How to Prioritise Your Work and Increase Your Effectiveness

Building on their previous discussion, this episode explores the second half of Elana’s Adaptable Team framework, focusing on two key areas: the learning rhythm within teams and the dynamics of team leadership.Elana shares practical insights on how high-performing teams create habits of reflective learning—emphasising the importance of regularly pausing to consider not just what the team is doing, but how they are working together. The conversation covers the value of small, frequent moments of reflection and how they can drive both individual and organisational growth.The episode also delves into the role of leadership, highlighting that it is not just a position but a role that any team member can take up. Elana discusses the importance of intentionality, feedback, and clarity in leadership, and how these factors contribute to a team’s ability to adapt and perform at a high level.Throughout the episode, real-world examples illustrate both the challenges and benefits of fostering a culture of learning and intentional leadership. The discussion is relevant for anyone interested in team development, organisational performance, or leadership practice.Listen for a thoughtful, practical exploration of what it takes to build and sustain high-performing teams in today’s organisations.Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In the latest episode of "A Job Done Well," James Lawther and Jimmy Barber confront a polarising topic: Process Improvement. They tackle the central debate—is it essential for organisational health, or simply bureaucratic overhead?1.  The Core Conflict: Necessity vs. BureaucracyJimmy admits to a strong aversion to "process," associating it with endless documentation. James argues the opposite: that effective processes are the indispensable structures supporting successful businesses. The hosts explore the common resistance to process and why, despite its reputation, it remains fundamental to achieving results.2.  Actions for Better ProcessesThe episode provides eight practical rules for teams aiming to improve how they work, focusing on impact, observation, and customer value. Key points include:Design with Purpose: Define what the customer wants before designing the process.Observe Reality: Go beyond documentation; understand what is really happening.Focus on Impact: Use data to prioritise the problems that matter most.Limit Mapping: Map only for understanding and improvement, you don’t have to document everything.Cross-Silo View: Recognise that processes interact across the organisation.Make it Easy: Design processes to make the desired action easy to perform.Prioritise Value: Focus on speed and quality first; cost savings will follow.Remember the People: Processes must serve the people who execute them, not the other way around.3.  Why Listen?Whether you are sceptical or a proponent, this episode offers a clear perspective on transforming performance. Listen to challenge your assumptions and get actionable strategies for creating better workflows for your team and customers.Tune in to the full episode now. For further discussion, reach out to the hosts at [email protected] or [email protected] a question - get in touch. Click here.

Elana Friedman, an expert in organisational development and team dynamics, joins James Lawther and Jimmy Barber this week to discuss the secrets of high-performing teams.Elana shares her journey from South Africa to the UK, and how her experiences shaped her desire to help teams and organisations thrive. Together, the hosts and Elana explore the Adaptable Team Framework model and the elements that drive team success: clear outcomes, practical actions, and the right mindset.Some of the key points include:Why high performing teams are about more than just results—they’re about meaning, enjoyment, and continuous learning.The importance of aligning systems and processes with team goals (and why “stop the stupid” is a mantra worth adopting!).How beliefs and assumptions shape team culture, and why healthy conflict and trust are vital.This episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips for anyone looking to boost their team’s performance and enjoyment at work. And don’t miss the cliffhanger—next time, Elana returns to discuss team leadership and learning rhythms!Listen now and discover how you can transform your team’s potential. If you have any thoughts or questions? Reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected] a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber explore the subject of getting promoted and suggest how you can go about it without compromising your values or playing games. They discuss how promotions work in organisations, the importance of thinking through why you want a promotion, how you position yourself and some things to be wary of. The mix of practical tips and anecdotes will engage and inform on a topic many are interested in but few openly discuss!They also talk weather and holiday strategies - but don't go on too much!Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this episode of "A Job Done Well," James Lawther and Jimmy Barber are joined by learning and development expert Amanda Gilbert to tackle a topic we all face but often dread: difficult conversations at work (and beyond).After a quick catch-up (including university choices and Jimmy’s book recommendation for every man who has a mother), the team discuss why tough conversations feel so challenging—and how we can handle them better. Amanda introduces the "Ladder of Inference" model, helping us see how our assumptions and stories can unnecessarily escalate situations (including James’ run-in with a taxi driver!). Amanda shows how quickly we can jump to conclusions and why stepping back to focus on the facts can de-escalate conflict.The episode covers:The two main types of difficult conversations: relationship-based and message-basedHow to prepare for a tough conversation (know your triggers, clarify your purpose, plan your approach)Tips for delivering difficult messages with empathy and clarityThe importance of listening deeply and allowing space for emotion—without trying to "fix" itWhy adopting a collaborative, learning mindset (instead of a combative one) can transform even the hardest discussionsAmanda also shares practical tools, such as the "left-hand column" exercise for analysing your reactions. She offers a step-by-step process for preparing for, having, and reflecting on difficult conversations.Whether you’re a manager, team member, or just someone who wants to get better at those tricky talks, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world wisdom.Listen now and discover how to make your next difficult conversation a little bit easier.Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

In today's world, we all face too many demands on our time—where do you start? How can you achieve more? The answer is never to work harder! This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber explore ways you can prioritise the demands on your time by focusing on the most essential stuff and making the right choices so you can achieve more and avoid overwhelm and burnout.Stop being a slave to others' priorities and take control of your work.Plus, you can hear Jimmy's latest conspiracy theory and how James is progressing with his next bestseller!Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Do you end each day full of energy or drained and in need of recovery? This week's guest, Ben Simpson, believes that our working lives should be a source of vitality, and not something we have to recover from, and he shares his insights on how to achieve that.Ben is the Chair of the Deming Alliance in the UK and co-founder of VitalOrg, so he knows plenty about what makes organisations and people tick. Plus, you hear from hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber to see if their working lives were ever a source of vitality.If that isn't enough, James takes a walk down memory lane, visiting universities with his daughter, whilst Jimmy is just back from the sun, with panda eyes to prove it. Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

Everyone wants to inspire people - it's an ambition, a badge of honour, but is it that easy? Hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber talk about their experience of how they've been inspired by their managers (rarely) or demotivated by them (often), and their experience of trying to inspire others (ditto). Despite this, they identify some things anyone can do to inspire others—as ever, James reverts to system-related changes, while Jimmy focuses on the people side. But there are some things they agree on that could have a significant impact.Plus, you can hear about the Nottingham tradition for Cock on a Stick at the Goose Fair, a hotel recommendation for your next holiday and where the podcast features in a global list of the best podcasts for Managers.Check out this week's episode for insights and tips on how you can improve your performance and enjoyment of work.Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us: Amazon.co.uk: Pink, Daniel H.: 9781847677693: BooksExperience lovely Santorini | Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort, SantoriniBest 100 Podcasts for Managers https://www.millionpodcasts.com/managers-podcasts/Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

This week, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber welcome Caroline Mabon, co-founder of Compassionate Cultures, to discuss the concept of thriving in the workplace. They explore how individuals can take care of themselves, find joy and grow in their professional lives. Caroline shares insights from her company's research, including their Thrive and Grow Index, which helps organisations create environments where employees can thrive.Caroline shares tips on how to 'Lead Yourself', aligned with her simple model: setting intentional goals, owning your personal development, and building resilience. Don't settle for work being ok. You deserve moments of joy every day!To find out more, check out Compassionate Cultures makes us Future FitGot a question - get in touch. Click here.

In this week's episode, hosts James Lawther and Jimmy Barber discuss strategies for dealing with difficult people at work. We all know them – those you dread interacting with – maybe they don't listen, or they snipe from the sidelines. Perhaps they ignore you, or nothing ever sticks to them when things go wrong. Regardless of who they are, James and Jimmy discuss how to deal with them effectively – both in the moment and over the long term, if their behaviour is systemic.James and Jimmy also challenge their own behaviour and yours, so that you do not become someone else's 'difficult person'If that isn’t enough, they also discuss the perils of children flying the nest and how the adage 'it's the hope that kills you' is apt if you're a football fan!Got a question - get in touch. Click here.