People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast

Summary

In this episode, Andy interviews Janet Polach, author of The Strategic Leader's Mindset: Unlocking the Keys to Success They discuss the struggles that come with the journey of transitioning from tactical to strategic roles. Janet shares insights from her book on how to develop a strategic mindset, work through people, and stay authentic.

The conversation covers key challenges in leadership, such as delegation, decision-making under ambiguity, and the importance of authentic communication. Janet highlights the benefits of structured thinking time and the potential pitfalls of empowerment. The episode provides practical advice for new and experienced leaders aiming to move from day-to-day management to higher-level strategic thinking.

Whether you're already at a higher level of leadership or want to prepare so you're ready for it, this episode is for you!

Sound Bites

• “What I've discovered in coaching executive leaders is that it's about how do you think about things differently? How do you think more broadly? How do you take more risks? How do you lean into ambiguity?”
• “Surround yourself with people who are more courageous, who are more comfortable in ambiguity. You, as a leader, don’t have to be the perfectly all-knowing, courageous, ambiguous kind of leader.”
• “Set a timeline for the decision... after all, especially at the executive level, we always want more information. But there’s a diminishing return because you’ll lose the opportunity of time. So maybe by Friday you have three options; by the following Friday, you decide.”
• “How would we make this worse? So together... everybody has fun with this.”

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:03 Start of Interview
• 02:57 What Stays the Same As Your Grow in Leadership? What Changes?
• 05:54 What It Means To Think Strategically
• 11:08 The Value of International Exposure
• 13:47 Empowering Others and Delegation
• 17:31 Handling Difficult Team Members
• 21:38 Understanding Employee Termination Fears
• 22:39 Decision Making Amidst Ambiguity
• 24:36 Techniques for Facilitating Meetings
• 26:43 Strategic Leader Success Stories
• 28:27 End of Interview
• 28:54 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 32:48 Outtakes

Learn More

You can learn more about Janet, her work, and her coaching services at JanetPolach.com/coaching.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 360 for my first interview with Janet about mistakes new managers make.
• Episode 391 with Adam Bryant about making the leap to a new level of leadership.
• Episode 320 with Greg Githins about how to think strategically.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Strategic Mindset, Management, Empowerment, Decision Making, Authenticity, Culture, Coaching, Trust, Ambiguity

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: On Point by Steven O'Brien
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthemania by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary

In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Christie Smith, a visionary leader and author, about her new book Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership. They discuss the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence and automation on various industries and how leaders can prepare for these changes. Christie shares insights on the unique challenges of modern leadership, as well as the importance of human-powered approaches. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptability, especially in a world increasingly reliant on technology. The conversation also touches on the concept of the Power Paradox, safeguarding connection in distributed work environments, and practical advice for parents on preparing their children for future work challenges.

Wondering how to lead and deliver in this time of significant disruption? This episode is for you!

Sound Bites

• “Leadership isn’t always comfortable. In fact, it can be really hard… it does mean speaking out.”
• “What’s unique about this time is the confluence of many things that leaders are having to face. It’s led to a war for skills instead of a war for talent.”
• “This isn’t soft work... we’re going to be in an economic crisis because leaders are not in tune to the humans that are in their organizations.”
• “100% of them said they knew they needed to do something... yet only 25% were even thinking of doing something about it.”
• “The issue isn’t that AI is taking over. The issue is AI must, as a regulator, have human intelligence.”
• “We need to move from emotional intelligence to emotional maturity.”

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:51 Start Of Interview
• 02:00 Christie's Background And Early Influences
• 04:45 The Unique Challenges Of Modern Leadership
• 06:27 The Concept Of The Unicorn Job
• 07:53 Defining Human Powered Leadership
• 11:05 The Role Of AI In The Future Of Work
• 15:50 The Importance Of Connection In The Workplace
• 19:44 Adversity And Innovation: Lessons From History
• 23:19 Strategies For Building Team Connection
• 26:02 Building Engagement Through Simple Actions
• 26:53 The Importance Of Personal Check-Ins
• 27:12 Adapting Leadership Styles For Better Connection
• 29:12 Understanding The Power Paradox
• 31:44 Cultivating Insatiable Curiosity
• 34:08 Preparing Kids For The Future Workplace
• 37:17 End Of Interview
• 37:39 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 41:21 Outtakes

Learn More

You can learn more about Christie and her work at ChristieSmith.phd/.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 437 with Nada Sanders about her book The Humachine.
• Episode 382 with Hal Hershfield about balancing the now and the future.
• Episode 329 with Deborah Westphal about preparing your career and your team for the future.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: AI, Automation, Technology, Leadership, Organizational Culture, Engagement, Remote Teams, Future Of Work, Emotional Intelligence, Workplace Culture, Team Connection, Continuous Learning

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary

In this episode, Andy welcomes Corinna Freitag, a coach and project practitioner, to discuss the importance of interpersonal skills in project management. They explore how to navigate workplace conflicts, the significance of understanding others, and the role of Lean Six Sigma in project management.

Corinna shares her experiences and insights on coaching STEM professionals, particularly those who may struggle with communication and conflict resolution. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence and adaptability in leadership roles. Andy and Corinna delve into the significance of breathing techniques for mental well-being, the importance of understanding cultural differences in professional settings, the challenges of self-sabotage, and the continuous journey of personal development.

Do you ever dread going to work on Monday morning? Corinna has practical insights in this episode for you!

Sound Bites

• "I had the limiting belief that I am not good with people. And… surprise. Yes. Looks like I am."
• "There is no magic question. It’s about starting to understand the person, not finding the perfect script."
• "If you say, 'This is my saboteur talking,' it’s very different than saying, 'I’m not good enough.'"
• "Assume good intent. To them, their behavior is rational--even if it doesn’t seem that way to you."
• "We never interact with a culture. We interact with a person."
• "My top saboteurs? The Stickler, the Hyper-Achiever, and the Hyper-Vigilant."
• "If you merge a little American boldness with German perfectionism, something great comes out."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:30 Start of Interview
• 01:50 Corinna's Backstory
• 03:35 Project Management Lessons Corinna Has Learned
• 06:10 Lean Six Sigma and Project Management
• 10:02 Handling Difficult Stakeholders and Conflicts
• 13:52 Coaching Introverted STEM Professionals
• 17:31 Regaining Composure in Stressful Situations
• 21:05 Exploring Breathing Techniques
• 23:30 Lessons About Working Across Cultures
• 28:30 Overcoming Self-Sabotage
• 31:31 Continuous Self-Development
• 32:42 Connecting with Corinna
• 33:18 End of Interview
• 33:38 Andy's Comments After the Interview

Learn More

You can connect and follow Corinna on LinkedIn at LinkedIn.com/in/DrCorinnaFreitag. And check out her website at CorinnaFreitag.de/.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 397 with Dr. Julia DiGangi about her book Energy Rising. It's a wonderful book and discussion!
• Episode 164 with Derek Rogers and Nick Petrie about their book on stress.
• Episode 143 with Dr. Mark Goulston about his book on dealing with difficult people.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Coaching, Conflict Resolution, Lean Six Sigma, STEM professionals, Interpersonal Skills, Stakeholder Management, Communication, Culture, Emotional Intelligence, Cross-cultural Communication

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Imagefilm034 by Sascha Ende
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Tropical Vibe by WinnieTheMoog
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary

In this episode, Andy interviews Juliana Tafur, the inaugural director of the Bridging Differences Program at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. The conversation explores practical strategies for bridging divides in a polarized world, both in personal and professional contexts.

Juliana shares insights from her experiences growing up in a divided Colombia, her work in the U.S. post-9/11, and research on bridging differences. The episode also covers the psychological roots of 'othering' and offers practical advice for fostering connections despite differences. Additionally, resources like the seven-day Campaign for Connection Challenge and the Bridging Differences Playbook are highlighted to help you apply these concepts in your daily life.

What if you could get better at bridging divides in these polarized times? This episode will help you do that!

Sound Bites

• "Disconnection is one of the evils of our time."
• "Our brains will always go to labeling. That is just how our brains function."
• "No one is a single label… we are so multi-dimensional."
• "Listening is truly like a hidden superpower."
• "Just by us listening, we are perceived as more trustworthy."
• "You can affirm their feelings while still disagreeing."
• "The value of humility, openness, curiosity, empathy—are not really front and center in our society."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:11 Start of Interview
• 02:24 Juliana's Background and Influences
• 04:29 Understanding 'Othering' and Tribalism
• 08:42 The Power of Listening with Compassion
• 10:33 Practical Steps for Deep Listening
• 16:40 Real-Life Examples of Bridging Divides
• 24:54 The Problem with Labels
• 27:10 The Seven Day Campaign for Connection Challenge
• 29:54 Resources for Bridging Differences
• 31:47 Teaching Kids to Bridge Differences
• 35:29 End of Interview
• 35:55 Andy's Comments After the Interview
• 39:23 Outtakes

Learn More

You can learn more about Juliana and her Bridging Differences program at GGSC.Berkeley.edu/What_we_do/Major_Initiatives/Bridging_Differences. You can download the Bridging Differences Playbook and access the Bridging Differences Videos from that page.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 380 with Monica Guzman about her book on a similar topic.
• Episode 371 with Amanda Ripley about her book High Conflict.
• Episode 276 with Buster Benson about his book
• Episode 284 with Peter Boghossian about having what seem like impossible conversations.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Listening, Empathy, Connection, Polarization, Leadership, Communication, Conflict, Project Management

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Ignotus by Agnese Valmaggia
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Tropical Vibe by WinnieTheMoog
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary

In this episode, Andy interviews Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener, authors of the book Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection. The discussion explores the concept of radical listening, distinguishing it from active listening and emphasizing the importance of creating genuine connections through intent, curiosity, and acknowledgment. Christian and Robert share personal anecdotes and practical applications of their listening framework, both in professional settings and personal relationships. They also address the impact of cultural differences on listening practices and provide tips for parents to improve communication with their children. The conversation culminates in an insightful look at the barriers to effective listening and strategies to overcome them.

Whether to help you with your teams at work or loved ones at home, this is a must-listen!

Sound Bites

• "Your intention will guide your attention."
• "I started questioning active listening when I started thinking about how much I summarize when I’m with my friends, which is to say I never do it!"
• "If I just go in thinking, ‘What can I learn from the conversation?’ that is going to completely direct what I’m paying attention to."
• "Acknowledgement can’t just be, ‘I have goodwill towards you.’ It actually has to be demonstrated."
• "So one day I thought, ‘Look, I’ve been shouting, I’ve grounded the kid, I’ve taken away his computer, I’ve done everything… maybe I just need to understand what’s going on.’"
• "Not a small portion of my friends, colleagues, and family members were surprised to hear that I was writing a book on listening"

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:59 Start of Interview
• 02:17 What Does Radical Listening NOT Mean?
• 04:54 Distinguishing Radical Listening from Active Listening
• 07:14 When Were You Recently in Listening Mode?
• 11:30 Handling Difficult Conversations with a Team Member
• 16:12 Difficult Conversation with a Relative With Different Political Views
• 20:22 Acknowledging and Interjecting in Conversations
• 28:22 Cultural Considerations in Radical Listening
• 28:53 Understanding Cultural Scripts in Conversations
• 33:21 The Importance of Respectful Listening
• 35:51 Personal Challenges in Listening
• 37:31 Applying Listening Skills in Parenting
• 42:06 End Of Interview
• 42:30 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 47:42 Outtakes

Learn More

You can learn more about Christian at CoachOnAMotorcycle.com. Also, learn more about Robert at RobertDiener.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 371 with Amanda Ripley about her book High Conflict.
• Episode 195 with Celeste Headlee about her book on communication.
• Episode 108 with Doug Stone about his book on receiving feedback.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Listening, Communication, Active Listening, Leadership, Relationships, Engagement, Cultural Sensitivity, Communication Skills, Project Management

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license