(Ep. 253) Steven Gaffney: Honest talk

IN EPISODE 253:The truth about high-achieving teams is that they engage in honest talk. In Episode 253, Steven Gaffney shows us how to get the unsaid said through more honest team communication. We discuss ways leaders can create stronger feedback cultures, why accountability measures often backfire, and how to screen for candidates who align with your values. ABOUT STEVEN GAFFNEY:Steven Gaffney is a speaker, author and advisor who has helped develop high-achieving teams at Fortune 500 companies, recognized brands, and government and military agencies.

In this solo episode, I share my complicated relationship with feedback - and why I'm now thankful it's a major part of my life. A Thanksgiving edition of things I wish you knew.

In this solo episode, I share the power of adopting the "silver rule" in our everyday feedback. Learn why having a to-don't list can help you improve your feedback message and delivery, and why "right sizing" and "bite sizing" feedback can produce stronger outcomes.

IN EPISODE 250:Are you looking to create the "new you"? In Episode 250, Nataly Kogan drops by to discuss her framework for personal reinvention. We talk about letting go of limiting beliefs, getting in tune with our passion and purpose, and uncovering the dimensions that bring us closer to who we want to be.ABOUT NATALY KOGAN:Nataly Kogan is a globally recognized expert in transformation and leadership. She’s an international keynote speaker, artist, and former tech CEO, and the bestselling author  of three books. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, HarvardBusiness Review, Forbes, and hundreds of other outlets.

IN EPISODE 249:Minimalism isn't about doing or having less - it's about doing the right things with more intention. In Episode 249, Shira Gill explores the importance of making intentional choices in our work and lives, emphasizing the impact of minimalism on personal growth and goal setting. We discuss the power of a having a clean space, how leaders can create a culture of prioritization and focus, and how to co-exist with someone who loves clutter. ABOUT SHIRA GILL:Shira Gill is a world-renowned organizing expert and the bestselling author of three books: Minimalista, Organized Living, and LifeStyled. She’s  been featured by Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, People, Forbes, goop, Architectural Digest, Oprah Daily, Vogue, and The New York Times. She also offers business strategy, support, and mentorship to female founders across the globe.

IN EPISODE 248:Some people manage by default. The good ones manage by design. In Episode 248, Ali Merchant highlights the ways "all in" managers stand out, especially when it comes to sharing feedback. We discuss practical strategies for improving feedback conversations and positive communication in the workplace. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned vet, there's a lot of useful tips here that can help you make your next feedback conversation your best one yet.ABOUT ALI MERCHANT:Ali Merchant is the founder of All-In Manager, a leadershipdevelopment company. He's trained thousands of managers and coached hundreds of senior leaders worldwide and is the author of, The All-In Manager: Be a Better Leader Today, Not Someday.

IN EPISODE 247:There's nothing wrong with showing some emotion at work - as long as we do it right. In Episode 247, Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, talks about the importance of emotional expression in the workplace. We discuss why showing up authentically can lead to a more human and productive work environment. Claude introduces three pillars of emotional engagement: emotional optimism, emotional bravery, and emotional efficiency, and emphasizes the significance of good citizenship within teams. ABOUT CLAUDE SILVER: Claude Silver is  the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX where shepartners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive their success. She's the recipient of several awards, including AdWeek's "Changing the Game Award," and has helped organizations like Meta, Google, and the US Armed Forces improvetheir talent and workplace culture. Claude is the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart.

IN EPISODE 246: Humble leaders don't see themselves as better than others - they try to make others better. In Episode 246, former NATO commander Urs Koenig explores the beliefs and behaviors of radical humility and why humble leaders stand out with their approach. We cover lots of ground here, including how to lead relationally and focus on strategy, not tactics; how to build a leadership factory where we train people to leave us; and how to get honest feedback from others without creating fear or friction. Humble leaders are less involved but more relevant - and after listening to Urs, you'll be ready to start practicing radical humility as well. ABOUT URS KOENIG:Urs Koenig is a former United Nations military peacekeeper and NATO military peacekeeping commander, a highly accomplished ultra-endurance champion, a widely published professor, bestselling author, and a seasoned executive coach and keynote speaker. His new book is Radical Humility.

IN EPISODE 245: The best leaders bring out the best in others - something they do by choice, not chance. In Episode 245, Matt Tenney shares a systematic and scalable way to inspire greatness in your team. We discuss the three most important needs of employees; why frequent feedback is more effective than occasional surveys; and how to approach someone who doesn't seem inspired to grow. This episode is packed with practical tips and powerful insights that will inspire you to unlock the greatness in others - and yourself. ABOUT MATT TENNEY:Matt Tenney is the author of three leadership books, including the national bestseller, "Inspire Greatness: How to Motivate Employees with a Simple, Repeatable, Scalable Process." His TED talk on leading with love has been viewed over 1 million times, and he's developed leadership programs for companies like Salesforce, T. Rowe Price, Marriott and United Airlines.

IN EPISODE 244:If you want to lead others, start by managing yourself. In Episode 244, Margaret Andrews drops by to explore the practice of self-leadership. We discuss why a lack of self-understanding can derail our career, how to close the knowing-doing gap with feedback and coaching, and how to set and adapt to an organization's cultural beat. ABOUT MARGARET ANDREWS:Margaret C. Andrews is a seasoned executive, academic leader, speaker, and instructor. She has created and teaches a variety of leadership courses and professional and executive programs at Harvard University and is the founder of the MYLO Center, a private leadership development firm. She's worked with Amazon, Citi, Continental, Walmart, Wayfair, and the United Nations, and is the author of Manage Yourself to Lead Others: Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding.