190: Is being busy a personality? PLUS! Being lucky, manager mates and job offer red flags - This Week in Work, 22nd April 2025
Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.
🔥 Stories Covered This Week:
What is 'Alonement Space'
Leanne breaks down why post-pandemic offices are embracing “alonement spaces”—areas where people can work privately, with focus and peace.
Cambridge Dictionary blog: https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/2025/03/17/new-words-17-march-2025/
Are You Lucky? Why Bezos Might Ask You That
Al unpacks Jeff Bezos’s favourite interview question—“Are you a lucky person?”—and explores the psychology behind optimism, self-awareness, and perceived control.
Inc.com: https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/jeff-bezos-favorite-job-interview-question-is-weird-psychology-says-its-also-brilliant/91171188
What Great Teams Actually Do Differently
Leanne revisits a huge study of nearly 1 million workers that found one powerful truth: leadership makes or breaks team performance. Great cultures aren’t built on perks or policies—but by how people are led every day.
Occupational Health Science research summary: https://medium.com/@truthlieswork/why-great-teams-protect-people-from-bad-work-52127efd73ac
🔥 Hot Take: “Being Busy Isn’t a Personality” – with Cass Briscoe
Workplace culture expert Cass Briscoe, founder of Soft Work Society, challenges the culture of overwork. She argues that chronic busyness is often fear-based—driven by insecurity and control rather than productivity. Cass shares how to create micro-boundaries, make space for deep thinking, and reject the hustle-as-identity mindset.
Cass Briscoe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassbriscoe/
💬 Workplace Surgery: This Week’s Dilemmas
“Six Interviews, Then a Pay Cut?”
After six rounds of interviews, a new graduate is offered the job—at £5k less than advertised. When questioned, the recruiter gets defensive. Is this standard practice, or a flashing red flag?
“I Hate Working—Is That Bad?”
One listener doesn’t hate their job—they hate the whole idea of working. Is that burnout talking, or is it time to rethink what work should be?
“Can Managers Still Have Mates?”
A team lead is torn: half their mates are on their team… and they're all going to game night. Can leaders still be social, or is this a boundary they shouldn’t cross?
🎧 Coming Up Thursday…
We’re talking to Nick Huber, aka The Sweaty Startup guy—entrepreneur, investor, and newly minted majority stakeholder in Somewhere.com. With 325+ employees, no fluff, and a bold philosophy on hiring and leadership, Nick brings the straight-talking energy you need to hear.
🎯 Enjoyed this episode?
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🧠 General Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful:
Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email
[email protected]
🤝 Connect with Al and Leanne
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/
Al: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/
Leanne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
Email:
[email protected]
Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat
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