22: Stop Reading Business Books

In this episode, Jacob and Casey dive deep into the topic of goals, exploring the common perceptions and challenges leaders face when setting and achieving them. They discuss goals in a leadership context, and highlight the often negative connotations associated with goals, such as doom, gloom, and the pressurethat comes from high expectations. The episode is divided into two main sections: what to do when you realize you might miss a goal and what to do after you have officially missed it. They stress the importance of acknowledging potential issues early and communicating transparently with stakeholders. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, Jacob and Casey's discussion provides a thoughtful and encouraging perspective on the journey towards achieving your goals.

In this episode, Casey and Jacob discuss their favorite productivity apps and tools. They also share their experiences with analog tools like the Full Focus Planner and their preferred pens. They emphasize the importance of having a consistent strategy for organizing notes and emails, and discuss the benefits of having a good work bag. They caution against constantly switching between new apps. Mentioned in this episode: Flexibits | Fantastical | The calendar and tasks app you won't be able to live without. (https://flexibits.com/fantastical) Task Management Software Built For Pros - OmniFocus - The Omni Group (https://www.omnigroup.com/omnifocus) Nozbe - best project management and collaboration tool (https://nozbe.com/) Obsidian - Sharpen your thinking (https://obsidian.md/) Best Note Taking App - Organize Your Notes with Evernote (https://evernote.com/) TextExpander: #1 Text Replacement & Keyboard Shortcut App (https://textexpander.com/) LaunchBar 6 (https://obdev.at/products/launchbar/index.html) Irradiated Software - SizeUp - The Missing Window Manager (https://www.irradiatedsoftware.com/sizeup/) Keyboard Maestro: Work Faster with Macros for macOS (https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/) Readwise (https://readwise.io/) Amazon.com : Full Focus Leather Coil Planner by Michael Hyatt (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737211955?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_PQQ0M0MMAYM703HN4QR0&th=1) Amazon.com: Pilot, FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pens, Fine Point 0.7 mm (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZMFI88?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_MSDXJ0JYMGG2BK2TC1XD&th=1) Amazon.com: uniball Vision Elite Rollerball Pens with 0.5mm Fine Point Micro Tip (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IE9I?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_02DN2A8V9CDEM9KPD27P) Amazon.com: Care Touch Lens Cleaning Wipes for Eyeglasses (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCOUY05?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_PM7E96JNKRJ9QDR5R56J) TOM BIHN - Travel Bags - Laptop Bags - Backpacks - Totes (https://www.tombihn.com/) Drafts | Where Text Starts (https://getdrafts.com/)

In this episode, Jacob and Casey discuss the importance of hobbies in preventing burnout, maintaining motivation, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. They share their personal hobbies, ranging from stargazing and 3D printing to traveling and building Lego sets. They also discuss the therapeutic benefits of hobbies, such as relaxation, stress relief, and intellectual stimulation. Finally, they highlight the importance of hobbies being enjoyable, non-monetized, and not tied to a set timeline. Casey and Jacob encourage leaders to avoid hobbies that involve screens, especially for those who spend significant time working on computers. They are also encourage folks to be comfortable with changing hobbies if they no longer bring enjoyment, and to start small when picking a new hobby. Mentioned in this episode: Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul (https://a.co/d/2U4Z1VN) by Stewart Brown

In this second part of a two part topic on making ideas happen, Casey and Jacob discuss the art of project execution. But before they do they briefly recap the importance of capitalizing on inspiration and strategies for effective persuasion. They then share many tips for effective project execution, including what to do when it all goes to hell. Mentions in this episode: Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control (https://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Destiny-Power-Self-Control-Virtues/dp/0593191692?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1693273841&sr=8-1) by Ryan Holiday Leader Fables: Altitudes of Planning Overview (https://www.leaderfables.com/12)

In this next installment of Leader Fables, Jacob & Casey share their process for making ideas happen. They discuss the importance of capitalizing on fleeting inspiration, explore the art of persuasion, highlighting the use of leading questions and inclusive brainstorming to gain support for ideas. They conclude by sharing some tips for effective project execution strategies. Mentions in this episode: Drafts | Where Text Starts (https://getdrafts.com/) Mind Map & Brainstorm Ideas - MindNode (https://www.mindnode.com/) Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business (https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837?crid=1BKGRLX8XVBZG&qid=1691928871) Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't (https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Mastering-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019593?crid=1WXBQLO5X0AOL&qid=1691928964&s=books&sprefix=scaling+up%2Cstripbooks%2C136&sr=1-1) The Agile Samurai: How Agile Masters Deliver Great Software (https://www.amazon.com/Agile-Samurai-Software-Pragmatic-Programmers-ebook/dp/B00AYQNR5K?qid=1691929115&s=books&sprefix=agile+sam%2Cstripbooks%2C164&sr=1-1) David Tannen - The Inception Deck (http://davidtannen.com/project-managment/the-agile-samurai/102-the-inception-deck)

In this episode, Casey & Jacob explore helping your family love your job. They discuss the challenges leaders face in achieving work-life harmony and debunk the idea of work-life balance. They emphasize how your family's perception of your work impacts your success and well-being. They also share personal stories and provide practical strategies, such as loving your own work, setting boundaries, involving your family in your work life, and refraining from complaining. Ultimately, they stress the significance of cultivating a positive relationship between your family and your job for mutual support and fulfillment.

Travel, especially nowadays, is hectic. Join Jacob & Casey as they share their tried and true travel tips and tricks. They also discuss ways to stay focused, present, and maintain their routines while away from the comforts of home and office. Mentions in this episode include: Briggs & Riley ZDX-Expandable Luggage (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0873S4BV4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) Anker Portable Charger, USB-C Power Bank 20000mAh (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LG2X98F?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) Multi 5 in 1 Universal USB Fast Charging Cable (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09TBB4MFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q9MJKBV?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20)

Balancing finding inspiration and developing additional hard skills is essential for effective leadership. Join Casey & Jacob as they discuss the whys, whats, and hows of professional development, and ways to get the most of the many resources available to leaders. Mentions in this episode: Who Moved My Cheese (https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Amazing/dp/0399144463?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1685411948&sr=1-1&tag=leaderfables-20) WorkLife with Adam Grant: A debate with Malcolm Gladwell (https://www.ted.com/talks/worklife_with_adam_grant_a_debate_with_malcolm_gladwell) Tropical MBA (https://tropicalmba.com/) Masters of Scale (https://mastersofscale.com/) Disrupt Yourself Podcast with Whitney Johnson (https://disruptyourself.libsyn.com/) ReThinking (https://adamgrant.net/podcasts/rethinking/) Mac Power Users (https://www.relay.fm/mpu) The Deep Life by Cal Newport (https://www.thedeeplife.com/listen/) Revisionist History Podcast (https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history) The Tim Ferriss Show (https://tim.blog/podcast/) MIT Certificate Programs (https://professional.mit.edu/certificate-programs) Harvard Business School Online Courses (https://online.hbs.edu/) LinkedIn Learning (https://www.linkedin.com/learning)

Coping with and preventing burnout is an invaluable skill for team leaders. Join Jacob & Casey as they discuss identifying burnout, preventing it, and eliminating it when it rears its ugly head. Mentions in this Episode: The Five Altitudes of Planning Overview (https://www.leaderfables.com/12) Life Planning (https://www.leaderfables.com/16) Mastermind Groups (https://www.leaderfables.com/7) Burnout Is Everyone's Problem | WorkLife with Adam Grant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDUN_ArVqhM)

As a follow-up to their last episode on meetings, listen to Casey and Jacob share their thoughts on what makes for a good presentation. They discuss how to make presentations powerful by building impactful content, inviting audience interaction, and delivering a memorable intros and outros. They also share how to incorporate these elements into in-person and virtual presentations. This episode is for you if you're looking for tips on ensuring your next presentation inspires your audience.