New Episodes release every Tuesday.
Our podcast is designed with you in mind, a senior leader of a thriving business.
You will find specific actionable strategic advice on how to assess and then improve operational process performance. The podcast is short and value added and was designed for leaders that don’t have time to mess around with complicated abstract talk, consultant speak, and non-answers.
You will find specific actionable strategic advice on how to assess and then improve operational process performance. The podcast is short and value added and was designed for leaders that don’t have time to mess around with complicated abstract talk, consultant speak, and non-answers.
Episode 17
If It Ain't Broke...Break it Anyway!
You cannot learn in your comfort zone, get out of your comfort zone! There is no room for a comfort zone for an effective leader. If you are known to have said "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", you need to heed my advice. There is ALWAYS room for improvement. If it ain't broke thinking is lazy thinking, we need to cultivate a mindset where we see processes as opportunities for improvement.
Show Notes
If It Ain't Broke...Break it Anyway!
You cannot learn in your comfort zone, get out of your comfort zone! There is no room for a comfort zone for an effective leader. If you are known to have said "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", you need to heed my advice. There is ALWAYS room for improvement. If it ain't broke thinking is lazy thinking, we need to cultivate a mindset where we see processes as opportunities for improvement.
Show Notes
Episode 16
Pod Zero: Introducing Dr Ron Hurst
Throughout my career I have found that context and credibility matter. This cast is my attempt to help you as a listener answer several important questions: What is this cast about? Why should you listen? Who is Dr. Ron Hurst? Why should you care? How will this cast benefit you?
Show Notes
Pod Zero: Introducing Dr Ron Hurst
Throughout my career I have found that context and credibility matter. This cast is my attempt to help you as a listener answer several important questions: What is this cast about? Why should you listen? Who is Dr. Ron Hurst? Why should you care? How will this cast benefit you?
Show Notes
Episode 15
My Way or the Highway Managers
Do you have managers who are so decisive that they become a liability. Decisiveness and confidence are desirable traits in an effective leader, but what happens when these traits go too far and the manager starts flirting with bully like behavior, or closes himself off from external input and feedback? Poor performance... Disengaged employees...
In this cast I walk you through a five step model on how to develop your managers into confident, decisive, and receptive leaders.
Show Notes
My Way or the Highway Managers
Do you have managers who are so decisive that they become a liability. Decisiveness and confidence are desirable traits in an effective leader, but what happens when these traits go too far and the manager starts flirting with bully like behavior, or closes himself off from external input and feedback? Poor performance... Disengaged employees...
In this cast I walk you through a five step model on how to develop your managers into confident, decisive, and receptive leaders.
Show Notes
Episode 14
Churning Butter | Mediocre Managers, Meetings, and Under Performance
Soul sucking, bureaucratic, lousy meetings are the bane of effective leaders. Avoid them at all costs! Instead we need to become skilled at subtly introducing purpose and process into all the meetings we attend. In this cast we describe how to improve the meetings you get sucked into by learning how to address meetings beforehand, during and afterward. We address how you as a manager can design and execute great meetings and set up fewer of them because you will only use meetings in future for clear purposes.
Show Notes
Churning Butter | Mediocre Managers, Meetings, and Under Performance
Soul sucking, bureaucratic, lousy meetings are the bane of effective leaders. Avoid them at all costs! Instead we need to become skilled at subtly introducing purpose and process into all the meetings we attend. In this cast we describe how to improve the meetings you get sucked into by learning how to address meetings beforehand, during and afterward. We address how you as a manager can design and execute great meetings and set up fewer of them because you will only use meetings in future for clear purposes.
Show Notes
Episode 13
Ron's Rules for Problem Solving
One of the most important skill any leader can develop is the ability to solve problems. Despite this, most leaders are merely good trouble shooters. What is the difference? Trouble shooters are focused on solving the presenting symptom. Some times they solve a problem to root cause, ya and sometimes a squirrel can can find a nut if it hangs out near the right tree! Problem solving is not a matter of luck, it is a matter of process. Few leaders have developed a clear process they follow that ensures they solve problems to root cause. In this cast I lay a foundation for how to develop the right mindset that will direct you to solving problems to root cause.
Show Notes
Ron's Rules for Problem Solving
One of the most important skill any leader can develop is the ability to solve problems. Despite this, most leaders are merely good trouble shooters. What is the difference? Trouble shooters are focused on solving the presenting symptom. Some times they solve a problem to root cause, ya and sometimes a squirrel can can find a nut if it hangs out near the right tree! Problem solving is not a matter of luck, it is a matter of process. Few leaders have developed a clear process they follow that ensures they solve problems to root cause. In this cast I lay a foundation for how to develop the right mindset that will direct you to solving problems to root cause.
Show Notes
Episode 12
"Compromise is for Cowards" - Engaging in Conflict Correctly
The most effective leaders have a secret... They aren't afraid of conflict. On the contrary the most effective leaders know that breakthrough results often lie on the other side of successful conflict navigation. They don't buy into the mythology that all conflict is bad. No they recognize that interpersonal conflict is destructive but this is not the only type of conflict possible. Engaging in task conflict (the work we do) and process conflict (how we do it) is not only healthy but productive and a place of potential creative problem solving. In this cast learn how to move from confrontation to collaboration.
Show Notes
"Compromise is for Cowards" - Engaging in Conflict Correctly
The most effective leaders have a secret... They aren't afraid of conflict. On the contrary the most effective leaders know that breakthrough results often lie on the other side of successful conflict navigation. They don't buy into the mythology that all conflict is bad. No they recognize that interpersonal conflict is destructive but this is not the only type of conflict possible. Engaging in task conflict (the work we do) and process conflict (how we do it) is not only healthy but productive and a place of potential creative problem solving. In this cast learn how to move from confrontation to collaboration.
Show Notes
Episode 11
Hiring Stars or Hiring Problems?
In our last cast we discussed how to retain talent, in this one we continue the line of thinking of ensuring excellent employees with our take on the challenge of hiring stars. Unfortunately, there are managers who unconsciously hire people who can simply fog a mirror. This is a technical term I call #stupid. The goal is to hire the best person you can to ensure long term performance. Doing anything else means you will inherit management problems. Following good process, using behavioral style interview questions will change the game for you. Learn how you can ensure your next hire is an excellent one.
Show Notes
Hiring Stars or Hiring Problems?
In our last cast we discussed how to retain talent, in this one we continue the line of thinking of ensuring excellent employees with our take on the challenge of hiring stars. Unfortunately, there are managers who unconsciously hire people who can simply fog a mirror. This is a technical term I call #stupid. The goal is to hire the best person you can to ensure long term performance. Doing anything else means you will inherit management problems. Following good process, using behavioral style interview questions will change the game for you. Learn how you can ensure your next hire is an excellent one.
Show Notes
Episode 10
Retaining Talent
In the Harry Bosch fictional novel series the main character lives by the phrase "everyone counts or no one counts". I couldn't agree more. How you treat your contingent workers shows a lot about your respect for employees. Make no mistake respecting all of your employees is a foundational strategy to creating an engaged workforce. This cast explores how you as a senior leader can ensure that your firm is building the right culture where all employees feel respected and engaged.
Show Notes
Retaining Talent
In the Harry Bosch fictional novel series the main character lives by the phrase "everyone counts or no one counts". I couldn't agree more. How you treat your contingent workers shows a lot about your respect for employees. Make no mistake respecting all of your employees is a foundational strategy to creating an engaged workforce. This cast explores how you as a senior leader can ensure that your firm is building the right culture where all employees feel respected and engaged.
Show Notes
Episode 9
Let's Talk about Culture Change...Yes Really! - Interview with Angle Sanchez
In the last cast we broke down the elements of culture and why so many executive leaders screw up when they attempt to make a culture change. In this episode we interview the Director of Operations of Phenix Technologies about culture change and the critical skills necessary to get this right. Listen to Angel explain the role of patience, leadership and checking your ego to cultural change. This is a cast you don't want to miss.
Show Notes
Let's Talk about Culture Change...Yes Really! - Interview with Angle Sanchez
In the last cast we broke down the elements of culture and why so many executive leaders screw up when they attempt to make a culture change. In this episode we interview the Director of Operations of Phenix Technologies about culture change and the critical skills necessary to get this right. Listen to Angel explain the role of patience, leadership and checking your ego to cultural change. This is a cast you don't want to miss.
Show Notes
Episode 8
Culture Change....Really?
I often encounter senior managers who make the decision to improve their organizational culture. They use slogans, exhortations, they post pretty pictures on the wall, they hand out values cards. They might even use accountability to drive out old culture adherents from the organization. News flash! All of this is a waste of effort and potentially destructive to the organization if it's all you do. Culture exists deep in the collective memory of the organization. It cannot be changed as much as it can be channeled and subtly influenced. To access this level of skill requires you to know the assumptions your company is operating from. To find these requires you to be a detective. Your employees can't tell you what they are, they don't know either! In this cast, we explore the three levels of organizational culture and how to gain access to the deep level that drives how your organization reacts both internally and externally. If you are even wondering about a change in culture, you need to listen to this cast.
Show Notes
Culture Change....Really?
I often encounter senior managers who make the decision to improve their organizational culture. They use slogans, exhortations, they post pretty pictures on the wall, they hand out values cards. They might even use accountability to drive out old culture adherents from the organization. News flash! All of this is a waste of effort and potentially destructive to the organization if it's all you do. Culture exists deep in the collective memory of the organization. It cannot be changed as much as it can be channeled and subtly influenced. To access this level of skill requires you to know the assumptions your company is operating from. To find these requires you to be a detective. Your employees can't tell you what they are, they don't know either! In this cast, we explore the three levels of organizational culture and how to gain access to the deep level that drives how your organization reacts both internally and externally. If you are even wondering about a change in culture, you need to listen to this cast.
Show Notes
Episode 7
Management Speak - Jargon
Have you ever had a manager working for you that you suspected had no idea what they were doing? Sure they said the right things, they seemed to be confident but. You just had this sneaking suspicion that there was nothing behind the words. In this cast we explore the gap between knowing and doing, or saying the right thing but not having any experience in doing the right thing. I walk you through my superpower question that cuts through the bluster and the BS. Learn how to coach your leaders to higher performance and start to remove the jargon lazy communicating occurring in your business.
Show Notes
Management Speak - Jargon
Have you ever had a manager working for you that you suspected had no idea what they were doing? Sure they said the right things, they seemed to be confident but. You just had this sneaking suspicion that there was nothing behind the words. In this cast we explore the gap between knowing and doing, or saying the right thing but not having any experience in doing the right thing. I walk you through my superpower question that cuts through the bluster and the BS. Learn how to coach your leaders to higher performance and start to remove the jargon lazy communicating occurring in your business.
Show Notes
Episode 6
Let's Talk about Stick in the Mud Managers - Interview with Jason Flejter
In this special episode we interview my friend and colleague Jason Flejter, Director of Manufacturing for a national energy company. I explored the idea of stick in the mud managers with Jason learning his perspective on leading change. Jason's connects both the perspective of a shop floor employee and manufacturing executive. Jason shares how to help your direct report managers to increase their capacity and begin to embrace change.
Show Notes
Let's Talk about Stick in the Mud Managers - Interview with Jason Flejter
In this special episode we interview my friend and colleague Jason Flejter, Director of Manufacturing for a national energy company. I explored the idea of stick in the mud managers with Jason learning his perspective on leading change. Jason's connects both the perspective of a shop floor employee and manufacturing executive. Jason shares how to help your direct report managers to increase their capacity and begin to embrace change.
Show Notes
Episode 5
Stick in the Mud Managers
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" "That's not the way we do things around here". Every time i hear these two often repeated phrases I cringe. It seems to me this is lazy thinking. Okay sure there may actually be a valid reason somewhere in the distant past when the way we do things was designed that that way actually made sense. However, most of the time we hear these phrases it's just lazy thinking. In this cast learn why managers resist change and what specific actions you can take to help them engage in it and improve your business processes.
Show Notes
Stick in the Mud Managers
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" "That's not the way we do things around here". Every time i hear these two often repeated phrases I cringe. It seems to me this is lazy thinking. Okay sure there may actually be a valid reason somewhere in the distant past when the way we do things was designed that that way actually made sense. However, most of the time we hear these phrases it's just lazy thinking. In this cast learn why managers resist change and what specific actions you can take to help them engage in it and improve your business processes.
Show Notes
Episode 4
Developing Leaders
It is funny how some senior executives operate from a plug and play perspective. They hire leaders that already have the training, development, and experience needed such that they can put them in position and let them perform. There is a flaw in this perspective. If everyone did the same, where would we find the next generation of leader?
Show Notes
Developing Leaders
It is funny how some senior executives operate from a plug and play perspective. They hire leaders that already have the training, development, and experience needed such that they can put them in position and let them perform. There is a flaw in this perspective. If everyone did the same, where would we find the next generation of leader?
Show Notes
Episode 3
Hair on Fire Managers | Part 2
In Part One of Hair on Fire Managers we explored the number one reason why managers are so busy all the time. In this cast we dig a little deeper. The ability to prioritize is critical to managerial success and yet many mediocre managers act as if everything is important and they try to do everything. Newsflash folks if everything is critical, nothing is. The ability to prioritize is what enables a manager to be effective. In this cast, we will cover the high level Key Performance Indicators every business does or should track. We will dig deep and understand why many managers actually don't know how to prioritize and then together we will build a plan to mentor them in how to do so. By the time we are done, you will have the tools you need to ensure your direct report managers aren't busy with the wrong work any longer.
Show Notes
Hair on Fire Managers | Part 2
In Part One of Hair on Fire Managers we explored the number one reason why managers are so busy all the time. In this cast we dig a little deeper. The ability to prioritize is critical to managerial success and yet many mediocre managers act as if everything is important and they try to do everything. Newsflash folks if everything is critical, nothing is. The ability to prioritize is what enables a manager to be effective. In this cast, we will cover the high level Key Performance Indicators every business does or should track. We will dig deep and understand why many managers actually don't know how to prioritize and then together we will build a plan to mentor them in how to do so. By the time we are done, you will have the tools you need to ensure your direct report managers aren't busy with the wrong work any longer.
Show Notes
Episode 2
Why should I come back to work?
As our businesses start to move back to a new "normal" we will inevitably want all of our workforce to return to the office. Employees have been dealing with trauma, fear, and loss. Ignore this at your peril. Many are asking deep powerful questions about their career and whether they should come back to work. What happens if your company's approach to this is all wrong?
Show Notes
Why should I come back to work?
As our businesses start to move back to a new "normal" we will inevitably want all of our workforce to return to the office. Employees have been dealing with trauma, fear, and loss. Ignore this at your peril. Many are asking deep powerful questions about their career and whether they should come back to work. What happens if your company's approach to this is all wrong?
Show Notes
Episode 1
Hair on Fire Managers!
Have you ever asked yourself why are your managers so busy? It's as if being busy was a badge of success. Busy without direction is just a stupid waste of resource. In this cast we explore the primary reason many managers are stuck on the hamster wheel of busyness.
Show Notes
Hair on Fire Managers!
Have you ever asked yourself why are your managers so busy? It's as if being busy was a badge of success. Busy without direction is just a stupid waste of resource. In this cast we explore the primary reason many managers are stuck on the hamster wheel of busyness.
Show Notes