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Managing is hard period - managing up is or can be even harder. Going up stream is far more difficult than swimming downstream - wouldn't you agree. Today's episode I discuss 3 challenges and suggestions to push through those challenges as you pivot with more grace - not to mention creating a deeper path towards a team with psychological safety. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

How strongly do you believe that you can speak up with out fear of being punished or humiliated for sharing your ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes at work?  If you take a deep breath, pause or shout out NO then psychological safety probably isn't present in your workplace culture.  If you answered with a resounding YES, then you and your team are above the norm and BRAVO - keep doing what you are doing. You are probably experiencing innovation and the speed of success you are hoping for on your team. You are asking questions, you have given out permission slips to say anything, all the time and it's working, you are listening, your are including others, and taking action. Going back to those deep breaths, those of you that said NO or shook your head or maybe even laughed out loud - now you know what you are missing. Enjoy today's podcast - it's 7.5 minutes long. I am here to add value to your day and to that of your team and organization. Let me know how I am doing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

Ep 536 brings you a special edition mash up The Culture Hour - Your Morning Commute - Raw Leadership called Saturday Morning Leadership with Elizabeth Veliz and myself, Shelley Smith. We discuss the world today and why we are still talking about lack of retention, clear expectations, accountability and of course all things workplace culture and leadership. AND the intentional intersection of life today - all things personal and business. Not balance but reality and intentional interweaving.  You can listen or watch this video special edition on all 3 podcasts and Premier Rapport Youtube Channel. We can't wait to hear your comments, thoughts, ideas and how your challenge went. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

Change is a constant and I know you know that...how we tackle change is what can make or break a person or a team though. Usually we don't call it out as direct as we should and that's when things start to go sideways. Instead we have to get ahead of it and decide our intent and desire impact right from the beginning so we will know if the 'change' we started is yielding the 'change' we intended. It all goes back to what problem are we trying to solve right from the start. Innovation Disruption Communication Mindset Planning Motivation --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

Why is DEI so confusing? The answer is not simple. DEI encompasses a wide range of topics, perspectives, and concepts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It can be difficult to understand the nuances and complexities of how these issues intersect with each other and our lives. There are often different interpretations of what DEI means in various contexts. This makes it difficult to create a unified understanding of the concept. DEI is often thought of as an abstract concept instead of something tangible and concrete, leading to confusion and misinformation. Language around DEI can vary drastically from organization to organization or even person to person, contributing further to confusion. Implementing meaningful DEI initiatives requires resources that many organizations may not have. These challenges present a unique opportunity to create meaningful DEI initiatives that acknowledge and address these complexities. By engaging stakeholders throughout an organization in thoughtful conversations around the meaning of DEI, organizations can help build a shared understanding of both its definition and complexities. By using tools like surveys or focus groups, organizations can actively seek out the expertise of their employees and other stakeholders to ensure that any DEI initiatives are designed in an inclusive way. Organizations need to recognize that meaningful DEI initiatives will require more than just policy changes or hiring experts — it requires a sustained commitment from all levels of the organization. This includes making sure that everyone understands the importance of DEI and has access to the resources they need to engage with it.  Current trends are indicating many are pulling the plug on these programs...why - because they weren't understood, rolled out effectively and or misused. And that is a SHAME. If you are going to do something, do it right and make sure the intent and impact match.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

How do you define being professional? Have you ever thought that being professional at times means showing up NOT as you?  Stay with me here, last week I spent some time with an intern discussing this very topic.  Authenticity can be a tricky topic to negotiate in the professional setting. It is important to be true to ourselves and our values, but sometimes it can come across as unprofessional or cause conflict with colleagues or customers. Striking the balance between being professional and staying authentic is a challenge that many of us face daily in our workplaces. It is important to understand that our best acts of professionalism may come from embracing our authenticity and using it as a source of strength. Authenticity may take practice, but it's an investment well worth making when used constructively in the professional sphere. How are you showing up? Professional? Authentic? Boxed in? A smaller version of You? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

How are you applying your leadership, on - the - daily? Application Leadership is the equivalent of enrolling leadership school. Sure, you can watch all Youtube videos on the topic and there are books galore to read, but when it comes down to it, Application Leadership is applying what you’ve seen and read in real life situations. To me, Application Leadership means taking all the knowledge you’ve acquired throughout your years of study and practicing them in everyday scenarios. It means acting like a leader on an unconscious level by exhibiting admirable qualities that people naturally look towards with respect; courage, humility, charisma and trustworthiness. Application Leaders see life's challenges and use their creativity and problem-solving abilities to conquer them instead of give-up or run away from them. All in all, Application Leadership isn't about memorizing texts but rather putting into action what you've learned and resultantly inspiring others along the way. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

Talk talk talk... Many times that's what we do, when we need to listen, listen, listen It's hard to find solutions when you are doing all the talking - are you a leader that talks or listens? Today on the morning commute, I am asking just that, in hopes that more leaders will do less talking and more listening. I kept it simple today - but listening can be hard...how are you doing in that arena? Truth be told - I talk to much at times myself - assuming I know what's going to be asked and therefore quick to answer. Asking too many questions at one time and not be comfortable in the silence to allow others to think. I am working on it too and hope this inspires you to do the same. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

There isn't enough time in the day...perhaps but can we, should we better manage the time we have? Listen, I get it the days move fast and tasks pile up on the daily. But how often do we stop the madness and get off the hamster wheel to take a deeper look at the things keeping us 'busy'?  Today on the 520th episode of #YourMorningCommute I speak on this topic and offer up 9 ways to better managed your time and achieve your goals. It doesn't take rocket science, but it does take discipline.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

What role does or can scarcity play in your workplace culture? It begins with how you define it and does it scare you.  You mind does play tricks on you if you let it. What is perceived as scarce could be an opportunity knocking. It depends on how you and your team approaches it. While it may be tempting to focus on abundance when running a business, it is also important to consider how scarcity plays a role in workplace culture. As employers, understanding the impact of scarcity on how you manage your employees can help create an atmosphere that encourages growth and productivity. Today's quick podcast focus' on this very topic. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

Is the great resignation a myth?   Now that I have your attention - what I mean is - do people really not want to work anymore, or do they just don't want to work for you or the organization? Today on the 518th episode of #YourMorningCommute I go on a big of a rant to challenge what you are being told or hear, or chose to hear about why team members resign or become disengaged or even - dare say - only work while on the clock and not a minute after. (how dare they, lol) I can't wait to hear what this morning topic sparks in you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

A nationwide air-traffic shutdown by the FAA - talk about a public crisis - well there you have it. I was one of the unlucky caught in that travel nightmare recently. After 15 hours that was supposed to be 5 hours, I witnessed a lot and reflected on how well leaders do or do not prepare their staff for things when it ALL goes wrong. This of course on the heels of SouthWest Airlines holiday breakdown still fresh in travelers minds.  So, how are you discussing and preparing your team for 'breakdowns'? Are you ready? Will the strength of your culture support the weight of the crisis? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

Chit Chat - Small Talk - does it get in your way or help move you forward???? Some say it isn't necessary and we don't have time for that - hog wash - we do and we must. Continuous Improvement often happens through those small and impromptu connections.  Today on the 516th episode of #YourMorningCommute I talk about this and the connection to your #workplaceculture and how we educate, engage and excite ourselves and those we are around. Yep, it's a culture thing.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

For the past 5 years I have chosen a word of the year to focus on. This year is no different. I have chosen Kaizen this year. Keeping it simple, it means continue improvement - going broader it means so much more especially in our workplace culture. What is your word of the year? How will you stay on track with it? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

Why is being vulnerable such a scary action? Why is listening so hard? I am often asked why is external vs internal coaching often more effective. Keeping the answer simple, it's the ability of the external coach to encourage vulnerability, being non-judgmental and coming to the table without any biases with a final layer of listening all around. Those are the ingredients of effective listening that you must be bring to the coaching table and as a part of your culture for deeper effectiveness and relationship building.  If you want to know more, please listen to today's 514th episode of #YourMorningCommute --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

Learning and development matters—it keeps our workforce agile and gives them the skills they need for success. The team is also more likely to be motivated and inspired when they have access to training AND training done RIGHT. We don't want training that is draining. Hee, Hee, but rather moves our skills (hard or soft) forward. Increases our momentum - not one that puts us to sleep or left frustrated, lost and confused.  Today's episode breaks down the 4 P's of training with additional ideas, thoughts and processes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

There are two powers of NO and today the NO that is on my mind is when we get in a rut of what won't work instead all the things that might work to move through the barriers.  Is it easier to say no that won't work or to think through all that could work. Where are you and your team spending your energy? On No's or possibilities? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

How many of you develop your entire team - all levels - intentionally - ongoing? I hope many, if not all of you - if not, there is your opportunity - seize the day.  Your employees have a significant impact on every aspect of your organization; from company culture to productivity and profitability, the people you hire help determine the success of your business.  I hear leaders state their most important asset are their employees but I don't always see them invest in those assets. There are a variety of ways you can get started or enhance what you are already doing...listen to today's quick podcast for a list of ideas. And...if you have some ideas - best practices to share with others - share away in the comments below. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

Power and Leadership - not sure we should pull those together in one thought. I say that as many in 'leader' positions use their position itself, their title for 'power' vs influencing, motivating, listening, and leading for the good - to enhance others - to guide others - to help others grow. With that in mind, today's 510th episode of #YourMorningCommute is about the Power of Leadership and asking yourself to checkin with your team for the good. We all get so busy being busy that we just forget at times to slow down, ask questions, listen and then take action from what we heard. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support

Are you more Honey or Vinegar with your leadership style? I am not talking about being overly sweet anymore than overly direct - but rather pointing out the obvious about attracting more bees with honey. We know it is true, but at times our hurried ways, get in our way and come across as more vinaigrette than sweet.  I was reminded of this recently by a colleague pointing out the differences of two very successful and results oriented managers. Both getting the job done, but one creating follow-ship through leadership and the other leaving broken relationships in their paths of destruction. Both creating a workplace culture - one positive and one negative. One a culture of positive collaboration, results and accountability. The other of fear, results and resentment.  Honey - not - vinegar is the easier path all day long. Just sayin... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yourmorningcommute/support