E425 | The Unseen Forces Screwing You Over (and What to Do About It)

Every organization claims it wants initiative, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. So why do so many talented people feel like they’re constantly running into the same walls? In this episode, Brett explores why some organizations unintentionally create conditions that reward avoidance rather than action—and what leaders can do about it. Drawing on a recent conversation with a client, Brett breaks down why good people often struggle to create change inside systems that seem resistant to it, the difference between an organization’s “fantasy culture” and its real culture, and why people adapt to consequences faster than they adapt to values. You’ll learn: •⁠ ⁠Why organizations often reward the exact behaviors they claim to dislike •⁠ ⁠The difference between a stated culture and an experienced culture •⁠ ⁠Why communication problems are often symptoms of deeper issues •⁠ ⁠How incentives, power dynamics, and competing interests shape behavior •⁠ ⁠The questions you should ask if you’re trying to understand what’s really happening inside your organization •⁠ ⁠Why adaptable leaders learn to observe before they act If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why does nothing seem to change around here?” this episode will help you better understand the environment you’re operating in—and how to navigate it more effectively.   Resources & Links: Art of Coaching for coaching programs and resources: https://artofcoaching.com/mentoring My Latest Book (Link to upcoming or referenced publication): https://amzn.to/4rZknhs Connect with Brett Bartholomew: LinkedIn Twitter   Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In this episode, Brett talks about what it means to build a genuine, authentic, no-BS brand. Every single one of us, whether we're gainfully employed or not, has to deal with the fundamental problems: •⁠  ⁠How do I stand out? •⁠  ⁠How do I get my work noticed or the value that I provide noticed? •⁠  ⁠How do I do that with integrity and in a non-scammy or salesy way? Brett provides tips for this and so much more, wrapped in a package that is practical and easily implementable.   Resources & Links: Art of Coaching for coaching programs and resources: https://artofcoaching.com/mentoring My Latest Book (Link to upcoming or referenced publication): https://amzn.to/4rZknhs Connect with Brett Bartholomew: LinkedIn Twitter   Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

The job of scientists is a tough one - to take complex, multifaceted, messy concepts, and do their best to simplify them in a way that is understandable and digestible to the general public. However, today’s guest, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett,  warns that if something is too simple, we probably shouldn’t believe it.  Especially when it comes to human behavior and emotions, there’s nothing simple about it - because variation is the norm - not averages.  And in today’s episode, Dr. Barrett explains exactly why that is and how it should change the way we view and approach our interactions. Dr. Barrett is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, and she holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she serves as Chief Science Officer for the Center of Law, Brain and Behavior. In addition to the books 7 ½ Lessons About the Brain and How Emotions Are Made, Dr. Barrett has published over 260 peer reviewed scientific papers. Not only do we dive into the scientific research that disproves the way many of us have been led to view emotions, Dr. Barrett also does a phenomenal job of speaking to these concepts in a way that helps us apply it to our daily lives. Specifically, we address “The Great Man Theory” - why there is no one-size fits all approach to emotions and what they mean How understanding emotional constructs on a deeper level can make people more adept at navigating social situations The physiological and psychological processes of how we give meaning to our emotions Specific instances where knowing this information can directly influence life outcomes for you and those you impact daily Referenced Resources: Website: Lisafeldmanbarrett.com Book: How Emotions Are Made Book:  7 ½ Lessons About the Brain  TED Talk: You Aren’t At the Mercy of Your Emotions Research Article: Knowing what you’re feeling and knowing what to do about it   Resources & Links: Art of Coaching for coaching programs and resources: https://artofcoaching.com/mentoring My Latest Book (Link to upcoming or referenced publication): https://amzn.to/4rZknhs Connect with Brett Bartholomew: LinkedIn Twitter   Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In this episode, Brett Bartholomew shares actionable insights on how leaders can foster a high-performing, engaged team by emphasizing authenticity, understanding individual motivations, and recognizing behavioral patterns. Whether you're managing staff in healthcare, sports, or business, this discussion offers practical heuristics for long-term leadership success.   Key Topics Covered: -Why staff generally won't care as much as leaders do and how to address this reality -The role of unique incentives, motivation, and how to effectively utilize them -How authenticity in leadership attracts the right people -Importance of self-awareness, humor, and accountability in team management -Recognizing patterns in team behavior to make better hiring and development decisions -How to avoid overcomplicating leadership with unnecessary tactics -The significance of aligning staff growth with organizational needs -The value of coaching, mentorship, and continuous personal development   Resources & Links: Art of Coaching for coaching programs and resources: https://artofcoaching.com/mentoring My Latest Book (Link to upcoming or referenced publication): https://amzn.to/4rZknhs Connect with Brett Bartholomew: LinkedIn Twitter   Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In this episode, Brett Bartholomew explores the importance of authenticity in leadership, the psychology of human behavior, and practical strategies for communicating more effectively. Whether you're a coach, leader, or communicator, these insights can help you build trust, influence others, and stay true to yourself.   Main Topics Covered: The power of authenticity over seeking validation Understanding self-image and influencing others How to frame messages to reduce resistance The role of storytelling and simplicity in communication Balancing complexity and clarity in social media and public speaking Practical methods to refine your core message and deliver with confidence Building trust through genuine engagement rather than credentials   Resources & Links: Art of Coaching for coaching programs and resources: https://artofcoaching.com/mentoring My Latest Book (Link to upcoming or referenced publication): https://amzn.to/4rZknhs Connect with Brett Bartholomew: LinkedIn Twitter   Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In this episode, we explore the importance of maintaining meaningful connections and breaking the cycle of neglecting relationships during the busy middle months of the year. We dive into practical strategies and mindset shifts to stay connected, productive, and intentional in both personal and professional life. We discuss the significance of midyear reflection and recalibration, and how busy seasons can lead to neglecting relationships. You'll learn practical tips for consistent relationship maintenance and how to live by the principle: “do the common things in an uncommon way.” We also cover the importance of boundaries, managing accessibility, and overcoming the "tyranny of now" with small, consistent actions. This episode emphasizes the urgency of taking action now instead of waiting, and embracing complexity and realistic expectations in life and goals. If you've ever struggled with maintaining connections during hectic times, this episode will provide you with the insights and tools to break those patterns and strengthen your relationships.   What You’ll Learn:   •⁠ ⁠ Strategies for strengthening relationships during your busiest seasons •⁠ ⁠ How to stop defaulting into the same excuses and neglect patterns as everyone else •⁠ ⁠ Practical strategies for staying connected when life gets chaotic •⁠ ⁠ Simple habits that keep you connected, present, and intentional year-round ____________________     Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

We've all been in situations in our lives where it seems like there are unwritten rules we didn't know about, or unseen forces that are kind of screwing us over. We did our part, but we didn't get the outcome we wanted. This show talks about some of the most common scenarios where that happens, and some of the lessons and learnings that can help better prepare you so you get taken advantage of less, and so you're more prepared to deal with gray area scenarios.   What You’ll Learn:   •⁠ ⁠ Tips to make sure you get screwed over less •⁠ ⁠ Ways to understand what you're walking into so you don't get caught off guard •⁠ ⁠ Strategies for spotting people's real motives   ____________________     Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In this episode, Brett breaks down why so many driven people feel behind, overwhelmed, or like they’re never doing enough — even when they’re already working hard, carrying responsibility, and trying to do things the right way. He talks about how easy it is to get pulled into the performative bullshit people post online, start comparing your real life to someone else’s curated season, and let your attention get hijacked by things that have nothing to do with your actual priorities. This episode is not about lowering your standards or giving yourself an excuse to coast. It’s about getting honest about what matters most right now, protecting your attention, killing the noise, and making sure your energy is going toward the things that can actually move your life, business, relationships, health, or purpose forward. Brett walks through seven practical reminders for getting back on track when you feel overloaded: 1.⁠ ⁠Audit your inputs 2.⁠ ⁠Stop turning other people’s seasons into your standards 3.⁠ ⁠Find the real needle mover 4.⁠ ⁠Create more selfish moments 5.⁠ ⁠Kill more low-value obligations 6.⁠ ⁠Lower the scope without lowering the standard 7.⁠ ⁠Get back into your own life If you’ve been overthinking, comparing, carrying too many open loops, or feeling like everyone else has it more figured out than you do, this episode is a direct reminder to return to your own priorities and stop letting everything act like it deserves equal access to you.   What You’ll Learn:   •⁠ ⁠ How to filter what deserves your attention •⁠ ⁠ How to shield yourself from distracting noise •⁠ ⁠ Tips for creating stronger boundaries •⁠ ⁠ Why more selfish moments are a good thing   ____________________     Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In this episode, Brett breaks down some of the most common mistakes speakers and presenters make—and why those mistakes usually have nothing to do with intelligence or expertise. Most people don’t struggle because they’re unprepared or because they don’t know their material. They struggle because communication is more nuanced than that. Human attention is limited. Interpretation is messy. And if your message isn’t clear, structured, and relevant, even good ideas get lost. Brett walks through practical ways to distill your message, flesh out your core concept without rambling, and avoid the kinds of mistakes that make audiences tune out. He also shares several exercises to help you stop overthinking, get clearer on what you actually want to say, and communicate in a way that better connects with the people in front of you—whether you’re speaking to athletes, executives, students, clients, or a general audience. You’ll also hear how many speakers unintentionally self-sabotage through overexplaining, trying to say too much, or assuming that because something makes sense in their head, it’ll automatically land with others. If you want to become a more effective speaker, presenter, coach, or communicator—this episode gives you practical tools you can use right away. For more on this—and to actually practice these skills with real-time coaching and feedback—join us for Art of Coaching Speaker School on May 16–17 in Phoenix, Arizona. Go to artofcoaching.com/speaker for details.   What You’ll Learn:   •⁠  ⁠How to distill your message so you can actually connect with your audience •⁠ ⁠ How to flesh out your idea so you feel like you got your knowledge across •⁠ ⁠ Exercises to help you stop overthinking and get more clarity •⁠ ⁠ How to avoid self-sabotaging when you speak or present   ____________________     Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

It’s one of the most common ways that intelligent, thoughtful people can end up sending mixed signals and unintentionally cause misunderstandings.  And the irony is that the people who do it most often are usually the ones who care a great deal about being thorough, guiding others, teaching, and not being misunderstood.  In this episode, Brett breaks down the root causes of over-explaining and offers advice on how to both curb it and leverage it when it’s actually appropriate.  Most importantly, you’re going to get strategies that can help you in the workplace, when presenting to others, or simply to help you clarify and simplify your own thoughts so your credibility is never undermined.   What You’ll Learn   • The most common causes of over-explaining so you can recognize it in yourself   • Tactics you can use both proactively and retroactively — in the moment and after the fact   • Circumstances where over-explaining can actually help you, and how to know the difference   • Strategies for distilling your message so it lands the first time   ____________________     Follow Us:   Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb