Culture and Coffee Colin D Ellis

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 teamwor

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

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.