The Humanizing Work Show

Humanizing Work
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MANAGEMENT
The Humanizing Work Show

A show about making work more fit for humans and all of us humans more capable of doing great work

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    #170 CAPED Phase 1–Complexity Aware Project Kickoffs

    Traditional project kickoffs assume predictability, but large, complex projects—especially in regulated industries—don’t work that way. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Phase 1 of our CAPED approach: Strategic Planning. Learn how to align stakeholders, map complexity, and use Reference Class Forecasting instead of unreliable decomposition-based methods to improve estimates and decision-making. Episode page: : https://www.humanizingwork.com/caped-phase-1-episode-complexity-aware-project-kickoffs/ Share a challenge or episode idea: mailbag@humanizingwork.com Connect with Humanizing Work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanizingwork

    6 min

  2. FEB 17

    #169 CAPED: A Smarter Way to Plan Complex Work

    Struggling to balance Agile’s adaptability with the predictability leaders demand? You’re not alone. Many teams try to blend Agile and Waterfall, only to end up with the worst of both—rigid upfront planning that falls apart or chaotic iteration with no clear direction. In this episode, we introduce Active Planning, a key breakthrough in the CAPED (Complexity-Aware Planning, Estimation, and Delivery) approach. Inspired by Pixar’s storytelling process and Frank Gehry’s architectural methods, Active Planning tackles complexity head-on—bringing predictability without rigidity. You’ll learn: ✅ Why planning fails when teams treat everything as complicated ✅ How Active Planning front-loads complexity to reduce last-minute chaos ✅ A simple shift you can make today to improve your planning process If you’ve ever felt stuck between Agile and Waterfall, this episode is for you. Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/caped-episode/ Share a challenge or episode idea: mailbag@humanizingwork.com Connect with Humanizing Work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanizingwork

    6 min

  3. FEB 10

    #168 Should You Backfill That Leadership Role—or Rethink It?

    When a key leader leaves, the instinct is to backfill the role. But what if the real need has changed? In this episode, we break down how to make a smart, intentional hiring decision using three key insights: Not Backfilling a Role Is a Strategic Choice, Not Just a Cost-Saving Move. If you don’t hire, who takes on the leadership responsibilities? Your teams? Yourself? A mix? The Three Jobs of Management Define Whether a Leadership Role Is Needed. A manager is only valuable if they create clarity, increase capability, or improve systems in a way that multiplies their team’s impact. AI Changes Work, But It Doesn’t Eliminate the Need for Leadership. AI might automate tasks, but it raises the bar for leadership by shifting priorities, increasing complexity, and demanding new skills. Through real-world examples—including a tech company that thrived without a director and a marketing org navigating AI’s impact—we’ll help you decide whether to hire, restructure, or rethink the role entirely. Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/backfill-that-leadership-role/ Share a challenge or episode idea: mailbag@humanizingwork.com Connect with Humanizing Work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanizingwork

    11 min

  4. FEB 3

    #167 "But in the Real World...": Overcoming Resistance to Change

    Have you ever heard (or said), "That sounds great, but in the real world…"? This common objection can block meaningful change in teams and organizations. In this episode, we explore where this resistance comes from, how to interpret it, and—most importantly—how to work through it. Whether you're coaching a team, facing skepticism from colleagues, or even doubting change yourself, we’ll share practical ways to think about the “in the real world” objections, and how to respond with small, meaningful steps toward a better way of working. Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/but-in-the-real-world/ Share a challenge or episode idea: mailbag@humanizingwork.com Connect with Humanizing Work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanizingwork

    20 min

  5. JAN 27

    #166 Five Lessons to Build Stronger Trust at Work and Home

    Trust is the foundation of every successful relationship, whether it’s between teammates, managers, or customers. In this episode, Peter shares key insights and actionable takeaways from Rachel Botsman’s audiobook How to Trust and Be Trusted. Discover the five big questions about trust, including how to make better decisions about who to trust, how to earn trust instead of trying to build it, and how trust drives innovation. Plus, learn practical strategies to repair trust when it’s broken and navigate the role of transparency in fostering trust. Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/building-trust-with-rachel-botsman/ Share a challenge or episode idea: mailbag@humanizingwork.com Connect with Humanizing Work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanizingwork

    21 min

  6. JAN 20

    #165 Three Things You Need for Empowerment

    Are you tired of talking about empowerment without seeing real results? In this episode, Peter and Richard dive into the common trap of "empowerment theater"—when leaders say the right things about autonomy but fail to back them up with meaningful action. Discover the three essential elements of productive empowerment: clarity, capability, and systems. You’ll learn practical strategies for creating the conditions where teams can make better decisions, move faster, and deliver innovative solutions to your organization’s biggest challenges. Whether you're leading a team, managing stakeholders, or driving change in your organization, this episode will help you turn empowerment from a buzzword into a game-changing strategy. Tune in now to transform your leadership approach! Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/empowerment-theater/ Share a challenge or episode idea: mailbag@humanizingwork.com Connect with Humanizing Work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanizingwork

    9 min

  7. JAN 13

    #164 How the Progress Principle Can Help Your Goals Stick This Year

    Tired of setting goals that fizzle out by February? Discover the key to sustained motivation with Teresa Amabile's groundbreaking "Progress Principle." In this episode, we share practical steps to apply this research to your personal and work goals, helping you turn ambitious resolutions into meaningful progress that lasts. Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/progress-principle/ Share a challenge or episode idea: mailbag@humanizingwork.com Connect with Humanizing Work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanizingwork

    7 min

  8. JAN 6

    #163 Five Ways to Get Fired Up for 2025

    If you’re ready to leave 2024 behind and make the most of 2025, this episode is for you! We’ll share five powerful ways to take charge of your growth and well-being this year. From embracing new habits to thriving in complexity, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you find focus and inspiration, no matter the challenges ahead. Episode page: https://www.humanizingwork.com/five-ways-to-get-fired-up-for-2025/ Share a challenge or episode idea: mailbag@humanizingwork.com Connect with Humanizing Work: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanizingwork

    9 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A show about making work more fit for humans and all of us humans more capable of doing great work

Information

  • Creator
    Humanizing Work
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2024 Humanizing Work
  • Show Website
    The Humanizing Work Show

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