Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Things Leaders Do
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting 2026 Strong - The First Week Reset (Year-End Leadership Series) | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:40:06 | |
What should leaders do in the first week of January to set their team up for success in 2026? How can middle managers use the first week back to re-engage their teams and set the tone for the entire year? Most leaders waste the first week of January drowning in email and attending pointless meetings. But the first week of January isn't about catching up—it's about resetting. In this episode, Colby breaks down the specific conversations leaders need to have, why one-on-ones are non-negotiable, and how to build leadership habits that actually stick. If you've been struggling with team engagement or haven't been doing one-on-ones consistently, this episode will give you the framework to start 2026 strong.
Middle managers and team leaders who want to start 2026 strong, re-engage their teams after the holidays, and build sustainable leadership habits that actually stick.
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| Setting 2026 Goals That Don't Suck (Year-End Leadership Series) | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:23:04 | |
93% of employees can't align their personal goals with company objectives—because most goal-setting is one-directional garbage. This episode shows you how to create SMART goals using the two-way framework that balances corporate priorities with what your team actually wants to develop. What You'll Learn:
Key Stats:
Questions I'll address:
Part of the Year-End Leadership Survival Guide - 4 episodes to finish 2025 strong Perfect for: Middle managers setting 2026 goals who want to create objectives their team actually cares about achieving Need help building a goal-setting framework that drives real performance? Colby works with leaders and teams through keynote speaking, executive coaching, and leadership training. 📧 linkedin.com/in/colbymorris | 🌐 nxtstepadvisors.com Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts | Share with a leader setting goals with their team #TheThingsLeadersDo #GoalSetting #SMARTGoals #LeadershipDevelopment #MiddleManagement #CareerDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #PerformanceManagement | |||
| Leadership in the Age of Mental Health Awareness | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:19:07 | |
Your top performer just quit without a backup plan. They're driving Uber while they figure out their next move. Why? Because the pain of staying became greater than the pain of change. In 2025, 35% of Gen Z workers will quit without another job lined up, and 1 in 4 employees have considered quitting due to mental health concerns. The gig economy changed everything—your people have options now, and being a "nice boss" isn't enough. Host Colby Morris reveals the critical difference between bosses who lose people and people-first leaders who retain them through the contrasting stories of David (who lost his top performer despite "checking in") and Marcus (who spotted real struggles because he actually knew his team). You'll discover:
The truth: Being nice doesn't equal being connected. People-first leaders know their people well enough to recognize when "I'm fine" isn't true.
Keynote speaking, coaching, and training: nxtstepadvisors.com
Practical, people-first leadership strategies for managers who want real results. Host Colby Morris shares insights from his executive coaching practice to help you build stronger teams and create workplaces where people actually want to stay. | |||
| Management Development UNLOCKED: with Eric Girard | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:20:45 | |
Our first interview show! Colby was a guest on the Management Development - UNLOCKED podcast with Eric Girard.
Connect with Eric: | |||
| Disciplines of Creating Culture | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:10:06 | |
Welcome to the TLD Podcast, hosted by Colby Morris, an experienced leader who has navigated through various organizational roles, from manager to C-suite executive. Join us as Colby shares invaluable insights and actionable strategies to help you become a more effective leader starting today. In this episode, Colby delves into the second discipline of effective leadership: "Create Clarity." Drawing inspiration from Patrick Lencioni, he emphasizes the importance of answering six critical questions from Lencioni's book, "The Advantage," to guide your organization's purpose, values, actions, strategies, priorities, and roles. Alignment within the leadership team is key, and Colby offers practical tips to ensure everyone speaks the same language. The third discipline, "Over-Communicate," may sound unconventional, but it's a cornerstone of a healthy organization. Colby sheds light on the power of relentless communication, especially concerning the six critical questions. Discover the significance of repetition and how it fosters understanding within your team. Finally, the fourth discipline, "Reinforce Clarity," is explored. Colby discusses how your organization's processes, including hiring, goal setting, and performance reviews, should be aligned with your core principles to drive clarity. He challenges you to reflect on your leadership's efforts to improve communication, appreciation, recognition, and organizational culture. As you listen to Colby's insights, he encourages you to consider how you can personally implement these strategies in your role as a leader. Don't wait for others to make a difference—start today. Tune in to gain actionable leadership insights and make a lasting impact in your organization. | |||
| Building a Healthy Workplace Culture | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:13:06 | |
Building a Healthy Culture
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| Leading with Vulnerability in a Crisis | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:08:18 | |
Welcome to the TLD Podcast with your host, Colby Morris. In today's episode, we delve into the art of leading with resilience during a global crisis while connecting with vulnerability and strength. In challenging times, leadership takes on a whole new dimension, and as we navigate a world filled with uncertainty, it's crucial to connect with your team on a profound level. | |||
| Cultivating Problem Solvers: Unleashing Intrapreneurial Leadership | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:17:02 | |
Welcome to the 'TLD Podcast' with your host, Colby Morris. In this enlightening episode, we dive into the world of problem-solving within leadership. Discover the immense value of fostering intrapreneurial cultures in developing innovative problem solvers. Join us as we explore collaboratively tackling challenges and generating revolutionary ideas. Uncover actionable steps to cultivate intrapreneurship in your team, leading to more effective problem-solving. If you're on a quest to boost your leadership skills and revolutionize your organization's approach to problem-solving, don't miss this episode! | |||
| Advanced KPIs Strategies for Leaders | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:20:28 | |
Join host Colby Morris on the TLD Podcast as we explore advanced KPI strategies for seasoned leaders.
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| Introduction to Effective KPIs | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:10:04 | |
In this empowering episode of "Things Leaders Do," we're tackling a fundamental aspect of leadership that often gets bogged down in theory – Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs. Hosted by Colby Morris, this episode is designed for leaders at all levels, offering actionable steps to supercharge your team's success. | |||
| Leading in a High-Stress Environment | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:10:48 | |
New and experienced leaders in high-stress environments need to know how to navigate that road. This episode will walk you through three steps to get through it successfully. | |||
| Leading Through Corporate Restructuring & Layoffs | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:13:35 | |
Corporate restructuring and layoffs are never easy, but they are sometimes necessary for businesses to stay competitive. When leaders have to make the difficult decision to lay off employees, there are a few things they can do to make the process as smooth and compassionate as possible. Also, some Q&A from some of the listeners. | |||
| Setting Clear Performance Expectations | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:12:32 | |
Leaders have to set the expectations for their team, and they must know how to measure them. This episode will help leaders set, communicate, and measure those expectations in order to find more success at work. | |||
| The Hybrid Leadership Playbook: 3 Systems That Actually Work | 29 Sep 2025 | 00:17:49 | |
This deep-dive follow-up delivers exactly what you asked for: three specific, actionable systems that successful hybrid leaders use to build trust, measure performance, and manage remote teams without losing their minds. Host Colby Morris shares a real transformation story about Lisa, a marketing director whose team was crushing goals but sending deliverables at 2:00 AM - creating massive anxiety about "when" her people were working. Discover how implementing SMART goal-aligned KPIs eliminated her monitoring stress and improved team performance. Featured Systems:
Real transformation results: Marketing director eliminated "when are they working" anxiety, team productivity increased, retention hit 100% - all by measuring what actually matters instead of monitoring activities. Key insight: Stop controlling HOW work gets done. Start focusing on WHAT gets accomplished. Your people will do their best work when they know how they're measured, feel trusted, and get regular feedback and support. Perfect for: Managers, directors, and executives leading distributed teams, remote workers, or hybrid workforces who want practical systems for building trust, measuring performance, and developing people without micromanaging.
Must-listen first: Episode 103 - "The Hybrid Leadership Dilemma: Why Your Old Management Style Isn't Working" Deep dive: "The One-on-One Series" - Complete framework for effective weekly check-ins
Book keynote speaking, executive coaching, or team training: nxtstepadvisors.com
Things Leaders Do delivers practical, people-first leadership strategies for managers who want re | |||
| Effective Communication for Leaders | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:14:17 | |
Communicating for leaders isn't about giving perfect speeches, it's about how you have conversations (even the tough ones) with those you lead. The podcast will go through specifics of how leaders at every level can communicate more effectively with their team. | |||
| Time Management for Leaders, Part II | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:16:35 | |
How do leaders find more time in their day? It takes action! This episode is a continuation of the discussion from Part I, and I encourage you to listen. However, this episode has 2 steps you can take today to start gaining back the time you need as a leader. | |||
| Time Management for Leaders, Part I | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:09:43 | |
The first of a 2-part series designed to give leaders actionable time-management tools that can help them start reclaiming their time, starting today. If you're struggling to find enough time in your day, start here. | |||
| The One-on-One Meeting | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:08:57 | |
Many leaders don't know about the effective one-on-one meeting, or how to have them. Today, we walk through specifics of the one-on-one, and what it can accomplish for leaders. | |||
| Leadership is About People | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:09:28 | |
Colby discusses the definition of leadership, a reminder that leadership is about people. We also dive into how to connect with and develop your relationships with your team members, and how to develop them. | |||
| TRAILER: Introduction to Things Leaders Do | 02 Aug 2023 | 00:01:40 | |
An introduction to what Things Leaders Do will be about. Listen for a sampling of what to expect! | |||
| The Hybrid Leadership Dilemma: Why Your Old Management Style Isn't Working | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:17:34 | |
BREAKING: New 2025 research reveals 51% of workers would quit rather than return to traditional management styles. Is your hybrid leadership approach driving away top talent? If your best performer just quit with an exit interview citing "micromanagement" and "lack of trust," you're experiencing the hybrid leadership dilemma that's costing organizations their most valuable people. The hybrid workplace has exposed a critical flaw in how most leaders manage remote teams, virtual employees, and distributed workforces. Host Colby Morris shares eye-opening coaching stories from his leadership experience, including the director whose team engagement scores jumped 30% in six months after making one crucial shift: leading individuals instead of managing activities. You'll discover why video call anxiety is sabotaging your team meetings, how proximity bias is destroying trust, and the exact framework successful leaders use to thrive in hybrid environments. In this episode:
Perfect for managers, directors, and executives leading distributed teams who want to build trust, improve retention, and boost productivity without constant oversight. Ready to transform your leadership approach? Listen now and discover why focusing on outcomes instead of activities is the key to hybrid team success.
How do I know my remote employees are actually working?
A proven system for leading distributed teams that gets results without micromanagement.
Struggling with hybrid team leadership? Colby delivers keynote presentations, executive coaching, and team training that transform workplace culture and drive measurable results. Book a consultation: nxtstepadvisors.com
Things Leaders Do delivers practical, people-first leadership strategies for managers who want real results without corporate fluff. Host Colby Morris, founder of NXT Step Advisors, shares insights from his executive coaching practice to help you build stronger teams, improve retention, and create workplace cultures where people actually want to work. New episodes every Monday. Subscribe now and never miss the latest in leadership development and team management strategies. | |||
| Leading Through National Tragedy – When Silence Isn't an Option | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:15:27 | |
When national tragedy strikes, leaders don’t have the luxury of silence. In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and what it reveals about the role of leaders during moments of crisis. This conversation isn’t about politics. It’s about leadership. It’s about how you show up when your team is already processing fear, anger, confusion—and yes, sometimes celebration. In this episode, we cover:
Leadership gets tested in moments like these. The way you respond shapes not only your culture today but the trust your people will have in you tomorrow. If you’re struggling with how to navigate these conversations, Colby is available for executive coaching, organizational consulting, and leadership training at nxtstepadvisors.com | |||
| Conflict IQ Part 3: The Courage Conversation – How to Invite Conflict Instead of Avoiding It | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:17:07 | |
How do leaders invite productive conflict? Most leaders avoid workplace conflict, then wonder why teams never bring them the truth until it's too late. In this final Conflict IQ episode, discover the advanced skill that separates good leaders from great ones: actively inviting disagreement to strengthen team performance. Learn specific language patterns that encourage honest pushback and practical tools for creating environments where the best ideas emerge from anywhere on your team.
Pick one decision you're confident about and actively seek out disagreement. Ask someone whose judgment you respect to argue against your idea.
Charles Duhigg (Supercommunicators) • Adam Grant • Patrick Lencioni
This concludes our 3-part Conflict IQ series. Subscribe for more leadership insights. Tags: conflict IQ, leadership development, conflict resolution, team communication, psychological safety, productive disagreement, leadership courage Category: Business | |||
| Conflict IQ Part 2: Reading the Room Before Hidden Conflict Explodes Episode 100 | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:19:31 | |
Welcome to Episode 100 of Things Leaders Do! I can’t believe we’ve hit this milestone together. Thank you to every listener who’s been here along the way—your feedback and stories keep pushing me to bring leadership conversations that actually matter. For this milestone episode, we’re continuing the Conflict IQ series with Part 2: Reading the Room—How to Spot Hidden Conflict Before It Explodes. Here’s the truth: by the time conflict becomes visible, it’s already too late. The real leadership skill is noticing the quiet signals—hesitation, withdrawal, selective agreement—before they derail your team. In this episode, you’ll discover:
Research shows that 43% of employees experience burnout and stress tied to poor communication. Hidden conflict doesn’t just stall projects—it quietly erodes trust, engagement, and retention. Key takeaway: Great leaders don’t just manage conflict when it erupts—they develop the Conflict IQ to see it coming and create the safety for their teams to address it directly. Next week: Episode 101, Part 3 of the Conflict IQ series—The Courage Conversation: How to Invite Conflict Instead of Avoiding It. For more people-first leadership tools, executive coaching, or team workshops, visit nxtstepadvisors.com Connect with Colby:
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| Conflict IQ Part I: Why You Need It Yesterday | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:18:23 | |
Ever walked out of a meeting thinking everyone was aligned—only to realize the real conversation started in the hallway? That’s not alignment. That’s avoidance. And it’s killing your team’s potential. In this kickoff episode of the Conflict IQ series, Colby Morris unpacks why most leaders get conflict wrong—and how you can build the intelligence to turn tension into trust. Drawing from research at Melbourne Business School, insights from Harvard Business Review, and Patrick Lencioni’s work on “healthy conflict,” this episode reframes conflict as a leadership superpower, not a liability. You’ll discover:
Conflict doesn’t have to be messy, personal, or destructive. Handled well, it’s the fire that forges stronger ideas, stronger teams, and stronger leaders. Question for you: When was the last time you avoided conflict—and what did it really cost you? If this episode resonates, share it with another leader who needs to rethink their relationship with conflict. For more tools on people-first leadership, visit nxtstepadvisors.com Connect with Colby on LinkedIn | |||
| Your Gen X Boss Decoder Ring: A Field Guide for Millennials and Gen Z | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:24:13 | |
Ever wondered why your Gen X boss seems to speak in code? Why they get weird when you ask "why" or seem obsessed with how many hours you work? This episode flips the script—giving Millennials and Gen Z the backstage pass to understanding what makes their Gen X bosses tick. It's not about excusing poor leadership; it's about cracking the code so you can work together more effectively.
"Your Gen X boss isn't trying to make your life difficult. They're just operating from a different instruction manual." "When you start speaking their language, many Gen X leaders will actually start to evolve."
Pick your Gen X boss's most confusing behavior and try one new approach based on what you learn in this episode.
Which Gen X behavior have you been taking personally that might just be generational programming? | |||
| What Gen X Gets Wrong About Leadership | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:20:37 | |
If you’ve ever said, “Because I said so” in a meeting, you might be leading like it’s still 1989. With a mix of self-awareness, humor, and hard truth, you’ll discover:
Drawing from insights by John Maxwell, Patrick Lencioni, Simon Sinek, and research from Harvard Business Review, this episode is packed with actionable “do this instead” strategies. You’ll walk away with:
Gen X leaders have a lot to be proud of—but thriving today means challenging the habits that no longer serve you or your team. For more people-first leadership tools, visit nxtstepadvisors.com. Connect with Colby on LinkedIn | |||
| The Gen X Leader's Guide to Managing Millennials and Gen Z | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:17:40 | |
Ever get frustrated trying to lead someone who sends emails in lowercase with no punctuation... but somehow they're your top performer? If you're a Gen X leader, you're sandwiched between generations with completely different values and expectations. In this episode, Colby breaks down why leading younger generations feels so challenging—and gives you practical strategies to bridge the gap without losing your edge.
The Real Issue: The tension between generations isn't about entitlement or work ethic—it's about fundamentally different experiences that shaped different expectations. Start With Why: Before explaining what needs to be done, explain why it matters. Connect every task to a bigger purpose. The Four C's: Younger generations want Clarity, Consistency, Coaching, and Care from their leaders. Your Weekly Action Items:
"That frustration you feel when they ask 'why' isn't about their entitlement. It's about your discomfort with a different way of working." "The question isn't whether you should adapt. The question is: what's it costing you not to?" "EQ isn't soft—it's the hardest skill to master and the most important one for results."
What belief about leadership are you holding onto that might be holding your team back? Things Leaders Do is hosted by Colby Morris, helping leaders create clarity, build cultures people want to be part of, and lead with purpose. | |||
| Performance Review Feedback That Actually Sticks (Year-End Leadership Series) | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:20:42 | |
Year-end performance reviews often fail because feedback evaporates by February. This episode shows you how to deliver feedback that actually changes behavior—whether you've been doing one-on-ones all year or you're starting fresh in 2026. What You'll Learn:
Key Stats:
Questions I'll address:
Part of the Year-End Leadership Survival Guide - 4 episodes to finish 2025 strong Perfect for: Middle managers facing year-end reviews who realize they haven't been as present as they should have been Need help building a feedback culture in your organization? Colby works with leaders and teams through keynote speaking, executive coaching, and leadership training. 📧 linkedin.com/in/colbymorris | 🌐 nxtstepadvisors.com Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts | Share with a leader facing performance reviews #TheThingsLeadersDo #PerformanceReviews #EmployeeFeedback #LeadershipDevelopment #MiddleManagement #OneOnOnes #ContinuousFeedback | |||
| The AI Bridge: Why Gen X Leaders Are Perfectly Positioned for the Next Big Shift | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:16:57 | |
Gen X leaders have seen it all—floppy disks, dial-up, the rise of email, and the shift to remote work. So why does AI feel like such a curveball? In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris explores how Gen X is uniquely positioned to lead through digital transformation—not by mastering every tool, but by mastering what really matters: people-first leadership. From past transitions to today’s AI moment, Colby walks through five key steps Gen X leaders can use to bring clarity, confidence, and wisdom to an AI-enabled future. You’ll learn how to avoid the common traps of reactive tech adoption and instead guide your team with intentionality, purpose, and trust. In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Your Weekly Action Plan:
Connect with Colby: If you're a Gen X leader navigating uncertainty in the age of AI—this episode is your roadmap. Let’s not fall behind. Let’s lead forward. Because those are the things that leaders do. | |||
| What Gen X Gets Right About Leadership | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:22:08 | |
What Gen X Gets Right About Leadership Episode Summary From solving real problems under pressure to earning respect through action (not just title), Gen X has been tested, refined, and built to lead in chaos. But many of these leaders are undervalued or underestimated—until now. If you’ve ever felt overlooked in the leadership conversation, this episode will remind you exactly why your experience, resilience, and no-nonsense leadership style still matter. In this episode, we cover:
Whether you’re a Gen Xer leading from the middle or the top—or someone who wants to understand and support them better—this episode will give you a whole new lens on what makes this generation’s leadership so effective. Resources & References
Your Next Step Because building others... | |||
| Respond Like a Leader, Don't React Like a Boss | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:18:47 | |
How People-First Leaders Handle What Bosses Just React To Episode Description: In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby walks through five real-world scenarios leaders face every week—and shows how a people-first leader responds differently than a reactive boss. From late arrivals to burned-out top performers, you’ll see the stark contrast between managing behavior and developing people. Through story, insight, and practical conversation prompts, Colby helps you shift from reacting to root causes to responding with intentionality, clarity, and compassion. You’ll also hear insights inspired by Jon Acuff’s Soundtracks and Jocko Willink’s Extreme Ownership, and how the mindsets of great leaders shape their teams for the long haul. In this episode, you’ll learn:
If you're ready to lead differently, respond thoughtfully, and create a culture where people grow—not just perform—this episode is for you. Connect with Colby: Whether you're looking for coaching, training, or a keynote that moves your leaders to action—Colby helps you build a culture that performs and lasts. Because caring for your people and getting results aren't opposites. | |||
| You Don’t Have a Succession Plan. So What Happens When Your Top Performer Leaves? | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:18:26 | |
You Don’t Have a Succession Plan. So What Happens When Your Top Performer Leaves? Episode Description: In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris pulls back the curtain on why the absence of a real succession plan is one of the most dangerous blind spots in leadership today. And it’s not about building spreadsheets—it’s about building people. Colby shares a powerful leadership lesson he calls the Michael Jordan Effect, where we mistake performance for leadership potential. He also breaks down a practical, people-first strategy for developing your future leaders—starting with your next one-on-one. You’ll learn:
Whether you’re leading a team of 5 or 500, this episode will give you the mindset, structure, and urgency you need to stop winging it—and start planning for sustainable leadership growth. Ready to develop real leaders inside your organization? Or connect with Colby on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-morris/ | |||
| Delegating Isn’t Leading—Until You Let Go of Control | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:12:06 | |
Delegating Isn’t Leading—Until You Let Go of Control Episode Description Are you delegating… or just redistributing your to-do list? In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris breaks down the difference between delegating tasks and developing leaders. Drawing from Craig Groeschel’s principle that “you don’t delegate tasks to create leaders, you delegate authority,” this episode helps you make the shift from micromanagement to real leadership development. Colby shares a simple 3-step delegation framework, along with real stories of how handing over ownership—not just responsibility—transforms teams and unlocks leadership potential. If you’re feeling burned out, constantly followed up with, or unsure why your team isn’t stepping up, this episode will help you create the clarity, structure, and trust your team needs to grow. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Leadership Challenge This Week: Look at your calendar or task list. Choose one responsibility you’ve been holding too tightly. Need Help Developing Leaders in Your Organization? Colby offers coaching, team trainings, and keynote speaking for leadership teams who want to build people-first, high-performance cultures. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/ Website: nxtstepadvisors.com Enjoying the Show? If this episode helped you lead better, please leave a review and share it with another leader. That’s how we grow this movement—together. | |||
| Drowning in Decisions? You’re Leading the Wrong Way | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:12:41 | |
Drowning in Decisions? You’re Leading the Wrong Way Podcast Description In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris shares the leadership shift that changed everything when he was managing a 350-person team. If you're overwhelmed by decision fatigue or constantly solving problems your team could handle, this episode will show you how to stop being the answer—and start building a team that knows how to think without you. You’ll learn:
Leadership Challenge: If this episode helped you lead better: Need a speaker for your next leadership event, team training, or offsite? or connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-morris/ | |||
| Being People-First Doesn’t Mean Being Passive—It Means Being Proactive | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:08:50 | |
Title: Episode Description: Great leaders don’t just react well to conflict—they prevent it. And they do that through consistent, structured one-on-ones that uncover tension before it escalates. Drawing on insights from the One-on-One Meeting Series and the Conflict Series, Colby shares a real-world leadership story, introduces the Three Levels of Conflict Prevention, and breaks down practical ways to lead with proactive clarity instead of reactive clean-up. If you care about people, lead a team, or want to strengthen your culture while scaling—this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn:
Tools and Takeaways:
Work With Colby:
Start the conversation on LinkedIn or contact him via the webpage. | |||
| The One-on-One Series Part 2: The Four Quadrants Every Leader Needs to Cover | 09 Jun 2025 | 00:12:01 | |
The Secret to Great One-on-Ones: The Four Quadrants Every Leader Needs to Cover If your one-on-ones are starting to feel routine—or worse, like a waste of time—this episode is for you. In Part 2 of the One-on-One Series, Colby Morris breaks down the four essential quadrants every leader must cover in their one-on-ones to actually drive engagement, performance, and trust. You’ll learn how to structure your meetings with purpose, even if you’re only meeting monthly—and how to adjust your approach based on the number of direct reports you have. Colby shares real-world stories, practical questions, and a cadence model that works—so your one-on-ones stop feeling like just another meeting and start becoming the leadership moments that shape culture. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Whether you’re leading 4 or 40, this episode will help you structure your meetings in a way that builds trust, drives clarity, and develops your people. Resources Mentioned: Subscribe & Share: Connect with Colby: Booking Inquiries: | |||
| The One-on-One Series: Why Your One-on-Ones Aren't Working | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:12:02 | |
Why Your One-on-Ones Aren’t Working—And How to Fix Them Episode 1 of the One-on-One Meeting Series | The Things Leaders Do Podcast with Colby Morris Most one-on-one meetings aren’t working—and deep down, you probably know it. In this episode, Colby Morris breaks down why one-on-ones fail, why they matter more than you think, and a simple, proven 4-step structure that will help you transform these meetings into your most powerful leadership tool. Whether you manage 3 people or 30, this episode gives you a framework that actually works. You’ll learn:
This is Episode 1 of our One-on-One Meeting Series—and it sets the foundation for everything that follows. Leadership Challenge inside: Use this episode to structure your next one-on-one meeting. Need support or a template? Connect with Colby directly on LinkedIn or by email to get the same one-on-one agenda and prompts he uses with his teams. Follow the show Colby is available for speaking Connect with Colby Morris | |||
| The Conflict Series, Episode 3: Managing Up — How to Disagree with Your Boss Without Killing Your Career | 28 May 2025 | 00:12:51 | |
Managing Up — How to Disagree with Your Boss Without Killing Your Career Disagreeing with your boss doesn’t have to be career suicide. In fact, it might be your most powerful leadership move—if you do it the right way. In the final episode of The Conflict Series, Colby Morris tackles one of the toughest challenges for leaders in the middle: how to manage up. Whether you’re a middle manager, a team lead, or a high-performing individual contributor, you’ve likely faced the tension of wanting to speak up without stepping out of line. This episode gives you the mindset, language, and strategy to disagree with leadership without damaging trust or credibility. Learn how to bring respectful pushback, contribute solutions instead of complaints, and connect feedback to shared goals—all while strengthening your influence from the middle of the org chart. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Whether you’re looking to build credibility with your boss, influence strategy from the middle, or coach your team on how to lead up well—this is the episode that brings it all together. If this episode gave you new insight or language to lead from the middle, share it with your team or send it to another leader you respect. | |||
| How to Show Your Team Gratitude (Without the Awkward Potluck) | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:18:18 | |
Employee Recognition Strategies That Actually Work How do you recognize employees effectively? Most leaders only show appreciation during holidays—a team lunch at Thanksgiving, gift cards at year-end—but your people deserve consistent recognition year-round. Research shows 76% of employees don't feel adequately recognized at work, yet gratitude often becomes a seasonal checkbox instead of a daily leadership practice. This episode gives you a proven framework for meaningful employee recognition that builds loyalty and engagement. What You'll Learn:
Featured Statistics:
Common Questions Answered:
Perfect for: Middle managers, team leaders, directors, and anyone struggling to make employee recognition feel authentic instead of performative. Need help building a culture where recognition drives engagement—not just checks a box during holidays? Colby works with leaders and teams through keynote speaking, executive coaching, and leadership training to build people-first cultures that drive real results. Connect: linkedin.com/in/colbymorris Learn more: nxtstepadvisors.com How to Support The Things Leaders Do Podcast: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app | Leave a 5-star review | Share this episode with a leader who's trying to figure out how to show their team appreciation without it feeling forced or awkward Keep noticing the work your people do. Keep showing gratitude that actually matches who they are. Keep making recognition a regular practice, not just a holiday tradition. Because those are the things that leaders do. Related Topics & Keywords: Employee recognition strategies | Team appreciation ideas | How to recognize employees effectively | Meaningful employee recognition | Leadership gratitude | Employee engagement | People-first leadership | Recognition best practices | How to thank your team | Employee appreciation without budget | Remote team recognition | Manager development #TheThingsLeadersDo #EmployeeRecognition #TeamAppreciation #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleFirstLeadership #MiddleManagement #LeadershipSkills #RecognitionMatters #LeadershipPodcast #WorkplaceCulture #ManagerTraining | |||
| The Conflict Series, Episode 2: How to Say Hard Things Without Burning Bridges | 20 May 2025 | 00:12:01 | |
Struggling to have tough conversations without damaging relationships? You’re not alone—and this episode shows you how to lead with clarity and care. In Part 2 of The Conflict Series, Colby Morris breaks down a practical 3-step framework for saying hard things as a leader—without losing trust, morale, or momentum. Drawing from years of leadership experience and a real-life story with a former supervisor, Colby reveals how consistent one-on-ones, clear expectations, and people-first leadership make tough conversations easier and more effective. Whether you're giving performance feedback, addressing accountability gaps, or confronting team dynamics, this episode gives you the exact words, mindset, and tools you need to lead like a pro—even in the uncomfortable moments. In this episode, you’ll learn:
This episode is a must-listen for new managers, seasoned executives, HR leaders, and anyone committed to building a culture of clarity, care, and high performance. If this episode challenged or helped you, share it with your leadership team. | |||
| The Conflict Series: Your Team is Not a Family | 13 May 2025 | 00:10:25 | |
The Conflict Series: Your Team is Not a Family Is your workplace really a family—or are you avoiding the tough conversations your team actually needs? In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris kicks off The Conflict Series by taking aim at one of the most popular myths in leadership today: the idea that your team should function like a family. While “we’re like a family here” sounds heartwarming, it often creates confusion, stifles innovation, and sabotages accountability. Colby shares personal stories, expert quotes, and hard-won lessons from the front lines of leadership to help you build a culture of trust, performance, and growth—without the emotional traps that “family culture” can bring. Whether you're a new leader trying to define your voice or a seasoned executive looking to shift your organization’s culture, this episode gives you the tools to lead with clarity and courage. In this episode, you’ll learn:
This episode is ideal for frontline managers, senior leaders, HR professionals, and leadership coaches who want to create high-trust, high-performance cultures without falling into the emotional traps of outdated leadership clichés. If this episode hits home, share it with your team and open the conversation. | |||
| How to Build Backup Systems That Scale — Without Creating Bottlenecks or Burnout | 06 May 2025 | 00:10:54 | |
How to Build Backup Systems That Scale — Without Creating Bottlenecks or Burnout Show Description: If your business relies on one person to keep a process running, you don’t have a system — you have a single point of failure. In this follow-up to last week’s episode, Colby shares real stories and practical tools to help you build backup systems that scale without piling on red tape or burning out your team. You’ll hear:
This episode is for leaders who want to grow without becoming the bottleneck, lose sleep over operational gaps, or build a company that falls apart if one person goes on vacation. Need help building resilient teams, systems that scale, or leaders who can handle the weight of growth? Colby offers executive coaching, keynote speaking, and custom leadership training for organizations that want to grow with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Contact Colby directly: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another leader. Because those are the things that leaders do. #leadership #businesssystems #operations #scalingbusinesses #founderlife #teamdevelopment #thingsleadersdo | |||
| Eliminating Single Points of Failure | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:11:14 | |
Episode Title: Eliminating Single Points of Failure | Things Leaders Do Podcast Episode Description (Show Notes): What happens if the one thing holding your organization together suddenly falls apart? In today's episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris breaks down the critical leadership concept of eliminating single points of failure—before they cripple your business. You will hear a real-world story from Colby’s time leading hospital operations, where an entire system was unknowingly dependent on a single employee. Plus, we explore how many founders unknowingly become their own organization’s biggest risk—and how to fix it. In this episode, you will learn:
Whether you are a CEO, a founder, or a team leader, you will walk away with actionable strategies to protect your organization from invisible risks—and build something that can truly scale. If you want a resilient business, it starts today—with the right questions, the right systems, and the right leadership moves. Resources and Links:
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| If AI Can Do Your Job, It’s Time to Lead Differently | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:09:05 | |
If AI Can Do Your Job, It’s Time to Lead Differently Episode Description: If AI can do your job, what exactly are you bringing to the table? This week on Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris delivers a direct challenge to every leader navigating the rise of artificial intelligence: You can’t automate emotional intelligence. You can’t delegate trust. And you sure can’t replace real leadership with a chatbot. In this short, high-impact episode, you’ll learn:
This episode is designed for your drive to work or wind-down after—so you can listen, reflect, and lead differently by the time you show up. 🔗 Want to connect with Colby or book him to speak? Visit nxtstepadvisors.com or connect with Colby on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/) Subscribe. Share it with another leader. And show up like only you can. | |||
| Part 2: How to Deliver Employee Reviews That Don’t Suck (And Actually Grow Your People) | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:14:26 | |
How to Deliver Employee Reviews That Don’t Suck (And Actually Grow Your People) Part 2 Too many employee reviews feel like an ambush. But when leaders approach reviews as the culmination of a year’s worth of growth—not a once-a-year evaluation—everything changes. In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris walks you through how to conduct employee reviews that build trust, reinforce clarity, and inspire performance. This is Part 2 of our series on Employee Development and Annual Reviews, and we’re focused on the delivery—how to lead the actual conversation with confidence and care. You'll learn:
Whether the year was full of wins, setbacks, or something in between, this episode will help you turn your review process into a people-first leadership tool—not a performance trap. Want more leadership insights or training for your team? Connect with Colby:
Subscribe, share, and start leading reviews that grow people—not blindside them. | |||
| Employee Reviews That Don’t Suck (And Actually Grow Your People) Part 1 | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:13:36 | |
Employee Reviews That Don’t Suck (And Actually Grow Your People) Let’s be honest: most employee reviews suck. They’re vague, awkward, once-a-year rituals that everyone dreads—and nobody grows from. But they don’t have to be. In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris breaks down how to build employee development plans that actually work—with SMART goals that connect to your team’s real career aspirations, and a system to track progress month after month. You’ll learn: ✅ How to ditch the checkbox review culture If you want to stop phoning it in and start building a culture where reviews lead to real growth, this episode is your roadmap. Plus, Colby shares real-life stories (yes, even the ones where he learned the hard way), so you can skip the mistakes and level up your leadership game faster. 🔔 Subscribe. Share it with the leader who’s still using last year’s copy-paste review template. And if you’re looking for keynote speakers, workshops, or coaching that doesn’t suck either—Colby’s your guy. Connect with Colby on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/) or at his webpage: nxtstepadvisors.com (no "E" in NXT) | |||
| Mentoring and Coaching: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:15:50 | |
Mentoring and Coaching: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders Description: What You’ll Learn:
Perfect for executives, managers, or anyone eager to enhance their leadership approach, this episode delivers practical mentoring tips and coaching strategies to build a team of confident, capable leaders. Packed with inspiring stories and expert advice, it’s your go-to resource for leadership training and development. Connect with Colby
Want Colby to speak or coach? Hit him up on LinkedIn or the website. Subscribe now to transform your leadership journey and start developing the next generation of leaders today! Tags: #Leadership #Mentoring #Coaching #LeadershipDevelopment #NextGenerationLeaders | |||
| Leading Through Bad News: How to Lead with Clarity, Compassion, and Trust | 27 Mar 2025 | 00:13:46 | |
Leading Through Bad News: How to Lead with Clarity, Compassion, and Trust Episode Description: In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris shares three essential tools to help leaders navigate the toughest moments with clarity, compassion, and trust. Grounded in the wisdom of Brené Brown—“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”—this episode is a blueprint for delivering hard news without damaging your culture or credibility. Whether you’re preparing for difficult conversations or leading your team through uncertainty, this episode delivers practical leadership moves you can use immediately. What You’ll Learn:
About the Host: Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbymorris | |||
| The Leadership Cycle: Building Trust, Relationships, and Influence for Effective Leadership | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:11:28 | |
The Leadership Cycle: Building Trust, Relationships, and Influence for Effective Leadership Episode Summary What You’ll Learn
Key Takeaways
Real Stories, Real Impact
Leadership Moves (Try One This Week!)
Why It Matters FAQ: Leadership Cycle Explained
Connect with Colby
Challenge Subscribe & Share | |||