In this week’s episode, we discuss effective decision-making. It is the cornerstone of good management, and makes up 80-90% of a manager’s role. While pressure and incomplete information are constants, improving this skill is the fastest route to better results.

First, we discuss four common mistakes.

1. Ignoring Stakeholders: Never forget the customer's view. Always consider how your decisions affect those you serve. 
2. Falling into Groupthink: When teams agree without challenge, the outcome is often flawed. 
3. Acting on Instinct: Over-reliance on gut feeling leads to missed opportunities. 
4. Information Overload: Too much data causes ‘analysis paralysis’; you can be overwhelmed by too many metrics. 

Then, to help you make solid choices, we discuss a simple, three-phase model:

1. Define: Clearly state the root problem and validate your essential data.
2. Challenge: Test the decision using a Devil's Advocate and ensure you don't let Sunk Costs influence future action.
3. Assess: Consider the risks and have a clear mitigation plan if things go wrong.

By moving from guesswork to a disciplined, reflective process, you can make better decisions and significantly improve your performance.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This episode introduces special guest Charles Irvine, who proposes a provocative idea: Conflict is our greatest natural resource.

Key Discussion Points

The Problem with Denial: Jimmy, James and Charles discuss how much time, energy, and resource people dedicate to denying the existence of conflict or avoiding it, leading to a "long tail of conflict" through rumination and anxiety.

The Water Analogy: Charles uses the analogy of water—an essential resource that can nurture or destroy—to explain that, while conflict can be destructive, it must be channelled and worked with rather than demonised or avoided.

Conflict vs. Consensus: James raises the point that the opposite of conflict, consensus, can lead to groupthink, which is dangerous for organisations. Charles adds that people often withhold their genuine opinions to pursue consensus, resulting in decisions that lack genuine buy-in.

Benefits of Channelling Conflict: When channelled properly, the benefits include:

• Tapping into the thinking, wisdom, and expertise of others.
• Saving time by dealing with issues directly, leading to more effective meetings (citing statistics that at least 40% of management time is spent dealing with dysfunctional relationships and poorly made decisions).
• Improving relationships by fostering honesty and robust conversation.

Shifting the Mindset: Charles recommends two key approaches for changing the negative perception of conflict:

• Be Gentle: Be less critical of yourself and others, recognising that no one is perfectly skilled at managing conflict.
• Talk About Conflict Before It Happens: Have a team discussion about what a healthy conflict culture means for you.

The Fifth Province: Charles draws on Irish mythology—the Fifth Province—as a strategy for managing past or present conflict. It is a metaphorical space where participants can temporarily leave their "weapons" (resentment, egos, fight) at the door to have an open conversation. The goal is to free the mind enough to talk, knowing that the dynamic will shift, and they will not leave the same way they entered.

The Elephant's Peg: Charles uses the analogy of a circus elephant tied to a tiny wooden peg to illustrate how people are held back by assumptions and limiting narratives built up over time about the risks of engaging in conflict.

Listen in and decide if conflict really is our greatest natural resource.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber welcome Caroline Mabon, co-founder of Compassionate Cultures, to discuss the concept of thriving in the workplace. 

They explore how individuals can take care of themselves, find joy and grow in their professional lives. Caroline shares insights from her company's research, including their Thrive and Grow Index, which helps organisations create environments where employees can thrive.

Caroline shares tips on how to 'Lead Yourself', aligned with her simple model: setting intentional goals, owning your personal development, and building resilience. 

Don't settle for work being ok. You deserve moments of joy every day!

To find out more, check out Compassionate Cultures makes us Future Fit

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

 Difficult people aren’t just frustrating—they’re exhausting.
 And most advice on dealing with them doesn’t actually work in real life. 

In this week's episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss strategies for dealing with difficult people at work. We all know them – those you dread interacting with – maybe they don't listen, or they snipe from the sidelines. Perhaps they ignore you, or nothing ever sticks to them when things go wrong. 

Regardless of who they are, James and Jimmy discuss how to deal with them effectively – both in the moment and over the long term, if their behaviour is systemic.

James and Jimmy also challenge their own behaviour and yours, so that you do not become someone else's 'difficult person'

If that isn’t enough, they also discuss the perils of children flying the nest and how the adage 'it's the hope that kills you' is apt if you're a football fan!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Season 3 - we're back with a muddle of James's!

To kick the season off, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber explore how we can all use artificial intelligence at work with special guest James Crawford. Unless you're living under a rock, you'll be aware of the promise of AI revolutionising the workplace. This tends to focus on how organisations, governments, or public services will utilise AI and automate various jobs. 

Today, we explore how we as individuals can use AI to help us get ahead and revolutionise how we work. AI expert James Crawford shares his 5P's model and also explains which AI systems work best for specific jobs. He then discusses some of the uses and best practices he has experienced during his travels. 

Plus, you'll hear 'what we did last summer', but somewhat less dramatic than the films or songs! 

So if you're worried about getting left behind in the AI revolution, check this episode out!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

We're back! Contrary to popular rumour we didn't get divorced over the summer. This season expect more insights, thought provoking experts, practical tips and hopefully a few laughs. All aimed at helping you improve your performance and enjoyment at work. 

So if you're frustrated about how things work, want to get better results, want to make your colleagues/team's work lives better and have some fun on the way - we spend a third of our lives at work, so this is the least we should expect - then this is the podcast for you!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week marks the end of the second season, so James Lawther and Jimmy Barber have an extravaganza for you - well, it should at least be mildly entertaining! They share some of the highs and lows from the series, things that they've learned and a few of their vast catalogue of outtakes.

They'll be back for season 3 in September, so if you have any special requests on topics, questions or guests you'd like to hear from, then please get in touch with us. In the interim, they'll share some excerpts from their most popular episodes that you may have missed, so keep an eye out on LinkedIn, YouTube or TikTok for those.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us through Season 2.  

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber delve into the topic of innovation, dispelling common misconceptions and emphasising its true value in enhancing performance and enjoyment at work. 

They share personal experiences and discuss both successful and failed innovations, highlighting the importance of involving all employees in the innovation process. They then also discuss the necessary cultural and procedural changes required to create a genuinely innovative environment. Tune in for practical tips on generating ideas, testing them, and scaling successful innovations. 

Don't just leave it to the 'Innovation Team', everyone has a role to play!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Nearly a quarter of us are impacted by grief every year - so why aren't we talking about it more at work?

In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Baber explore the crucial topic of grief in the workplace with special guest Lou Hynes, 'The Grief Guru'. Lou shares her personal story, in which, through devastating personal loss, she has found her calling - helping us become a more grief-literate society. The discussion covers how grief affects employees, the importance of organisational support, and practical ways managers and colleagues can offer real help. 

Lou emphasises the need for companies to support their employees, or risk attrition (51% of people who feel they're not supported through a period of grief leave within a year) and provides actionable insights for making workplaces more compassionate and supportive environments. 

Whether you're someone dealing with grief, a manager or an HR director, this episode offers valuable perspectives and advice.

To find out more about Lou and how she can help you Lou Hynes Coaching

On a lighter note, James shares details of his favourite pastime. 

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss the impact of AI on contact centres and back-office jobs. 

This follows a question from Rob, a member of the audience, who asked about the potential for AI to reduce contact centre jobs by a claimed 80-90% in the next year or two. The hosts share insights from a former guest, Alex Alexander's AI team, and James interviews Google's Gemini to discover if the AI themselves believe they will put us all out of a job.

This is all balanced with a bit of real-world experience of tech transformations. 

Check out the episode and see what they conclude - Are the robots taking over the world? You might be surprised by the answer.

XOOTS – Your digital transformation co-pilot

Callcenters in the Age of AI

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss the importance of networking with special guest Andy Warren - the best-connected person we know! They talk about the nuances of networking, what makes it effective, and how to overcome common barriers. Andy shares invaluable insights, including key strategies such as the significance of personal branding, overcoming the fear of rejection, and the 80/20 rule in listening versus speaking. 

Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your networking skills, this episode offers practical advice to enhance your professional and social connections.

They also face the challenges of playing Eamonn Andrews (look him up if you're under 40!) at a friend's milestone birthday, and that teenagers think they can drive to the moon and back in a Fiat 500. 

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss “Flow”, a mental state where we achieve peak performance whilst our actions feel effortless. They discuss how Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi discovered this phenomenon, and they also explore the benefits of being in the “Flow” state and its effect on happiness. 

The discussion leads to practical tips on achieving and maintaining flow state - setting clear goals, challenging yourself, eliminating distractions, and creating the best environment. Finally, the hosts share personal experiences and recommend resources for further understanding. You can tune in to learn how to boost your performance and enjoyment at work.

They also carry on their British obsession with the weather and share some research secrets!

Ali Abdaal - YouTube

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Building on their previous discussion, this episode explores the second half of Elana’s Adaptable Team framework, focusing on two key areas: the learning rhythm within teams and the dynamics of team leadership.

Elana shares practical insights on how high-performing teams create habits of reflective learning—emphasising the importance of regularly pausing to consider not just what the team is doing, but how they are working together. The conversation covers the value of small, frequent moments of reflection and how they can drive both individual and organisational growth.

The episode also delves into the role of leadership, highlighting that it is not just a position but a role that any team member can take up. Elana discusses the importance of intentionality, feedback, and clarity in leadership, and how these factors contribute to a team’s ability to adapt and perform at a high level.

Throughout the episode, real-world examples illustrate both the challenges and benefits of fostering a culture of learning and intentional leadership. The discussion is relevant for anyone interested in team development, organisational performance, or leadership practice.

Listen for a thoughtful, practical exploration of what it takes to build and sustain high-performing teams in today’s organisations.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber study unintended consequences and how they affect you personally and in business. 

Their discussion ranges from Donald Trump’s tariffs to the introduction of Cane Toads in Australia and the invention of the microwave oven. They also share the unintended consequences that have impacted them personally (both positively and negatively). 

Most importantly, the hosts also explore why these things happen and how to avoid them from derailing your work.

As a bonus, you can learn about the perils of gardening and the joy of realising that you have stopped sitting exams!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, host James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss some common 'corporate myths' that hinder performance at work. 

They explain that while targets will drive performance, it necessarily result in the performance you want, the fallacy that senior management has all the answers, and the misconception that long hours equal productivity. They also highlight the value of small, tactical improvements over big strategic projects, the benefits of treating suppliers as partners, and how introverts can make exceptional leaders. The episode wraps up with a reflection on social media perceptions versus reality, emphasising the need to focus on genuine rather than perceived performance. If you have any 'corporate myths' that you'd like debunking then please get in touch!

And we also learn what James has in common with Pedro Pascal, and it's not highbrow French films!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber delve into the topic of midlife career changes with expert coach Jess Spiers. 

They explore how to think about and approach a career crossroads - a point we all face at some point in our lives. Jess shares her own journey from digital content creation to career coaching, discussing the importance of clarity, confidence, and action in making intentional career choices. 

The conversation emphasises the importance of identifying values, super strengths, and transferable skills, while also addressing limiting beliefs and fears. 

Jess offers insights on how to develop a practical and actionable plan for a fulfilling career and life. The episode underscores the relevance of these strategies at various stages of one's career, not just at midlife. 

To find out more and get help with your career choice, Jess can be contacted at Twenty Twenty Coaching | mid-career coaching

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber welcome special guest Vick Grimes, a project management expert, to help them refine their delivery skills. Skills which are critical for everyone at work.

They explore the need to create clarity, define processes, manage stakeholders, and sustain change. The discussion covers strategies for getting things done effectively, including breaking down tasks, managing risks, and recognising small wins along the way. 

Whether you’re leading a complex project or tackling daily tasks, this episode offers practical advice to improve your performance and enjoyment at work.

You will also be reminded of the power of laughter and sunshine to improve your mood, as well as the importance of choosing the right film to watch with teenage children.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by Rachael Edmondson-Clarke to dive into the importance of understanding and aligning personal and organisational values to boost performance and enjoyment at work.

Rachael explains how clarifying personal values can significantly impact your happiness and satisfaction, leading to a more fulfilling career and life. She guides James and Jimmy through a values elicitation exercise, demonstrating how to identify and align those values with actions and decisions. 

They also discuss the dangers of organisations claiming they value something when they don't.

You'll also be treated to improbable films and unfulfilled cowboy dreams!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Did you know the sense of 'belonging' at work improves performance by 56%, reduces attrition risk by 50% and decreases absence by 75%...

Want to find out more? Check out this week's episode where hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss why belonging is so important and why it's not just changing your behaviour to 'fit in'.

Research, examples and mildly "amusing" anecdotes help bring the subject to life and provide pragmatic ways to unlock the sense of belonging and reap the benefits of satisfying this basic human need.

You will also hear from the biggest April fool of recent years and receive a health warning regarding macho behaviour in the gym!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by leadership development guru Frank Devine. Frank shares insights about which methods of leadership development work and which don't. 

After a long and varied career within HR working with some of the best organisations, people and academic research, Frank shares what he has learnt testing different "best practices". 

His research led him to develop the Cathedral Model (check out this link or visit the episode web page to see a diagram). It emphasises skills like recognition, coaching, and constructive feedback. We also discuss the pitfalls of traditional reward systems and the importance of creating a culture from the bottom up.

Tune in for practical strategies to enhance your team's performance and drive organisational success. You can also hear James and Jimmy's latest successes... a daughter landing a job and a punter landing tickets for the FA Cup semi-final—no prizes for guessing which is which.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, we dive into how to make more money at work while still enjoying what you do. We chat about everything from the difference education makes to earnings, choosing the right industry and company, to the importance of ongoing development whilst climbing the corporate ladder. We share our stories and tips on networking, moving companies, and why enjoying your job is as essential as your paycheck! Plus, we discuss the downsides of focusing too much on money and why it doesn't always equal happiness. 

We also both have new gadgets this week. James's nine-year-old iPhone finally breathes its last, and Jimmy realises a new remote control is cheaper than a new TV.

Tune in for a mix of practical advice, humour, and some hard-earned 'wisdom' on balancing money and job satisfaction.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, we are joined by Amanda Gilbert, and we dive deep into collaboration in the workplace. We discuss the importance of collaboration, how to achieve it, and the common corporate pitfalls that can prevent it.  We share practical steps for setting up collaborative environments, building trust among team members, and achieving shared goals. 

We also highlight real-world examples of successful collaboration and provide insights on leveraging collaboration tools and techniques. Tune in to learn how to enhance your team's performance and achieve better results through effective collaboration.

Plus, we discuss what treats Mrs Lawther is getting for her birthday, the plight of children leaving the nest and a great TV box set recommendation.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, we delve into the intricacies of leadership power and its impact on workplace dynamics. We explore power’s misuse and ethical implications, highlighted by current events and personal experiences. We also share our 'research'  and insights - all aimed to encourage self-awareness for leaders to wield their power conscientiously and effectively for positive outcomes. 

You can also see if you are more intelligent than James by benchmarking your scores on LinkedIn puzzle games!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In the latest episode of "A Job Done Well," James Lawther and Jimmy Barber confront a polarising topic: Process Improvement. They tackle the central debate—is it essential for organisational health, or simply bureaucratic overhead?

1.  The Core Conflict: Necessity vs. Bureaucracy

Jimmy admits to a strong aversion to "process," associating it with endless documentation. James argues the opposite: that effective processes are the indispensable structures supporting successful businesses. The hosts explore the common resistance to process and why, despite its reputation, it remains fundamental to achieving results.

2.  Actions for Better Processes

The episode provides eight practical rules for teams aiming to improve how they work, focusing on impact, observation, and customer value. Key points include:

• Design with Purpose: Define what the customer wants before designing the process.
• Observe Reality: Go beyond documentation; understand what is really happening.
• Focus on Impact: Use data to prioritise the problems that matter most.
• Limit Mapping: Map only for understanding and improvement, you don’t have to document everything.
• Cross-Silo View: Recognise that processes interact across the organisation.
• Make it Easy: Design processes to make the desired action easy to perform.
• Prioritise Value: Focus on speed and quality first; cost savings will follow.
• Remember the People: Processes must serve the people who execute them, not the other way around.

3.  Why Listen?

Whether you are sceptical or a proponent, this episode offers a clear perspective on transforming performance. Listen to challenge your assumptions and get actionable strategies for creating better workflows for your team and customers.

Tune in to the full episode now. For further discussion, reach out to the hosts at Jimmy@jobdonewell.com or James@jobdonewell.com.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, we are joined by returning guests Amanda Gilbert and Dawn Wray to discuss the pervasive impact of fear in the workplace. We explore various sources of fear, including individual anxieties, interpersonal dynamics, and systemic issues. 

The conversation, featuring personal anecdotes and professional insights, highlights how fear can hinder performance and well-being and occasionally serve as a motivator in specific contexts. It discusses key strategies for overcoming anxiety, such as gaining perspective and leveraging support systems.

The episode emphasises the importance of normalising conversations about fear to improve organisational culture and everyone's performance and enjoyment at work.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

'The wise learn not only from their own mistakes but also  from the missteps of others.'

In this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as it attempts to cut federal spending and modernise technology under President Trump's agenda. 

We discuss Elon Musk's cost-saving playbook, the risks of the approach, and most importantly, some suggestions on better ways of saving cost - by focusing on purpose, finding the right opportunities and listening to employees. Could we do a better job than Elon? Have a listen and you decide!

Plus, you'll discover James's latest middle-class gadget and how Jimmy's dog, Bear, is spending his newly found fortune!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode, we welcome guest Adrian Swinscoe, an author, researcher, and advisor on customer service and experience. 

Adrian challenges the underlying management beliefs that you should try to manage revenue, cost, and profitability and explains how you can create better organisational outcomes by focusing on your employees and customers.

The discussion also covers the shortcomings of chatbots, artificial intelligence, and the desire to control “the customer experience”.

It is all about inputs and outcomes. Listen in to find out more.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Bernie Smith, KPI guru, is back to help us find 'gold bars' - those vital measures that drive business success. 

Bernie shares a simple three-step method for unlocking those gold bars, using examples as diverse as predicting an international incident from pizza sales data, spotting a COVID outbreak using scented candle complaints, and calculating the number of piano tuners in Chicago.

Despite being an analytical love fest, this is one of our most entertaining and informative episodes. (They only briefly discuss celery cell growth and paper moisture levels!)

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, we are joined by KPI Guru Bernie Smith - world-renowned expert and author of 21 books...Bernie has made a career out of successfully helping people from across the globe to identify how they use KPIs to unlock performance. 

In this first episode, Bernie shares how to identify the KPIs that will give you the edge with practical insights and engaging stories. It is hard to believe that KPIs can be so interesting.

And, of course, we'll get another dose of middle class smugness from James as his Volvo and its heated seats give him the edge this winter!

Next week, Bernie will be back to help us unlock 'gold bar' KPIs

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, we hear more from Leadership and Wellbeing Guru James Carrier.

Following last week's episode, we discuss who's responsible for wellbeing, and if this is such an obvious thing to invest in, what gets in the way? Why do many organisations tick boxes rather than invest in their employees' wellbeing, improving the workplace and, ultimately, performance and results? 

Much to James L's delight, JC has a model to help you think about and take action to improve your wellbeing.

Full of thought-provoking insights and pragmatic tips on improving leaders' wellbeing at all levels. Don't miss what JC has to say!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Wellbeing – is it another corporate buzzword, a moral responsibility or an investment in future performance? 

This week, we are lucky to have James Carrier joining us to discuss wellbeing at work. 

• How do we define it? 
• How do we measure it? 
• How do we improve it? 
• Why does it matter?
• What are our responsibilities for our personal wellbeing and those around us?

James Carrier is thought-provoking and insightful as he challenges our actions and beliefs. 

This isn't just an exercise to see how many Jameses you can get on one podcast! 

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

You want to make a good impression… but you don’t even know what “good” looks like yet.
 So you end up busy, visible—and not always effective. 

Throughout our work lives, we change jobs - sometimes, we get a promotion, move to a new organisation, or move within a company. It happens all the time.

Often, the initial transition can be bumpy and influence your entire tenure in a role, so this week, we explore some ways that you can ensure a smooth transition and maximise the impact you have in a new job.

Preparing for new responsibilities goes beyond the usual inductions or initial training. We share a tried-and-tested (by Jimmy, at least) model from Michael D. Watkins, and we will also help you plan any transition so you can start in your new position as you mean to go on!

You'll also learn why James has a phobia of office furniture and question whether Donald Trump prepared appropriately for his new position.

The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter: Amazon.co.uk: Watkins, Michael D.: 9781422188613: Books

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week's special guest is Graeme Rainbird, a Leadership expert and self-confessed question addict.

Questioning is something we do daily, but with little thought, Graeme talks about the power of questions for shaping outcomes and relationships and gives some hints and tips for asking great questions. It's an easy but impactful win, so check out what Graeme says.

This episode was recorded a few weeks ago, so you'll also get an insight into our attitudes and ability to ice skate!

Get in touch with Graeme to learn more about the power of questions and all aspects of leadership. Contact: graeme.rainbird@peoplebusiness.co.uk or visit his website:

People Business: HR Consultancy - L&D Experts

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

You or someone near you suffers from one of these.....

This week, Steve Shutts joined us to discuss energy-limiting conditions, which impact 15 million people in the UK or 1 in 5 in the workplace. These conditions are a silent challenge for many, often not talked about or understood, and consequently negatively impact many people's working lives.

Steve shares the extent to which these conditions impact people, provides insights into how to make the workplace inclusive for people with ELCs, and discusses the benefits this can bring to individuals, teams, and organisations.

We will all work with people with ELCs, and many of us suffer from an ELC ourselves, so take the time to educate yourself on this subject and the great work the charity ASTRIID does in this space. 

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Elana Friedman, an expert in organisational development and team dynamics, joins James Lawther and Jimmy Barber this week to discuss the secrets of high-performing teams.

Elana shares her journey from South Africa to the UK, and how her experiences shaped her desire to help teams and organisations thrive. Together, the hosts and Elana explore the Adaptable Team Framework model and the elements that drive team success: clear outcomes, practical actions, and the right mindset.

Some of the key points include:

• Why high performing teams are about more than just results—they’re about meaning, enjoyment, and continuous learning.
• The importance of aligning systems and processes with team goals (and why “stop the stupid” is a mantra worth adopting!).
• How beliefs and assumptions shape team culture, and why healthy conflict and trust are vital.

This episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips for anyone looking to boost their team’s performance and enjoyment at work. 

And don’t miss the cliffhanger—next time, Elana returns to discuss team leadership and learning rhythms!

Listen now and discover how you can transform your team’s potential. 

If you have any thoughts or questions? Reach out to us at Jimmy@jobdonewell.com or James@jobdonewell.com.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

On average, we spend 28% of our working lives in meetings. So how do we make the most of this time and ensure meetings are productive and positive rather than "hours of my life I won't get back."?

This week's podcast discusses the importance of meetings and how we fool ourselves by using them to define our status and importance.

By following some simple principles, you can turn the corporate treacle into an invaluable investment of your time and your organisation's money. After all, you don't want to waste a quarter of your time at work!

If you want to make your meetings work, please contact James Lawther or Jimmy Barber.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Happy New Year!

We're back and starting 2025 on a high with a special guest: Patricia Brooks, a high-performance strengths coach.

Patricia shares the importance and value of knowing what you are good at and her model for identifying, owning, and leveraging your personal strengths. This approach is invaluable for us all, as we perform better and enjoy our work more if we concentrate on the areas we excel at rather than constantly focusing on our "Development Areas."


To find out more by contacting Patricia via:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/workplace-culture/

FREE training for individuals - https://genevapearl.com/home-page-3284

Geneva Pearl website  - https://genevapearl.co.uk/

For a strengths assessment personalised report, contact Patricia at  coaching@genevapearl.co.uk and claim your free Personal Growth Practical Guide or book time with Patricia for an exploratory call.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

We end the year with our version of the 12 Days of Christmas – a light-hearted look at some seasonal insights to help you over the festive period and into 2025.
 
Amanda Gilbert our Learning and Development Guru attempts to keep us in order as we cobble together insights on habits, collaboration and how to behave at Christmas Do's.
 
Thank you to everyone for listening, sharing, following, and supporting the podcast this year. We hope you all have an amazing festive period and a great 2025. If you're lucky, Santa won't be taking advice from James this year – when you've listened in, you'll know why! We hope to see you all for our next episode on January 7th.
 
If you want to help others less fortunate than yourself this time of year, Olio - Your Local Sharing App is a great place to start. 

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Free advice from two old men, but is it any good?

This week, we explore 'how to manage your career' - a subject often discussed, rarely taught, and where perfect answers don't exist. We have both had decades of experience—good and bad—trying to make the most of our careers. So, we thought we would share some of the dilemmas we faced and the insights we have gained.

If our expertise isn't enough, maybe Baz Luhrmann's advice from a classic 90s song will be an adequate substitute.

You'll also hear about our recent experiences at Christmas markets and how to negotiate with cranky Immigration Officers!

If you want more (and why wouldn't you?), let us know by contacting James Lawther or Jimmy Barber.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week is the second part of our conversation with Gestalt Therapist Dawn Wray.

Dawn explains the "five explorations", questions that will help you deepen your understanding of yourself and improve your relationships with the world around you. She also shows how your past can affect your future.

If you are 'curious' and want to learn more about the subject, please contact Dawn at the Listening Collective.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, we will see the first of two episodes with Gestalt Therapist Dawn Wray. 

We will explore how therapy can help improve performance and enjoyment at work. Dawn discusses its nature and shares how it can have a profound effect on your personal and professional life. She has helped people who have faced redundancy, been promoted, changed jobs, and many other situations. She shares some questions we can all consider that will help us deepen our understanding of ourselves and improve our relationships with the world around us.

We also learn that Jimmy has benefited from years of therapy and that James would benefit from therapy. 

Stay tuned for next week's continuation of this intriguing and transformative subject.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Good/bad, happy/sad, success/failure—we are conditioned to fear failure, but it's essential for learning, growth, and innovation.

This week, we review the research into failure and share our experiences and perspectives. Listen to help you understand and develop a positive relationship with one of life's most prevalent natural resources.

If that's not enough, we also share some TV recommendations. Though we recorded this before Rivals came out; otherwise, it would have made Jimmy's list!

To find out more, contact Jimmy or James.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, Amanda Gilbert joins us to share insights into how you can build people's capability - yours, your teams, or your organisation. Avoid some common pitfalls and follow critical steps to improve capability and results.

This podcast follows the recent episode where James shared a magic bullet for improving performance: building your systems' capability. People are critical to any system, so check out Amanda's advice.

We also discuss the challenges of buying and maintaining cars, and James improves his productivity by listening to podcasts on double speed—perfect if you're a fan of the Smurfs!

To find out more, contact Jimmy, James or Amanda.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, we discuss the often shortsighted cost-cutting measures companies adopt to hit their targets and the flawed logic behind these strategies. What might appear to be an immediate saving usually leads to more significant issues down the line. 

Instead of superficial cuts, we will explain the catch-all strategy to fix all your operational and financial woes.

Are we snake-oil salesmen, or do we know the solution? Listen in and decide for yourself.

To find out more, contact James, Jimmy.

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

A second episode, in which Rob Wilson (Co-Founder of Service Economics) shares his insights into Systems Thinking – an approach that can help transform how businesses work.

We discuss how you can change the way you think about your system (or organisation) to improve customer and staff outcomes. Rob's advice is easy to understand and pragmatic, and it's immediately apparent how it will radically improve performance.

Plus, you don't need to wait for the next Apple Event (pun intended) to find out what the must-have gadget is this Autumn, as James shares his latest acquisition!

To find out more, contact James, Jimmy or Rob.

Or have a look at Service Economics (service-economics.com)

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Promotions don’t go to the hardest worker.
They go to the person seen differently. 

This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber explore the subject of getting promoted and suggest how you can go about it without compromising your values or playing games. 

They discuss how promotions work in organisations, the importance of thinking through why you want a promotion, how you position yourself and some things to be wary of. The mix of practical tips and anecdotes will engage and inform on a topic many are interested in but few openly discuss!

They also talk weather and holiday strategies - but don't go on too much!

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, we are lucky to have Rob Wilson, Co-Founder of Service Economics, as a special guest. Rob has 20+ years of experience leading and transforming service operations across various sectors and is an expert in Systems Thinking.

This approach can help transform how you think about doing your job, and it has some stunning results. However, it has been surrounded by mystique and cynicism, as highlighted by the first rule of Systems Thinking – never talk about Systems Thinking!

Rob breaks this 'rule' and shows us behind the curtain to understand more about this method and some of the challenges it can help us solve.

You'll also get insights from James on Nottingham's roundabouts, and Jimmy recommends the Art of Football for all of your football attire needs (and to get excellent customer service).

To find out more, contact James, Jimmy or Rob.

Or have a look at Service Economics (service-economics.com)

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In last week's episode, we discussed the issues highlighted in Lord Darzi's report on the current state of the NHS and concluded that many are common to other organisations and teams.

This week, we share some of the solutions we've found that can help overcome these challenges, from breaking a backlog to finding the best opportunities for improvement.

We also discuss how Jimmy regresses to childhood to stay mentally fit whilst James opts to do what he's told to stay healthy!

To find out more, please get in touch with James or Jimmy. 

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, we discuss Lord Darzi's report about the state of the NHS. The NHS is a crucial part of our lives, both in moments of joy and crisis, and it's widely recognised that it faces significant organisational challenges. But are these challenges unique? We delve into similar problems in other organisations, from perpetual restructuring and backlog management to ignoring customer feedback.
 
 Additionally, James recounts his experience trading the sophisticated company at the Southwell Ploughing Festival for the thrills of the waltzer at Nottingham's Goose Fair.
 
 Next week, we'll focus on some of the solutions that have addressed similar challenges elsewhere.
 
 To find out more, please contact James or Jimmy. 

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Do you resent those who can 'manage upwards’, or do you simply envy them or feel uncomfortable doing it yourself?
 
 In this episode, we discuss the power and value of sensibly managing senior members of your organisation. This skill can aid in career management, ensure tasks are completed well, and allow you to sleep peacefully at night without feeling like a sell-out or sycophant.
 
We offer perspectives on its benefits and share various thoughts and methods for achieving the best possible outcomes for everyone involved.
 
We also discuss the merits of O Beach in Ibiza, the NHS and the risks when forwarding emails...
 
If you or your team want to enhance your or your team's ability to network effectively and manage upwards, please contact James or Jimmy. 

Got a question - get in touch. Click here.