Feedback is vital when you're building a culture of continual improvement. The common practice of organisations only seeking feedback once a year through engagement surveys and then doing little with the feedback or taking too long to act on it is counter-productive. It serves only to stagnate the culture and frustrate employees.

Leaders and managers need to take immediate action on feedback to build trust and confidence. In this episode I explore the two facets of feedback: employees providing feedback on the organisation and managers providing feedback to employees and look at how we can develop the skills to give both positive and negative feedback effectively.

Takeaways from this episode

• Developing a culture of asking for feedback is crucial for continual improvement.
• Organisations often only seek feedback once a year through engagement surveys and do little with it, undermining engagement and reflecting poorly on leadership.
• Feedback should be acted upon immediately to build trust and confidence in the organisation.
• Employees providing feedback on the organisation and managers providing feedback to employees are both essential.
• Managers need to develop the skills to provide feedback in the moment, both positive and negative, to encourage growth and improvement.

Connect with Colin:

www.colindellis.com

Take the free Five Cultures Quiz:

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

Order DETOX YOUR CULTURE

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

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

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

Takeaways include:

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

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

Timestamps

00:00 The Importance of Purpose in Workplace

03:24 How Purpose Shapes Culture and Decision-Making

09:41 The Negative Impact of Compromising Purpose

13:52 Purpose-Driven Work Projects Energy and Passion

17:09 The Rise of Employee Activism

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

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

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

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

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

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

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

TIMESTAMPS

The importance of projects (00:01:14)

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

Challenges in project management (00:03:27)

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

The significance of planning (00:05:38)

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

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

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

The planning stage (00:11:33)

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

Work breakdown structure (00:15:32)

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

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

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

Productive Time (00:19:40)

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

Integrity in Planning (00:20:34)

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

Importance of Planning (00:21:40)

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

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

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

In this episode, I cover:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

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

TIMESTAMPS

Introduction (00:00:01)

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

Understanding Human Endeavours (00:01:22)

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

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

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

Lack of Listening Skills (00:04:48)

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

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

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

Empathy vs Sympathy (00:08:19)

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

Building Empathy for Collaboration (00:10:21)

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

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

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

Enhancing Feedback Skills (00:11:28)

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

Respectful Listening Habits (00:14:24)

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

Active Empathetic Listening (00:16:22)

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

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

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

Sensing and Processing (00:20:41)

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

Giving Time to Process (00:21:46)

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

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

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

Slowing Information Flow (00:23:32)

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

Eliminating Distractions (00:24:38)

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

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

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

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

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

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

📘Learning from others

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

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

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

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

TIMESTAMPS

Impact of Low Productivity (00:02:06)

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

Challenges of Overwhelming Workload (00:04:23)

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

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

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

Planning and Prioritising (00:18:50)

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

Task Management and Discipline (00:19:50)

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrating Task Completion (00:24:36)

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode I talk about:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠Download ⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠ weekly newsletter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode I cover:

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

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

Related episodes:

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

Download the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the Making Great Work Happen weekly newsletter

Timestamps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Retraining Managers (00:20:24)

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

Mandating Return Dates (00:21:11)

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

Providing Managerial Skills (00:21:59)

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

Setting Expectations and Boundaries (00:24:16)

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

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

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

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

I cover:

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

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

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

Subscribe to the Making Great Work Happen newsletter

Timestamps

Meetings and Their Purpose (00:00:01)

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

Importance of Meetings (00:01:35)

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

Challenges of Meetings (00:03:43)

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

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

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

Quality of Meetings (00:08:37)

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

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

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

Role of Meeting Chair (00:15:34)

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

Meeting Etiquette (00:19:34)

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

Improving Meeting Quality (00:20:24)

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

Related reading:

10 Ways To Make Work Less Boring

Challenging Dumb Cultural Norms

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

I cover:

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

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

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

Timestamps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast, I talk about celebrating success and how to ensure that it is done in the right way.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the culture crisis that’s rife in professional sports. The white paper that I discuss on the show can be downloaded from www.theteamcode.com

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

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

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

Timestamps

01:55 The Three Levels of Toxic Culture

06:14 Combatant Culture: Signs and Impact

13:21 Corrosive Culture: Bullying and Harassment

18:00 Harmful Culture: Physical Assault and Fraud

21:52 Importance of Assessing and Addressing Culture

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

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

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about how to bring people into a team in a way that complements and adds to the culture.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the reasons why you feel burnt out and how to overcome the feeling of overwhelm and make time for yourself.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide insights into five things that vibrant workplace cultures do.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the rise of passive aggressive behaviour in cultures, how to spot it and what you can do to deal with it.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the ways organisations should respond to toxic culture allegations. This week’s coffee is an Ethiopian Hadeso Guji Natural roasted by Disciple Coffee.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide insights on the 5 things everyone needs to know about culture. This week's coffee is a filter from the Bond Store in Melbourne Australia.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the issue with diversity and inclusion programs and what can be done to make them successful. This week’s coffee is a La Hachazon from Ona Coffee (onacoffee.com.au).

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about reducing your email (and freeing up time for real work!). This week’s coffee is a Pedro Flores from Caranavi in Bolivia and roasted by Market Lane Coffee (www.marketlane.com.au) in Melbourne. Read my HBR article on email at: https://hbr.org/2021/03/stop-does-that-message-really-need-to-be-an-email

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

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the different characteristics of workplace culture and how to spot - without needing an engagement survey - the kind of culture you have right now. This week’s coffee is an Ethiopian Konga, from Puzzle Coffee (www.puzzle.coffee) in Melbourne. Vote on my toxic culture poll at: https://bit.ly/44dycNu

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

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

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

Why This Matters:

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

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

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

Timestamps

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:05)

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

Topic of Loneliness (00:01:31)

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

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

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

Flexibility in Work (00:04:11)

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

Duty of Care (00:04:51)

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

Statistics on Loneliness (00:06:28)

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

Generational Perspectives (00:07:50)

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

Hybrid Work Challenges (00:08:51)

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

Observable Signs of Loneliness (00:09:54)

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

Impact of Loneliness (00:14:04)

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

Strategies to Combat Loneliness (00:15:08)

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

Engagement and Culture (00:17:15)

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

Communication in Teams (00:19:02)

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

Understanding Loneliness (00:20:08)

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

Social Interaction at Work (00:21:02)

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

Fostering Connection (00:22:03)

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

Importance of Productivity (00:24:16)

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

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

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

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I look at the three things that turn a culture toxic. This week’s coffee is an El Fenix instant coffee from Colombia by Flight Coffee (www.fligthcoffee.co.nz) in Wellington, NZ. Also, don’t forget to download the two whitepapers I’ve written on how to create a high performance culture at www.colindellis.com/culture-whitepaper

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide some advice on the skills managers need to build great teams. This week’s coffee is an Ethiopian Abebe Shontu from Cartel Coffee in Melbourne. You can also download the culture white papers that I talk about on the show at www.colindellis.com/culture-whitepaper And sign up for the webinar at www.crowdcast.io/c/hpculture

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide insights into the knowledge senior executives need to create the conditions for a high-performance culture. This week’s coffee is actually a mulled wine that I made myself 👌

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide insights into the six things that great cultures do really well. This week’s coffee is a Nespresso Livanto.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide some advice on the awkward (but necessary) subject of telling a colleague that their behaviour is toxic. This week’s coffee is a Ethiopian Uraga from Wide Open Road coffee in Melbourne.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide some insights on how to improve your meetings. This week’s coffee is a Sangria (which is not strictly a coffee!) from Grupo Obris Cafe in Puerto Pollença, Mallorca.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide some insights into why organisations will abandon hybrid working. This week’s coffee is a Cafe BomBom from Harrison’s Coffee in London.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide a 20-minute digest on what workplace culture is and the pillars required to build a good one. This week’s coffee is an Edilberto Vergara from Colombia, roasted by Maker Coffee in Melbourne.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I provide advice on how to deliver great projects. This weeks coffee is an Ethiopian pour over from Market Lane Coffee in Brunswick, Melbourne.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I’m talking about how to do humility. This week’s coffee is a Jhoan Vergara from Colombia roasted by Rum Baba in Amsterdam.

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

Key takeaways

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

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

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

Timestamps ⌚

Scaling Culture (00:00:01)

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

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

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

Merging Cultures in Organisations (00:03:12)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I’m talking about courageous conversations, and how to do them well. This week’s coffee is a filter coffee drip bag - Yirgacheffe from Ethiopia - from ACoffee in Fitzroy, Melbourne which I'm drinking in London Heathrow.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the two elements of successful digital transformation programs. This week’s coffee is an americano from the DripHouse in Perth, Western Australia.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I give you some ideas of how to switch off from work. This week’s coffee is a Irish coffee!

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about how to end the calendar year on a high. This week’s coffee is an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe from Kit Espresso in Melbourne.

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

On this week's episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about why a strategy is needed for a vibrant culture. This week’s coffee is a blended filter from the Monocle Cafe in London.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about plans and why they’ll never be 100% right. This week’s coffee is a Guatemalan nitro cold brew from CBCB & ODFUB in Brunswick, Melbourne.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about purpose, it's role and why it’s important to employees. This week’s coffee is from the Marcala region of Honduras and roasted by Cafe L’Affare in Wellington, New Zealand.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the steps you can take to keep your culture out of the media. This week’s coffee is a long black from ESPL Coffee in Surfers Paradise, Australia.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about 3 things that servant leaders do. This week’s coffee is an Airuma from Brazil, roasted by Market Lane Coffee in Melbourne.

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

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

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

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

In this episode I tackle:

• Multigenerational workforce and its impact on workplace culture

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

Useful links 🔗

Connect with Colin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ weekly newsletter

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

Timestamps ⌚

The multigenerational workforce (00:01:16)

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

Understanding the generations (00:02:29)

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

Baby boomers (00:03:35)

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

Generation X (00:08:07)

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

Millennials (00:11:18)

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

Generation Z (00:16:25)

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

Generational differences in socializing (00:20:24)

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

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

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

Music defining Generation Z (00:22:25)

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

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

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

Building a multigenerational culture (00:24:53)

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

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

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

Creating harmonious workplaces (00:27:01)

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

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the differences between the  generations and how to get your communication right. This week’s coffee is a Fazenda Camocim from Brazil, roasted by Padre Coffee in Melbourne.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about how to make innovation a regular occurrence. This week’s coffee is an Ethiopian pour-over from Rumours Coffee in Auckland, New Zealand.

On this episode of the culture and coffee podcast I talk about the role of prioritisation and the importance of saying ‘no’! This week’s coffee is an espresso from TreCafe in Rome, Italy.

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