Want to create an enviable workplace culture where people and businesses thrive? Look no further than Truth, Lies, and Work, the award-winning, top 10 rated pod...
154. Why Talking to Yourself Works and Leaders Need Favourites PLUS Dr Enya Doyle's Hot Take on harassment - This Week in Work, 17th December 2024
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. We bring you workplace news, expert hot takes, and practical advice to build amazing workplace cultures.
📰 This Week’s Headlines:
The Power of Talking to Yourself
Research featured in Time magazine shows that talking out loud to yourself can reduce stress and improve focus. Whether it’s hunting for lost items or navigating festive chaos, self-talk is a science-backed way to stay calm and productive during stressful times. Source: Time Magazine
Should Bosses Have Favorites?
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky believes good leaders should pick favorites based on fair criteria to build great teams. But does favoritism boost morale, or does it alienate others? We explore the impact of this controversial leadership strategy.Source: CNBC
Why Young Professionals are Leaving the UK
Revolut co-founder Vlad Yatsenko discusses the exodus of young professionals to Southern Europe. With better weather, lower taxes, and remote work flexibility, countries like Portugal and Italy are emerging as prime destinations for ambitious workers. Source: The Telegraph
🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Dr. Enya Doyle
Dr. Enya Doyle, an anti-harassment consultant, argues that the term “inappropriate” should be retired when discussing sexual harassment and violence. She suggests using stronger language like “unlawful” or “intolerable” to better reflect the seriousness of these behaviors. Dr. Doyle also emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies, accountability, and long-term cultural shifts to combat workplace harassment.
Connect with Dr Enya Doyle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-enya-doyle
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theharassmentdoctor
Website: https://enyadoyle.com/
💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery:
Middle Management Burnout:
A manager struggles with unclear direction, constant fire-fighting, and losing passion for their role. Leanne shares strategies to address the challenges of middle management.
Team Division Post-Restructure:
A newly merged team faces tension between legacy and transformation groups. Leanne offers advice on rebuilding trust and collaboration to prevent an "us vs. them" dynamic.
Wellbeing on a Budget:
A leader wants to prioritize team wellbeing but has limited resources. Leanne provides practical tips for creating impactful initiatives without breaking the bank.
🎧 Next Week’s Teaser:
We’re taking a break from This Week in Work over Christmas, but don’t worry! We’re bringing you a series of full, unedited interviews with workplace culture legends, including a 2-hour conversation with Rory Sutherland and our annual predictions episode featuring insights from top industry leaders.
💡 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast on LinkedIn. Tag us in your post, and we’ll send you a thank-you gift!
General Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.
Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)
Connect with Al and Leanne
Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/
Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: [email protected]
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/
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54:29
153. The truth about working with schizophrenia, with Kody Green, The Schizophrenic Hippie
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.
This episode is part of our ongoing series on mental illness in the workplace, inspired by Mind CEO Sarah Hughes’ call to expand conversations around mental health. Previously, we explored psychopathy with Dr. Abby Marsh (Episode 131), and today, we’re diving into schizophrenia with mental health advocate Kody Green.
🗓️ Episode Overview:
Kody Green shares his extraordinary journey of living with schizophrenia, defying the odds, and thriving in the workplace. Kody, also known as Schizophrenic Hippie on TikTok, uses his platform to educate, inspire, and challenge misconceptions about schizophrenia, while offering practical advice for employers and coworkers.
🎧 Key Topics:
What is Schizophrenia?
A breakdown of symptoms, challenges, and common misconceptions about the condition.
Debunking Myths:
Schizophrenia does not mean violent or dangerous.
With the right support, people with schizophrenia can thrive in the workplace.
Workplace Lessons:
Practical accommodations employers can make.
The value of open communication and proactive mental health policies.
Coping and Advocacy:
How tools like service dogs and smart glasses help Kody manage his symptoms.
Using TikTok to raise awareness and inspire change.
Resources:
Learn more about Kody Green: kodygreen.com
Follow Kody on TikTok: @SchizophrenicHippie
Watch Kody on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/schizophrenichippie
General Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.
Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)
Connect with Al and Leanne
Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/
Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: [email protected]
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/
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52:13
152. How to motivate older employees, christmas party drama and Apple's latest lawsuit. PLUS! Katie O'Malley's Hot Take on Leadership Training - This Week in Work, 10th December 2024
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, presented by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.
🗓️ Episode Structure:
Tuesdays – This Week in Work: A roundup of workplace news, expert insights, and listener questions.
Thursdays – In-Depth Interviews: Conversations with experts on building outstanding workplace cultures.
📰 This Week’s Headlines:
What Motivates Older Workers?
Leanne discusses a study from Occupational Psychology Outlook identifying four motivator types among older employees. Understanding these motivators is crucial as older workers are projected to comprise nearly half of the UK workforce by 2030. Source: Occupational Psychology Outlook
The Double-Edged Sword of Workplace Secrets
Al examines research from Harvard Business Review on organizational secrecy, revealing that while secrecy can make employees feel valued, it also leads to stress and isolation.
Source: Harvard Business Review
Apple Faces Lawsuit Over Employee Privacy
Leanne covers a lawsuit accusing Apple of monitoring employees' personal devices and iCloud accounts, even off the clock. Source: CEO Today
🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Katie O’Malley on Leadership Training
Katie O’Malley, founder of (en)Courage Coaching, tells us how traditional leadership training is flawed, noting a 12-year gap between employees' promotion to leadership roles and receiving formal training. She argues for:
Training all employees as future leaders from day one.
Focusing on self-awareness, effective communication, and conflict resolution.
Recognizing "soft skills" as critical competencies essential for healthy, productive workplace cultures.
Connect with Katie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateomalley/
Website: https://encouragecoaching.org/
💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery:
Burnout and KPIs:
A newly promoted Head of Sales faces a KPI-driven culture causing team burnout.
Remote Work Boundaries:
A senior account manager struggles with blurred work-life boundaries.
Christmas Party Dilemma:
A manager feels hurt after discovering team members plan to skip an expensive Christmas party for their own gathering.
🎧 Next Episode Teaser:
Join us Thursday for a conversation with mental health advocate Kody Green, who shares his experience living with schizophrenia and thriving with workplace support.
General Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.
Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)
Connect with Al and Leanne
Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/
Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: [email protected]
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
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52:47
151. How to deal with grief at work
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. It’s presented by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, offering insights and expert advice on creating amazing workplace cultures.
Trigger warning:
This episode discusses grief, bereavement, and the challenges of navigating loss in the workplace, particularly during the holiday season. Some listeners may find the content emotionally distressing. If you feel this topic might be too difficult for you right now, we completely understand and encourage you to prioritise your well-being. You can skip this episode and join us next time.
Episode Overview:
This week, we tackle a deeply moving and essential topic: grief in the workplace. With the holiday season amplifying feelings of loss, this episode explores how organizations can better support bereaved employees and create compassionate spaces.
Our guest, Maria Georgiou, is a mental health advocate and founder of MGAG. Her work focuses on bereavement and wellness, helping individuals and businesses navigate the challenges of grief. Maria shares her personal story of loss, including the passing of her father and daughter, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned about returning to work and supporting grieving colleagues.
🗝️ Key Topics Discussed:
The emotional, cognitive, physical, behavioral, and spiritual impacts of grief.
Practical ways managers can support grieving employees, especially during emotionally charged times like the holidays.
Why listening and active communication are essential skills for leaders.
Creating effective policies for bereavement and compassionate return-to-work plans.
How small gestures, such as acknowledging important dates, can make a big difference.
💬 Key Takeaways:
Check-ins Matter: Ensure check-ins are separate from performance reviews to focus on well-being genuinely.
Flexibility is Key: Tailor support to the individual, such as adjusting working hours or offering work-from-home options.
Avoid Assumptions: Never tell a grieving colleague how they should feel. Instead, listen and validate their emotions.
Structured Policies Help: Bereavement policies and training ensure that managers feel equipped to support employees while maintaining productivity.
The Power of Small Gestures: Acknowledging anniversaries or sending a card can provide comfort and show empathy.
Connect with Maria:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-georgiou-60b5b491/
Website: www.emgeag.org
General Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.
UK Resources:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org.
Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463, or visit mind.org.uk.
Cruse Bereavement Support: Call 0808 808 1677 or visit cruse.org.uk for resources and support with grief.
US Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org.
GriefShare: Visit griefshare.org to find local support groups.
Global Resources:
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): Visit iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ to find crisis centers worldwide.
Befrienders Worldwide: Visit befrienders.org for global helplines.
Connect with Al and Leanne
Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/
Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: [email protected]
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/
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57:36
150. Dark empaths, salary secrets and the future of remote work. PLUS Amy McKeown's Hot Tale on Well-being
Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. It’s presented by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, offering insights and expert advice on creating amazing workplace cultures.
📰 This Week’s Headlines:
Dark Empaths in the Workplace
Leanne discusses a fascinating article from BBC Science Focus on "dark empaths"—individuals with dark personality traits like narcissism and psychopathy combined with above-average empathy. In the workplace, this blend can lead to manipulation masked as understanding. Leanne explores how leaders can foster accountability and transparency to minimize these challenges.
Link: Dark Empaths – BBC Science Focus
How to Mend a Broken Work Relationship
Al dives into an insightful Harvard Business Review article by Susan David. From learning to focus on shared goals to small gestures of goodwill, discover practical tips for mending workplace rifts.
Link: HBR Podcast: Repairing Work Relationships
The Great Homeworking Experiment
Leanne examines the pros and cons of remote work, highlighting research by Gail Kinman and Christine Grant. While remote work boosts productivity and inclusivity, it also presents challenges like overwork and mental health strain. The takeaway? Tailored hybrid models might be the future of work.
🔥 Hot Take of the Week:
This week, we hear from Amy McKeown, a workplace health expert who’s challenging the status quo. Amy believes the term "wellbeing" is on its way out, arguing for clearer language and strategies focused on health and mental health. She also sheds light on how the industry is undergoing a massive correction.
Learn more about Amy’s upcoming course, "Do Workplace Health Right," featuring workplace culture luminaries like Peter Cheese and Dr. Clayre Fernandez.
Find out more about the course here.
💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery:
This week, Leanne answers three listener questions:
Overwhelmed EA: An Executive Assistant struggling to juggle additional responsibilities outside their role.
Salary Disparities: A manager grappling with knowledge of unequal pay after an accidental spreadsheet reveal.
Anonymous Suggestion Box Shenanigans: A business owner balancing humorous feedback with serious workplace improvements.
General Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.
Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World)
Connect with Al and Leanne
Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/
Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/
Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email: [email protected]
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/
Want to create an enviable workplace culture where people and businesses thrive? Look no further than Truth, Lies, and Work, the award-winning, top 10 rated podcast hosted by business psychologist, Leanne Elliott, and business owner, Al Elliott.
With a unique blend of theory and practice, this dynamic duo simplifies the science of people to help business owners and leaders uncover the truth about finding, keeping, and motivating great people.
Joined by some of the business world’s most respected and relevant voices, each episode delivers actionable insights and practical steps to create toxic-free workplaces that prioritise employee well-being and enable sustainable growth.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, find the knowledge and inspiration you need to build a thriving workplace.
P.S. Did we mention the hosts are also a married couple? This makes for some lively and informative discussions..!
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