Work Less, Be More Productive

In this entertaining and enlightening conversation, expert and coauthor of Do More in Four: Why It's Time for a Shorter Workweek Joe O'Connor sits down with Alexis and Sally to unpack why a shortened work week truly works. They discuss the historical context of the work week, the necessity of a shorter work week, and the impact of technology and AI on productivity. Joe emphasizes the importance of addressing busy work and pseudo work, advocating for a four-day work week as a strategic tool for organizations. This wide-ranging discussion also covers the role of AI in shaping the future of work and the need for a cultural shift in workplace expectations.Key takeawaysThe modern work week is a construct from the Industrial Revolution.Productivity gains have not translated into reduced working hours for many.AI has the potential to change the nature of work and productivity.Busy work and pseudo work are prevalent in today's work culture.A four-day work week can help attract and retain talent.Implementing a shorter work week requires careful planning and consultation.AI can help streamline processes and reduce workload.Cultural norms around work need to shift to prioritize well-being.Advocating for a shorter work week should focus on mutual benefits for employees and employers.The future of work will require a balance between technology and human-centered approaches.Learn more at liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Brain Snack from Live+Work More Human. In this conversation, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner engage with Margaret Andrews, a leadership expert, to explore the essential connection between self-management and effective leadership. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, understanding one's intentions versus behaviors, and the kindness inherent in self-understanding. The dialogue emphasizes that true leadership begins with a deep understanding of oneself, which ultimately benefits both the leader and their team.TakeawaysUnderstanding yourself is crucial for effective leadership.Self-reflection helps identify the type of leader you are and want to be.There is often a gap between intentions and actual behaviors.Leaders may feel misunderstood when their intentions don't match their actions.Slowing down can lead to better leadership outcomes.Self-management is not selfish; it's kind to yourself and others.Effective leadership requires ongoing self-assessment and growth.Listening and delegation are key skills for leaders to develop.High achievers may struggle with feeling stuck despite their efforts.Leadership is an inside job that requires personal insight. Chapters00:00 The Importance of Self-Management in Leadership02:29 Understanding and Managing Yourself05:26 The Role of Self-Reflection in Leadership06:26 Introduction to Human-Centric WorkplacesLearn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exploratory conversation, Sally and Alexis sit down with Christopher as he shares insights from his brand new book on courage. Christopher emphasizes that courage is a choice and a skill that can be developed. He discusses the importance of self-reflection, the impact of fear, and unpacks for us the seven choices that embody courage. The conversation also touches on personal stories of inspiration and the contagious nature of courage within communities.Key Takeaways:Courage is a choice we can actively make.It is essential to unmask our fears to understand them better.Courage can be developed as a skill over time.Self-reflection is crucial in understanding our motivations.The journey to courage often involves discomfort and growth.Failure should be viewed as a part of the growth process.Joy can be a strategic approach to resilience.Courage is not just for the extraordinary; it is accessible to everyone.Our personal stories can inspire others to be courageous.Courage is about serving a greater purpose beyond oneself.Chapters00:00 The Journey to Writing About Courage03:33 Defining Courage: A Personal Exploration08:49 Courage: More Than Just Bravery09:33 Defining Courage: A Thoughtful Exploration12:17 The Role of Humility in Courage14:21 Navigating Complexity: Courage in Action19:14 Courage as a Superpower22:39 The Seven Choices of Courage33:11 Rejecting Negative Voices: A Courageous Choice44:19 Everyday Courage: Inspiration from Our LivesLearn more about Christopher, his work and his incredible book at liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Brain Snack from Live+Work More Human. In this conversation, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner engage with Muriel Wilkins to explore the concept of being 'blocked' as a leader. They discuss how these blockages stem from underlying beliefs that can hinder effective leadership. Muriel introduces seven common blockers that leaders face, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root causes of these beliefs to foster personal and organizational growth. The discussion highlights the interplay between personal experiences and professional roles, advocating for a holistic approach to leadership development.TakeawaysBeing blocked as a leader can manifest in various ways.Understanding the beliefs behind behaviors is crucial.Blockers can stem from personal experiences and fears.The journey of unblocking is ongoing and requires self-reflection.Leaders often experience multiple blockers at different times.The seven blockers identified are common among leaders.Recognizing when beliefs support or hinder leadership is key.Leadership is about being a whole person, not just a role.Unpacking the origin of beliefs can lead to better leadership.Effective leadership requires addressing both behaviors and underlying beliefs.Chapters00:00 Understanding Leadership Blockages03:43 Exploring the Seven Blockers06:39 Unpacking the 'Need to Be Involved' Blocker09:41 The Impact of Fear on Leadership11:15 Introduction to Human-Centric Workplaces11:18 The Importance of Employee Well-BeingLearn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leadership is undergoing a significant transformation, raising the question: Is leadership dead? While it’s certainly not extinct, recent studies suggest that leadership is facing a branding crisis. With a growing number of leaders contemplating their roles for better work-life balance, it’s essential to explore what these changes mean for the future of leadership.In this episode, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner do just this: they dissect the evolving perception of leadership amidst generational shifts, societal pressures, and workplace transformations. Discover how future leadership can be rebranded to attract and sustain talent, with insights on wellbeing, autonomy, and meaningful work.Key Takeaways:The leadership branding crisis: Why younger generations are reconsidering leadership rolesData highlights: 40% of leaders contemplating leaving for work-life balance; Gen Z's unique leadership aspirationsShift from linear career paths to lateral moves and skill diversificationBurnout risks: The impact of linear career expectations on wellbeingMaking leadership roles attractive: Compensation, meaning, wellbeing, and flexibilityThe importance of designing sustainable leadership structuresCreating alternative career paths beyond traditional managementDecentralizing decision-making to empower teams and reduce leader burdenReframing leadership as a growth opportunity aligned with millennial and Gen Z valuesRole of organizational culture in supporting healthy leadership practicesRethinking in-office expectations and remote leadership modelsThe potential of sharing leadership responsibilities within teamsLearn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Brain Snack from Live+Work More Human. In this sizzling and succinct conversation, we sit down with Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic to discuss the intricacies of authenticity in leadership, the challenges of self-deception, and the importance of understanding the impact of your actions on others. The dialogue explores the balance between being true to yourself and being aware of how you're is perceived by others, emphasizing the need for self-awareness in effective leadership.TakeawaysAuthenticity is often oversimplified in leadership advice.Children learn the importance of pro-social lying early on.Self-deception can hinder effective leadership.Leaders must balance honesty with empathy.The intention-impact gap highlights the disconnect in leadership.Self-awareness is crucial for understanding one's impact on others.Caring about what others think can enhance leadership effectiveness.Narcissism in leadership can be detrimental to team dynamics.Cultural differences influence perceptions of authenticity.Effective leaders curate a consistent professional self.Chapters00:00 The Complexity of Authenticity12:29 Introduction to Human-Centric Workplaces12:29 The Importance of Employee Well-BeingLearn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does success in our careers hinge on understanding and managing ourselves? And what's the first step on this journey towards upleveling your career and your leadership?In this enlightening and wide-ranging conversation, Sally and Alexis sit down with Margaret Andrews, a leadership expert and author, to explore the critical importance of self-understanding in effective leadership. They discuss how managing oneself is essential for leading others, the significance of bridging the intention-impact gap, and the role of interpersonal skills in fostering a positive workplace culture. The conversation also delves into the costs of poor leadership and the necessity of investing in emotional intelligence and self-management for organizational success. Margaret shares practical questions for leaders to reflect on their journey towards better self-management and leadership effectiveness.Key takeaways:Why understanding and managing ourselves is crucial for effective leadership.How self-awareness leads to better understanding of others.The reasons the intention-impact gap is a key concept in leadership.That self-management is an ongoing journey for leaders.Why interpersonal skills are more important than technical skills in leadership.The key reasons poor leadership can lead to high turnover and low morale.How investing in leadership development is essential for organizational success.Why human skills are increasingly vital in the age of AI.That leaders should treat employees as individuals, not resources.How the journey of self-reflection is the first step towards becoming a better leader.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Self-Management in Leadership02:52 Understanding and Managing Yourself05:49 The Role of Self-Reflection in Leadership08:56 The Journey of Leadership Development11:55 Characteristics of Great Bosses17:41 The Impact of Emotional Intelligence23:50 The Necessity of Human Skills in the Age of AI29:53 Investing in Leadership Development32:42 Starting Your Journey to Better Leadership34:53 Introduction to Human-Centric Leadership36:53 Insights from Margaret Andrews on Leadership DevelopmentLearn more about Margaret and her incredible work and order her brilliant book at the Live+Work More Human website right here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Brain Snack from Live+Work More Human. In this conversation, Sally and Alexis explore the concept of 'uncompete' with Ruchika T. Malhotra, discussing how to shift from a competitive mindset to one that fosters collaboration and inclusion. They delve into the importance of resetting your mindset, especially in competitive environments, and how redefining success can lead to more meaningful outcomes in both personal and professional contexts.TakeawaysUncompete is a necessary mindset shift.Resetting your mindset is foundational to change.Competition can be insidious and limiting.Collaboration can lead to better outcomes.Negotiation should aim for win-win situations.The legal profession often fosters an adversarial mindset.Designing for impact is crucial in leadership.Personal relationships can be prioritized over competition.The cost of competition can be isolating and high.Chapters00:00 Reframing Comparison and Envy02:01 Building Community and Support05:04 Seeking Peace as a Form of ResistanceLearn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This incredibly timely conversation between your hosts Alexis and Sally delves into the complex relationship between loneliness and work identity, exploring how societal pressures and personal experiences shape our connection to work and each other. Sharing personal experience as well as data and expertise, Sally and Alexis discuss the impact of technology on social interactions, the challenges of forming adult friendships, and the responsibility of organizations to foster a sense of belonging. We share candid personal anecdotes and practical strategies for combating loneliness that will resonate for everyone, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and meaningful connections.Key insights include:How loneliness is increasingly recognized as a societal issue.Why work can become a primary source of identity, leading to over-investment in professional roles.The ways creating belonging in organizations is essential for employee well-being.How personal experiences of loneliness can inform our understanding of workplace dynamics.The role of technology in facilitating connections (but why it shouldn't replace in-person interactions!).How engaging in community activities can foster deeper connections.Real talk: adult friendships are hard.Why we feel organizations have a responsibility to address employee loneliness.The ways in which courageous acts of connection can have a ripple effect.Why for all of us, finding meaning beyond work is crucial for mental health.Chapters00:00 Exploring Loneliness and Work13:39 Personal Experiences of Loneliness24:58 The Role of Technology in Connection33:55 Organizational Responsibility in Combating LonelinessLearn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Thank you for being an incredible part of the Live+Work More Human community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest Brain Snack from Live+Work More Human. In this conversation, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner speak with Tyler Rice to explore the concept of digital wellness, emphasizing the importance of finding balance with technology in our lives and workplaces. They discuss the challenges posed by an always-on culture, the significance of tactical disconnection, and practical strategies for achieving a healthier relationship with technology.TakeawaysDigital wellness is essential for flourishing in the digital age.Tactical disconnection involves small, intentional breaks from technology.The shift to remote work has heightened the need for digital wellness.Productivity should not be solely measured by connectivity.Finding balance with technology is crucial for mental health.Optimal usage of technology varies for each individual.Intention plays a key role in determining optimal technology use.The evolution of technology has changed our work-life dynamics.Disconnection can be as important as connection.Creating a healthy relationship with technology requires conscious effort.Chapters00:00 Understanding Digital Wellness03:45 The Importance of Digital Wellness at Work06:46 Tipping Points in Technology and Work-Life Balance09:45 Defining Tactical Disconnection11:43 Introduction to Human-Centric WorkplacesLearn more at www.liveandworkmorehuman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.