Playing In The Sandbox Tammy J. Bond

Are you ready to elevate your leadership game and transform your communication with your team, colleagues, and loved ones? In this powerful episode of Play in The Sandbox, I share the untapped potential of a simple yet profound concept: "Clarity is Kindness."
Discover how clarity fosters trust, enhances productivity, and creates a harmonious environment where everyone thrives. My practical tips and strategies will revolutionize how you lead and connect with others.
1. Why is clarity in leadership communication important? Clarity is essential in leadership communication to ensure everyone understands your message. To truly harness the power of clarity, it's crucial to involve yourself and your team in the process. Try self-assessments and team feedback. This will not only allow you to make adjustments but also empower you and your team to improve alignment and understanding within the organization.
2. To help others understand the urgency of your message, start setting boundaries and managing expectations when delivering directives or urgent messages. Integrating proactive communication strategies and follow-up mechanisms ensures that urgent matters are addressed promptly without compromising clarity or causing confusion.
3. Leaders who encourage open dialogue and feedback loops among team members can empower individuals to address challenges collaboratively and constructively. You can also provide skill development and coaching to help team members enhance their conflict resolution abilities, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and trust within the organization. 
4. Consider using self-awareness tools to drive continuous improvement and progress tracking in team management. Establishing clear expectations and regular check-ins enables leaders to monitor progress effectively and promptly address challenges. 
5. Leaders can promote team cohesion and productivity by setting clear expectations and providing consistent feedback. Through continuous engagement, feedback, and skill development, leaders can empower teams to navigate challenges, achieve goals, and foster a culture of collaboration and success.
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast  to change your mindset and behaviors so  you can elevate your communication and leadership! We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.

Transitions in a company are always challenging for those in leadership positions. However, hearing from someone else's experiences can give you an idea of what to expect.
In this episode of Playing in the Sandbox, I continue my conversation with Mike Nassar, an incredible leader known for his relational approach and strategic vision. Listen to Mike's insights on leadership, curiosity, and empathy in today's complex business environment.
A deep sense of fulfillment drives Mike's leadership journey. He finds joy in guiding individuals and teams to unlock their full potential and seeing their careers flourish. This personal growth and fulfillment are the true rewards of leadership.  Try helping your team cast a vision for success to motivate and guide them through challenges. Leaders who remind their team members that winning is possible directs them toward goals despite current setbacks.  Mike's commitment to continuous learning and curiosity is a testament to his belief in personal and professional growth. He shares his practice of constantly exploring the company's internal workings, competitors' strategies, and the best practices from other industries. With this commitment, each day at work is a new learning opportunity, ensuring continuous growth and excellence. It’s exciting when mid-level managers and employees suggest feedback, isn’t it? Mike shares why it’s essential for leaders to welcome feedback and ideas from workers at all levels of the company. This practice enhances the customer experience and operational efficiency. When a company puts value into diverse perspectives, it drives the organization toward success.  If you ever feel as though there’s a misalignment between your values and the company’s, consider a career change. Mike shares that those who stay in a working environment where values clash often experience dissatisfaction and conflicts. No matter how much you love your position, if it doesn’t align with your personal values, it can impact job satisfaction. Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast to change your mindset and behaviors so you can elevate your communication and leadership! We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on  Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.
 

I'm delighted to have Mike Nassar, a distinguished leader, join us. His journey, from various managerial positions to the presidency and then the COO role of a major international company, is a shining example of strategic leadership and value-driven management. 
In this episode,  we delve into the crucial topic of aligning personal values with organizational goals. Don't miss this conversation, as Mike's wisdom will provide invaluable insights for aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals.
It’s essential for businesses to align their personal values with those of the organization during transitions. In addition, middle managers should stay true to their core values and choose employment that aligns well with their personal beliefs. This will allow you to make the right decisions for the company and yourself.
During the transition phase, provide updates to every employee under your guidance. A leader who ensures good communication represents the company effectively to the staff.
Amidst the changes, it's crucial to remember the value of employee feedback. While it may seem challenging with the many tasks at hand, taking the time to listen and respond to your team's input not only upholds company standards but also makes them feel valued and heard.
Connecting with as many employees as possible is essential for those leading large organizations. Mike shares insights on the importance of connecting with people face-to-face across various locations and the challenges and rewards it brings.
Promote an employee only if he or she meets specific criteria. Mutual success only happens when employees' and managers' goals align.
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast to learn how to build up your management skills. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.

It’s time to get curious! In today’s episode of Playing in the Sandbox, I’m bringing you a topic from the vault that digs deep into how we ask questions. Instead of seeking to be understood, first, it’s important that we seek to understand. If you find yourself asking questions that lead to defensiveness, confusion, or other unexpected responses, this episode is for you.
 
More often than not, people hear questions as accusations. Framing questions from a curious perspective can move our team members out of a defensive mindset. 2.            If your work environment is breaking down, examine how others answer the questions you are asking – they will expose their perspective (and their baggage if it exists).
 
3.            Asking powerful questions gets you to the core of who someone is and moves past the facade.
 
4.            If you give “point-and-shoot” instructions to your team, the team may feel demoralized. Try taking a “point-and-ask” approach.
 
5.            Pay attention to cultural differences. For example, if you’re an East Coast leader working with a West Coast team, think about how your team members communicate and create space for clarity.
 
6.            It’s important to address the pink elephant in the room! If there’s something no one wants to discuss, expose the issue and seek to rectify it without blame.
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast to learn more about asking powerful questions! We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.

As leaders, it’s our responsibility to create safe, stable environments for our team members. In this episode of Playing in the Sandbox, I discuss trauma and how we can show up for team members who are experiencing trauma. In the workplace, anxiety and depression caused by trauma can lead to absenteeism, distraction, and lowered productivity. We have the opportunity to discover root causes by asking good questions. It’s time to unpack some trauma, tap into our empathy, and explore ways to support our teams in the workplace.
 
Even though we can’t fix all of the world’s problems, it’s important for leaders to prioritize creating a safe space for our teams to process the upheaval we see happening around us. 2.            Leaders are not necessarily equipped to help teams work through trauma – that’s what therapy is for. But they can help provide resources to their teams. Show team members you prioritize them and how they are coping with large-scale trauma. 
 
3.            Trauma is a response to distressing one-time or ongoing events. Being exposed to a high degree of stress can lead to a variety of negative impacts, like anxiety, fear, shock, and difficulty sleeping.
 
4.            If you notice a sign that a team member might be experiencing distress, try offering them a quick 20-minute check-in. Ask them how they’re doing at home or how world events are affecting them. Help them feel seen.
 
5.            Check out the Exquisite Self-Care booklet by Tammy Bond to learn how to implement your own self-care and encourage others. You can not pour from an empty cup.
 
6.            Build resilience by fostering community. A community gives its members a sense of belonging and purpose.
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast for more about trauma and how we can show up in support of others. We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.

Leadership success isn’t just about our actions; it’s about the assumptions we challenge. In this episode of Playing in the Sandbox, I take you through 5 assumptions that hold leaders back and keep teams from reaching their potential. To those leaders out there looking to self-reflect and break down the thought patterns that limit creativity and hinder growth, this episode is for you!
Assumption #1: “I know best.” This mindset builds resistance to feedback and alternative perspectives, which shuts down your personal growth, your team’s creativity, and innovation overall. Try asking yourself, “Do I always know best? Every time?” Assumption #2: “This is how it’s always been done.” Resistance to change like this breeds stagnation, a lack of progress, and inefficiency. Try opening up a short 7-minute conversation about what can be done differently on a given project (even if you end up sticking with the old way).
Assumption #3: “I don’t need feedback.” Leaders who reject feedback discourage open communication, which can lower the team's morale. This assumption often stems from fear, so try digging deep to understand the source of it.
Assumption #4: “Success happens overnight." Unrealistic expectations can create pressure, anxiety, and fear of failure. If a leader expects too much too quickly, this can discourage persistence.
Assumption #5: “I can do it all alone.” This will lead to burnout and drive the team away. When you rely only on your own expertise, you lose the perspective of others who can help you and provide valuable insights and you rob them of the chance to help you!
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast to change your mindset and behaviors so you don’t become a quitter! We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our Youtube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios.