Connecting the Dots: Exploring personality, team dynamics and workplace culture

Steve Utech & Ryan Gracyalny
  • 5.0 (5)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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  1. S2:E7 - Big Five in Real Life, Part 3: Understanding Agreeableness at Work and at Home

    AUG 19

    S2:E7 - Big Five in Real Life, Part 3: Understanding Agreeableness at Work and at Home

    Discover how Agreeableness, one of the Big Five personality traits, shapes conflict styles in relationships and the workplace. Stephen Utech and Ryan Gracyalny break down how empathy, cooperation, and directness show up in conflict — and how couples and teams can leverage differences in Agreeableness to improve communication, trust, and problem-solving. High scorers, known for their warmth, empathy, and desire for harmony, may avoid conflict or give in too quickly to keep the peace. Meanwhile, those lower in Agreeableness tend to be more direct, skeptical, and willing to push back — which can be valuable for objectivity but sometimes comes across as critical or combative. Through real-world stories, Stephen and Ryan reveal how differences in Agreeableness can create tension in relationships — from one partner wanting to smooth things over to the other insisting on addressing the hard truths. They also share strategies for recognizing these patterns, balancing empathy with honesty, and using diverse approaches to conflict to strengthen both partnerships and teams.

    48 min
  2. S2:E6 - Big Five in Real Life, Part 2: Understanding Openness at Work and at Home

    AUG 12

    S2:E6 - Big Five in Real Life, Part 2: Understanding Openness at Work and at Home

    Discover how Openness to Experience, one of the Big Five personality traits, shapes conflict dynamics in both personal and professional relationships. Stephen Utech and Ryan Gracyalny explore how high and low scorers approach disagreements, problem-solving, and change — from curiosity-driven brainstorming to grounded, practical solutions. Learn how to bridge differences, communicate effectively, and turn diverse thinking styles into a strength in your relationship or workplace team. They unpack how high scorers, with their love of novelty, abstract thinking, and exploration, tend to approach conflict with curiosity, brainstorming, and “what if” thinking — sometimes to the point of overwhelming more practically minded partners or colleagues. In contrast, those lower in Openness may prefer familiar approaches, concrete solutions, and proven methods, which can feel grounding and stabilizing but may also be perceived as resistant to change. Through real-world examples from couples and workplace teams, Stephen and Ryan explore how differences in Openness can lead to misunderstandings — like one partner wanting to explore new possibilities while the other wants to stick with what works — and how these same differences, when understood, can become a source of strength. Whether in love or business, they offer insights on bridging these differences, fostering mutual respect, and leveraging diverse thinking styles to solve problems more effectively.

    49 min
  3. S2:E5 - Big Five in Real Life, Part 1: Understanding Extraversion at Work and at Home

    JUN 17

    S2:E5 - Big Five in Real Life, Part 1: Understanding Extraversion at Work and at Home

    This is the first episode in our 5-part series exploring how the Big Five personality traits shape the way we work, lead, and live—starting with Extraversion. Whether you're navigating team dynamics, managing a relationship with your spouse or sibling, or raising kids with a very different energy level than your own, Extraversion plays a powerful role. In this episode, we unpack what Extraversion really is—and how it shows up in both healthy dynamics and conflict across your work and personal life. You'll learn: ✅ How people high in Extraversion see those lower in it—and vice versa ✅ What happens when these differences lead to misunderstandings or tension ✅ Common phrases that signal conflict rooted in this trait ✅ A 5-step framework to bridge the gap and improve communication Whether you're energized by crowds or prefer quiet mornings alone, this episode offers insight into how your style impacts the people around you—and how to build better relationships at work and at home, one trait at a time.

    49 min
  4. S2:E4 - Red Flags at Work - Corporate Psychopaths

    JUN 13

    S2:E4 - Red Flags at Work - Corporate Psychopaths

    In this final episode of our four-part “Red Flags at Work” series, we dive into one of the most unsettling but important workplace realities: Corporate Psychopaths. These individuals may be charming, charismatic, and seemingly competent—but underneath lies a manipulative, self-serving nature that can wreak havoc on teams, culture, and long-term success. Join us as we break down: -The different flavors of psychopathy (clinical vs. subclinical) -How to spot red flags in leadership, hiring, or peer interactions -Tactics these individuals use to manipulate people and systems -What organizations and individuals can do to protect themselves and others This episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, managers, and anyone navigating power dynamics in complex organizations. 🔎 Don’t just manage red flags—understand them before they do damage.

    56 min
  5. S2:E3 - Red Flags at Work - Are You Stuck in Team Dysfunction?

    APR 16

    S2:E3 - Red Flags at Work - Are You Stuck in Team Dysfunction?

    How can you tell if your team is on the path to high performance or stuck in dysfunction? In this episode of Connecting the Dots, Ryan Gracyalny and Steve Tech continue the Red Flag Series, breaking down the stages of team development and the red flags that signal trouble. 🚩 Forming Gone Wrong – When leaders are too hands-off or too controlling, setting teams up for failure. 🚩 Dysfunctional Storming – When conflict is avoided, or worse, festers beneath the surface. 🚩 Toxic Norms – When teams establish unhealthy ways of working, leading to imbalance and resentment. 🚩 Underperforming Teams – When results suffer due to either relentless focus on numbers or over-prioritizing harmony. Using the Tuckman Model of Team Development, Ryan and Steve explore how teams evolve—and what HR/OD leaders and consultants can do when things go off track. Whether you're coaching a struggling team or leading workplace transformation, this episode provides actionable insights to turn dysfunction into growth. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to diagnose your team’s red flags and guide them toward success!

    1h 1m
  6. S2:E2 - Red Flags at Work: Organizational Traps that Can Hold You Back

    APR 2

    S2:E2 - Red Flags at Work: Organizational Traps that Can Hold You Back

    Why do some companies thrive while others struggle with chaos and dysfunction? In this episode of Connecting the Dots, Ryan Gracyalny and Steve Utech continue the Red Flag Series, exposing three major organizational and leadership traps that can stall company growth and create workplace dysfunction. 🚩 The Founder’s Trap – When company vision is stuck in the hands of one person, leading to chaos, shifting priorities, and a lack of clear direction. 🚩 The Functional Split – When departments clash, leaders push conflicting agendas, and employees feel torn between competing priorities. 🚩 Bureaucracy Gone Wrong – When rules, politics, and red tape stifle innovation and leave employees feeling powerless. Whether you're an HR/OD leader managing organizational dynamics or a coach/consultant guiding businesses through transformation, this episode will help you recognize these red flags and take action. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to spot leadership dysfunction, break free from workplace traps, and create a culture where teams can thrive.

    56 min
  7. S2:E1 - Red Flags at Work: Is Your Company the Right Fit for You?

    MAR 19

    S2:E1 - Red Flags at Work: Is Your Company the Right Fit for You?

    Are you in the right company for your career growth and work style? In this episode of Connecting the Dots, Ryan Gracyalny and Steve Utech kick off the Red Flag Series, exploring how organizational size and structure impact job satisfaction, leadership dynamics, and cultural fit. From startups to enterprise corporations, they break down the key factors that determine whether you should stay and grow—or start looking for a better fit. Learn how different company stages shape leadership expectations, team collaboration, and career progression. Plus, discover the hidden red flags that may signal it's time for a change. Whether you're an HR/OD leader hiring for long-term success or a coach/consultant guiding professionals through career transitions, this episode offers crucial insights into workplace dynamics. Tune in to uncover the truth about company fit, leadership misalignment, and what it really takes to thrive in different organizational cultures.

    1h 8m
  8. S1:E16 - Dr. Donna Marino: Birth Order & Sibling Dynamics

    12/27/2024

    S1:E16 - Dr. Donna Marino: Birth Order & Sibling Dynamics

    The final episode of 2024 builds on the discussion of family systems theory by highlighting one of Murray Bowen's key tenets: the impact of birth order on family dynamics. To gain deeper insight into this topic, Ryan and Steve bring on Dr. Donna Marino, a family business psychologist out of Chicago, to learn how birth order impacts personality and sibling dynamics in business. Dr. Donna shares her clinical and consulting experience to highlight key patterns and traits she observes in her practice of working with family business transitions. It's a must listen for anyone who is interested in working on their own family dynamic and/or works in a family business. In this episode, we explore: - How birth order influences personality traits - The nuance of birth order and gender - Navigating family business dynamics as a family and non-family member #donnamarino #murraybowen #familysystems #personality #naturevsnurture #familydynamics #birthorder #siblingposition

    1h 9m
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