Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills – Details, episodes & analysis

Imagine you're working hard, giving your all, but your boss doesn't seem to notice–or care. It's a scenario many of us have faced, but the good news is that there's more you can do about it than you think! Today, we're diving into the psychology of workplace recognition and how to stay motivated when you're not getting the appreciation you deserve. I'm thrilled to welcome my friend and colleague Shanna A. Hocking, founder and CEO of Hocking Leadership and author of ONE BOLD MOVE A DAY. 

In today's episode of Psychology at Work, we cover: 

◾ Why recognition in the workplace is essential for your performance 

◾ How to stay motivated when not receiving acknowledgment

◾ How to get feedback and praise from a difficult manager

◾ How to cultivate a network of champions beyond your boss, including mentors and senior leaders

◾ How to manage feedback in the remote work environment

About Shanna: 

Shanna A. Hocking (Shanna rhymes with Donna) is the founder and CEO of Hocking Leadership, which specializes in leadership development and fundraising strategy. Shanna spent 20 years raising hundreds of millions of dollars and leading collaborative teams at organizations such as the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Alabama, and Duke University. Shanna is the author of One Bold Move a Day: Meaningful Actions Women Can Take to Fulfill Their Leadership and Career Potential (November 2022, McGraw Hill), which was recognized by The Next Big Idea Club as “must read nonfiction.” Connect with Shanna: https://www.shannaahocking.com/ 

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Connect with Melody:

• FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work

• Follow Melody on Linkedin

• Follow Melody on Instagram 

• Visit Melody’s Website to Learn More about Her Programs and Books

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About the Psychology at Work Podcast

Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. 

Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.

In this episode, Melody Wilding unpacks the concept of authenticity in the workplace and challenges the conventional wisdom that being true to yourself is the ultimate secret to success in the workplace. She shares how the pursuit of authenticity can sometimes be a defense mechanism or way to play it safe.

What You’ll Discover:

• Rethinking Authenticity: The conventional advice to "just be yourself" at work may be a trap that hurts your career progress. What we consider our authentic self might actually be a defense mechanism.

• Impact of Early Messages: Messages you received during your formative years, like "tone it down" or "don’t rock the boat," can fool you into staying small – and you mistake that for your authentic self.

• Authenticity vs. Safety: Playing it safe by not speaking up or standing out is not authenticity. Before holding back, evaluate whether you are acting out of fear or outdated perceptions rather than genuine self-expression.

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Connect with Melody:

• FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work

• Follow Melody on Linkedin

• Follow Melody on Instagram 

• Visit Melody’s Website to Learn More about Her Programs and Books

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About the Psychology at Work Podcast

Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. 

Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.

In today's corporate world, confidence isn't just a nice to have – it's a career-defining asset. Today on Psychology at Work we're diving into the confidence gap and how to close it. I'm thrilled to welcome Kelli Thompson, executive coach and author of "Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck." Kelli's on a mission to advance women to the rooms where decisions are made, and she's here to share strategies that will help improve your presence, beat burnout, and make a bigger impact at work.

In today's episode of Psychology at Work, we cover: 

◾ Why confidence and emotional control matter in the workplace

◾ How to identify your talents and map out your “genius zones” to enjoy your tasks more

◾ Practical strategies for becoming more confident at work, even when you’re not an expert

◾ How to make difficult career decisions

About Kelli:  

Kelli Thompson is an executive coach and speaker who is on a mission to advance women to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained thousands of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program, and a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business—Coach of the Year. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck. Connect with Kelli: https://www.kelliraethompson.com/ 

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Connect with Melody:

• FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work

• Follow Melody on Linkedin

• Follow Melody on Instagram 

• Visit Melody’s Website to Learn More about Her Programs and Books

—

About the Psychology at Work Podcast

Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. 

Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.

Have you ever felt that knot in your stomach when giving or receiving feedback? Well, today we're diving into the psychology of fearless feedback. Melody is excited to welcome Dr. Joe Hirsch, TEDx speaker and author of 'The Feedback Fix’ on to the show. Joe has helped over 30,000 people find joy, even in tough conversations. 

In today's episode of Psychology at Work, we cover: 

◾ Why feedback is so psychologically and emotionally loaded for both the giver and receiver

◾ The biggest mental barriers and fears around feedback – and how to overcome them

◾ Tactical steps for delivering constructive criticism at work

◾ Strategies to manage your emotions when receiving difficult feedback

About Joe: 

Dr. Joe Hirsch helps organizations design and deliver feedback without fear. He's a TEDx and global keynote speaker and the author of "The Feedback Fix," which has been praised by Fortune 500 executives, NFL coaches and educational leaders for its forward-looking view on team effectiveness. Joe's work and research has been featured in Harvard Business Review, CNBC, Forbes, Inc., The Wall Street Journal and other major outlets. He's helped more than 30,000 people across three continents find joy at work and hosts the popular podcast, "I Wish They Knew." Connect with Joe: https://joehirsch.me/ 

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Connect with Melody:

• FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work

• Follow Melody on Linkedin

• Follow Melody on Instagram 

• Visit Melody’s Website to Learn More about Her Programs and Books

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About the Psychology at Work Podcast

Have you ever felt like you're the only one struggling with self-doubt at work? Maybe you’ve wondered why office politics seem so complicated or how some people seem to influence so effortlessly?  

The secret is that every day at work, we're surrounded by psychological dynamics - internal and external. There's the voice in our head second-guessing our decisions, the subtle power plays in meetings, the unspoken expectations that shape our behavior and others. Yet most of us are dropped into our careers with zero insight into these invisible forces.

That changes today. Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. 

Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.

Have you ever felt like you're the only one struggling with self-doubt at work? Maybe you’ve wondered why office politics seem so complicated or how some people seem to influence so effortlessly?  

The secret is that every day at work, we're surrounded by psychological dynamics - internal and external. There's the voice in our head second-guessing our decisions, the subtle power plays in meetings, the unspoken expectations that shape our behavior and others. Yet most of us are dropped into our careers with zero insight into these invisible forces.

That changes today. Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. 

Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.

• While your coding skills might land you a job, it's your ability to manage stress and stay focused under pressure that will help you meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality work.

• Your financial acumen might get you noticed, but it's your ability to navigate stakeholder relationships and office politics that will help you secure buy-in for your ideas.

• Your strategic thinking might earn you a promotion, but it's your self-awareness and ability to regulate your emotions that will make you an effective leader people want to follow.

The title of this show is a playful nod to our double focus. First, we explore how psychology operates in professional settings. But second, in each episode you’re going to walk away with practical insights that you can put to work right away. 

I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the workplace when you're sensitive, empathetic, annnnd prone to overthinking. That's why I created this podcast that brings you the tools and insights I wish I'd had earlier in my career.

Get ready, because you’re going to learn how to master the ‘silent rules’ of human behavior so you can achieve career success without sacrificing inner peace.

Are you tired of feeling steamrolled by your assertive colleagues? In this episode, Melody tackles the challenge of working with dominant personalities in the workplace. She shares specific strategies you can use to navigate these often-intimidating relationships without compromising your own values or work style.

What You’ll Discover: 

▪️ The telltale signs of a dominant personality

▪️ Common mistake people make when communicating with dominant types (and how to avoid them)

▪️  Counterintuitive ways to stand your ground that actually makes dominant personalities respect you more 

▪️ Simple tweaks that can instantly boost your credibility with assertive colleagues

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Connect with Melody:

• FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work

• Follow Melody on Linkedin

• Follow Melody on Instagram 

• Visit Melody’s Website to Learn More about Her Programs and Book

—

About the Psychology at Work Podcast

Have you ever felt like you're the only one struggling with self-doubt at work? Maybe you’ve wondered why office politics seem so complicated or how some people seem to influence so effortlessly? 

The secret is that every day at work, we're surrounded by psychological dynamics - internal and external. There's the voice in our head second-guessing our decisions, the subtle power plays in meetings, the unspoken expectations that shape our behavior and others. Yet most of us are dropped into our careers with zero insight into these invisible forces.

That changes today. Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. 

Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.

In this episode, Melody talks with Moe Carrick, an expert in organizational development, about creating thriving workplace cultures. Moe shares the 7 psychological and emotional needs we bring to work, discusses the evolution of workplace culture, and provides practical advice for leaders to manage team dynamics effectively.

What You’ll Discover:

▪️ The seven essential needs we all have at work, and how understanding them can transform your career satisfaction

▪️ Why your colleague's constant complaining might actually be a positive sign for your team's health

▪️ The simple question that can instantly clarify your next career move, especially when you're feeling stuck

▪️ How a 19-word Post-it note boosted student performance by 30% and what it means for giving feedback at work

▪️ The counterintuitive reason why remote work flexibility isn't always the solution to work-life balance issues

About Moe: 

Moe Carrick is an internationally respected pioneer in the study and practice of workplace culture. Her award-winning frameworks and tools have been used by some of the country’s most recognized brands such as Nike, Nintendo, Amazon, Hydroflask and Reddit. Learn more at https://moementum.com/ 

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Connect with Melody:

• FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work

• Follow Melody on Linkedin

• Follow Melody on Instagram 

• Visit Melody’s Website to Learn More about Her Programs and Books

—

About the Psychology at Work Podcast

Have you ever felt like you're the only one struggling with self-doubt at work? Maybe you’ve wondered why office politics seem so complicated or how some people seem to influence so effortlessly? 

The secret is that every day at work, we're surrounded by psychological dynamics - internal and external. There's the voice in our head second-guessing our decisions, the subtle power plays in meetings, the unspoken expectations that shape our behavior and others. Yet most of us are dropped into our careers with zero insight into these invisible forces.

That changes today. Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. 

Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.

In this episode, Melody chats with leadership coach Ramona Shaw about how to successfully  from an individual contributor to a management role. They  explore the challenges new managers face andRamona shares her expertise on building credibility, managing former peers, leveraging AI as a management tool, and more.

What You’ll Discover:

▪️ How to manage the emotional rollercoaster of letting go of control as a new manager

▪️ Secrets to building trust and credibility as a new leader – even when you lack expertise

▪️ Creative ways to use AI as your personal leadership coach and sparring partner

About Ramona: 

Ramona Shaw is a certified professional leadership coach, author, podcast host, and trainer with the mission to help develop confident & competent leaders people love to work with. As the founder of Archova, she helps managers develop effective leadership skills to build and develop thriving teams that deliver results amid an increasingly complex, uncertain, and frequently changing work environment. Learn more at https://archova.org/ 

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Connect with Melody:

• FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work

• Follow Melody on Linkedin

• Follow Melody on Instagram 

• Visit Melody’s Website to Learn More about Her Programs and Books

—

About the Psychology at Work Podcast

Have you ever felt like you're the only one struggling with self-doubt at work? Maybe you’ve wondered why office politics seem so complicated or how some people seem to influence so effortlessly? 

The secret is that every day at work, we're surrounded by psychological dynamics - internal and external. There's the voice in our head second-guessing our decisions, the subtle power plays in meetings, the unspoken expectations that shape our behavior and others. Yet most of us are dropped into our careers with zero insight into these invisible forces.

That changes today. Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. 

Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.

Do you say “I’m sorry” at work even when you don’t need to or mean it? In this episode, Melody explores why we over-apologize in the workplace and the negative impact it can have on our professional lives. 

What You’ll Discover:

▪️ The surprising way your politeness might be sabotaging your career

▪️ The hidden psychology behind why we say "sorry" too much

▪️ A simple word swap that can instantly boost your confidence at work

▪️ Simple techniques to catch yourself – and stop – overapologizing 

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Connect with Melody:

• FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work

• Follow Melody on Linkedin

• Follow Melody on Instagram 

• Visit Melody’s Website to Learn More about Her Programs and Book

—

About the Psychology at Work Podcast

Have you ever felt like you're the only one struggling with self-doubt at work? Maybe you’ve wondered why office politics seem so complicated or how some people seem to influence so effortlessly? 

The secret is that every day at work, we're surrounded by psychological dynamics - internal and external. There's the voice in our head second-guessing our decisions, the subtle power plays in meetings, the unspoken expectations that shape our behavior and others. Yet most of us are dropped into our careers with zero insight into these invisible forces.

That changes today. Welcome to Psychology at Work. I’m your host Melody Wilding, licensed social worker, human behavior professor, and author of two books: Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work and Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. With a background as an emotion researcher, therapist, and after over 13 years of coaching thousands of executives and leaders across the world, there’s nothing I love more than helping emotionally intelligent people like you use superpower to make work better for themselves and everyone around them. 

Because here’s the thing, technical skills will only get you so far in your career. It's mastering your own psychology and understanding that of others that will truly make or break your success.

Melody Wilding sits down with executive coach Nihar Chhaya to explore the challenges and opportunities of stepping into high-level leadership positions. Nihar, who has guided C-suite leaders at global giants like American Airlines and Lockheed Martin, shares insider strategies for decoding complex power dynamics, earning respect in a room full of heavyweights, and silencing self-doubt when the pressure's on.

What You’ll Discover: 

▪️ How to decode complex corporate politics

▪️ Strategies for earning respect from colleagues and more powerful stakeholders

▪️ Ways to build trust and overcome resistance from team members who may feel threatened by your arrival

▪️ The balance between having a bias for action and avoiding hasty decisions

▪️ Tips for aspiring executives to prepare for future leadership roles

About Nihar

Nihar Chhaya is an executive coach to CEOs and C-suite leaders at global companies, including American Airlines, Cox Enterprises, DraftKings, Fox Corporation, Lockheed Martin and more. As a former Fortune 200 corporate head of talent development and a senior advisor to the boards and CEOs of various companies on executive development, he is President of PartnerExec, helping executives master interpersonal savvy for superior business and strategic outcomes.  Nihar is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company and Forbes on leadership.  He received an M.B.A. from the Wharton School, an M.A. in international economics from Columbia University and a B.S. in economics from Georgetown University with studies at the London School of Economics.  You can sign up for his free newsletter, Envision, at www.partnerexec.com/news 

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Connect with Melody:

• FREE GUIDE: Steal These Scripts for Saying No at Work

• Get on the RESILIENT Waitlist

• Follow Melody on Linkedin

• Follow Melody on Instagram 

• Pre-order Melody's new book, Managing Up