Things Leaders Do

Colby Morris
  • 5.0 (18)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Whether you're a new manager figuring out how to lead your first team or a seasoned executive refining your approach, host Colby Morris delivers actionable tools and real-world frameworks you can use today to lead with confidence, clarity, and impact. Things Leaders Do is the straight-talk podcast for leaders who want practical strategies that actually work—not just leadership theory that sounds good in a boardroom.  Each week, Colby breaks down people-first leadership with humor, insight, and straight talk—covering how to communicate effectively and build trust, create high-performance team cultures, handle pressure and setbacks, balance accountability with empathy, and master the intersection of strategy, execution, and influence. Perfect for new leaders stepping into management, seasoned executives leveling up their skills, and anyone tired of leadership advice that doesn't translate to the real world. Weekly episodes tackle succession planning, conflict resolution, one-on-ones that actually work, performance reviews that don't suck, employee development, and how to create workplaces where people want to stay—not just show up.No fluff. No vague concepts.  Just tactical frameworks and processes you can implement Monday morning. New episodes drop every Monday. Subscribe now and join thousands of leaders building stronger teams and better workplace cultures. Host Colby Morris is the founder of NXT Step Advisors, providing executive coaching, team training, and keynote speaking focused on people-first leadership that drives real business results. Connect at nxtstepadvisors.com or linkedin.com/in/colbymorris

  1. 52M AGO

    When Your January Plans Fall Apart (Year-End Leadership Series)

    What should you do when your January plans fall apart? Acknowledge what slipped, identify why it happened, and make one small adjustment to get back on track. This episode shares a three-step recovery process refined over 20+ years of leadership—because leadership isn't about perfect execution, it's about recovery. Episode Description What happens when your January plans fall apart by Week 2? How can you recover when you've already slipped back into old habits? What's the difference between perfect execution and sustainable leadership? Most leaders are already behind by mid-January. They set goals, had a great first week back, and then reality hit. In this final episode of the Year-End Leadership Survival Guide series, Colby shares a personal story about a January that didn't go as planned—and the three-step recovery process he's refined over 20+ years in leadership and operations. This isn't about perfect execution. It's about recovery. If you've already missed one-on-ones, if you've already fallen back into reactive mode, or if you're wondering how to maintain momentum beyond January, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways A personal story about slipping in Week 2 of January (even after 15+ years in leadership)Your weekly rhythm for all four weeks of January—what to protect and what's negotiableThe three-step recovery process when you're off track: acknowledge it, identify the pattern, make one adjustmentHow to spot you're drifting (usually happens in Week 3)What should be in place by end of January to enter February with momentumWhy leadership is about recovery, not perfect execution—and how to course-correct quickly Who This Episode Is For Middle managers and team leaders who've already slipped on their January goals, who want to know how to recover without starting over, and who need sustainable leadership habits that work in the real world. Connect with Colby Website: nxtstepadvisors.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbymorris Colby's LinkedIn Profile Things Leaders Do Instagram

    24 min

  2. 12/30/2025

    Starting 2026 Strong - The First Week Reset (Year-End Leadership Series)

    What should leaders do in the first week of January to set their team up for success in 2026? How can middle managers use the first week back to re-engage their teams and set the tone for the entire year? Most leaders waste the first week of January drowning in email and attending pointless meetings. But the first week of January isn't about catching up—it's about resetting. In this episode, Colby breaks down the specific conversations leaders need to have, why one-on-ones are non-negotiable, and how to build leadership habits that actually stick. If you've been struggling with team engagement or haven't been doing one-on-ones consistently, this episode will give you the framework to start 2026 strong. Key Takeaways Why the first week of January is the most important week of the year for leadersThe three critical conversations every leader needs to have with their team in the first week backWhat the data says about one-on-one meetings and employee engagement (the numbers might surprise you)A vulnerable framework for admitting you haven't been doing one-on-ones—and how to startThe Start/Stop/Continue framework for resetting your leadership in 2026How to set a leadership rhythm that prevents you from falling back into old habits by March Featured Statistics Only 23% of employees globally are engaged at work (Gallup, 2024)Employee disengagement costs $8.9 trillion globallyEmployees who meet one-on-one with leaders weekly are 1.5x more likely to be highly engaged (Work Human, 2024)70% of variance in team engagement is attributable to the manager (Gallup) Who This Episode Is For Middle managers and team leaders who want to start 2026 strong, re-engage their teams after the holidays, and build sustainable leadership habits that actually stick. Connect with Colby Website: nxtstepadvisors.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbymorris Colby's LinkedIn Profile Things Leaders Do Instagram

    40 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    Setting 2026 Goals That Don't Suck (Year-End Leadership Series)

    93% of employees can't align their personal goals with company objectives—because most goal-setting is one-directional garbage. This episode shows you how to create SMART goals using the two-way framework that balances corporate priorities with what your team actually wants to develop. What You'll Learn: Why SMART goals remove ambiguity and prevent performance review conflictsHow to cascade corporate goals using the trickle-down effect (not copy/paste)The two types of personal development goals your team actually wantsHow to find the overlap between business needs and employee growthWhy writing goals together (not for them) creates ownership and buy-inKey Stats: 93% of workers say lack of clarity on company goals prevents them from aligning their personal goals (Passive Secrets, 2025)Employees are 3.2x more likely to be engaged when goals align with organizational objectives (Gartner, 2024)94% of employees would stay longer if the company invested in their career development (LinkedIn Learning, 2023)Employees whose goals align with company objectives are 8.9x more likely to think their jobs are important (Leadership IQ)Employees with goals are 3.6x more committed to their organization and 6.5x more likely to recommend it as a great workplace (Leadership IQ)Questions I'll address: How do I make sure goals are specific enough to be actionable?How do I cascade department goals down to individual team members?What's the difference between career advancement goals and personal development goals?How do I have the two-way goal conversation without it feeling forced?How many goals should each employee have?Part of the Year-End Leadership Survival Guide - 4 episodes to finish 2025 strong Perfect for: Middle managers setting 2026 goals who want to create objectives their team actually cares about achieving Need help building a goal-setting framework that drives real performance? Colby works with leaders and teams through keynote speaking, executive coaching, and leadership training. 📧 linkedin.com/in/colbymorris | 🌐 nxtstepadvisors.com Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts | Share with a leader setting goals with their team #TheThingsLeadersDo #GoalSetting #SMARTGoals #LeadershipDevelopment #MiddleManagement #CareerDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #PerformanceManagement Colby's LinkedIn Profile Things Leaders Do Instagram

    23 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    Performance Review Feedback That Actually Sticks (Year-End Leadership Series)

    Year-end performance reviews often fail because feedback evaporates by February. This episode shows you how to deliver feedback that actually changes behavior—whether you've been doing one-on-ones all year or you're starting fresh in 2026. What You'll Learn: How to own it when you haven't been present (the 10-second script that builds trust)The four steps for giving feedback when you've been MIAHow to introduce one-on-ones without the awkwardness derailing youThe three anchors of feedback that sticks: specific, future-focused, accountableWhy 85% of employees consider quitting after an unfair reviewKey Stats: 64% of employees say feedback quality needs improvement (Workleap, 2021)Only 1 in 5 get weekly feedback, but half of managers think they give it often (Gallup, 2024)Employees with regular manager input are 3.6x more motivated (Gallup, 2022)Continuous feedback = 31% lower turnover (ClearCompany, 2023)Questions I'll address: How do I give feedback if I haven't been doing one-on-ones?How do I introduce one-on-ones without it being awkward?What makes feedback specific vs. vague?How often should managers give feedback?Part of the Year-End Leadership Survival Guide - 4 episodes to finish 2025 strong Perfect for: Middle managers facing year-end reviews who realize they haven't been as present as they should have been Need help building a feedback culture in your organization? Colby works with leaders and teams through keynote speaking, executive coaching, and leadership training. 📧 linkedin.com/in/colbymorris | 🌐 nxtstepadvisors.com Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts | Share with a leader facing performance reviews #TheThingsLeadersDo #PerformanceReviews #EmployeeFeedback #LeadershipDevelopment #MiddleManagement #OneOnOnes #ContinuousFeedback Colby's LinkedIn Profile Things Leaders Do Instagram

    21 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    How to Show Your Team Gratitude (Without the Awkward Potluck)

    Employee Recognition Strategies That Actually Work  How do you recognize employees effectively? Most leaders only show appreciation during holidays—a team lunch at Thanksgiving, gift cards at year-end—but your people deserve consistent recognition year-round. Research shows 76% of employees don't feel adequately recognized at work, yet gratitude often becomes a seasonal checkbox instead of a daily leadership practice. This episode gives you a proven framework for meaningful employee recognition that builds loyalty and engagement. What You'll Learn: How to make employee recognition specific and meaningful - Why "great job, team!" makes people feel less valued, and what to say insteadThe four critical questions before showing gratitude - Is it specific? Timely? Personal? Proportional?How to match recognition to personality types - Why public praise mortifies introverts but energizes extrovertsWhat disproportionate recognition looks like - A real story about six months of client-saving work reduced to a shoulder patTeam appreciation alternatives to mandatory fun - Give the gift of time, not awkward potlucksWhen to recognize employees for maximum impact - Recognition has a shelf life (hint: within one week)Featured Statistics: 76% of employees report not feeling adequately recognized at workRecognition is most effective within 48 hours of the achievementCommon Questions Answered: How often should I recognize my team members?What are some employee appreciation ideas that don't cost money?How do you show gratitude to remote teams?What's the difference between recognition and appreciation?Perfect for: Middle managers, team leaders, directors, and anyone struggling to make employee recognition feel authentic instead of performative. Need help building a culture where recognition drives engagement—not just checks a box during holidays? Colby works with leaders and teams through keynote speaking, executive coaching, and leadership training to build people-first cultures that drive real results. Connect: linkedin.com/in/colbymorris  Learn more: nxtstepadvisors.com How to Support The Things Leaders Do Podcast: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app | Leave a 5-star review | Share this episode with a leader who's trying to figure out how to show their team appreciation without it feeling forced or awkward Keep noticing the work your people do. Keep showing gratitude that actually matches who they are. Keep making recognition a regular practice, not just a holiday tradition. Because those are the things that leaders do. Related Topics & Keywords: Employee recognition strategies | Team appreciation ideas | How to recognize employees effectively | Meaningful employee recognition | Leadership gratitude | Employee engagement | People-first leadership | Recognition best practices | How to thank your team | Employee appreciation without budget | Remote team recognition | Manager development #TheThingsLeadersDo #EmployeeRecognition #TeamAppreciation #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleFirstLeadership #MiddleManagement #LeadershipSkills #RecognitionMatters #LeadershipPodcast #WorkplaceCulture #ManagerTraining Colby's LinkedIn Profile Things Leaders Do Instagram

    18 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    How to Disagree With Your Boss (Without Getting Fired)

    Ever felt stuck between speaking up to your boss and protecting your career? You're in a meeting, your boss makes a decision you know is wrong, but you stay silent—worried that disagreeing will make you look insubordinate or damage the relationship. Here's the truth: you're not alone. 76% of employees avoid workplace conflict, and nearly 24% of all workplace conflict happens between employees and their direct supervisors. This episode tackles the biggest challenge middle managers face: how to disagree with your boss without getting fired. You'll learn practical strategies for managing up, navigating upward conflict, and advocating for your team while protecting your career. What You'll Learn: How to push back on decisions using clarification instead of confrontationWhat to do when you're not getting support from your boss (it might be bandwidth, not neglect)The critical documentation step when you fundamentally disagree with a decisionHow to recognize when your boss is truly the problem—and when it's time to walk awayReal story from Colby's 20+ years in healthcare leadership about managing up during a budget crisisKey Takeaways: The "clarification approach" for disagreeing without seeming confrontationalWhy coming with solutions (not just problems) changes everythingThe follow-up email strategy that protects you when decisions go wrongWhen to walk away from toxic leadership situationsFeatured Statistics: 76% of employees avoid workplace conflict whenever possible (Source: Zippia)Nearly 24% of workplace conflict occurs specifically between employees and their direct supervisors (Source: CPP Global)Perfect for: Middle managers, directors, VPs, and team leads who need to navigate upward conflict, manage up effectively, and advocate for their teams while working within organizational power dynamics. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Colby: linkedin.com/in/colbymorrisNXT Step Advisors: nxtstepadvisors.comEmail Colby: Colby@NxtStepAdvisors.comNeed Help Managing Upward Conflict in Your Organization? Colby works with leaders and teams through keynote speaking, executive coaching, and leadership training to build people-first cultures where difficult conversations lead to better outcomes, not damaged relationships. For Executives: Want to create an environment where your leaders feel safe disagreeing with you? Let's talk about building that culture. How to Support The Things Leaders Do: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast appLeave a 5-star reviewShare this episode with a leader who's stuck knowing their boss is wrong but not knowing what to do about itKeep advocating for your team. Keep navigating with strategy. Keep protecting your integrity. Because those are the things that leaders do. Related Topics: Managing up, upward management, how to disagree with your boss, workplace conflict resolution, difficult conversations with leadership, navigating power dynamics, middle management skills, leadership communication, managing upward conflict, when to leave a toxic boss #TheThingsLeadersDo #PeopleFirstLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #MiddleManagement #ManagingUp #UpwardManagement #DifficultConversations #WorkplaceConflict #LeadershipSkills #LeadershipPodcast #ConflictResolution #ProfessionalDevelopment Colby's LinkedIn Profile Things Leaders Do Instagram

    20 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    How to Hold Someone Accountable Without Micromanaging

    You delegated the project. Now you're wondering: Should I check in without micromanaging? How do I hold people accountable without hovering? Here's the tension every middle manager feels: You want accountability, but you don't want to be the micromanager everyone complains about. In this episode, leadership consultant Colby Morris breaks down the critical difference between holding someone accountable and micromanaging—and shows you exactly how to check in on your team without making them feel controlled or abandoned. What You'll Learn: Why most leaders face a false choice between micromanaging and being hands-offThe key difference between checking in on the leader vs checking up on their workWhy micromanagers struggle with trust (and what's really behind it)How a nervous VP became confident through accountability instead of controlHow to use one-on-ones to create accountability without surveillanceThe exact questions that support your team instead of suffocating themClear signs you're getting the balance right (and how to adjust when you're not) Key Statistics: 69% of employees considered changing jobs because of micromanagement, 36% actually did71% said micromanagement interfered with job performance85% said their morale was negatively impactedMicromanagement is among the top 3 reasons employees resign Featured Quote: "It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do. We hire smart people and they tell us what to do." — Steve Jobs Perfect for middle managers, directors, and team leaders who want to delegate effectively without either hovering over their teams or abandoning them completely. Connect with Colby Morris Website: nxtstepadvisors.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbymorris Services: Executive Coaching | Leadership Training | Keynote Speaking | Delegation & Accountability Workshops Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Things Leaders Do wherever you listen to podcastsLeave a 5-star reviewShare with a leader struggling to find the balance between control and trustRemember: Keep checking in on your people, not checking up on their work. Keep asking how you can help instead of how they're doing every task. And keep trusting the people you've developed while still being present to support them. Because those are the things that leaders do. #Accountability #Micromanagement #LeadershipDevelopment #Delegation #MiddleManagement #PeopleFirstLeadership #OneOnOnes #LeadershipSkills Colby's LinkedIn Profile Things Leaders Do Instagram

    14 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    Tough Conversations Part 2: When the First Conversation Didn't Work

    You had the tough conversation. You thought you were clear. But nothing changed. Now what? Most leadership advice stops at "have the conversation" and never tells you what to do when the issue repeats. In this episode, leadership consultant Colby Morris walks you through exactly how to handle the second conversation—and why it's often more important than the first. What You'll Learn: Why the first conversation probably didn't work (and how to avoid the same mistake)The two bad paths leaders take when issues persist (and the real cost of avoidance)When to have the second conversation (and why timing is non-negotiable)The "recap method" that creates accountability while protecting you as a leaderHow to shift your language from coaching to accountability without losing respectWhen to escalate to HR or start a PIP (the two-strike framework)Step-by-step guide to preparing for and conducting the second conversation Key Statistics: Every avoided conversation costs organizations $7,500 and 7 lost workdays53% of employees handle toxic situations by ignoring them70% of employees feel disengaged when poor performance goes unchallenged25% of managers postpone difficult conversations for a year or longerLow performers without accountability cause a 30% decrease in team productivityPerfect for middle managers, directors, and team leaders who need practical guidance on accountability conversations that actually work. Related Episodes: Episode 31: How to Have Tough Conversations with Employees Episode 26: Difficult Conversations for New Leaders Connect with Colby Morris Website: nxtstepadvisors.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbymorris Email: Colby@NXTStepAdvisors.com Services: Executive Coaching | Leadership Training | Keynote Speaking | Tough Conversations Workshop Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Things Leaders Do on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyLeave a 5-star reviewShare with a leader who's avoiding a tough conversation right nowRemember: Keep having the hard conversations instead of avoiding them. Keep being clear about expectations and consequences. And keep giving your people a real chance to succeed before you move to termination. Because those are the things that leaders do. #ToughConversations #LeadershipAccountability #PeopleFirstLeadership #MiddleManagement #PerformanceManagement #DifficultConversations #LeadershipDevelopment #HRLeadership Colby's LinkedIn Profile Things Leaders Do Instagram

    24 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Whether you're a new manager figuring out how to lead your first team or a seasoned executive refining your approach, host Colby Morris delivers actionable tools and real-world frameworks you can use today to lead with confidence, clarity, and impact. Things Leaders Do is the straight-talk podcast for leaders who want practical strategies that actually work—not just leadership theory that sounds good in a boardroom.  Each week, Colby breaks down people-first leadership with humor, insight, and straight talk—covering how to communicate effectively and build trust, create high-performance team cultures, handle pressure and setbacks, balance accountability with empathy, and master the intersection of strategy, execution, and influence. Perfect for new leaders stepping into management, seasoned executives leveling up their skills, and anyone tired of leadership advice that doesn't translate to the real world. Weekly episodes tackle succession planning, conflict resolution, one-on-ones that actually work, performance reviews that don't suck, employee development, and how to create workplaces where people want to stay—not just show up.No fluff. No vague concepts.  Just tactical frameworks and processes you can implement Monday morning. New episodes drop every Monday. Subscribe now and join thousands of leaders building stronger teams and better workplace cultures. Host Colby Morris is the founder of NXT Step Advisors, providing executive coaching, team training, and keynote speaking focused on people-first leadership that drives real business results. Connect at nxtstepadvisors.com or linkedin.com/in/colbymorris

Information

  • Creator
    Colby Morris
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Things Leaders Do
  • Show Website
    Things Leaders Do

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