Explore every episode of the podcast Building Better Cultures
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | The Leadership Edge: Mastering Communication & Connection | Marsha Acker | 23 Nov 2023 | 00:41:35 | |
Have you ever witnessed patterns of communication that didn’t seem helpful or productive in your teams? Leadership and communication go hand in hand, and who better to unravel this intricate relationship than Marsha Acker. As the CEO of Team Catapult, Marsha understands that there is more to leadership than just technical prowess; it’s about understanding people dynamics and creating a safe environment for open and honest communication. Throughout the episode, Marsha dives into the complexities of leadership and effective communication within teams, self-awareness challenges and discusses the significant shift from individual to systemic thinking, shedding light on the growing popularity of team coaching. Key discussions include: 1. A self-leadership quest: How to work with other humans 2. An insight into communication dynamics and the four speech acts 3. Communication patterns in teams and organisations 4. The principle of bringing offline conversations into the room 5. Are leaders holding back from being vulnerable at work? 6. The edge of leaders in navigating fast-paced business environments 7. Change management: The importance of explaining the why 8. The evolution of team coaching and the benefits of coaching as a system 9. Recommendations for leaders navigating change Plus lots more! With a focus on the evolving nature of leadership in today’s fast-paced environment, Marsha emphasises the importance of embracing vulnerability and diverse perspectives. This episode will help leaders drive positive change, improve communication, and build better organisational cultures by understanding speech acts, introducing shared language, and focusing on team dynamics. “It’s impossible, I think, for any one person to be able to have all the answers anymore. But yet, I think that’s an edge. I think it’s leftover from what we believe we think about leaders and what they’re supposed to be able to do, to what they need to do today.” – Marsha Acker. ABOUT MARSHA ACKER LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-acker-3486a72/ Book: https://buildyourmodel.com/ Work: https://teamcatapult.com/
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com | |||
| 124 | How To Avoid The High Cost Of Miscommunication | Erin Lebaqz | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:37:12 | |
Can clear communication and the power of the pen have a transformative impact on your business? Absolutely! Get ready to discover all the 'write stuff' as we explore the influence of intentional communication with the founder of High-Value Writing, Erin Lebaqz. In this episode, Erin takes an in-depth look at how leaders can foster trust, respect, and belonging through thoughtful and deliberate writing, creating an environment where people feel supported and acknowledged. Being a good writer isn't solely about getting your message across; it's also about understanding your audience. Erin emphasizes the importance of considering different cultures and generations in your writing and unveils the role of emotion, including the surprising credibility boost that can come from emojis. Key discussions include:
Plus lots more! Erin provides all the tips for avoiding the high cost of miscommunication and shares the secret to boosting your writing confidence, reminding us that writing is situational, which we are all experts on. So, hit play now and get ready to build better cultures through the written word! "The biggest connection in today's world between writing and business success is employee retention. People leave workplaces when they don't feel happy or appreciated or their growth is cared about. And where do we get those messages, through communication." – Erin Lebaqz. ABOUT ERIN LEBAQZ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlebacqz/ Work: https://www.highvaluewriting.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@HighValueWriting
Get the High-Value Writing book: https://www.amazon.com/High-Value-Writing-Real-Strategies-Real-World/dp/1667805517
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com
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| 115 | Inbox Overload to Email Excellence | Mastering the Art of Business Communication | Kim Arnold | 08 May 2023 | 00:39:35 | |
Have you ever had to deal with miscommunications in the workplace? Kim delves into the world of email communication, explores the impact of poor email etiquette, and shares insights on the use of concise language, tone of voice, accuracy, and the increasing use of emojis in emails. Keep an ear out for Kim’s must-know tips on creating a more human tone that fosters connections and relationships. Key discussions include:
And more! “We tend to move into formal posh, I’ve got my top button done up, I’ve got my jacket on, and I’m not going to crack a smile here. And people are starting to realise that that doesn’t always create relationships. It doesn’t create connections. It doesn’t build bridges with people because we sound like robots.” – Kim Arnold. ABOUT KIM ARNOLD: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karnoldcomms/ Work: https://www.kimarnold.co.uk/ Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com
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| 114 | Mastering the Art of Communication | Katja Schleicher | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:39:47 | |
We've all heard that knowledge is power—but in the age of the internet, is knowledge still enough? Special guest Katja Schleicher, founder of Impact Communications Coaching, is here to teach us more about the shift from knowledge to emotional selling proposition and the importance of communication in an age of digital media. Get ready to find out how to make your message stand out in the sea of noise and learn techniques for crafting effective communication. Key discussions include:
Plus, lots more! Katja's advice is essential for any leader looking to build better cultures and connect with their audience more deeply. Listen for practical tips on improving your communication skills and making a lasting impact in your organisation. "Knowledge is not an advantage anymore. Knowledge is a commonality. The difference between success and being mediocre as a company is how you get your message across." – Katja Schleicher. ABOUT KATJA SCHLEICHER:
ABOUT SCOTT:
ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com | |||
| 113 | The Feedback Loop to Success | Jay Williams | 13 Apr 2023 | 00:41:10 | |
Do you strive to create an open and honest workplace culture? Author, leadership expert and communication coach Jay Williams is here to share his insights on building a culture of open, honest, and timely communication through the powerful feedback loop. Jay emphasises the importance of emotional engagement and alignment in organisations and offers strategies for developing a solid core in middle management. Key discussions include:
Plus, lots more! This episode offers solutions for executives looking to improve their communication and management skills. So if you are ready to create a more peaceful, collaborative, and productive workplace culture, hit play now! "I think there is a conversation to be had with your people about how they define success and moving up in the organisation. Because there's a direct correlation between how happy they will be and a happy employee equals a more productive employee." – Jay Williams. ABOUT JAY WILLIAMS: Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com | |||
| 112 | Disrupting Norms - How to Make Work More Likeable | Greg Offner Jr. | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:42:39 | |
Are you aware of the three employee archetypes? The Keeper, the Leaper, and the Sleeper? If not, prepare to learn about them and how best to engage them. Greg Offner Jr. – speaker, coach and consultant is here to share his fascinating insights on the psychology of change in organizations and how to disrupt the norm to create sustainable change. Drawing on his experience as a duelling piano performer, Gregory intertwines principles used in the world of piano bars with the business world to make work more enjoyable. Gregory shares the importance of prioritizing skill development and the need for a culture shift that starts from the top but is endorsed and expected at all company levels. Key discussions include:
Plus, lots more! If you are eager to learn how to create a culture of engagement and enjoyment while improving your organization's bottom line, this episode is a must-listen for you! "Work is eight hours if we're lucky of our life every day. And not everybody gets to do something they love. But couldn't you at least like it? I mean, what's wrong with trying to make work a little more likable? And so that's what I do." – Gregory Offner Jr. ABOUT GREGORY OFFNER JR: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryoffnerjr/ Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com | |||
| 111 | Creating A Culture of Care | Paul Ter Wal | 13 Mar 2023 | 00:39:07 | |
Is your organisation drowning in a sea of Human Resources policies? Are you tired of the stagnant work culture norms? Is this war of talent and high employee turnover era worrying you? If so, this episode is for you! Corporate culture and engagement specialist Paul Ter Wal is here to guide you on creating a positive culture, making your organisation a wonderful place to work and succeed. Paul Ter Wal is the managing partner of Andare Consulting and is a celebrated international speaker specialising in culture and engagement. In this episode, Paul serves you invaluable advice on creating a culture of care. He unveils the power of purpose and core values, the benefits of investing in listening and trust and reveals why shareholders must make short-term sacrifices for long-term success. Key discussions include:
Plus lots more! “We need to change our perspective, from the short term of gaining a lot of money to a longer period of time, and invest in trust and then engagement, and then see that the productivity will go up.” – Paul Ter Wal. ABOUT PAUL TER WAL: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulterwal/
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it!
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| 110 | Unlocking The Secret to Transformational Change | Sophia Kristjansson | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:40:35 | |
Is your organisation on a mission to achieve true inclusion and belonging but struggling to know where to begin? If so, this episode is for you! Joining Scott to discuss inclusive leadership and the secret to transformational change is special guest Sophia Kristjansson. Sophia is a US-based with UK university roots, founder of Lexicon Lens, A DEI people development and change professional, and author. Throughout the discussion, Sophia offers valuable advice and practical tips that you can implement today to build more inclusive cultures. Sophia also explores the power of uniqueness, the importance of gaining bias awareness, and the role of values within inclusive cultures. Key discussions include:
Plus lots more! This enlightening discussion will teach you the secret recipe to a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Hit that play button now to learn how to empower your employees and drive your organisation’s success! “If you don’t have diverse perspectives, if you don’t have different kinds of people in all layers of your business, you are basically leaving money on the table and saying, I really don’t care about that.” - Sophia Kristjansson. ABOUT SOPHIA KRISTJANSSON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiakristjansson Book: https://www.transformationalchangebook.com/buy-book Work: http://lexiconleadership.com/ ABOUT SCOTT: Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by click here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast is produced in partnership with podlad.com | |||
| 109 | Your Organisational Culture is Your USP (Unique Selling Point) | Dan Sodergren | 09 Dec 2022 | 00:44:50 | |
On our latest episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, we speak to Dan Sodergren. Dan is the Co-Founder of YourFLOCK. This SaaS platform helps teams to grow by finding the best-fit candidates and maximising their value to your unique team based on culture. In this episode, we talk about organizational culture, employee engagement, and remote vs hybrid work. Key discussions: 1. How leaders can use culture as a tool to drive employee engagement and productivity. 2. Effective strategies and best practices for improving engagement among your employees. 3. What you should do to avoid common challenges to achieve high levels of engagement in the workplace. And lots more! Whether you're a business owner, People Leader, HR professional, or employee, this episode will give listeners a deeper understanding of culture's role in the modern workplace. DAN'S LINKS: Company: https://yourflock.co.uk/
ABOUT SCOTT: Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here.
ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration.
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! | |||
| 108 | The Science of Storytelling & How It Works | Richard Newman | 01 Nov 2022 | 00:41:03 | |
Do you think storytelling has no place at work? That it’s just a fluffy exercise that doesn’t deliver results? Then, the latest guest on the Building Better Culture podcast, Richard Newman, the Founder and CEO of BodyTalk, says, “You’re missing the point!” Richard shares that for a millennia, the human brain has learned to sequence and process information delivered as a story, but HOW that story is told makes all the DIFFERENCE. We learn about the neuroscience behind effective communication to yield actionable results and fully engage your people. You’ll learn how to blast through denial, overcome the brain’s resistance to change and avoid “non-verbal leakage.” It transforms workplace cultures by delivering information in ways our brains can receive process, and act upon – with the kinds of epic outcomes your corporate leaders will doubtless remember. Heroic journeys start in small daily interactions, and Richard is here to share some of the tools most critical tools set that stage. KEY INSIGHTS: >>> It’s critical to understand how the logical and emotional minds differ when it comes to interacting with information, depending on how its delivered. >>> Stories that fail? They are stories that make you, your company, product or service the hero. >>> Stories that succeed? Those that deliver a compelling hero’s journey through the eyes of the listeners – the recipients of your intended message. >>> Non-Verbal Leakage: Body language, tone and words need to be in complete alignment. If they are incongruent, the effect is inauthentic and can generate distrust. Humans respond viscerally to energy and subtext. >>> Start Small: The quickest way to break down resistance to storytelling in the workplace is to integrate it into every daily interaction. It’s not a heroic tale, but a framework to deliver information in ways that the brains of others can accept, process and act upon. FURTHER RESOURCES: ABOUT RICHARD: ABOUT SCOTT: ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! | |||
| 107 | Empathy & Compassion in Organisational Culture | Rob Volpe | 16 Sep 2022 | 00:36:36 | |
On this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, we drill down on the pivotal role that empathy plays in the workplace – especially in this time of remote work and back-to-back-to-back Zoom interactions. It’s about understanding someone else’s perspective, yes. But equally important is the ability to fully and non-judgmentally inhabit another person’s shoes, then communicate back in ways that create meaningful connection.
1. The Empathy Crisis: Many leaders find it difficult to connect with personal perspectives and are untrained in the art of leveraging the power of storytelling in the workplace.
4. Rob’s Macro-Level Framework: - Bring self-awareness in deciding how to show up. - Have the courage to practice empathy. - Adopt The Five Steps, which require practice and inevitable stumbles. - Offer yourself grace and forgiveness. 5. Rob’s Five Steps to Empathy: - Dismantle judgment: Notice negativity and resist casting aspersion. - Reframe Questions: Skip “why” – with its negative, closed associations and undertones. - Listen Actively: Be present and use all your senses to take in what others are saying. - Integrate Understanding: Stay open to and curious about divergent points of view. - Use Solution Imagination: Take what you’ve heard to advance the conversation, closing the gap between knowledge and action. >>> Rob’s Top Tip: Be courageous. Empathy is acquired one step at a time!
Company: https://www.ignite-360.com
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! | |||
| 106 | Raw Leadership Principles; Curiosity, Authenticity & Vulnerability | Colleen Bashar | 18 Aug 2022 | 00:39:55 | |
In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, we learn about the principles of Raw Leadership, how to lean into your authentic power as a leader and how to create better organisational cultures that your employees want to participate in.
>>> What ‘Raw Leadership’ is, and its three core values: Curiosity, Authenticity and Vulnerability.
GuideWire LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guidewire-software/ ABOUT SCOTT: Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR - WORKVIVO: If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. | |||
| 123 | How to Avoid Culture-Killing DEI Blunders | Aleksandar Damchevski & Christiane Bisanzio | 09 Nov 2023 | 00:35:46 | |
How does the saying go? Is the glass half full, or is it half empty? Now, apply this to DEI in the workplace, and you'll see our guests, Christiane Bisanzio and Aleksandar Damchevski, challenge this very notion. In this episode, Aleks and Christi delve into the evolving landscape of DEI, highlighting the progress made and the work that still needs to be done. This episode revolves around their insightful book, The Other 364 Days, and the profound idea that DEI should not be merely a day-long celebration but a year-round commitment in every workplace. Throughout the discussion, we hear how organisations prioritise external appearances over internal actions, the responsibility of leadership in fostering diversity and inclusion, and the crucial part of setting precise and measurable inclusion goals. Aleks and Christi also reflect on common oversights made during event celebrations like Pride Week and International Women's Day. Key discussions include:
"DEI is never a destination. It's always a journey. So this is never ending, it never stops, you have new trends, new topics, new themes coming up, but the overall importance of DEI remains." - Christiane Bisanzio. ABOUT CHRISTIANE BISANZIO AND ALEKSANDAR DAMCHEVSKI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianebisanzio/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleks-damchevski-he-she-they-b5589b20/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/OTHER-364-DAYS-DIVERSITY-INCLUSION/dp/2839939290
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you're struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com | |||
| 105 | The Power of Pride Stories | Shorts by BBC | 03 Aug 2022 | 00:07:14 | |
Celebrating Success and Building Pride: We're doing some focus groups for a new client, and an attendee said, "We used to hear stories of the difference we made, and we don't hear about it anymore. It'd be nice to get that back." Because it helps to celebrate your purpose – Why you exist – through the difference you make, and that's at the very core of the culture you want to create. Stories bring strategy to life: Strategy is boring – stories bring it to life and show the difference people can make. The halo effect is people seeing examples of the difference they can make. Aligned with your strategy, it highlights the difference everyone can make Proactively look for them – get your senior leaders or internal communications staff out into the business, talking to people and asking, 'Tell me a story about a time when you or someone on the team made a difference.' Create feedback channels for your front-line staff to provide feedback on the stories they see and hear. And turn it into a recognition programme or reward your people when they submit a story. Bring them to life at staff events, turn them into short internal podcasts or videos on your intranet - even email as a last resort About Scott (Your host): | |||
| 104 | Future of Work - What Now? | Kevin Empey | 02 Jun 2022 | 00:45:28 | |
On this episode of Building Better Cultures we’re checking in with Kevin Empey, Managing Director of WorkMatters, who first shared thoughts about pandemic fall-out back in March 2021 (Ep 61) Kevin details various models going forward and where the priorities must lie for leaders invested in cultivating agility as well as sustainability. Key Takeaways:
ABOUT KEVIN EMPEY Kevin is the founder of WorkMatters, a leadership and organisation development consulting firm focused on supporting business leaders, HR leaders and their employees prepare for the changing world of work. Website: https://workmatters.ie
ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 103 | Hybrid Working: Is it Really the Best of Both Worlds? | Andrew Bartlow | 12 May 2022 | 00:36:04 | |
Organisations of all sizes are trying to define parameters for today's new workplace cultures – whether remote, on-site or in-between. Host, Scott McInnes, invites a people management expert Andrew Bartlow, the Founder and Managing Partner at the People Leader Accelerator, to share his 25+ years of expertise. Andrew shares practical tips and tools leaders can implement when establishing healthy workplace cultures. He dives into detail on a critical strategy –– clarity –– and its importance in engaging and motivating your organization to pursue corporate goals. Thank you to our sponsor, Workvivo, the communications and collaboration platform that provides seamless digital integration for your hybrid or traditional workplace. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Leaders need to stay flexible and iterative with new workplace models while at the same time communicating solid, dependable plans. 2. Change management via tiny steps can be disruptive. Andrew advises "ripping off the bandage" and carefully considering decisions to accelerate adoption and minimize fatigue. 3. Internal communications are the core much that happens within organizations, but rather than dropping by a desk, it's about dropping in on chat or Slack. 4. Determine the best modes of communication. What works most effectively at each level of the organization? 5. Learning through listening (and osmosis) isn't gone. It's just moved from the hallway or cafeteria to social media platforms. 6. Create dedicated corporate retreat spaces where "planful" human interaction occurs. 7. Execute meaningful, consistent communications and check-ins at all levels. 8. Andrew sees new mediums as potentially impactful alternatives to the written word: Podcasts, short audios, and video messaging. 9. To retain and recruit talent in a highly competitive market, organizations must offer remote options, fair compensation, and competent and humane management. 10. Andrew believes the No. 1 thing to build a thriving workplace culture is clarity, including well-defined organizational priorities and comprehensive and comprehensible messaging. ABOUT ANDREW BARTLOW Website: www.peopleleaderaccelerator.com Andrew @LinkedIn ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 102 | Knitting Remote Into Workplace Culture | Darren Murph | 28 Apr 2022 | 00:49:32 | |
Darren Murph is an organisational architect who specialises in and knows what works – and what doesn’t. Based on 15 years at GitLab, most recently as Head of Remote, he has all kinds of concrete advice for organisations trying to figure out the correct configuration for their individually distributed workplace models. Some C-suiters are reluctant to abandon old office-based operations, emphasizing proximity over business results. But looking ahead at the role and impacts of organisational design, Darren believes the forward-thinking, progressive leaders (and ultimately the most successful enterprises) will embrace flexibility, learning and a healthy redefinition of what it means to … build better cultures. You can check out GitLab’s playbook, filled with information about all things remote, here. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate, review and follow it!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT DARREN MURPH Named an “oracle of remote work” by CNBC, Darren serves as GitLab’s Head of Remote. He is a visionary in organisational design, leading at the intersection of people, culture, operations, inclusivity, marketing, employer branding and communication.
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| 101 | Build Sustainable Corporate Cultures and Transform Your Workplace | James Hartley | 13 Apr 2022 | 00:38:29 | |
Big corporate initiatives designed to transform workplace cultures are often top-down affairs, this week’s guest has taken a different approach to integrate sustainability across Swiss Re, a global financial services provider. James Hartley, a global HR Leader at Swiss Re, shares with us the nuts and bolts of their CO2NetZero programme, a rallying point for climate activism that has ignited ongoing interest and creativity among employees around the world. James has maintained the momentum by staying communicative and open to changes as well as by fostering storytelling that resonates on a personal level. The results? Many measurable quantitative and qualitative impacts, large and small, as well as an interactive app that more than 4,000 employees have downloaded to track, learn about and better understand the ways in which environmental healing starts with the kind of individual daily efforts we can all make — if we know how. KEY TAKEAWAYS
If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it!
ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT JAMES HARTLEY A transformational and purpose-led People & Culture Executive, James has extensive global HR experience.
ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 100 | The Power of Authentic, Measurable & Sustained Organisational Values | Sandy Cross | 22 Mar 2022 | 00:38:55 | |
Are you ready to integrate a values-based component into your corporate ethos? It’s a big commitment, but one with tremendous ROI at every level. On this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott talks with Sandy Cross, CPO in the Professional Golf Association of America (PGA). But for it to work, the effort must be for real. Without buy-in from top leadership – a deep understanding and commitment to sustained change – don’t bother, says Sandy. The PGA’s working group based its program on feedback from up and down the organization, and leaders have deployed it without equivocation. Learn what elements are key to upping your DEI game and how your workplace culture’s frame of mind benefits when a clearly articulated corporate values set is kept front of mind. KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT SANDY CROSS As Chief People Officer for the PGA of American with responsibility for DEI, Sandy’s career journey has been about building purpose-driven, values-based and people-centric cultures. Learn more here:
ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 99 | The Pandemic Pushed Mental Health Out of the Workplace Shadows | Niamh Fitzpatrick | 08 Mar 2022 | 00:43:06 | |
If we didn’t already know it, the pandemic laid bare the fact that, as humans, we inevitably bring our whole selves to our jobs - including a range of emotions. This episode of Building Better Cultures focuses on mental health, which has taken center stage in the workplace and softened the separation between personal and professional. Our guest, Niamh Fitzpatrick, a psychologist who works with business and sportspeople alike The pandemic deprived us of the ability to congregate among our favourite tribes (sports, entertainment, extended family, volunteer activities) but it also delivered a critical pause — a chance to get honest with ourselves and assess our priorities. Our workplaces can be a source of the safety and acceptance on which humans thrive, particularly when leaders (themselves humans in need of support) foster cultures of openness and psychological safety. This episode offers advice about how to recognize and respond to workers in distress; the role of communication and empathy in fostering healthy, productive workplace cultures; and how to bring out the best in teams by seeing, accepting and supporting the very real impacts of mental health. KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT NIAMH FITZPATRICK Website: http://www.niamhfitzpatrickpsychology.ie ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 98 | Hire For Culture Add, Not Culture Fit | Shorts by BBC | 02 Mar 2022 | 00:04:42 | |
There's been a recent trend towards hiring for culture or values fit. It seems sensible in principle - hire people who share a similar working ethos and they should fit in and get going more quickly - but, in doing so, what might you be missing? How can hiring people with similar value sets help to create more diverse workforces? Or create that bit of tension and challenge that often results in bringing the best out in your people? So maybe it's not about hiring for cultural fit, but about hiring for cultural add or cultural stretch? -----------------------------------------
#BuildingBetterCultures #BBCShorts #InspiringChange #CreatingConnections | |||
| 97 | Mastering Communication in the Hybrid Workplace: Essential Skills for Effective Leadership | Peter Hopwood | 21 Feb 2022 | 00:47:03 | |
In this episode of Building Better Cultures, we hear from a top virtual-speaking specialist who sees a golden opportunity in the virtual world. Peter Hopwood, a global executive speaker coach, believes the most reticent public speakers can emerge as stronger, more engaging communicators than ever before. There are ways to leverage your online environment and actually take pleasure in an ability to control the stage. Peter highlights the many variables (from sound to lighting to backdrop to gesticulation) that can be modulated to our advantage. He also explains other new factors to consider, such as the imperative to develop disciplined, compelling messaging that quickly captures – and then holds – people's interests. To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.BuildingBetterCultures.com. You can also find out more about Scott's coaching and consultancy by visiting Inspiring Change's website. If you're struggling with communications in this time of hybrid workplace, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. KEY TAKEAWAYS
EPISODE QUOTES "Screens are almost more intimate than face-to-face so the key is really being aware of how we're coming across." "We really have to make sure that the things we share (onscreen) are more concise, more to the point, get people feeling engaged and connected." "If you can do well and get chemistry going (onscreen), it can only help you when it comes to going back to or building on your in-person communications skills." "If we can connect with emotion and get people to feel that emotion and connect it with the message we want to share, then to me, that is the power of storytelling and how to use it." ABOUT PETER HOPWOOD ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 96 | Navigating Mental Health & Wellness in the Post-Pandemic Workplace | Donna Reilly | 07 Feb 2022 | 00:45:39 | |
This episode of Building Better Cultures throws a spotlight on mental health and well-being as we tentatively re-enter workplace cultures forever changed by the pandemic. Scott’s guest, Donna Reilly, is an expert in the development of corporate wellness programs. She reflects on Covid19’s long-term impacts on organisations and the adjustments leaders will have to make in light of employees awakened to the importance of work-life balance. In this new reality, everyone has seen that remote offices can and do work. What does it mean when employees refuse to return to business as usual? Will there indeed be a “Great Resignation” or will corporate teams come together to evolve new methods for collaboration? Donna offers concrete advice for leaders and employees alike – as well as a special shout out for managers in the middle, who have been in many companies the advocates and protectors of employee health and wellbeing. Now, says Donna, it’s time for people at every level of the enterprise to take deep breaths and invest in self-care. Since a hybrid workplace model appears to be here to stay, Donna proposes that enlightened leadership undertake initiatives designed to protect corporate mental health and enhance overall well-being, collectively and individually, as move into a new era. KEY TAKEAWAYS
To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.BuildingBetterCultures.com. You can also find out more about Scott’s coaching and consultancy by visiting Inspiring Change's website. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review! If you’re struggling with communications in this time of hybrid workplace, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. Key Quotes: “Although the restrictions are lifted, a lot of organisations are taking their time … You’re going to have different policies and procedures depending on where you work.” (Donna) “Instead of calling it ‘The Great Resignation,’ Why don’t we call it ‘The Great Awakening’ or ‘The Great Realization’ or ‘The Great Rejuvenation’ or “The Great Evaluation’?” (Donna) “Self-reflection and what that can lead to is definitely a catalyst for ‘The Great Resignation’ and from an organisational perspective, they’re learning too.” (Donna) “The (employer-employee) balance of power has somewhat shifted. People have had the time to go, ‘What do I really want?’ ” (Scott) “What we often forget is that people leaders are also people. We put all this pressure on them …but don’t spend enough time necessarily thinking about them as a group.” (Scott) "(Middle managers) need support from above in terms of who is there for them, but also a gentle reminder that you don’t have to be a solver of everybody’s problems. You’ve got a lot of internal and external help in that space.” (Donna) “The role of the organisation is to supply whatever might be needed in terms of people to go to for support, different initiatives or programs … but (employees) have to want to support and build their own well-being.” “I don’t think we’ll see the (mental health) impact until we’re fully at the end. We are still in that bit of survival mode, even as restrictions are lifting. People are still having that tense feeling. I don’t think we’re fully relaxed.” (Donna) “I don’t think it’s until we’ve come out the other side and allowed ourselves a sense of relaxation that we’re really going to be able to assess the damage.” (Donna) “If all that came out of Covid is that we talk about (sensitive issues) more openly, then that’s a win. That’s an absolute win!” (Scott) “Listen to what (your employees) want and take a long-term approach in terms of investment because that’s when you’ll get the biggest dividend.” (Donna) “When you start to feel stress levels rise, do something just for you! … People forget to take the time to check in on themselves and their energy levels. So take time for you.” (Donna) ABOUT DONNA Website: www.donnareillywellness.ie ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 122 | Mastering Internal Communications: The Lifeblood of Organisations | Emily Hecker | 02 Nov 2023 | 00:37:43 | |
Workplace culture is as strong as the communication it thrives on and as fragile as a string of miscommunications. Internal communications is the lifeblood of organisations, holding the power to inspire, inform and engage employees. This week, leading internal communications expert and author of ‘Me, Myself and IC’, Emily Hecker, joins Scott to dive right into its indispensable role in shaping organisational culture and unveiling how communication barriers can stunt growth. This episode is packed to the brim with wisdom as Emily reveals how to gain buy-in from senior leaders and master the art of storytelling to drive your business forward. Emily also shares her advice on making internal comms a core business priority, highlighting the need for clear communication expectations within organisations. Key discussions include:
Emily is the embodiment of the power of storytelling, weaving her journey from a writing enthusiast to a corporate communication maestro. This episode is a masterclass on how communication can make or break your workplace culture. So, If you are ready to take the first step towards a more robust, interconnected, and engaged workplace culture, this is a must-listen for you! “Internal communication is the lifeblood of organisations. Many studies show how it influences productivity, performance and satisfaction, all of which are key components to shaping culture.“ – Emily Hecker. ABOUT EMILY HECKER: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhecker/ Work: https://www.emily-hecker.com/ Book: https://www.emily-hecker.com/book
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com
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| 95 | From Data to Action: Unlock the Power of Surveys for High-Performance Cultures | Karen Jones | 24 Jan 2022 | 00:43:45 | |
Not only is meaningful, sustainable cultural change possible in the workplace, but it’s also something that can be mapped and measured. In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Karen Jones spells out the many elements of the gold standard diagnostic model she deploys as a Managing Director at Denison Consulting. The inquiry starts with a survey of 12 key cultural measures, but those results are not an endpoint. On the contrary, they are meant as a starting place for critical conversations about what’s working within a workplace culture – and what most clearly is not. The kind of diagnostic consulting that Karen does depends on tremendous buy-in. While her initial point of entry is most often through Human Resources, the work can’t fully succeed unless support comes from the top echelons of leadership. That ownership and willingness to be accountable are what fosters the atmosphere of trust required for employees throughout the ranks. The Denison process depends on candid, vulnerable feedback from team members at every level of the enterprise and, says Karen, that will never happen if they don’t feel safe to speak out. And once they do share thoughts? It’s on corporate leadership to take real, meaningful steps towards adopting solutions. Failure to put evident muscle behind the outcome of a cultural survey will only leave employees dispirited, if not cynical, about the entire process. Learn how high-performance culture can go to the next level when a concrete methodology, open communication and leadership integrity converge. It’s a conversation timelier and more important than ever for companies adapting to today’s quickly evolving hybrid workplace. An overview of Denison’s model is available here along with other resources To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.BuildingBetterCultures.com. You can also find out more about Scott’s coaching and consultancy by visiting Inspiring Change's website. If you’re struggling with communications, especially within the context of the hybrid workplace, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
KEY QUOTES “In order to really understand your current state of culture you have to have a mechanism that starts to elevate those beliefs and assumptions that are driving people’s perceptions of the business.” “I believe people want to come to work to be their best. They get distracted when systems, processes or indeed people bring them down in motivation or emotionally or tap into fears.” “We have failed as a consulting firm if culture is a separate piece that people do when they have a bit of capacity. Knowing your culture, understanding, diagnosing, discussing it on a daily basis with your teams is really doing culture work.” “You can’t create trust. Trust is an outcome of reliability, keeping promises.” “If we’ve done the strategy mapping, all the leaders understand their contribution to the culture. It’s also the responsibility of every single person; every individual creates and impacts culture.” “We have the quantitative number on the measure but after diagnostics, for us, comes honest conversation. The number isn’t the be-all, end-all. It’s significant, but what really matters is teams sitting down and sharing the story (behind the numbers).” “We like to assume we leave our emotions at the door when we go to work. We absolutely do not. We’re human. It’s about the being, not the doing.” “Sometimes leadership teams might need to do some work themselves before they’re ready for this level of exposure.”
ABOUT KAREN JONES Karen works closely with clients and certified partners to turn what is often ambiguous and intangible into something energising and productive. She helps organisations define the high-performance culture they are seeking to create in order to drive their business results, through aligning people to their strategy and ensuring they are able to deliver the promises they make to their customers. Working in the board room and the shop floor to align corporate culture and leadership climate, Karen aligns with teams to build their strategic clarity and create an environment that builds commitment. Website: www.denisonconsulting.com ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO
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| 94 | Creating Boundaries | Shorts by BBC | 18 Jan 2022 | 00:07:10 | |
Our latest BBC shorts is about Creating Boundaries. The pandemic has accelerated the idea of home / remote working and it’s here to stay. It’s given us the flexibility to create a more blended approach to our work and home lives, like bringing the kids to school, doing a load of laundry, grabbing a coffee or going to a doctor's appointment. BUT… We’re missing the downtime commuting gave us. We need to take that time back and do something we enjoy, like read a book, call someone up on the phone, listen to a podcast or just chill out! AND… We’ve not been great at creating and maintaining boundaries. A lot of us are working more hours, but are we being effective by doing so? When you finish work for the day, actually STOP. Decide a time that your workday ends and leave it there – no laptop, phone, email, chat, you get the picture. Turn the notifications OFF. Make time for yourself – Schedule in (YOUR CALENDAR) some time for you. The time you will use to rest, process and recharge. And, hey, you’re allowed to relax. You don’t need to feel guilty about it. You’ll be a better person and more energized to take on challenges and roadblocks. Work-wise do the same; Agree on a schedule with your team — When do we turn on? When do we switch off? There need to be guidelines but they need to be respected - you will be a more productive colleague for it. And if you’re a boss, lead by example. Change doesn’t just happen — YOU need to make it happen, for yourself, your colleagues or your team. So what will you commit to doing differently today? -----------------------------------------
#buildingbettercultures #BBCShorts #inspiringchange #creatingconnections | |||
| 93 | Breaking Language and Cultural Barriers: Strategies for Effective Global Internal Communications | Ray Walsh | 11 Jan 2022 | 00:36:47 | |
The Building Better Cultures podcast starts out the new year with a lively conversation featuring Ray Walsh, a communications and internal localization consultant whose professional background and years of living in various European markets have given him unique insights into the power and nuance behind effective messaging. The author of “Localizing Employee Communications: A Handbook” shares thoughts about the challenges unique to global organizations that want uniformity of messaging but not at the expense of effective penetration among the employees those internal corporate communications must reach. Ray reflects on the responsibility of leaders to collaborate and co-create communications by taking an active role in the process. The most effective internal communications understand and incorporate local culture. English works as the global language of business to a large degree, but not in all instances, which is why Ray has developed a framework for tackling the thorny problem of reaching across business units and teams in markets of varying sizes and cultures with variable norms. This podcast offers concrete tips for building (and co-creating) compelling content that will resonate among individuals while preserving central corporate culture and messaging. Click here to read more about Ray’s approach through his handbook, “Localizing Employee Communications.” To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.buildingbettercultures.com If you’re struggling with communications while adapting to a hybrid workplace model, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. KEY TAKEAWAYS
KEY QUOTES “In regional offices here in Europe I see physically that we have gaps – gaps in understanding, gaps in motivation, business conditions, culture. More of us that work in home offices need to know that we have these gaps.” “People are more likely to act on content that speaks to them.” “We have to rely on (a cascade approach) a lot and I think we should. Unfortunately information isn’t like water. It doesn’t flow naturally like a cascade, so it has its problems.” “I don’t think we can simply put out a campaign and say, ‘Let’s cascade this’ and just assume that they’re going to do it effectively and in a fully engaged way.” “If you’re going into too much detail, you’re underestimating what your mature communicators can do for you. And if you don’t give enough detail, then you’re really encouraging … just flipping it forward.” “It’s really important wherever possible to connect communications with (leadership’s) desired local outcomes.” “Anything that connects abstract, global concepts to local examples, we consider a story; anything that grounds lofty concepts into the specifics of the workday.” “When we’re trying to motivate or persuade, that’s where I think it’s much more effective to speak to (local employees’) guts; to use their mother tongue, to make it easier for them.” “If you want to change behavior – or, more likely, prevent misbehavior – trainings coming from us in the Anglosphere may not be so effective.” “We have to from the very beginning build a mindset for global-ready content. Global readiness, I believe, should be built into almost everything we produce.” ABOUT RAY WALSH Ray Walsh is an American communications consultant based in Prague. For 20 years he has supported global clients in a variety of industries and managed employee communications in-house for companies including UPS and DXC Technology. He has lived in his native US, and in Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic. Website: www.raywalsh.net Learn more about Scott McInnes, founder and director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 92 | Taking time to reflect | Shorts by BBC | 22 Dec 2021 | 00:04:32 | |
It's the end of the year and a time to think about what we've achieved this year and perhaps start to think about what lies ahead. But taking time to reflect on achievements isn't something I've ever been very good at, and I don't think others are either. But it is really important to take stock and celebrate our achievements. If we don't it can often be the case that no-one else will either So take some time to think about the three or four amazing things you've achieved this year - no matter how big or small. ----------------------------------------- #buildingbettercultures #BBCShorts #inspiringchange #creatingconnections | |||
| 91 | Enlightened Leadership Embraces the Power of Failure | Gill Kernick | 06 Dec 2021 | 00:41:12 | |
The world is no longer linear, and yet old command-and-control management structures persist. In this episode of Building Better Cultures, international management consultant Gill Kernick shares powerful insights about why it is that C-Suite executives sometimes lack the leadership skills necessary to support healthy workplace cultures. Internal communications, policies and best intentions go only so far when it comes to shifting paradigms. Gill offers thoughts on why it is that some companies get stuck, their leadership mired in old-school thinking. Agile workplace structures give members of the team at all levels of the enterprise an opportunity to speak up and the confidence that their voices will actually be heard. Gill explains why it’s so critically important to create an environment grounded in authentic care and respect. It unleashes great performances and sets up a safe landing when – as inevitability happens – failures occur. There are concrete measures that leaders can take to empower employees to communicate now – rather than later when it’s very possibly too late. Invite bad news. Look for red flags. When leaders speak honestly and with compassion, they provide the entire workplace culture permission to act with courage and conviction. Among the suggestions Gill has for enlightened leaders:
Click here to learn more about Gill’s new book, "Catastrophe and Systemic Change: Learning from the Grenfell Tower Fire and Other Disasters." KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT GILL KERNICK Gill is a Strategic Consultant with a global track record of producing results through Development, Intellectual Property Design and C-Suite Culture Change Strategy Delivery. A sought-after author and speaker specialising in Safety, Culture and Leadership, she is an agile, strategic thinker with the ability to operate at all levels of an organisation and across diverse cultures. Gill partners with major Multi-National Corporations to create sustainable change, focusing on building leadership and management capabilities in complex, high-risk environments. Gill’s Book: "Catastrophe and Systemic Change: Learning from the Grenfell Tower Fire and Other Disasters." Companion Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/catastrophe/episodes To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.buildingbettercultures.com If you’re struggling with communications in this time of hybrid workplace, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 90 | Thinking about change from the bottom up | Shorts by BBC | 29 Nov 2021 | 00:05:31 | |
Peter Senge, the American systems scientist and author said, "People don't resist change; they resist being changed." And we've all heard the McKinsey '70% of change programmes fail' stat hundreds of times (largely because of a lack of buy-in from people and leaders). Most corporate 'big change' is agreed by CEOs and senior teams and then pushed down through the organisation from the top, often without sufficient explanation or 'linking and labelling' back to purpose or strategy. So what about if we turned that on its head? What if we drove change from the bottom up, by empowering people across organisations to make hundreds of micro-changes that, when rolled up, result in that big change the organisation was trying to create all along? Yes, you'd need to ensure that everyone knew where you were going, why and how you're going there. And you'd need to ensure that everyone was pulling in the same direction by having:
Something to just mull over perhaps? 'Shorts by Building Better Cultures' is a short-form podcast in which we share our tuppenceworth on subjects in the areas of leadership, employee engagement, organisational culture and internal communications. #buildingbettercultures #BBCShorts #inspiringchange #creatingconnections | |||
| 89 | Leading with SOUL: Unleashing the Power of Conscious Leadership | Zana Goic Petricevic | 22 Nov 2021 | 00:46:38 | |
Host Scott McInnes’ guest on this episode of Building Better Cultures exemplifies the passion she prescribes for strong leadership. Zana Goic Petricevic, founder and managing director of Bold Leadership Culture, brings a uniquely compelling brand of coaching and transformational approach to empowering workplace cultures. Her new book, “Bold Reinvented: Leading with Courage, Consciousness and Conviction,” lays out foundational steps that leaders can take to inspire the best in their teams. Communication is key, and it starts with setting the right tone and vision. The strongest leaders, says Zana, are constantly learning. They’re able to hear all kinds of perspectives and embrace a broad spectrum of viewpoints. In other words, they are learners (the No. 1 trait Zana believes the strongest leaders share). There is an infectious energy communicated when corporate decision-makers are unafraid to do the digging, entertain the feedback and explore new, potentially better paths. Zana shares with us a powerful model for corporate self-actualization with the acronym SOUL, Self, Other, Universe and Legacy. In this episode she spells out each of these four elements, providing personal examples and a challenge to leaders who are stuck in a “check-the-box” mentality. She wants all of us to ask – at work and in life – are we leaving it all on the field? Are we approaching the world from a place of fear or love? Passion is contagious and the visionaries who bring it transfuse everything and everyone around them. Zana gives a shout-out to a book that has informed her thinking. Click here to learn more about “Radical Wholeness: The Embodied Present and the Ordinary Grace of Being,” by Philip Shepherd. You can discover more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, by visiting www.buildingbettercultures.com KEY TAKEAWAYS
Zana’s #1 Leadership Gamechanger: Ask yourself whether you’re playing to win, or playing not to lose. These are two drastically different approaches that determine whether you’re doing things from a place of fear or a place of love. Are you staying silent and safe or speaking up? Are you taking risks to create what’s missing or are you hanging back? ABOUT ZANA GOIC PETRICEVIC More information about Zana’s new book, “Bold Reinvented: Next Level Leading with Courage, Consciousness and Conviction,” is available here. Website: www.boldleadership-culture.com ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 88 | Engagement's not a dirty word | Shorts by BBC | 16 Nov 2021 | 00:06:11 | |
It sometimes feels like Employee Engagement has been superseded by the new, best thing in leadership thinking - purpose, values, leading in a hybrid world etc. But, for me, it's about getting the fundamentals of work right so that workplaces are the best they can be to allow people to be the best they can be David Macleod and Nita Clarke published Engage for Success in 2010 and the four enablers of EE are as true today than they ever have been: 1. An emotive corporate story 2. Engaging Leaders 3. Employee Voice 4. Integrity Scott spoke to David and Nita in Ep 43 of the Building Better Cultures podcast and you can find their work at www.engageforsuccess.org #internalcommunications #creatingconnections #employeeengagement #culture #leadership #recognition #values #purpose---------------------------------------------- 'Shorts by Building Better Cultures' is a short-form podcast in which we share our tuppenceworth on subjects in the areas of leadership, employee engagement, organisational culture and internal communications. #buildingbettercultures #BBCShorts #inspiringchange #creatingconnections | |||
| 87 | Lead from Behind: How To Cultivate Healthy Cultures and Empower Teams | Peter Docker | 08 Nov 2021 | 00:42:08 | |
While it may seem counter-intuitive at first, there is wisdom in the concept of leading from behind. This episode of Building Better Cultures deconstructs team dynamics and the long-term impact of providing individuals the space to contribute. Host Scott McInnes invites Peter Docker, the popular motivational speaker and author of multiple books, to share his unique take on human collaboration and the tools he’s developed to put theory into practice. Learn about the three pillars that Peter details in his new book, "Leading from the Jumpseat: How to Create Extraordinary Opportunities by Handing Over Control." Together they provide the mutually reinforced scaffolding for fostering healthy cultures – wherever people are working together and accountable to one another. Those three key ingredients include:
From his years as a pilot and respected mentor in the Royal Air Force – as well as his transition into the private sector and beyond – Peter has derived an approach that empowers individuals and opens the way for the kind of leadership that inspires loyalty, drive and authentic pride of purpose. The conversation wraps up with reflections on legacy. What do we wish to be remembered for – and why? For Peter, it’s a question to be examined carefully. What may appear on the surface like the thing you wish to be remembered for could actually be far less important than what you have achieved just below the surface; sometimes the most penetrating impacts ripple out slowly over time. KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT PETER DOCKER Click here to check out options for purchasing “Leading from the Jumpseat: How to Create Extraordinary Opportunities by Handing Over Control.” Website: https://www.leadingfromthejumpseat.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdocker/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/peterdocker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterdocker/ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 86 | From Startups to Fortune 500: Lessons in Leadership & Culture | Jo Dutta | 25 Oct 2021 | 00:40:41 | |
Startups are known for being fluid, nimble and open to experimentation. In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Host Scott McInnes’ guest is someone uniquely positioned to explain the mindset and best practices under which these ventures thrive. Chief Marketing Officer for MUSH, a Chicago-based food company that has experienced phenomenal growth, Jo shares not only her from-the-front observations in the start-up world but also links them back to some of the leadership experiences she has gleaned while at Fortune 500 companies such as PepsiCo. It turns out that early-stage companies and established enterprises alike have hard-earned lessons to learn – and to teach. Startups done right embrace healthy workplace practices immediately out of the gate, even well before any formal HR function has been codified. Cultures that prioritize psychological safety, practice empathetic leadership and value internal communication set themselves up for the smoothest possible transition to maturity and scalability. Jo offers strategies for fostering employee engagement and building brand good will. She also describes the importance of building a “fine to fail” workplace environment in which leaders not only permit but encourage experimentation, risk and missteps. Jo and Scott also get granular about exactly when the time is right to introduce a more formal HR function into the start-up structure. It’s a transition that can be tough to make, but less so if leaders are equipped with the wisdom and perspective Jo has developed over her highly successful career across enterprises of all sizes and styles. Enjoy this lively, informative conversation! KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT JO DUTTA Company Website: www.eatmush.com MUSH on Instagram: @MUSH; on Twitter @MUSHFoods; and on Facebook @MushFoods ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 121 | Cultivate Sustainable & Vibrant High-Performing Cultures | Eric Stone | 26 Oct 2023 | 00:34:40 | |
Get ready to blast your workplace culture into new heights with the valuable guidance of this week’s special guest, Eric Stone. Eric is the founder of Clear Path Ventures and an acclaimed author who promises to enlighten your understanding of aligning organisational behaviour with values. Throughout the discussion, Eric lays out the five pillars of employee engagement and reveals the correlation between increased employee engagement levels and customer loyalty. Eric also tackles the challenge of maintaining a vibrant culture in remote work settings, emphasising the importance of open communication, ongoing training, and recognition. This episode is an invaluable resource for anyone keen on cultivating a thriving and sustainable culture within their organisations. Key discussions include:
Plus lots more! “Any time you have shared values and beliefs, that tends to create really good behaviours. Excellent behaviours over a consistent period of time lead to desirable outcomes.” – Eric Stone. ABOUT ERIC STONE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-stone-clear-path/ Work: https://clearpathventures.com/
EPISODE RESOURCES: Book: Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture by Eric Stone
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com
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| 85 | Culture Beyond the Office: Nurturing a Positive Remote Work Environment | Camilla Boyer | 11 Oct 2021 | 00:43:56 | |
EPISODE SUMMARY Culture in the workplace is often assumed to be human-to-human contact in the office environment, so the concept of culture in a solely remote business, on the surface, seems irrelevant. On this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott discusses the importance of culture within a remote-only business framework with Camilla Boyer, an experienced speaker and Head of Internal Communications and Culture at Hopin. Camilla shares her extensive background in public speaking and communication and reveals that promoting positive culture is not only possible in the remote setting, but also necessary for the success of the company. A key term that she uses throughout this episode is ‘deliberate’ – being more deliberate helps effectively shape a culture within companies, and this starts from the top down. Camilla breaks the barriers of any preconceived notions one might have regarding culture in the virtual realm. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of remote-first business models in relation to culture, the interplay of values and why they should be promoted in the workplace, and how businesses moving forward should be advancing towards a hybrid- or remote-based workplace system. KEY TAKEAWAYS
Equality of experience is a huge factor that must always be considered in remote or hybrid work models. If an opportunity is available, it must be equally available for everyone – this is the main hurtle for hybrid companies to overcome. ABOUT CAMILLA BOYER Company Website: www.hopin.com Hopin on Instagram: @HopinHQ and on Twitter: @hopin ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 84 | The power of recognition | Shorts by BBC | 07 Oct 2021 | 00:07:13 | |
In this episode, Scott talks about why recognition, why it's important and some ways to do it in a way that's authentic and builds price among your people Key takeaways: ➡️ Recognition is an important leadership skill that improves employee engagement. ➡️ A simple 'Thank you' is often enough - but let people know why you're thanking them so they know what they've done ➡️ Recognition goes supersonic when you relate it to your values - show your people what living your values looks like day-to-day #internalcommunications #creatingconnections #culture #leadership #recognition #values #purpose ---------------------------------------------- 'Shorts by Building Better Cultures' is a short-form podcast in which we share our tuppenceworth on subjects in the areas of leadership, employee engagement, organisational culture and internal communications. #buildingbettercultures #BBCShorts #inspiringchange #creatingconnections | |||
| 83 | Beyond the Barracks: Building Cultures of Trust and Accountability | Mark Mellett & Rena Kennedy | 28 Sep 2021 | 00:46:19 | |
The culture and structure of military service is completely unique, and yet on some levels there are commonalities with commercial organizations of any type. In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott welcomes two front-line officers whose experience shaping the Irish Defence Forces offers lessons applicable within any workplace environment. Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, recently retired Chief of Staff, and Sgt Rena Kennedy, Head of Internal Communications, have devoted their careers to fostering excellence in leadership and pride throughout the ranks. Like all complicated institutions, the Irish Defence Forces has its own challenges with internal communications, diversity, accountability and effective leadership. Whether within a commercial enterprise or military line of duty, find out why the concept of Just Culture has an important role to play and how ego can undermine trust, pride and morale among IDF ranks – or among the ranks of enterprises of any other type. Many of the most innovative workplace ideas are generated within military institutions because of the many challenges that must be met: messaging across distributed locations, cross-generational communications styles, security requirements and an atmosphere in which soldiers, regardless of rank, feel safe admitting error. Enjoy this fascinating exchange about the nature of accountability, tools for promoting individual growth within organizations and leadership techniques that engage team members at any level or stage of career development. Vice Admr Mellett and Sgt Kennedy offer perspectives that you’ll find extremely thought-provoking. To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.buildingbettercultures.com KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT OUR GUESTS Mark Mellet - @LinkedIn Rena Kennedy - @LinkedIn IDF Website: www.military.ie ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES Learn more about Scott McInnes, Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 82 | How Podcasting Transforms Internal Communications | BBC Shorts | 22 Sep 2021 | 00:08:14 | |
In this episode, Scott talks about why podcasting isn't just an entertainment medium for millions of people around the world. Organisations - American Airlines, Tata Steel, Deloitte, Permanent TSB and more - are starting to realise that using podcasting internally for staff and harnessing the human voice brings a new level of authenticity, empathy and understanding to communications. Key takeaways: ➡️ Organisations large and small are now using podcasting to reach their staff wherever they are. ➡️ The bar to entry is low - it's not expensive and you don't need loads of experience or oodles of equipment ➡️ It's a great way to put your people and their stories at the centre of your internal comms by giving them a hand in creating them in the first place. #internalcommunications #creatingconnections #culture #leadership #podcasting #ICChannels ---------------------------------------------- 'Shorts by Building Better Cultures' is a short-form podcast in which we share our tuppenceworth on subjects in the areas of leadership, employee engagement, organisational culture and internal communications. #buildingbettercultures #BBCShorts #inspiringchange #creatingconnections | |||
| 81 | Connecting Through Stories: How Effective Communication Transforms Cultures | Eoghan Tomás McDermott | 13 Sep 2021 | 00:42:07 | |
There is a reason that storytelling has been a primal means of communication dating back to our earliest tribal traditions. In this episode of Building Better Cultures, Scott McInnes’s guest, Eoghan Tomás McDermott explains why – and how – people across the spectrum of business, sports and public service arenas can benefit from deploying the power of narrative. All it takes is awareness, guidance and practice! Managing Director of The Communications Clinic, Eoghan works with clients to help them put in place the building blocks for compelling communications, both internal and external. His expertise centers around three core competencies:
But it is storytelling that's the thread that links all of the above. Since its founding in 2008, The Communications Clinic has helped people at all levels of leadership identify, locate and articulate the personal, memorable details that make for effective communications. It’s a skill and rhetorical device that engages audiences with even the most abstract of data or statistics, bringing home the “why we should care.” Eoghan shares compelling anecdotes about clients who have found their voice through articulating vivid details behind what otherwise might register simply as impersonal facts. He and Scott share stories about helping leaders find an authentic voice, one that communicates branding by reaching people in meaningful ways. Whether cultivating loyalty and commitment internally among company ranks or projecting an effective, resonant message outward to clients, the power of connection cannot be underestimated. Find out why – and how to begin building connections today! KEY TAKEAWAYS
To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.buildingbettercultures.com To discover Workvivo, a workplace communication platform that offers seamless digital integration, please click here. ABOUT EOGHAN TOMAS MCDERMOTT Book: "The Career Doctor: How To Get - And Keep - The Job You Want ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 80 | Unlocking the Power of Diversity: Building a Culture of Inclusion and Equity | Wema Hoover | 30 Aug 2021 | 00:43:29 | |
The summer of 2020 brought a reckoning on race around the world that few anticipated, but we may have all needed. After the months of Black Lives Matter protests and racial reconciliation, organizations and individuals alike have been left to grapple with what it actually looks like to promote diversity in the workplace. On this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, host Scott McInnes sits down with global DEI thought leader Wema Hoover to talk all things diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), how the virtual work environment has brought this concept to the forefront in new ways, and how organizations can work to effect lasting change for their leaders and employees. Wema believes the “right” way to approach DEI is different for each individual organization, but that doesn’t negate the fact that DEI is an essential aspect to a successful organization. During her time at some of the world’s biggest companies— including Google, Pfizer, and Bristol-Myers-Squibb—Wema saw firsthand what it takes to promote DEI in the workplace and put in place KPIs to measure how DEI is progressing and changing a company’s culture. Scott and Wema finish their conversation by talking through the many benefits promoting diversity can have on an organization, including the ability to recognize differences in your customer base and creating a purpose-driven organization your employees actually want to work for. Creating a work environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion is not easy, Wema says, but in order to do so, organizations must look at their stats and listen to their employees, while employees work to find the courage to raise their voice. KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES Learn more about Scott McInnes, founder and director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO To discover Workvivo, a workplace communication platform that offers seamless digital integration, please click here. | |||
| 79 | Navigating the Challenges and Benefits of Remote Work | Chris Dyer | 16 Aug 2021 | 00:45:42 | |
Our world was flipped upside-down when COVID-19 entered the vernacular in 2020, and virtually everything, including how and where we work, changed. Eighteen months into the pandemic has society adjusting to this “new normal” in ways few could have predicted. One of those adjustments? —working remotely has become much more of the rule than an exception. On this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, host Scott McInnes sits down with bestselling author and CEO Chris Dyer to discuss all things remote work and how it has affected both managers and employees. Chris is the author of The Power of Company Culture and Remote Work. A self-described remote work leader and advocate, Chris is a firm believer in the fact that company culture is built not through in-person chats at the watercooler, but instead by principles like transparency, listening, mistakes, and recognition—all things that can be practiced whether workers are together around a table or meeting via Zoom. Throughout their conversation, Chris and Scott share practical examples of remote work success stories, the reasons why hybrid work is inherently difficult, and the types of meetings Chris and his team use to signal expectations no matter where employees are joining from. Although remote work can have its difficulties, Chris and Scott both agreed that this new form of work, spurred on by the pandemic, is here to stay and should be embraced for its many benefits. Grab a copy of Chris’s new book here. KEY TAKEAWAYS
Benefits of remote work for employees is varied and needs to be communicated by employers. ABOUT CHRIS DYER Chris’s website: https://chrisdyer.com/ Twitter: @ChrisPDyer LinkedIn: Chris Dyer ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES Learn more about Scott McInnes, founder and director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO To discover Workvivo, a workplace communication platform that offers seamless digital integration, please click here. | |||
| 78 | Building Hybrid Work Culture: Connecting & Communicating in a Changing World | Kyoko Minegishi | 02 Aug 2021 | 00:42:47 | |
At this point in the pandemic, none of us are strangers to change. But for Kyoko Minegishi, change has been the one and only constants in a life full of cross-cultural moves, varied leadership positions, and now spearheading a startup with an eye on the convergence of living spaces and robotics. On this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, host Scott McInnes talks with Kyoko, the vice president of marketing for transformable furniture company Ori, about what forms change has taken in her own life, how change affects her teams, and why change is and always will be a driver of progress in company culture. Kyoko began her career in the music industry, right when the traditional model of record companies and labels was making way for the digital age of streaming. She then spent time at Red Bull, helping transform the beverage company into the sports and adventure brand it’s known as today. Recently she landed at Ori, a startup bent on transforming the way we see and live in spaces through tech-driven furniture and architecture. That’s a lot of change for one individual to manage, but Kyoko has used the changes to her advantage—driving the way she views company culture and creating effective communications both externally and internally. Throughout their conversation, Scott and Kyoko touch on how to maintain and enhance a culture of community despite the constraints of the pandemic, why companies need to maintain a constant level of engagement with their teams, and how poor internal communication can really hurt a company’s bottom line. The episode wraps up with a look at hybrid work and how to build culture despite employees working from different locations. Kyoko believes listening to your employees and customizing communications to their needs and preferences is key to not only increased success and productivity, but also necessary for success in this new hybrid work world we’re all living in. KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT KYOKO MINEGISHI LinkedIn: Kyoko Minegishi Ori website: https://www.oriliving.com/ ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES Learn more about Scott McInnes, founder and director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 77 | Connecting Your People To Your Organisational Strategy | BBC Shorts | 28 Jul 2021 | 00:05:55 | |
In this episode, Scott talks about why connecting your people to your strategy is so important and how an inspiring story can help you capture their hearts and their minds. Key takeaways: ➡️ Why strategy is a necessary evil. ➡️ How you can create a story that brings your strategy to life and connects with your people. ➡️ Why leaders are so critical in translating that strategy for teams across your business. #internalcommunications #creatingconnections #culture #leadership #corporatenarrative #inspiringstories #winningheartsandminds | |||
| 76 | Brewing Success: Cultivating a Culture of Purpose and Fun at Paddy & Scott's Coffee | Johnathan Reed | 19 Jul 2021 | 00:43:21 | |
On this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes welcomes Jonathan Reed of Paddy and Scott’s coffee. A defining sense of purpose is the seed from which everything else at this disruptive, upstart coffee company grows. Hear Jonathan explain why he believes success starts with an alignment of core values. In the case of Paddy and Scott’s, that means honouring the suppliers of the coffee beans the company serves. Social responsibility and a sense of pride are key to their workplace culture, but the strong employee buy-in comes from something more basic: Fun. Jonathan offers insights into how he hires the right people and cultivates their engagement on the job. He also shares managerial tips that resonate up and down the enterprise: from the coffee bean growers in Kenya to the baristas serving customers at their local cafes to the executive ranks driving the overall metrics and corporate mission. In an unlikely origin story, Jonathan recalls the wake-up call that transformed the direction of both his business pursuits and life. Flattened by an unplanned afternoon of chasing around a soccer field with his son and a dozen other five-year-olds, he suddenly knew it was time to reorder his priorities. Jonathan wanted his work to reflect the value he placed on wellness and quality of life – not just for his own family but out in the wider world. Jonathan brought a strong sense of authenticity that defines the entire workplace culture. His goal is to engage every employee by communicating a sense of personal pride not only in Paddy and Scott’s product but in the farmers whose toil provides it. In addition to employee engagement and transparent internal communications, Jonathan also lets us in on perhaps the most powerful ingredient: Fun! It turns out that doing good also feels good – on the job and in life. With its socially responsible ethos, Paddy and Scott’s workplace culture encourages and listens to voices at all levels. Jonathan uses a personalized leadership approach to empower employees, giving them permission both to make judgment calls and to fail along their path to learning. Scott elicits from Jonathan candid thoughts on everything from how to energize the typical “bored meeting” agenda to which four questions provide a helpful check on how Paddy and Scott’s is doing both internally and as a force for equity and advancement in the world. For this company, a cup of coffee in your local café equates directly with improved conditions in the Kenyan growing community from which the beans actually come. It’s a win-win-win business proposition … that is all about building better cultures. To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.buildingbettercultures.com KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT JOHNATHAN REED Website: www.paddyandscotts.co.uk ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES Learn more about Scott McInnes, founder and director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO | |||
| 120 | Workplace Well-being: A Blueprint for Transformation | Brian Crooke | 19 Oct 2023 | 00:38:34 | |
Are you ready to transform your workplace into a haven of well-being? If so, buckle up as Brian Crooke, founder of Workplace Well-being Ireland and Course Director of the Postgrad Certificate in Workplace Wellness at Dublin’s Trinity College, guides us through the ever-evolving landscape of workplace well-being. From his journey as a ‘recovering’ management consultant to becoming a well-being advocate, Brian reveals the power of understanding and implementing well-being at the workplace and how it is intrinsically linked to an organisation’s vision and business objectives. Brian also delves into the magic of storytelling, the importance of leaders role-modelling healthy behaviours and creating a culture of permission. Key discussions include: 1. Workplace health promotion: Your well-being goes beyond physical health 2. The three pillars of well-being 3. The importance of aligning well-being initiatives with an organisation’s vision and objectives 4. Building a culture of health: Connecting hard data with human stories 5. CEOs leading the way: How leaders are fostering supportive working environments 6. How to set up a well-being champion network for continued success 7. Incentivising and recognising change agents to drive business performance 8. A spotlight on Irish businesses promoting and sustaining well-being 9. How you can start improving workplace well-being Plus lots more! This episode is your essential roadmap to transform your workplace into a well-being hub. Brian generously shares invaluable advice on how to kick-start your well-being journey, offers his blueprint for establishing champion networks destined for success and reveals the inspiring Irish businesses leading the way. “Start with why. Why is this important to you and your organisation? I always try and align what an organisation is doing, from a well-being perspective with their organisation’s vision, and business objectives.” – Brian Crooke. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancrooke Work: https://www.workwellireland.ie/
EPISODE RESOURCES: Article: Harry Goddard, CEO of Deloitte Ireland See Change - Irish organisation dedicated to ending mental health stigma
Learn more about Scott McInnes, your host and the Founder and Director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT SINÉAD EGAN: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sineadegan ABOUT WORKVIVO: If you’re struggling with communications in this time of new hybrid workplace conditions, click here to explore Workvivo, a collaboration platform that offers seamless digital integration. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider clicking here to rate and review it! This podcast was proudly produced in partnership with Podlad.com
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| 75 | Unlock the Power of Onboarding: Creating a Human Connection from Day One | BBC Shorts | 13 Jul 2021 | 00:07:05 | |
This week Scott talks about onboarding, how it's failing you and your new joiners, and how some communications and engagement thinking can maybe help. Key to success is creating a more human connection with new joiners as quickly as possible. Yes, the operational stuff is important, but more important is how you make people FEEL when they join your business. It could mean the difference between them staying and going! Key Takeaways: ➡️ Purpose and how you help people to feel a connection. ➡️ The power of tone and language. ➡️ Success by being a bit more creative. ---------------------------------------------- 'Shorts by Building Better Cultures' is a short-form podcast in which we share our tuppenceworth on subjects in the areas of leadership, employee engagement, organisational culture and internal communications. #buildingbettercultures #BBCShorts #inspiringchange #creatingconnections | |||
| 74 | Redefining Success: Trust, Compassion, and the Future of Work | Mark Edgar | 05 Jul 2021 | 00:45:47 | |
Mark Edgar isn’t a stranger to challenges; he’s built a career teaching organizations how to thrive in spite of it all. As a people-centric, strategic and innovative consultant, facilitator, and coach he has global experience developing and delivering impactful and business focused people strategies. The HR expert and self-proclaimed optimist shares his passion for people and creating better workplaces in this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast with Scott McInnes. The core of Mark’s philosophy of work is trust - something he’s learned from years of experience and researching, looking ahead to an ever-changing work environment. Instead of running away from hybrid work models, he has assessed the setbacks and challenges others to see the opportunity to rethink the status quo and re-define what it means to be a successful company and how we get there. By capitalising on this moment, we have the opportunity to build leaders who are better equipped to support employees in this new world. But how do we sustain productivity if we’re changing where and how the work gets done? The answer isn’t cut and dry. By treating each team differently and empowering them to do their job in the way that they want to be treated, Mark suggests that the key to profits may be in the way we treat our co-workers. Doing the work to create a more compassionate work environment retains talent and builds a better workforce and output, it just may require us to think again about business as usual. Enjoy this thoughtful and passionate discussion and candid look at what it takes to build a healthy work culture in which everyone thrives – both at home and in the workplace. To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.buildingbettercultures.com KEY TAKEAWAYS
Parting Thought: Our romantic notion of how work needs to get done isn’t working – if we focus on flexibility and trusting our employees, being conscious of the outputs and inputs we can create a hybrid work model that works better for everyone. ABOUT MARK EDGAR Website: https://goatrodeoproject.com/ ABOUT SCOTT MCINNES Learn more about Scott McInnes, founder and director of Inspiring Change, by clicking here. ABOUT WORKVIVO To discover Workvivo, a workplace communication platform that offers seamless digital integration, please click here. | |||
| 73 | Adapting to the Future of Work: Insights and Strategies From Industry Experts & Ireland Together | 29 Jun 2021 | 00:45:08 | |
Friends of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Ireland Together (www.IrelandTogether.ie) ran a series of mini-conferences focused on the next great reset—returning to the workplace. They asked Scott to facilitate a discussion on the Future of Work—what we will do, how we will do it and where we will work from. The panelists today are thought leaders in their own right, and during this discussion, they offer their insights into how work will be shaped by trends going forward. Our featured speakers are: Denise Black, Head of HR at Invest NI; Gillian French, CPO at Cubic Telecom; and Kevin Empey, Founder at WorkMatters. We hope you enjoy the conversation. KEY TAKEAWAYS
Q&A: Scott: Is there going to be any real significant change to the future of work?
Kevin: The future of work didn’t start with COVID, and it will continue way beyond COVID. One example is the idea that business interruption is normal, that the frequency of change is happening more quickly. Another is that keeping an eye on the periphery is a crucial skill set. Finally, the ideas about how and where work can be done—as well as the expectations of management—are all changing as we move into the future. It’s also not just what’s happening within our own little bubbles, but what changes we can expect for our whole customer base and our suppliers with their own digital agendas.
Scott: If companies don’t adapt to small change curves, they’re dying. Gillian, what can we expect the future of work to look like for smaller companies?
Gillian: Generally speaking, smaller businesses are more agile and able to adapt to changes more readily than large, multinational companies. If smaller businesses can afford it, they should give their employees the flexibility that they desire. It will actually build social capital and build trust in your employees. It’s ultimately about focusing on building strong relationships because those are the tools they need to successfully pivot when hard changes do come.
Scott: How do you balance the needs of the company and the needs of employers when they don’t mesh?
Denise: I advocated that we start from a position of trust and empowerment. I said let’s look at it based on the principles of four pillars to focus on when you come into the office. Those pillars are: to Connect, to Collaborate, to Client, and to Commute. And each team will look at what their responsibilities are and what pillars fit best. The key is to train the people leaders to think in this way. The other key part is establishing critical contact points, like team meetings, new starts and critical HR issues, most definitely. Other key feedback moments, too, like performance reviews or midterms.
If staffers haven’t made up their mind yet, I encourage them to. As soon as my staffers made a decision and showed they were going to roll out a plan, the shoulders dropped, and they could say now they know what’s going to happen.
Scott: And they can say, “alright, now this is what we’re going to try.” Kevin, if organizations don’t do something different after all of this, what is the impact going to be? What trick will they have said, do you think?
Kevin: I think there’s an opportunity to leverage competition, talent and expertise from around the world. There is also the threat that if they don’t act, they could be opening up their talent to other companies. You’re engaging in a culture exercise as much as anything else. It allows the opportunity to show vulnerability, which can improve the culture in the long term, past when COVID is forgotten. They would be embedding some of those skills in the future.
Scott: We seem comfortable with contracting work from remote locations. What do you think it will take for leadership to feel the same way about their own teams?
Gillian: They are hard-pressed to make the argument now because we’ve proven that it works during the pandemic. They’d have to have a strong case for why those roles can’t be filled remotely. One key thing I want to emphasize is that we need to squash presence privilege because it’s unjust and it’s a big threat to the hybrid model. My concern is that people will miss that and it will hurt our ability to fully capitalize on the culture change.
Kevin: We know that some people are nervous to come back, so many should embrace phases or waves of returning. And it should be stated that employees are wise to the problem of presence privilege, too. We are actually using technology to capture everything on a common canvas, so no one is disenfranchised. There’s no doubt that these tools will help us.
Denise: A lot of people are asking about the deadlines, but my advice is to make the most of your day if you’re going to go in.
Scott: Denise, how do you generate psychological safety within an organization?
Denise: It’s intrinsically linked to the leadership in an organization. No matter what level you’re at, the pandemic acted as an equalizer. And I think this helped us to see each other as equals again. I think psychological safety is something you have to work on as a team.
Scott: I think it was you, Denise, who shared with me the acronym “F.A.I.L.”—if it’s not a failure, it’s a first attempt in learning. Denise, do you have anything to add to that?
Denise: We kept the comms as transparent as possible, which I think built a lot of trust in the organization. We need to involve the members of our teams as frequently as possible.
Kevin: It’s that trust piece. It’s fundamental to the relationship piece, too. There’s also a stretch element to this next phase because there’s an element to psychological safety that requires more trust-building. And leadership needs to set that tone.
Scott: What do you all think about the question of gender equality in the hybrid work place? Denise, I might throw that one to you.
Denise: It’s actually quite topical. Promotions tend to be very Belfast-centered—but now we know that that doesn't have to be the case in a hybrid model. I think this is going to help make the workplace more equitable by leveling the playing field in that sense.
Gillian: I see a lot of concern about this because many women dropped out of the workforce because of stresses of home life and so on—
Kevin: We just need to watch that the hybrid model doesn’t get skewed so far as to be associated with the different genders or presenteeism and so on. It’s really important that our promotion and development programs are agnostic as well.
Scott: To close, what’s the most important thing that companies should be doing to reap the benefits of the future of work.
Denise: They need to start the conversation.
Kevin: Leadership needs to be involving team members in the conversation rather than forcing it on them top-down. Also, you need to make sure the technology is there to boost employee engagement. Try as best as you can to create what is as close as possible to a “normal” work environment.
Scott: For me, the jigsaw piece in the middle is that we should tell people really obviously that we have made decisions in response to your feedback.
Gillian: They need to provide flexibility or employees will leave. And they need to make sure everyone is treated equally. There’s nothing more important. | |||
| 72 | From the Rugby Pitch to the Boardroom: Building High-Performance Cultures | Stuart Lancaster | 21 Jun 2021 | 00:46:34 | |
If it were up to Stuart Lancaster, he’d make emotional intelligence, communication and leadership core subjects starting early on in school. The nationally recognized rugby coach and high-performance leadership expert shares his experience and insights -- on and off the field -- in this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast. Vision and purpose are the starting point for Stuart, whose online master class distills years of learning gleaned from navigating highly competitive environments. He has observed that the most successful leaders take focused time to know themselves and, with that self-awareness, are able to communicate authentically. That vulnerability, says Stuart, is more than anything else what compels and inspires people to give 110% to whatever team effort. But where do leaders come from? How are they made? Based on his own observations as a coach, Stuart believes age and seniority in no way guarantee the ability to empower and drive teams. Organizations depend on clearly articulated goals and a culture of safety in which everyone – from the novice to the veteran – feels respected and heard. Enjoy this lively exchange of ideas and candid look at what it takes to build a healthy team environment in which everyone thrives – whether on the rugby pitch, at the highest echelons of commerce or in everyday life. KEY TAKEAWAYS
ABOUT STUART LANCASTER Learn more about Stuart’s six-module online master class, which includes bonus material and resources, by clicking here. To learn more about the Building Better Cultures podcast and related services, visit www.buildingbettercultures.com | |||