Leadership Sucks: Embracing the craft of Leadership

Clifden Consulting
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Leadership can be thankless, frustrating, and just plain hard. It can also be really rewarding. Too often, leadership is talked about like some sort of divine calling where you clock out every day feeling satisfied with the transformational change you've bestowed upon your employees. Any lead who's been around more than a minute knows this isn't always the case. Whether it's leading people or making organizational decisions, it's not always easy being the lead. We talk through the hard things to help leads level up, no matter what their challenges.

Episodes

  1. 06/18/2024

    12. Crafting Culture with David Gaylord, CEO of Bushbalm

    In today’s episode, we dive into the art of building a thriving workplace culture with David Gaylord, CEO and co-founder of Bushbalm, a leader in Bikini Line Skin Care. David shares the inspiring origin story of Bushbalm and how it evolved into a brand found in all Ulta Beauty locations, used by over 4,000 professional estheticians, and boasting a strong social media presence. We explore the unique company culture at Bushbalm, driven by a blend of fun, effectiveness, and the crucial role of structure and processes. David discusses the challenges faced in creating this environment, the implementation of the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS), and the strategies used to maintain a balance of freedom and frameworks. Tune into learn more about: The evolution of Bushbalm in the skincare industry. Challenges in Building Culture: Autonomy and Structure Building the Plane While Flying It - Tips and Advice The impact of structure and processes in maintaining company culture. Resources: Monday boards https://monday.com/ https://www.eosworldwide.com/

    47 min

  2. 06/03/2024

    11. Financial stress \\ (Part 2) Navigating 2024's Top Mental Health Trends for Mid-Managers

    In episode 11, our hosts Theresa, Erik, and Woz take a deep dive into how financial stress affects employees and what mid-level managers can do to help. While managers might not influence company-wide financial policies, they play a crucial role in mitigating day-to-day financial stress for their teams. Tune into learn more about: Understanding Financial Stress: Theresa kicks off the episode by breaking down the financial stress factors affecting employees globally, such as inflation and cost of living increases. Salary and Job Security: The team discusses practical ways managers can address financial stress through salary and job security. Woz emphasizes the importance of educating oneself on the company’s compensation philosophy and frameworks to advocate effectively for team members. Open Communication: Erik highlights the necessity of maintaining open, transparent, and honest communication with team members about financial concerns and job security. He shares insights on how this builds trust and eases anxiety. Empathy and Support: Theresa shares strategies for managers to show empathy and support, including professional development and career growth opportunities. She introduces the concept of “holding your space” to remain a steady, supportive presence for employees under stress. Practical Tips: The hosts provide tangible advice on navigating sensitive financial conversations, advocating for fair compensation, and balancing professional and personal life discussions. Resources: Read more of Calm’s 2024 report on the top trending mental health trends leaders need to know about - https://business.calm.com/2024-voice-of-the-workplace-report/ Enjoy a 30 day free trial of Calm’s premium subscription plan. Limited guest passes so grab one now! https://www.calm.com/gp/PELKPE4R8XFNA8HNF4

    47 min

  3. 05/20/2024

    #10: 2024's Must-Know Mental Health Trends for Leaders

    Welcome to a special Mental Health Month episode where we dive into the top 2024 mental health trends every leader should be aware of. In this episode, we explore the significant role managers play in shaping employee well-being, based on insights from Calm app’s latest report. We discuss two out of three major factors negatively impacting mental health in the workplace: financial woes, technology burnout, and the dual role of managers as both the problem and the solution. (Tune in to our next episode for a doozy discussion on financial woes). We provide actionable advice on how managers—those on the front lines but often without the power to enact company-wide policies—can identify early signs of mental strain in their teams and implement supportive strategies to promote a healthier work environment. Tune in to learn: Identifying warning signs: How to spot early indicators of mental health issues among employees and why it's crucial for managers to act early. Combating technology burnout: Effective methods for setting boundaries and modeling work-life balance to prevent technology-induced burnout. Improving leadership strategies: Tips for managers to adjust workloads and foster a low-stress, engaging workplace environment. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical tips on how to support your team’s mental health and create a more positive and productive work environment. Remember, your leadership can make a significant difference in the lives of your employees. ** We value your feedback. Please leave a review and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes. Your input helps us tailor our content to your needs. ** Resources: https://business.calm.com/2024-voice-of-the-workplace-report/

    41 min

  4. 04/30/2024

    Intentionality and Purpose: Keys to Effective Meetings

    In this episode, we're diving into the world of meetings and asking some big questions. Ever wonder why some meetings leave you feeling energized and inspired while others drain you? Or maybe you're curious about how to make meetings more effective and productive? We're chatting about the ups and downs of meetings, from the benefits to the drawbacks. Why is it so important to have a clear purpose and guidelines for meetings? And what happens when meetings become more of a hindrance than a help? Join us as we explore the impact of non-critical meetings on productivity and discuss strategies for reducing unnecessary ones. Have you ever thought about implementing no-meeting days or carving out time for focused work? How could that change the game for you? We're also talking about alternative forms of communication, like asynchronous methods. Ever tried sending video updates or voice messages instead of hopping on another Zoom call? Let's explore how these approaches can offer flexibility and convenience. And of course, we'll touch on the importance of documentation after meetings. How can we ensure that important information doesn't get lost in the shuffle? Transcriptions and action items might just be the key. So if you're ready to rethink the way we approach meetings and reclaim some of your time for deep work, this episode is for you. Tune in as we share insights, tips, and a few laughs along the way. Takeaways  Meetings can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on their purpose and execution. Clear purpose and guidelines are essential for effective meetings. Non-critical meetings can waste time and impact productivity. Ad hoc conversations and quick huddles can be more efficient than recurring meetings. Communication and engagement during meetings are crucial for their success. Reducing unnecessary meetings and creating space for focused work can improve productivity. Asynchronous communication, such as video updates or voice messages, can be an effective alternative to meetings. Documentation after meetings, including transcriptions and action items, can help ensure important information is captured and shared effectively. Article referenced: Shopify exec: This is what happened when we canceled all meetings

    45 min

  5. 04/09/2024

    Managers vs Leaders

    Summary In this episode, we explore the difference between being a leader and being a manager. Maybe you've felt unsure about being called a manager before. We understand – being seen as a leader sounds better, right? But can we really use these titles interchangeably? Let's find out. We discuss the unique skills and qualities needed for each role. Leaders inspire and guide towards the future, while managers ensure things run smoothly. We also talk about when each role is most important – when to motivate and when to maintain stability. We dive into the role of management in achieving reliable results and leadership in providing direction. We share stories of great leaders and discuss the downsides of overemphasizing leadership. Ultimately, we agree that both leadership and management are crucial. Leadership moves us forward, while management keeps things steady. But success requires both. It's about knowing when to lead and when to manage.  Takeaways The terms 'leader' and 'manager' are often used interchangeably, but they can have distinct meanings depending on the context and circumstances. Management is important for producing reliable and efficient results, while leadership is about setting direction and inspiring others. People may have a default inclination towards either leadership or management, but it's important to recognize the skills and qualities needed for each role. Overemphasizing leadership without considering the need for management skills can lead to unintended consequences. Understanding the distinction between leadership and management can help organizations make better decisions about assigning roles and responsibilities. Both leadership and management skills are important for success Individuals should be open to learning and seeking feedback to develop these skills Adaptability is key in recognizing when to be more of a leader or a manager 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:24 Defining Leadership and Management 05:05 Perceptions of Leadership and Management 08:47 The Importance of Managerial Skills for Leaders 11:35 The Marvel of Management 20:43 The Role of Managers in Organizations 22:37 The Unintended Consequences of Overemphasizing Leadership 24:44 The Need for Different Skill Sets 32:34 Being a Great Manager without Micromanaging 35:40 The Root Causes of Micromanagement 36:54 Balancing Management and Micromanagement 40:04 The Negative Effects of Micromanagement 41:47 The Need for Hands-On Management 43:18 Recognizing the Need for Leadership or Management 48:09 Developing Leadership and Management Skills 49:00 Leadership vs. Management: Personal Reflections 58:14 Strategies for Developing Leadership and Management Skills

    1h 2m

  6. 03/18/2024

    Performance Management

    In this episode, we're talking about performance management. We’ll unpack the importance of  understanding each person's situation while still aiming for the company's goals. We'll discuss being open and flexible when people have problems but still expecting them to do well. We'll also talk about using goals and measurements to track progress and why it's important to treat everyone fairly. We'll look at managing performance for individuals and teams, making sure goals are clear. We'll touch on the value of celebrating when people do a good job and why it's important for leaders to talk to their team and give feedback. Work should be enjoyable as well as productive, and leaders can help make that happen. Takeaways Zooming in to understand individual circumstances and zooming out to consider organizational goals is a critical part of performance management Effective communication and flexibility are key in accommodating employees' personal challenges while maintaining performance standards. Metrics and goals provide benchmarks for performance management and help ensure consistency and fairness. Leaders need to analyze the context and make decisions about accommodations based on the organization's resources and priorities. Performance management should be conducted at multiple levels, including individual, team, and organizational levels. Clear goals and timelines are essential for effective performance management. Recognizing and reflecting on progress and achievements is important for motivating and engaging employees. Effective communication and dialogue between leaders and employees are crucial for performance management. Leaders should provide feedback and set high expectations for their employees. Creating a positive work environment where work is both productive and enjoyable is important for overall performance. References The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier No Surprise Feedback  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Cheeky Banter 00:58 Topic Introduction: Performance Management 06:42 The Process vs. the Core Elements 09:34 The Challenges of Performance Management 11:05 Different Approaches for Different Performers 16:04 The Pitfalls of Performance Management 23:47 Zooming In and Zooming Out 28:39 The Importance of Clarity 30:53 The Role of Goals and Expectations 36:58 The Structure of Performance Management 38:43 Having Each Other's Backs 40:29 The Role of Conversations in Performance Management 46:02 The Power of Curiosity and Self-Awareness 49:49 Talking Less and Being Curious 54:46 The Structure and System of Performance Management 55:52 Reflecting Progress and Recognizing Achievements 57:26 No Surprise Feedback and Regular Check-ins 58:43 Recognizing and Reinforcing Good Behaviors 01:01:00 The Impact of Performance Management 01:05:51 The Balance Between Accountability and Engagement

    1h 9m

  7. 03/04/2024

    Recruiting doesn't have to suck (with special guest Luke Cassidy)

    We've got our first guest! This episode we've got Luke Cassidy from Careers with Luke to talk about recruiting. Listen in for tons of info about how leaders at any stage can contribute to the recruiting process. There's also more than a few hilarious stories. To learn more about Luke and connect with him check out Careers with Luke⁠ on LinkedIn and join his newsletter.

    1h 33m

  8. 02/12/2024

    Asking for Feedback

    There's a lot of talk about giving or receiving feedback but what goes into soliciting feedback? T leads a discussion about asking for feedback and unpacks the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let us know what you think! 1:35 - Woz and Marsh tell a story of a time they received harsh feedback 8:54: Broad vs. Specific ways to get feedback + the importance of reinforcing feedback 17:32: Preparing yourself knowing you may get tough feedback 32:38: Skip-level feedback (ie. getting feedback from multiple layers of leadership) 37:48 How important is good rapport to solicit skip-level feedback? 41:16 How do you hold your accountable to the feedback you’ve receive AND make it obvious that you took their feedback.

    51 min

  9. 02/01/2024

    Are you really managing your team?

    Theresa leads a discussion unpacking what goes into leading teams, how you know that your team is effective, and how a team can find stability through empowerment. Few things we touched on: Donut economy: https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/ Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/topics-and-resources/teamwork-5-dysfunctions/ Homework: Check in with your team about their opinion of how effective the team is functioning. Anchor the judgement of effectiveness in a team metric for clarity.

    47 min

  10. 01/22/2024

    Why are we doing this?

    T was a rebellious lifeguard, Marsh learns how to justify speeding to his kids, and Woz keeps us on the rails sharing his takeaways from an impactful conversation. In this episode the trio talks about why they work within the leadership space and why they opted to start a company to continue exploring the craft. Woz references a conversation he had with Sigute Zitikyte, check out her website here. Clifdenconsulting.com

    52 min

  11. 01/10/2024

    Performance Reviews

    Performance Reviews can be tense. Tense for leaders to give, tense for employees to receive. Marsh, T, and Woz share their takes on Performance Reviews and what can make them go smoothly.

    54 min
  12. Origin Story

    12/22/2023

    Origin Story

    In this episode Marsh, T, and Woz explain the why behind the title of the show and share stories about times when leading people really sucked.

    18 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Leadership can be thankless, frustrating, and just plain hard. It can also be really rewarding. Too often, leadership is talked about like some sort of divine calling where you clock out every day feeling satisfied with the transformational change you've bestowed upon your employees. Any lead who's been around more than a minute knows this isn't always the case. Whether it's leading people or making organizational decisions, it's not always easy being the lead. We talk through the hard things to help leads level up, no matter what their challenges.

Information