidence based guidelines Unfolding model of turnover Organizational commitment and withdrawal...
Jan 07, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 13
It's amazing how difficult it seems to get things done sometimes. In our consulting practice we have an entire curriculum around "Getting to Done" given how many organizations struggle in the area of execution. So in this episode we discuss: Queuing theory (you need a damn backlog) Sandbagging is bull**** Definition of done, managing nexus, and broader organizational implications...
Dec 31, 2019•49 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In todays episode we discuss: New year resolutions--should you make them? Goal-setting and what works How to create new habits
Dec 26, 2019•58 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Today we’re going to explore a few great topics with Joe Allen, focusing in particular on a cool nexus of organizational psychology and the world of healthcare. Specifically, we will delve into: ● Joe's research on human behavior within healthcare and what we seem to know about how human behavior contributes to patient safety and other meaningful outcomes. ● How Joe's research also helps us understand more about communication and its importance in creating adaptive, resilient teams and organizat...
Dec 17, 2019•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 10
Today we discuss … Holiday parties and other office social events GONE WILD! Office romance, fraternization, harassment and a better way forward Mandatory fun and how to approach social events as an organization or leader...
Dec 09, 2019•55 min•Season 1Ep. 9
This episode is all about employee and career burnout. We've all been there, or know someone who has ... but what can we do besides say, "Take this job and shove it?" Organizational researchers have evidence that offers us alternative solutions which may work out a bit better than having a Jerry Maguire moment. So today we discuss: What is burnout? How to recognize burnout in yourself and others. What can be done about burnout at the individuals and organizational levels?...
Dec 03, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Today we discuss: Defining organizational culture Why organizational culture matters How organizational culture changes
Nov 26, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Today in the podcast, we discuss …performance reviews, also known as performance appraisals or annual reviews, along with the overall idea of managing performance for employees in organizations. Regarding the formal performance review, we’ll talk about why doing these is a GOOD idea. We’ll also talk about how they can be problematic along with some key implications and considerations for employees and managers. Show Notes and Resources *FYI, when you search “performance review” on Google Scholar...
Nov 19, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Ben and Chris discuss: History of the HR function What's wrong with how HR often functions given the changing nature of work Why HR is essential for the success of organizations in the future and some ways it must change
Nov 12, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 5
The Indigo Podcast's hosts, Ben and Chris, discuss what managerial derailment is and why it happens, practical ways in which people can reduce the probability of derailing themselves, and steps for organizations to avoid having their managers derail. Podcast articles and links mentioned by Chris and Ben : Shipper, F., & Dillard Jr, J. E. (2000). A study of impending derailment and recovery of middle managers across career stages. Human Resource Management, 39, 331-345. https://www.researchgate.n...
Oct 31, 2019•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 4
The Indigo Podcast's hosts, Ben and Chris, explain the origins of VUCA and why it’s relevant. They define what “agile” and “agility” mean in the context of business and management. And, they provide practical examples of agility/agile and implications for employees and managers. Podcast articles and links mentioned by Chris and Ben : Ben’s agility white paper https://www.indigoanchor.com/s/Bens-SIOP-Paper.pdf On origins of VUCA https://www.indigoanchor.com/blog/2019/10/31/on-the-origins-of-vuca-...
Oct 31, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 3
The Indigo Podcast's hosts, Ben and Chris, swap entertaining stories of being scandalized and surprised by incompetent management/leadership. They explore the question, "Why does incompetent management and leadership persist?" And, they offer advice on what people and organizations can do to thrive at the individual, management, and executive levels. Podcast articles and links mentioned by Chris and Ben: John Kotter What Leaders Really Do https://hbr.org/2001/12/what-leaders-really-do Situationa...
Oct 31, 2019•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Ben and Chris introduce listeners to who they are, how they met, what they're doing now, why they started the podcast, and what drives them in the world of work...and beyond.
Oct 31, 2019•47 min•Season 1Ep. 1
