Business Problems Solved Podcast

Lee Houghton
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Business Problems Solved Podcast

WARNING - This podcast WILL challenge your thinking. Welcome to Business Problems Solved! In this podcast we help you solve your business problems by providing real examples and practical approaches to make today better than yesterday. Introducing your host, the multi-sector, self-professed ‘most improved improvement person’ and qualified Business Problem Solver Lee Houghton (pronounced Hawton) You can contact Lee on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by searching for Lee Houghton THE Business Problem Solver or via visiting www.leehoughton.com for more content and to solve your business problems. And remember – saying you know how to do it, is not doing it …

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Big Picture Big Insights Key Topic 3: Culture, Morale, Communication, Collaboration, Resources & Environment

    Lee wraps up the "Big Picture, Big Insights" series, which synthesises the voices of 5,000 individuals from 10 UK organisations to uncover what drives, hinders, and empowers them in achieving their company vision. Lee discusses the final three key themes: culture and morale, communication and collaboration, and work environment and resources. He emphasises the importance of fostering an engaged workforce, transparent communication, and a supportive work environment to enhance employee well-being and productivity. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their organisational culture, ask targeted questions, and take actionable steps to create a thriving workplace. The episode concludes with an invitation to download the comprehensive insights document and reach out for further engagement. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Culture and Morale: Organisations should focus on transforming their culture from disengaged to empowered by removing negative elements such as low morale and lack of recognition, while fostering a culture of respect, continuous learning, and appreciation. Enhancing Communication and Collaboration: To shift from chaos to clarity, organisations need to eliminate delayed responses and fragmented updates. Implementing structured communication frameworks and maintaining open channels can significantly improve team interactions and information flow. Improving Work Environment and Resources: A well-designed work environment is crucial for employee well-being and productivity. Organisations should prioritise modern resources, ergonomic workspaces, and mental health support to create a balanced and supportive atmosphere. Asking the Right Questions: Leaders are encouraged to engage with their teams by asking targeted questions related to the six key themes identified (systems and processes, people and teams, leadership and strategy, culture and morale, communication and collaboration, work environment and resources) to gather insights and drive improvement. Taking Action on Insights: Gathering feedback is only the first step; organisations must listen to the responses and take actionable steps to address identified challenges. This proactive approach is essential for fostering a high-performance culture and empowering employees. BEST MOMENTS "A negative or stagnant work culture can drain motivation, lower productivity and lead to disengagement."  "We want to shift from disengagement to empowerment, from unrecognised effort to visible appreciation."  "To create a transparent, efficient communication culture, organisations must implement a clear and structured communication framework."  "When employees lack the right tools and support, organisations face remote working inefficiencies." "The journey to high performance requires addressing inhibitors, enhancing enablers and reinforcing strengths."  HOST BIO You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/ For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material. Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

    18 min

  2. 10 MAR

    Big Picture Insights Key Topic 2: People, Leadership & Strategy

    Lee continues the discussion on "Big Picture, Big Insights," focusing on two critical themes: people and teams, and leadership and strategy. Drawing insights from 5,000 voices across 10 UK organisations, Lee explores the barriers to achieving business vision from an internal perspective. He highlights the importance of fostering collaboration, psychological safety, and inclusivity within teams while addressing the detrimental effects of silos and poor communication. Additionally, Lee emphasises the need for visible and engaged leadership that aligns with strategic goals to build trust and clarity. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their organisational dynamics and consider how to shift from disconnection to engagement, ultimately enhancing team performance and morale. KEY TAKEAWAYS Critical Themes for High Performance: The podcast identifies six critical themes that impact organisational performance: systems and processes, people and teams, leadership and strategy, culture and morale, communication and collaboration, and work environment and resources. Moving from Disconnection to Collaboration: To enhance team dynamics, organisations should focus on eliminating toxic behaviors, fostering psychological safety, and breaking down silos between departments. Key elements to maintain include strong morale, flexibility in working arrangements, and a customer-focused approach. Leadership Visibility and Engagement: Effective leadership requires visible and accessible leaders who engage meaningfully with employees. Organisations should aim for consistent messaging and strategic clarity to build trust and empower employees to make decisions. Identifying Challenges: Organisations can assess their engagement and collaboration levels by asking specific questions about employee comfort in sharing ideas, collaboration between teams, recognition of contributions, and the clarity of strategic priorities. Actionable Steps for Improvement: To transition from disconnection to engagement, organisations must connect with their people, understand their challenges, and facilitate meaningful conversations. This process is essential for gathering insights and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. BEST MOMENTS "A dysfunctional team environment can severely impact productivity, morale and overall business success when poor communication and isolation take root."  "The two most important metrics in an organisation that are never actually measured are the number of thoughts we are creating in our people and the length of time from those thoughts to conversation to action."  "To create a high performing, inclusive and engaged teams, organisations must cultivate consistent collaboration across departments, breaking down silos."  "A lack of leadership visibility and strategic alignment can leave teams feeling disconnected, uncertain and unsupported."  "If the answers reveal gaps, it's time to move from disconnection to engagement, from mixed messaging to strategic clarity." HOST BIO You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/ For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material. Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

    13 min

  3. 24 FEB

    Big Picture Insights Key Topic 1: Systems and Processes

    Lee shares exciting insights from a comprehensive study involving the voices of approximately 5,000 individuals across over 10 UK organisations. The discussion centers around six key themes that drive success in high-performing teams: systems and processes, people and teams, leadership and strategy, culture, morale, communication and collaboration, and work environment and resources. Lee emphasises the importance of understanding the current realities and aspired futures within these themes, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by senior leaders, such as getting trapped in operational issues and fostering silos within leadership teams. The episode aims to provide practical approaches to overcome these challenges, starting with a deep dive into the theme of systems and processes, and sets the stage for further exploration in upcoming episodes. KEY TAKEAWAYS Insights from 5,000 Voices: The podcast discusses insights gathered from approximately 5,000 individuals across over 10 UK organisations, focusing on what drives, hinders, and empowers them in achieving their team and company visions. Six Key Themes Identified: The analysis revealed six critical themes essential for high-performing teams: systems and processes, people and teams, leadership and strategy, culture and morale, communication and collaboration, and work environment and resources. Leadership Challenges: Senior leaders face recurring challenges, including getting trapped in daily operational issues, lack of alignment within leadership teams, and managing a disengaged workforce, which can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Importance of Systems and Processes: Efficient systems and processes are crucial for operational success. Organisations should aim to eliminate legacy software, paper-based processes, and overly complex approval structures while integrating tools that enhance collaboration and provide real-time insights. Cultural Definition: Culture is defined as the sum of all habits, behaviours, and routines within an organisation. Understanding and improving these elements can significantly impact motivation, engagement, and overall organisational performance. BEST MOMENTS "We've captured the voices of about 5,000 people from approximately 10 UK organisations sharing what drives, what hinders and what empowers them in achieving their team and company vision."  "Culture is the sum of all the habits, behaviours, and routines that exist within your team, function, business, or family."  "When we've engaged with all of these people, there's a bias towards those on the front line, not those at the top of the tree." "Disengaged teams increase costs and erode performance." "People, processes, and information need to flow together and support each other."  HOST BIO You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/ For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material. Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

    11 min

  4. 17 FEB

    What Does it's All About People Mean

    Lee explores the critical role of people in driving improvement within organisations. Drawing from recent experiences in delivering improvement training, Lee emphasises that while tools and methodologies are essential, they must be aligned with the right habits, behaviours, and a clear purpose to be effective. He discusses the importance of creating a culture where individuals feel empowered to identify and address issues, highlighting the need for both top-down direction and bottom-up collaboration. Lee encourages listeners to think differently and engage in meaningful conversations that foster connection and collaboration, ultimately leading to high performance and successful outcomes. KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of People in Improvement: Improvement is fundamentally about people. Engaging, aligning, and influencing individuals is crucial for achieving desired outcomes in any organisation. Connection of Tools and Behaviors: Tools such as skills matrices and visual management should be utilised to influence the right habits and behaviors. They must be aligned with the organisation's goals and purpose to be effective. Culture and Habits: The culture of an organisation is shaped by the habits, behaviors, and routines of its people. Recognising and addressing these elements is essential for fostering a positive and productive work environment. Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches: Effective improvement requires both top-down direction and bottom-up idea generation. Leaders should set expectations and role model behaviors while also creating safe spaces for employees to share their thoughts and solutions. Continuous Engagement and Reflection: Improvement is an ongoing process that involves connecting, conversing, collaborating, and celebrating achievements. Regular reflection on these interactions helps reinforce positive behaviors and drives continuous improvement. BEST MOMENTS "Improvement needs to be a factor in everybody's role, but we outsource it to change teams."  "High performance is a demonstrable evidence of the right habits and behaviors, consistently doing the right thing at the right time."  "If you see something out of the ordinary, what's out of the ordinary to you might not be out of the ordinary to somebody else."  "You've got to think and do to achieve. You've got to think different."  "It's all about the people, but it's about how we are influencing people, engaging people, aligning with people."  HOST BIO You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/ For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material. Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

    12 min

  5. 10 FEB

    The 3 Phases or a vision and importance of meeting people where they are

    Lee Horton delves into the critical importance of understanding both the destination and the starting point when creating a vision for an organisation. He emphasises that while many companies focus on their aspirational goals, they often overlook the current state of their teams and the challenges they face. Lee provides insightful questions to help leaders engage with their teams, uncovering what is working well, what hinders progress, and what support is needed to bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding the Current State: Before setting a vision or goal, it's crucial to assess where the organisation currently stands. Knowing the starting point allows for a more effective strategy to reach the desired destination. Engagement Through Questions: Engaging team members by asking targeted questions about their current challenges, frustrations, and what works well can provide valuable insights. This helps in understanding their perspective and meeting them where they are. Three Key Aspects of Vision: When working on a vision, consider three components: where you want to go, where you are now, and how to bridge the gap between the two. This holistic approach ensures that everyone is aligned and understands the journey. Focus on Empowerment and Support: Identifying moments when team members felt supported and empowered can help recreate those conditions. Understanding what keeps them engaged is essential for fostering a motivated workforce. Stop, Start, Continue Framework: Utilise the stop, start, continue framework to evaluate current practices. Determine what should be stopped (hindrances), what should be continued (successful practices), and what new actions should be initiated to achieve the vision. BEST MOMENTS "Rather than talking about the destination, the word you want to get to, the big goal for next year, five years, 10 years, I want to talk to you about where are you today?"  "What are your biggest challenges or frustrations that you face in your daily work?"  "When people feel like and are genuinely listened to, cared for and supported, then they will give that back."  "Don't just focus on the future. Absolutely start with the ending mind. But also take a moment to understand where we are today."  "You can only understand where they are starting from if you meet them where they are."  HOST BIO You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/ For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material. Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

    11 min

  6. 3 FEB

    The 5Rs of Successful Habit Formation

    Lee talks about the critical role of habits, behaviours, and routines in shaping organisational culture. He introduces the concept of the "5Rs" for successful habit formation: Reason, Readiness, Routine, Repetition, and Results. Lee emphasises the importance of clarity and simplicity in defining what should happen within teams and organisations, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own practices. By exploring each of the 5Rs, he provides practical insights on how to foster a more engaged and inclusive culture, ultimately guiding individuals and teams toward meaningful contributions and desired outcomes. Tune in to discover how to effectively implement these principles in your own business environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS Definition of Culture: Culture is defined as the sum of all habits, behaviours, and routines within a team, department, or organisation. Understanding this definition is crucial for fostering a positive workplace environment. Five Rs for Successful Habit Formation: The five Rs—Reason, Readiness, Routine, Repetition, and Results—are essential for creating and maintaining effective habits. Each R addresses a specific aspect of habit formation that contributes to personal and organisational success. Importance of Clarity: Clarity in what should happen daily is vital for effective habit formation. Everyone involved should understand their roles and responsibilities to ensure alignment and engagement towards common goals. Role of Accountability: Readiness involves not only personal belief in one's ability to succeed but also having external accountability. This support system is crucial for maintaining motivation and commitment to the desired habits. Reflection and Adaptation: Regular reflection on the results achieved is necessary to ensure that the habits and routines are effective. Understanding what success looks, sounds, and feels like helps in adjusting strategies to stay on the right path. BEST MOMENTS "The definition of culture is the sum of all of the habits, behaviors, and routines that exist within." "We need to make it clear and simple what should happen and is what should happen happening."  "If you're not ready to start today, are you really ready?"  "How often do you need to do these things to get the results? And are you doing it enough?"  "The five R's of successful habit formation are what I spoke about." HOST BIO You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/ For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material. Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

    13 min

  7. 27 JAN

    Leadership is not defined by the title it is by what you do

    Lee explores the concept of leadership and the importance of aligning one's habits, behaviours, and routines with their job title. Drawing on Aristotle's idea that "excellence is not an act but a habit," Lee emphasises that simply holding a title does not make someone a true leader. He shares personal anecdotes, including his experience training for marathons, to illustrate how consistency in actions defines our identities. The episode highlights the significance of building trust through reliability and understanding the expectations of those we lead. Lee encourages listeners to engage in open conversations about leadership styles and to seek alignment with their teams to foster high performance. KEY TAKEAWAYS Excellence as a Habit: True excellence is not defined by job titles or occasional acts but by the consistent habits and behaviours we exhibit in our roles. Leadership Consistency: Effective leadership requires consistent actions and behaviours that align with the expectations of those being led. Leaders must be aware of how their actions are perceived by others. Trust and Reliability: Building trust as a leader involves being credible and reliable. Leaders should consistently follow through on their commitments to foster trust within their teams. Alignment of Expectations: Successful leadership hinges on a mutual understanding of expectations between leaders and their teams. Open communication about what is expected from both sides is crucial. Self-Reflection and Feedback: To be perceived as a leader, one must engage in self-reflection and seek feedback from others. Understanding how others view your leadership style is essential for growth and alignment. BEST MOMENTS "Excellence is not an act but a habit. What are your habits that you are displaying?"  "Just because you've got the job title, it does not mean that you are the thing."  "We cannot pick and choose when we want to be a leader because we don't know who is seeing what we do."  "The number one reason for people leaving organisations is the leadership, the leader that they've had."  "If you want to be a leader in everybody's eyes, then they've got to see, hear, feel and think about you as a leader."  HOST BIO You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/ For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material. Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

    10 min

  8. 20 JAN

    Setting Expectations Require Shared Understanding

    Lee Horton delves into the critical role of setting clear expectations in leadership and team dynamics. He emphasises that expectations should be a shared understanding between leaders and their teams, forming the foundation for trust, collaboration, and success. Drawing an analogy from Santa Claus, Lee illustrates how genuine connection and clarity can lead to delightful surprises rather than unwelcome ones in the workplace. He outlines three essential steps for leaders: listening deeply to their teams, collaboratively setting expectations, and connecting meaningfully with individuals. By prioritising these elements, leaders can unlock creativity, innovation, and stronger relationships within their teams, ultimately driving better results. KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Clear Expectations: Expectations should be a shared understanding between parties. When they are clear, aligned, and agreed upon, they form the foundation for trust, collaboration, and success. Connection is Key: Building genuine connections on a human level is essential for effective leadership. This includes understanding team members' strengths, motivations, and challenges, as well as fostering a two-way connection. Three Steps for Leaders: To enhance connection and set expectations effectively, leaders should: 1. Listen deeply to their teams to understand their needs and aspirations. 2. Set expectations collaboratively, clarifying what should happen while co-creating how it will happen. 3. Connect meaningfully with team members, moving beyond transactional relationships to build trust and rapport. Two-Way Street of Leadership: Leadership involves both top-down and bottom-up communication. Leaders must provide direction while also empowering their teams to contribute ideas and solutions, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. Unlocking Potential: When leaders prioritise connection and set clear expectations, they unlock not just the potential for results, but also for creativity, innovation, joy, and strong relationships within the team. BEST MOMENTS "An expectation is a shared understanding of what is desired, required, and possible between two or more people."  "When people understand each other, when there's genuine two-way connection, expectations are met and surprises are welcome."  "Missed expectations lead to frustration, they lead to conflict, leads to disengagement."  "Leaders must build genuine relationships with their people. Leadership isn't a one-way street."  "Expectations are powerful, but only when they're clear, aligned and agreed upon."  HOST BIO You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/ For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material. Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

    11 min
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4.9
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

WARNING - This podcast WILL challenge your thinking. Welcome to Business Problems Solved! In this podcast we help you solve your business problems by providing real examples and practical approaches to make today better than yesterday. Introducing your host, the multi-sector, self-professed ‘most improved improvement person’ and qualified Business Problem Solver Lee Houghton (pronounced Hawton) You can contact Lee on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by searching for Lee Houghton THE Business Problem Solver or via visiting www.leehoughton.com for more content and to solve your business problems. And remember – saying you know how to do it, is not doing it …

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