Culture and Coffee (Colin D Ellis)

In this episode I talk about the attitude and its importance to culture evolution. I also talk about my new nickname. This week's coffee is a Finca Buenavista from Colombia, roasted by A Coffee in Melbourne.

Without doubt one of the most problematic areas of our worklife, and one that I hear about all the time from the organisations I work with, is meetings. So in this episode of Culture and Coffee we're going to unpack the 'whys and whats' of meetings and figure out a better way to do this.

I cover:

• Why we have meetings and why they are important
• Trends on meetings - we're having more of them and that impacts our ability to get work done
• The 7Ps of Successful Meetings - I share my tried and trusted framework
• The one action all organisation can take to improve their meetings.

Connect with Colin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/colindellis/

Find out more about Colin's work: www.colindellis.com

Subscribe to the Making Great Work Happen newsletter

Timestamps

Meetings and Their Purpose (00:00:01)

Colin discusses the reasons for holding meetings and the default nature of sharing information.

Importance of Meetings (00:01:35)

Colin explains the significance of meetings in providing consistent communication and building professional relationships.

Challenges of Meetings (00:03:43)

Colin highlights common criticisms of meetings, including disrespect, inefficiency, and increased meeting frequency.

Impact of Pandemic on Meetings (00:06:14)

Colin discusses the significant increase in the number of meetings since the pandemic and its impact on after-hours work.

Quality of Meetings (00:08:37)

Colin evaluates the quality of meetings based on engagement and emotional intelligence, emphasising the need for improvement.

Seven P's of Successful Meetings (00:11:46)

Colin outlines the seven essential elements for successful meetings, including purpose, priorities, and participation.

Role of Meeting Chair (00:15:34)

Colin emphasises the importance of training meeting chairs to ensure fewer, higher quality meetings and discusses their responsibilities.

Meeting Etiquette (00:19:34)

Addressing disrespectful behaviour and the role of the meeting chair in managing discussions and technology usage.

Improving Meeting Quality (00:20:24)

Training meeting chairs to practise the seven P's of successful meetings for achieving consistency and higher quality meetings.

Related reading:

10 Ways To Make Work Less Boring

Challenging Dumb Cultural Norms

More culture, a little less coffee this week only as we are slipping an episode of Culture Makers into your feed. In this podcast Colin talks to the leaders who are on the frontline of people and culture, creating great places to work. 

In this episode Colin is talking to a leader who thrives on getting things done! Hassanah Rudd is the Head of People and Culture at Brighte, based in Sydney. Hassanah has more than 20 years people experience in three countries in the public and private sector and was recently named Corporate Talent Leader of the Year! A champion of experimentation, using technology for good and creating cultures where it's OK to be vulnerable, Hassanah shares her pragmatic approach to people and culture.

You can find the Culture Makers podcast here: https://anchor.fm/culturemakers or wherever you normally listen.

Culture & Coffee will be back next week! 

Find out more about Colin: www.colindellis.com

Join the Culture Makers Community: www.culturemakers.community

Music courtesy of https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode I am delving into the complexities and opportunities presented by a multigenerational workforce.

For the first time in history, four distinct generations—Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z—are working side by side. This convergence has significant implications for workplace culture, management styles, and organisational success.

Let's look at each generation's defining characteristics, shaped by historical events, music, and technological advancements, and how we can use this knowledge to motivate and collaborate across the years!

By fostering a safe and respectful culture, leveraging technological advancements, promoting intergenerational collaboration, adapting management styles, and embracing modern work practices, organisations can create an inclusive workplace where everyone can do and be their best.

In this episode I tackle:

• Multigenerational workforce and its impact on workplace culture

• Importance of understanding and accommodating the preferences and needs of each generation
• Influence of music and technological advancements on generational identity and work preferences
• Values and priorities of different generations in the workplace
• Creating a safe and respectful culture for all generations
• Education, empathy, and understanding in navigating generational differences
• Building a multigenerational culture to bridge the gap between different generations
• Importance of open and honest conversations about sensitive topics.

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

Timestamps ⌚

The multigenerational workforce (00:01:16)

Discusses the significance of having four generations in the workforce and the impact of the cost of living crisis.

Understanding the generations (00:02:29)

Explains the importance of avoiding ageism and the need to build a workforce fit for all age groups.

Baby boomers (00:03:35)

Defines the characteristics and events that shaped the worldview of the baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964.

Generation X (00:08:07)

Describes the characteristics and events that shaped the worldview of Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980.

Millennials (00:11:18)

Explores the characteristics and events that shaped the worldview of millennials, born between 1981 and 1996.

Generation Z (00:16:25)

Discusses the characteristics of Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, and their impact on workplace culture.

Generational differences in socializing (00:20:24)

Discussion on the preference for in-person interaction among Generation Z despite digital interactions being the norm.

Impact of artificial intelligence on different generations (00:21:23)

Insights into the usage and perception of artificial intelligence across different generations.

Music defining Generation Z (00:22:25)

Exploration of the music preferences of Generation Z and its impact on generational differences.

Work preferences and the importance of culture (00:22:49)

Importance of a safe, respectful work culture across different generations and their varying priorities in the workplace.

Building a multigenerational culture (00:24:53)

The significance of deliberately creating a multigenerational culture, understanding generational behaviors, and promoting empathy.

Challenges in discussing generational differences (00:25:59)

Addressing the fear and hesitancy in discussing generational differences and the need for education and empathy in these conversations.

Creating harmonious workplaces (00:27:01)

The importance of educating oneself and managers to create respectful, harmonious workplaces for all generations.

In this episode I talk about the problem that you've created for yourself with email and, how you can change it. Also, some great things about living in New Zealand. This week's coffee is a Kagumo from Kenya, roasted by Supreme Coffee in Melbourne.

In this episode of the Culture and Coffee podcast I'm looking at loneliness. There are multiple studies showing loneliness has increased since the pandemic and its negative effects on health and wellbeing are just starting to come to light.

I look at how hybrid work can contribute to a sense of loneliness and a loss of connection, plus the crucial learning and mentoring that our early career colleagues (who may never have worked in an office) are missing out on.

This is not to say that flexibility is bad - after an era of zero flexibility and understanding of what it is to create a sense of balance or manage multiple obligations, this re-imagining of work was long over due. But where are we now? What are the implications? And how can we create workplace cultures that enable employees to thrive while safeguarding wellness.

Why This Matters:

Loneliness isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a workplace challenge that affects productivity and overall well-being. By addressing it head-on, we can create healthier, more engaged workplaces.

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

Timestamps

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:05)

Colin introduces himself and the "Culture and Coffee" podcast, highlighting its focus on workplace culture.

Topic of Loneliness (00:01:31)

Colin discusses the prevalence of loneliness in office-based work, especially in hybrid environments post-COVID-19.

Surgeon General's Report (00:02:55)

He references Dr. Vivek Murthy's report declaring loneliness a lethal pandemic, equating its effects to smoking 15 cigarettes daily.

Flexibility in Work (00:04:11)

Colin emphasises the need for increased flexibility in work arrangements to combat loneliness and improve employee wellbeing.

Duty of Care (00:04:51)

He discusses employers' responsibility to address the root causes of loneliness and burnout rather than just symptoms.

Statistics on Loneliness (00:06:28)

Colin shares statistics showing the high prevalence of loneliness among employed adults and its impact on productivity.

Generational Perspectives (00:07:50)

He notes that Gen Z employees value in-office work for social connection, contrary to common beliefs about younger workers.

Hybrid Work Challenges (00:08:51)

Colin critiques how many organisations poorly implement hybrid work, emphasising the importance of flexibility and collaboration.

Observable Signs of Loneliness (00:09:54)

He outlines five observable signs of loneliness in employees, including decreased engagement and productivity.

Impact of Loneliness (00:14:04)

Colin explains the detrimental effects of loneliness on mental health, including difficulty sleeping and focusing.

Strategies to Combat Loneliness (00:15:08)

He introduces practical strategies for organisations to connect employees and foster a sense of belonging.

Engagement and Culture (00:17:15)

Colin stresses the importance of redefining workplace culture to enhance engagement and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Communication in Teams (00:19:02)

He highlights the significance of establishing communication norms within teams to improve connection and reduce loneliness.

Understanding Loneliness (00:20:08)

Colin shares a personal experience of feeling lonely at work and the importance of communication.

Social Interaction at Work (00:21:02)

Discussion on the necessity of social interactions during work hours, beyond just after-work events.

Fostering Connection (00:22:03)

Emphasising the need for connection among employees to build empathy and understanding in the workplace.

Importance of Productivity (00:24:16)

Highlighting how productivity should focus on outputs rather than mere availability, addressing employee trust.

Addressing Loneliness as a Pandemic (00:26:37)

Colin stresses organisations' responsibility to create supportive environments to combat loneliness and promote well-being.

On this week's podcast I ask whether your L&D programs are up to the job. And what approach you should be considering to positively evolve your culture. This week's coffee is a Guatemalan Kalibus, roasted by Supreme Coffee in Abbotsford in the north of Melbourne.

Projects are the lifeblood of any organisation. They deliver on strategy, foster innovation and ensure you remain competitive, delivering for your customers. They are essential in turning organisational goals into reality, and yet we can still drop the ball when it comes to project delivery.

In this episode of Culture and Coffee, I'm explaining why planning is your project's best friend and how to do it well. I cover:

• Navigating Common Project Planning Challenges
• The Anatomy of a Project Plan
• The Impact of Effective Planning on Project Success
• Maximising Productive Time in the Workplace
• The Responsibility of Project Managers and Senior Managers

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

TIMESTAMPS

The importance of projects (00:01:14)

Projects as unique, time-limited endeavours that create assets and drive organisational relevance and growth.

Challenges in project management (00:03:27)

Issues with insufficient investment and impatience from senior managers in project planning and execution.

The significance of planning (00:05:38)

The pivotal role of planning in project success, with statistics and examples to underscore its importance.

Components of a project plan (00:08:45)

Understanding objectives, defining scope, devising a schedule, identifying milestones, managing risks, and engaging stakeholders.

The planning stage (00:11:33)

The duration of the planning stage, its importance in project initiation, and its role in providing certainty and managing risks.

Work breakdown structure (00:15:32)

The process of decomposing project tasks, its importance in ensuring success, and the advantages of face-to-face collaboration.

Efficiency and consequences of planning (00:18:31)

The impact of effective planning on project objectives, resource utilisation, and employee well-being.

Productive Time (00:19:40)

Colin discusses the percentage of productive working time and the responsibility of project managers in assembling a team and a plan.

Integrity in Planning (00:20:34)

Colin stresses the importance of integrity in planning, decision-making for senior managers, and comparing the plan with the business case.

Importance of Planning (00:21:40)

Colin underlines the significance of planning for project success and avoiding failure, creating conditions for sustained success.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about how toxic leaders kill culture. This week’s coffee is a Kenyan Kieni from Coffee Collective in Copenhagen, Denmark.

On this episode, I talk about the importance of teams taking the time to build respectful, empathetic relationships and why this is important to performance.

I cover:

• Building and Nurturing Team Relationships
• The Challenges of Communication Breakdowns and
• Personality Clashes
• Emotional Connections and Productivity
• The Concept of Emotional Capital
• The Significance of Camaraderie in Teams
• Fostering a Positive Working Environment

Connect with Colin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colindellis/

Related reading: How are you rebuilding camaraderie? When in Rome… Why senior managers need to understand social cultures People just want to be respected The importance of building a speak up culture Toxic Culture Isn't Inevitable How to Build and Maintain a Vibrant Culture Download the free whitepapers here

Timestamps

Relationships: The Foundation of Team Success (00:00:05) Colin discusses the importance of relationships in team success and productivity, emphasising the need for intentional relationship building.

Culture Workshop and Reconnection (00:01:12) Colin shares his experience running a culture workshop focused on relationship building and reconnection after the Christmas break.

Communication Breakdowns and Relationship Building (00:02:15) Colin highlights the impact of communication breakdowns and the need for intentional relationship building within diverse groups for high team performance.

Productivity and Emotional Connection (00:04:19) Colin discusses the impact of emotional connection on productivity and the importance of a sense of belonging within an organisation.

Emotional Capital and Empathy (00:09:01) Colin explores the concept of emotional capital and the role of empathy in building strong relationships within a team.

Building Respectful Relationships (00:14:09) Colin emphasises the importance of building respectful relationships to facilitate feedback and courageous conversations for collaboration and results.

Defining Culture through Relationship Building (00:16:27) Colin discusses the significance of relationship building in defining an organisation's culture and the limitations of outdoor team-building activities in this context.

Camaraderie and Team Performance (00:19:05) Emphasising camaraderie over high performance for better team productivity and satisfaction.

In this episode I talk about how to organise yourself and be productive. And I wonder how pole vaulters get into the sport? This week's coffee is a Werka from Ethiopa, roasted by Market Lane Coffee in Melbourne.

In this episode of the Culture and Coffee podcast, I discuss the critical relationship between culture and strategy in organisations. I emphasis that while culture can overshadow strategy, effective strategy is essential for fostering a positive culture. I explore the characteristics of good strategy, the importance of clear communication, and the need for regular reviews to adapt to changing circumstances. I also highlight the role of culture in executing strategy and achieving success.

Connect with Colin:

⁠⁠www.colindellis.com⁠⁠

Take the free Five Cultures Quiz:

⁠⁠https://www.colindellis.com/culture-quiz⁠⁠

Order DETOX YOUR CULTURE

⁠⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Detox-Your-Culture-Strengthen-Organizations/dp/1399414070

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about three ways in which your culture could stagnate. This week’s coffee is a Guatemalan Santa Rosa roasted by Beat Coffee (www.beatcoffee.com.au) in Melbourne. Download a copy of my latest culture whitepapers at www.colindellis.com/culture-whitepaper

If you enjoy Culture and Coffee you're going to love Inside Out Culture Podcast. Two culture experts with 30 years of experience, going deep on workplace cultures that have made the news. Taking lessons from the inside that you can use on the outside to improve your workplace culture, lift performance and ensure employee engagement.

Join your hosts, Olympian, former diplomat, author, speaker and coach Cath Bishop and me, Colin D Ellis, global workplace culture expert and best selling author, as we go beyond the headlines for the lessons and learnings that will transform the way work gets done.

Our first episode will land on Thursday 14 March and every two weeks thereafter. Find out more: https://insideoutculture.buzzsprout.com/

A staggering 80% of employees feel their performance management experiences haven't motivated them to improve. This is a wake-up call for leaders!

In this episode I delve into the fallout from not managing people effectively and provide ways we can redefine motivation and performance in the workplace.

I cover:

• Importance of getting the best out of everyone in the workplace
• Challenges of keeping people motivated and ensuring high performance
• Managing underperformers and the impact on organisational culture
• Research findings on performance management and motivation
• Addressing underperformance and the need for consequences
• Providing positive reinforcement and continuous feedback
• Balancing consequences with creating a safe environment
• Dealing with poor behaviour in the workplace and its impact on culture
• Setting clear expectations and providing positive reinforcement for high performance.

Creating and maintaining a high-performing culture is no walk in the park, but it's a skill we all need to master. So, if you're ready to set expectations, provide reinforcement, and introduce a little jeopardy to keep everyone on their toes, then you won't want to miss this episode.

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

Timestamps

Introduction (00:00:01)

Colin Ellis introduces the podcast from Thailand, discussing his choice of coffee and the challenges of getting the best out of everyone in the workplace.

The Challenge of Motivation (00:01:08)

Addressing the challenge of keeping people motivated and ensuring they perform to their abilities, focusing on avoiding carrying passengers in a pleasant culture.

Recognising Underperformance (00:02:13)

Discussing the recognition of underperformance and the importance of performance management, citing examples from Gallup's survey and organisational restructuring.

Managing People Out (00:04:22)

Exploring the strategy of managing people out before they start, as exemplified by Tony Hsieh's approach at Zappos and Atlassian's induction process.

Expectations of Behaviour (00:06:31)

Emphasising the significance of setting clear behavioural expectations as the starting point for effective performance management.

Expectations of Performance (00:08:49)

Differentiating between behavioural and performance expectations, highlighting the importance of setting team goals and fostering a collaborative approach.

Positive Reinforcement (00:12:26)

Explaining the concept of positive reinforcement in providing feedback and praise for meeting expectations, and the impact on desired behaviours.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement (00:14:43)

Emphasising the importance of providing continuous feedback through face-to-face conversations and the role of empathy in helping individuals improve.

Consequences of Underperformance (00:18:09)

Addressing the need for consequences for failure to meet behavioural and performance expectations, emphasising the importance of clarity and the impact on organisational culture.

Performance Management and Behaviour Expectations (00:21:17)

Discussion on dealing with poor behaviour in the workplace and the options available for managing performance.

Effective Coaching and Training (00:22:05)

Importance of tight processes and empathetic coaching for safeguarding the organisational culture and setting clear expectations.

Getting the Best Out of Everyone (00:23:15)

Creating a work environment where employees understand expectations, receive feedback, and know there are consequences for not meeting standards.

When was the last time you truly listened to someone at work? I mean, really listened, with your full attention?

In this episode of Culture and Coffee we dive deep into the art of listening—something that's often overlooked but is absolutely vital for a thriving workplace culture.

In this episode, I cover:

👂 The Lost Art of Listening: Did you know that a staggering 98% of us haven't been taught how to effectively listen? I explore how to listen not just to respond, but to truly understand.

💡 Empathy vs. Sympathy: Ever wondered what the real difference is? I'll break it down for you and show you why empathy is the secret ingredient to building rock-solid relationships and collaboration within your team.

🤝 Active Empathetic Listening: 'll guide you through the three crucial stages—sensing, processing, and responding—to help you master this skill.

🗣️ Feedback Finesse: Learn how to give feedback that's actually helpful by listening actively.

👀 Non-Verbal Cues: They say actions speak louder than words, and in the realm of listening, that's gold. I'll show you how to read between the lines and respond with care.

🧠 The Science of Listening: Our brains are speedy, but sometimes we need to slow down the info flow to really hear what's being said. I'll share some tips on how to do just that, even in our fast-paced world.

🛠️ Practical Tips for Everyday Listening: From making eye contact to ditching distractions, these are simple yet effective ways to enhance your listening skills.

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

TIMESTAMPS

Introduction (00:00:01)

Colin introduces the topic of listening and shares his interest in understanding workplace culture.

Understanding Human Endeavours (00:01:22)

Colin discusses the human nature of workplace cultures and the impact of upbringing and skills on how people work together.

Case Study on UK Police (00:02:29)

Colin shares insights from a review of the UK police culture, highlighting defensive behaviour of senior managers and the lack of humility.

Lack of Listening Skills (00:04:48)

Colin discusses the decline in listening skills and the tendency for people to listen to respond rather than understand.

Family Time vs Work Time (00:06:00)

Colin compares the time spent listening in family settings versus work environments and emphasises the need for conscious listening.

Empathy vs Sympathy (00:08:19)

Colin explains the difference between empathy and sympathy in listening, using examples of how they manifest in workplace interactions.

Building Empathy for Collaboration (00:10:21)

Colin emphasises the importance of empathy in building strong relationships and effective collaboration within teams.

Key Behaviour: Listening Respectfully (00:11:28)

Colin discusses the significance of respectful and attentive listening as a key behaviour for success in workplace culture.

Enhancing Feedback Skills (00:11:28)

Colin explains how improved listening skills enhance the ability to give effective feedback within a team.

Respectful Listening Habits (00:14:24)

Colin shares personal habits developed to improve respectful listening, including avoiding talking over others and recognising when no response is needed.

Active Empathetic Listening (00:16:22)

Colin introduces the concept of active empathetic listening and its three stages: sensing, processing, and responding.

Listening as a Demonstration of Empathy (00:18:15)

Colin emphasises listening as a demonstration of empathy, strengthening relationships and improving teamwork within organisations.

Sensing and Processing (00:20:41)

Colin discusses the importance of sensing and processing information before responding and the need for time to process.

Giving Time to Process (00:21:46)

Colin emphasises the need to give people time to process before responding, especially in non-crisis situations.

Manager's Role and Listening (00:22:37)

Colin highlights the evolving role of managers and the need for active listening to inspire and motivate teams.

Slowing Information Flow (00:23:32)

Colin explains the importance of slowing down the information flow and summarising the process of sensing, processing, and responding.

Eliminating Distractions (00:24:38)

Colin advises on eliminating distractions, providing feedback, and approaching interactions with an open mind.

In this episode of the Culture and Coffee podcast, I delve into the pivotal role that leaders play in shaping and influencing organisational culture. I provide insights for leaders, managers, and HR professionals on how to embody and foster a positive culture within their teams and organisations. 

I'll be looking at the problems people have:

• Leaders often perpetuate the opposite culture that they're looking for
• Toxicity is created by leaders
• Leaders want results but don't role model the behaviours expected to get them.

👉 This episode covers:

The Importance of Role Modelling Culture - Setting the Tone from the Top

Leadership is inherently challenging, but it is crucial for leaders to embody the culture they wish to see in their organisations. Leaders set the tone for the entire organisation, and their behaviours and actions are closely observed and often emulated by their teams.

The Ripple Effect of Leadership Behaviour

I discuss the amplification of leaders' behaviours and the ripple effect they have on the entire business. Positive leadership behaviours such as empathy, compassion, and innovation can significantly enhance organisational culture, while negative behaviours can perpetuate a toxic environment.

The Role of Managers in Shaping Subcultures

I highlight the significance of managers in shaping subcultures within an organisation. Investing in developing good managers is essential for building and protecting a positive organisational culture.

Upholding Agreements and Maintaining Consistency

A believable vision statement that drives decision-making and shapes team cultures is crucial.

Addressing Negative Culture and Poor Behaviour

I explore the challenges of leaders perpetuating negative culture through their behaviours, citing examples of toxic cultures driven by leaders' actions.

The Need for Ongoing Education and Openness

Highlighting the need for leaders to constantly educate themselves and demonstrate humility and openness.

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

TIMESTAMPS

Leaders and Culture (00:00:01)

Colin discusses the importance of leaders role-modelling the culture they expect within organisations.

Defining Team Culture (00:02:15)

Colin shares his experience as a senior manager in shaping team culture to contribute to a shared vision.

Toxic Leadership and Culture (00:05:20)

Colin highlights the impact of toxic leadership on organisational culture and the responsibility of leaders to model positive behaviours.

Investing in Culture (00:07:18)

Colin emphasises the importance of investing in organisational culture for long-term results and shares examples of improved engagement.

Leadership and Behaviour (00:12:07)

Colin discusses the impact of executive behaviour on organisational culture and the importance of positive leadership behaviours.

Discipline and Vision in Culture (00:16:45)

Colin explains the dual facets of culture, emphasising the importance of discipline, drive, and vision in addition to being a great human being.

Role-Modelling and Education (00:18:38)

Colin emphasises the role of leaders in actively educating themselves and role-modelling behaviours to positively impact employee loyalty and engagement.

Leadership and Success (00:20:47)

Colin discusses the impact of effective leadership on team success and individual motivation.

Aspiring to Leadership (00:22:15)

Encouragement for individuals to aspire to leadership roles and uphold high standards in shaping organisational culture.

Self-Reflection as a Role Model (00:23:35)

Encouraging leaders to evaluate their behaviour and consider if it would motivate and inspire their employees.

In this episode I discuss the three levels of toxic culture and the signs to look out for at each level. I also underline the importance of addressing toxic culture early to prevent it from becoming harmful. Episode takeaways

• Toxic culture can be categorised into three levels: combatant culture, corrosive culture, and harmful culture.
• Combatant culture is characterised by high engagement but low emotional intelligence, leading to stress, unclear priorities, and passive-aggressive communication.
• Corrosive culture involves bullying, harassment, favoritism, and unethical behaviour, and it can cause physical and mental health issues.
• Harmful culture includes physical assault, emotional cruelty, fraud, and overt discrimination, and it requires a significant effort to turn it around.
• It is crucial to address toxic culture early to prevent it from escalating and causing long-term damage.

What kind of culture do you have right now? Take the free Five Cultures Quiz and find out: www.fiveculturesquiz.com

Timestamps

01:55 The Three Levels of Toxic Culture

06:14 Combatant Culture: Signs and Impact

13:21 Corrosive Culture: Bullying and Harassment

18:00 Harmful Culture: Physical Assault and Fraud

21:52 Importance of Assessing and Addressing Culture

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about humour and the role it plays in vibrant workplace cultures. This week’s coffee is a Peruvian filter coffee from coffeecompany in The Hague, Netherlands.

In this episode I discuss the importance of purpose in workplace culture. Purpose is often misunderstood and overlooked, but it is crucial for driving engagement and motivation in employees.

Let's look at the connection between an organisation's purpose and the individual sense of purpose that employees feel. I also provide some examples of purpose statements for companies around the world, and look at the negative impact of compromising or misunderstanding purpose especially in these times rising employee activism.

Takeaways include:

• Purpose is crucial for driving engagement and motivation in employees.
• An organisation's purpose should shape culture and decision-making.
• Purpose statements should be clear and meaningful, and align with the organisation's values.
• Compromising or misunderstanding purpose can lead to disengagement and productivity drain.
• Employee activism is on the rise, with employees holding organisations accountable for living up to their purpose.

What kind of culture do you have right now? Take the free Five Cultures Quiz and find out: ⁠www.fiveculturesquiz.com

Timestamps

00:00 The Importance of Purpose in Workplace

03:24 How Purpose Shapes Culture and Decision-Making

09:41 The Negative Impact of Compromising Purpose

13:52 Purpose-Driven Work Projects Energy and Passion

17:09 The Rise of Employee Activism

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

Are KPIs: Keeping People Inspired or Killing Performance?

That's what I'm talking about in this episode of Culture and Coffee. Let's explore the potential downsides of focusing solely on individual KPIs, and why I advocate for a balance between individual and team goals.

Episode insights include:

🎯 The KPI Conundrum: In my career, I've seen KPIs dictate pay raises and bonuses, and I've watched them drive success in sports, finance, and sales. But I've also seen the dark side: the silos, the communication breakdowns, and the toxic cultures that can emerge when we focus too narrowly on individual goals.

💡 The Power of Intrinsic Motivation

I believe in the fire that intrinsic motivation and personal values ignite within us. Yes, extrinsic motivators like financial incentives have their place, but it's the balance between individual ambition and team collaboration that creates a responsible and thriving work culture.

🤝 Embracing Team-Based Goals

That's why I'm a proponent of team-based goals, like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). They encourage teams to take the reins, fostering a sense of ownership and shared success that individual KPIs often overlook.

🌟 Aligning Values with Achievements

A values-led approach to collaboration and goal attainment isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have. By aligning organisational values with team achievements, we pave the way for a harmonious and productive work environment.

🔍 The Research-Backed Sweet Spot

I wrap up the episode by diving into the research that supports the benefits of integrating individual and team performance measures. It's all about finding that "sweet spot" that satisfies both personal growth and collective success.

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

TIMESTAMPS

Introduction (00:00:01)

Colin's experiences with coffee abroad and his fondness for New Zealand and Australian coffee.

Issue with KPIs (00:00:58)

Colin's issues with KPIs, their effect on individual performance, and the emphasis on personal objectives.

Impact on Culture (00:02:53)

The effect of KPIs on organisational culture, compartmentalisation, breakdowns in communication, and toxic environments.

Ambition and Intrinsic Motivation (00:06:07)

A discussion on ambition, intrinsic motivation, and personal values in the context of individual and team objectives.

Team Goals and OKRs (00:10:14)

The significance of team-oriented objectives, the principle of OKRs, and their influence on value delivery and autonomy.

Values-led Organisation (00:14:33)

The congruence of personal and organisational values, and the advantages of a values-driven approach to collaboration and achievement.

Balancing Individual and Team Goals (00:15:27)

The necessity for complementary metrics to optimise individual and team performance, and the effect on engagement and productivity.

Welcome to The AI Show! A special episode of Culture and Coffee where I use AI to talk about the role of AI in our work cultures and how we get things done.

I explore the evolving role of AI in the workplace, its potential benefits, and the importance of understanding and utilising AI effectively.

I also share my personal experiences with AI tools, and touch on the implications of AI for future employment and productivity, highlighting the necessity of curiosity and critical thinking when engaging with AI technologies.

I'd love to know what you think of this episode and how I used AI to create it.

Key takeaways

• Using up-to-date research is crucial for relevance.
• The productivity J-curve indicates a time lag in AI effectiveness.
• Curiosity and open-mindedness are essential when exploring AI.
• Proper training is necessary for effective AI usage.
• Organisations must be transparent about AI's purpose.

Subscribe to my newsletter, Making Great Work Happen, and score a digital swag bag of useful resources: www.colindellis.com/boom

In this episode of the Culture and Coffee Podcast, I'm exploring the various types of workplace cultures, emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence and engagement. I unpack the six pillars of culture, the characteristics of stagnant, pleasant, combatant, and toxic cultures, and the significance of building a vibrant culture for organisational success.

I encourage you to assess your own workplace culture through my free Five Cultures quiz and reflect on the actions needed to foster a positive environment.

Check out the quiz here - it only takes a few minutes to complete.

Key takeaways

• Understanding the six pillars of culture is essential for success.
• Emotional intelligence and engagement are key indicators of culture.
• Stagnant cultures exhibit low interaction and poor performance.
• Pleasant cultures may lack challenge and accountability.
• Combatant cultures are high in engagement but low in emotional intelligence.
• Toxic cultures are difficult to recover from and require significant change.
• Vibrant cultures foster high engagement and emotional intelligence.
• Regular assessment of culture can guide necessary changes.
• Effective leadership is crucial in shaping workplace culture.
• A culture strategy is vital for achieving organisational goals.

Let's delve into the vital topic of scaling culture within organisations. Drawing from my experiences with startups and mergers, I underscore the necessity of evolving and scaling culture as businesses expand. I highlight the importance of deliberate action in maintaining organisational values and practices and touch on the impact of social connections and the pivotal role managers play in upholding culture.

Key takeaways

• Define and Communicate Core Values: Ensure everyone in the organisation understands and lives by the core values.
• Foster Social Connections: Create opportunities for employees to build strong relationships.
• Adapt Cultural Practices: Continuously evaluate and adapt cultural practices to meet new challenges.
• Empower Managers: Equip managers with the tools and resources to be effective cultural ambassadors.
• Leverage Technology: Use digital platforms to enhance communication and engagement.

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

Timestamps ⌚

Scaling Culture (00:00:01)

I discuss the timely topic of scaling culture and share my upcoming speech for a startup in Zurich.

Challenges of Scaling Culture in Startups (00:01:14)

I share insights on the challenges faced by startups in maintaining their culture as they grow.

Merging Cultures in Organisations (00:03:12)

I discuss the process of merging cultures when companies acquire or merge with others.

Scaling Culture in Growing Organisations (00:05:08)

I emphasise the need for organisations to reevaluate their values and culture as they grow.

Dunbar's Number and Social Connections (00:07:08)

I explain Dunbar's number and its impact on maintaining social connections within a growing organisation.

Maintaining Passion and Connection in Growing Organisations (00:09:12)

I discuss the importance of maintaining passion and connection as organisations grow.

Deliberate Action in Scaling Culture (00:12:32)

I emphasise that scaling culture requires deliberate action and doesn't happen by chance.

Evolution and Scaling of Culture (00:14:34)

I emphasise the evolution and scaling of culture, highlighting the need for constant positive evolution.

The shift to remote work has been one of the most significant changes in the workplace since the industrial revolution. As organisations continue to grapple with the idea of returning to the office, they're encountering a host of challenges. Balancing productivity, trust, and employee preferences requires a delicate touch and a willingness to rethink long-standing practices.

In this episode I cover:

• Why organisations need a culture reset for hybrid to be successful
• The six considerations of Hybrid Work (taken from the Hybrid Handbook)
• Rethinking the skills managers need to be successful in a hybrid scenario
• Setting new standards for communication and collaboration
• The different ways we talk about how we work and experiences from organisations

The post-pandemic work environment isn't just about where we work; it's about how we work. Leaders must be at the forefront of driving this change, fostering a culture that embraces flexibility, collaboration, and, most importantly, trust. Useful links 🔗 Read: Why 'Culture First' leaders will always succeed

Related episodes:

10 reasons organisations will abandon hybridHow organisations are doing hybrid Connect with Colin on LinkedIn

Download the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the Making Great Work Happen weekly newsletter

Timestamps

The Struggle of Returning to the Office (00:00:01)

Colin discusses the challenges faced by organisations in managing the transition to hybrid work and the struggle of returning to the office.

Building a Successful Hybrid Work Culture (00:03:25)

Colin discusses the importance of trust and team culture in successfully implementing remote work and hybrid working models.

Challenges Faced by Remote-First Organisations (00:05:36)

Colin addresses the challenges faced by remote-first organisations in maintaining a strong working culture and productivity.

Measuring and Redefining Culture in a Hybrid Work Environment (00:07:44)

Colin emphasises the importance of measuring and redefining culture in a post-pandemic hybrid work environment.

Implementing True Hybrid and Remote Work Models (00:11:42)

Colin discusses the importance of trust and choice in true hybrid and remote work environments and the need for employee involvement in decision-making.

Mandating Office Return and Employee Disengagement (00:14:45)

Colin highlights the importance of handling office return sensitively and the need to avoid mandating specific office days to prevent employee disengagement.

Managing the Return to the Office and Enhancing Inclusion (00:17:40)

Colin emphasises the need to involve diverse voices and create a mode of working that enhances inclusion in the return to office planning.

Consequences of Mandating Office Return (00:18:34)

Colin discusses the consequences faced by organisations like Amazon, Disney, and Apple when mandating office return, emphasising the importance of retaining the right employees.

Retraining Managers (00:20:24)

Discussion on retraining managers for a deliberate change in culture and the effectiveness of equity groups.

Mandating Return Dates (00:21:11)

The disengagement generated by mandating specific return days and the importance of employee groups in planning the return to the office.

Providing Managerial Skills (00:21:59)

The need for organisations to equip managers with updated skills fit for the changing work environment, including setting expectations and building vibrant subcultures.

Setting Expectations and Boundaries (00:24:16)

The importance of setting expectations, maintaining relationships, and introducing new standards for online communication and collaboration in the success of hybrid work.

Struggle of Return to Office (00:25:33)

The challenges faced in managing the return to the office and the need for better planning, time, and dedication to solve the puzzle effectively.

This is a topic that is close to my heart and critical to any organisation's success: the interplay between culture and strategy.

In this episode, we explore the striking parallels between the football community and the business world. Just as a football team requires a clear vision and a well-defined strategy to clinch victory, so does any organisation aiming for success.

Strategy: The 'Why' Behind Every Goal We delve into the importance of strategy, not just as a buzzword, but as the compass that guides an organisation towards its vision. It's about defining the 'why' behind every action and ensuring that every move aligns with the overarching goals.

Culture: The 'How' of Your Team's Play But what about the 'how'? This is where culture comes into play, and I share insights on why "culture eats strategy for breakfast." It's the driving force that can either propel your strategy forward or hold it back.

The Investment Imbalance I've observed a curious trend: organisations often pour resources into crafting strategies but only sprinkle a little attention on culture. It's time to balance the scales and recognise that nurturing a strong culture is pivotal for delivering on your strategy.

The Operating Model: Your Team's Formation We also touch on the operating model – think of it as your team's formation on the field. Culture shapes this model, and it's essential to invest in a robust culture that supports your strategic objectives.

Values: Your Team's Heartbeat Values are the heartbeat of your organisation's culture. It's not just the leadership team's responsibility to set them; it's about involving every member of the staff in defining and living these values.

Empowerment: The Coach's Strategy I share practical steps on how to define and nurture your organisational culture, from conducting culture workshops to empowering managers to lead cultural transformation within their teams.

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Out Culture Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

TIMESTAMPS

Strategy and Culture (00:00:56)

Explanation of the link between strategy and culture in organisations, emphasising the significance of both.

Investment in Strategy (00:02:11)

Comparison of the disproportionate amount of time and money invested in developing strategy versus culture in organisations.

Vision and Strategy (00:03:27)

Definition of vision and strategy, emphasising the importance of a clear vision to steer the strategy.

Reviewing Strategy (00:04:31)

Importance of regularly reviewing the strategy and priorities within the business, with the need for quarterly business reviews.

Operating Model and Structure (00:05:33)

Explanation of the operating model's role in defining the structure and responsibilities within an organisation, with a comparison to the football community's structure.

Defining Culture (00:07:42)

Importance of spending an equal amount of time developing the culture as the strategy, including the role of values in shaping the company's identity.

Involving Staff in Culture Definition (00:09:06)

The significance of involving staff in defining the culture to create a sense of ownership and belonging.

Investing in Culture (00:12:02)

The investment and returns of defining and enhancing the organisational culture, with examples of improved engagement and productivity.

Defining Culture Approaches (00:13:54)

Two approaches to defining culture: running culture workshops for each department or teaching managers to build great culture.

Culture and Strategy Delivery (00:15:42)

The importance of a clear, coherent pathway for employees to deliver the strategy, using the example of Manchester City's culture and success.

Building Great Culture (00:16:47)

The impact of involving employees in creating the culture, leading to increased engagement and care within the organisation.

In this episode I discuss the pervasive issue of bullying in the workplace, highlighting alarming statistics from recent reports.

Let's get into what actually is bullying, how does it manifest and what's the impact in the workplace?

I also provide actionable strategies for addressing bullying, including documentation, assertive communication, and building support networks, while stressing the importance of a healthy workplace culture.

Episode takeaways:

• 49% of staff in a toxic culture reported bullying experiences.
• Bullying can occur in various forms, including online and offline.
• Criticism, humiliation, and social exclusion are forms of bullying.
• Micromanagement is a common form of bullying in workplaces.
• Gossiping about colleagues contributes to a toxic environment.
• Documenting incidents of bullying is crucial for addressing the issue.
• Assertive communication can help combat bullying behavior.
• Building a support network is essential for those affected by bullying.
• Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Connect with Colin:

⁠⁠⁠www.colindellis.com⁠⁠⁠

Take the free Five Cultures Quiz:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.colindellis.com/culture-quiz⁠⁠⁠

Order DETOX YOUR CULTURE

⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Detox-Your-Culture-Strengthen-Organizations/dp/1399414070

There's a growing trend of employee tracking and monitoring. Let's explore the reasons behind these practices (including operational efficiency, security, and performance insights) and the negative cultural implications of such surveillance. I am advocating for a culture of trust and collaboration, suggesting that organizations should focus on educating managers and employees about the value of togetherness rather than resorting to invasive monitoring practices. Key takeaways

• Employee tracking is not a new phenomenon; it has been around for years.

• Surveillance can lead to a culture of mistrust and undermine employee morale.

• Younger employees are more sensitive to monitoring practices than older generations.

• Cultural implications of tracking include loss of autonomy and psychological safety.

• Organizations should focus on building trust rather than surveillance.

• The rise of 'hushed hybrid' work environments can create uneven experiences among teams.

• Companies that prioritize trust and collaboration will attract and retain talent more effectively.

Connect with Colin:

⁠⁠⁠⁠www.colindellis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Take the free Five Cultures Quiz:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.colindellis.com/culture-quiz⁠⁠⁠⁠

Order DETOX YOUR CULTURE

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Detox-Your-Culture-Strengthen-Organizations/dp/1399414070

We all make mistakes. Every team and organisation makes mistakes. We can learn from them but when we repeat them we're on a path to failure.

Take the alarming statistics surrounding project failures and digital transformation that we see year after year as fundamental mistakes are repeated. In this episode I outline three key themes that contribute to consistent failure: poor communication, inadequate planning, and a resistant culture. By way of a solution I'm advocating for proactive measures to document mistakes, clear expectations, and fostering a culture of learning and resilience.

Connect with Colin:

⁠www.colindellis.com⁠

Take the free Five Cultures Quiz:

⁠https://www.colindellis.com/culture-quiz⁠

Order DETOX YOUR CULTURE

⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Detox-Your-Culture-Strengthen-Organizations/dp/1399414070

We are taking a deep dive into effective to-do list management. Do you rule your list or does it rule you?

It's time to break free from the tyranny of the to-do list. Instead, use it to help you manage your time and prioritise so that what really needs doing is number one.

This episode is for you if you ever feel like you're drowning in tasks. I cover:

🛠️ Next Level Lists - we're talking master lists, daily lists, and the art of saying "no" to keep your workload realistic. Plus, I share how to carve out time blocks for deep work that'll have you in the zone.

🎯 Task List Mastery - from tackling the big fish first thing in the morning to setting smart limits and celebrating your wins, these tips are your ticket to a more productive day.

📘Learning from others

Stephen Covey's "First Things First," is a game-changer for sorting out what's urgent from what's truly important. Remember, not all tasks are created equal!

Ray Dalio's "The Changing World Order" got me thinking about how our productivity shapes the world. And Peter Drucker? His thoughts on strategy are like a compass for navigating the sea of to-dos. I've distilled their brilliance into actionable tips that you can apply right now.

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

🎙️ Check out Inside Out Culture Podcast where myself and Cath Bishop get behind the headlines of cultures making the news to extract the learnings and insights, good and bad.

TIMESTAMPS

Impact of Low Productivity (00:02:06)

Colin reflects on the low productivity statistics and the impact of COVID-19 on productivity levels.

Challenges of Overwhelming Workload (00:04:23)

Colin discusses the overwhelming workload faced by employees and its impact on mental health and well-being.

Strategies for Effective Task Management (00:13:23)

Colin shares his approach to task management, including maintaining a master list and daily task list, and the importance of prioritisation.

Planning and Prioritising (00:18:50)

The importance of planning and prioritising tasks, including delegating, focusing on important activities, and managing time efficiently.

Task Management and Discipline (00:19:50)

Emphasising the need for disciplined task planning, estimating effort, focusing on achievable tasks, and avoiding ambiguity in task descriptions.

Effective To-Do List Strategies (00:20:48)

Colin provides tips for creating an effective to-do list, including planning, prioritising daily tasks, setting limits, and avoiding overburdening with recurring tasks.

Avoiding Distractions and Taking Action (00:22:39)

Staying focused on priorities, and taking action by starting the day with task completion rather than email checking.

Celebrating Task Completion (00:24:36)

Colin suggests celebrating task completion, maintaining focus during task execution, and removing completed tasks from the list to maintain productivity.

This episode is all about the transformative power of kindness in the workplace and how it contributes to a positive culture and high employee morale.

In this episode I talk about:

🌟 The Strength of Kindness: We often misconceive it as a weakness, but it's a key ingredient in a thriving workplace.

😊Connection is the ultimate kindness: Getting to know your team, understanding them and what's important to them.

🤝 Empathy and Relationships: Building genuine connections at work isn't just nice to have; it's essential. I'm sharing some personal anecdotes that highlight how empathy and relationship-building are foundational to a kind culture.

🚫 The Kindness Killers: Ever wonder what drains kindness from an organisation? I pinpoint the culprits – from toxic competition to poor communication – and offering practical solutions to combat these challenges.

💡 Practical Kindness: It's all about the little things, every day gestures with a big impact.

💌 The Ripple Effect: Kindness isn't just about feeling good; it's about doing good and seeing the positive impact ripple through business success, innovation, and team morale.

📢 I am delighted to announce a new podcast. Inside Out Culture Podcast is a joint venture between myself and Cath Bishop who draws on a fascinating career as a former Olympic Rower, a senior diplomat specialising in conflict stabilisation, business coach, author and speaker. Cath and I will be taking a look behind the headlines of cultures in the news to find out what we can learn, what are the questions we should be asking about the future of work and how can we use the experiences of others to help us improve our own culture. Inside Out Culture launches Thursday 14th March - find it wherever you get your podcasts. 🎙️ Listen to the trailer here

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠Download ⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠ weekly newsletter

Timestamps **Fostering a Culture of Kindness (00:00:02)**

Colin discusses the significance of kindness in the workplace and shares personal anecdotes.

**Kindness as an Indicator of Strength (00:01:03)**

Colin challenges the notion that kindness is a weakness and underscores its importance in the workplace.

**Empathy and Building Relationships (00:02:06)**

Colin underlines the role of empathy and relationship-building in nurturing kindness within a team.

**Choosing to be Kind (00:04:13)**

Colin talks about the intentional aspect of kindness and its influence on business success.

**Assuming the Best in People (00:10:27)**

Colin relates a personal story and stresses the value of having a positive view of others.

**Elements that Erode Kindness in Organisations (00:11:34)**

Colin examines elements such as competition, stress, toxic culture, poor communication, and insecurity that can sap kindness from organisations.

**Cultivating a Culture of Kindness (00:16:28)**

Colin offers insights into how to cultivate a culture of kindness, highlighting the significance of personal stories and conversations about kindness.

**Tangible Examples of a Culture of Kindness (00:18:44)**

Colin presents instances of kindness initiatives and stresses the importance of selfless deeds without expecting reciprocation.

**Establishing a Culture of Kindness (00:19:41)**

The role of kindness, instances of minor acts, acknowledgement, and active listening in the workplace.

**Showing Appreciation (00:20:33)**

Methods of expressing gratitude, such as sending thank-you notes and presents, and the impact of promptly returning calls and emails.

**Assisting Colleagues (00:21:26)**

Assuming responsibility, acknowledging challenges, offering support, and the positive effect of kindness on individuals.

**The Influence of Kindness (00:22:21)**

The secretion of oxytocin, the euphoria from helping, and the power found in acts of kindness.