Make Work Work Better

Summary   In this episode of the Make Work Work Better podcast, host Marc Reynolds engages with Sean Vassilaros, an entrepreneur and leader passionate about improving workplace dynamics. Sean shares his journey from starting a tech company in the 90s to navigating personal and professional challenges, emphasizing the importance of optimism, character, and purpose in leadership. He discusses his involvement with Operation Underground Railroad, a nonprofit fighting human trafficking, and highlights the significance of character traits in effective leadership. The conversation culminates in Sean's advocacy for 'character intelligence' as a vital component in today's business landscape, aiming to restore integrity and purpose in the workplace.   Takeaways Optimism can significantly impact leadership effectiveness. The character traits of integrity, accountability, humility, respect, confidence, and grit are essential for good leadership. Character intelligence is crucial in today's business environment. The importance of acknowledging challenges in the workplace. Creating a culture that values character can transform organizations. Check out Sean's Daughter's Foundation Check out Sean's new startup Kanny.com Check out Operation Underground Railroad  Sound Bites "I want to embrace optimism in everything we do." "We need leaders with integrity and humility." "Character intelligence is crucial in today's world." "A handshake should mean something again." "We need to reward character in the workplace." "Let's change the world with character intelligence." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Making Work Work Better 01:40 Sean's Entrepreneurial Journey 06:50 The Importance of Optimism in Leadership 15:18 Involvement with Operation Underground Railroad 21:05 Character Traits in Leadership 33:58 Creating a Foundation in Honor of a Daughter 39:15 Championing Character Intelligence   Keywords   leadership, optimism, entrepreneurship, character traits, human trafficking, purpose, healthcare, technology, personal growth, nonprofit

Summary   In this workshop, Marc Reynolds discusses how business leaders can foster a positive workplace culture by encouraging employees to provide solutions to problems rather than just pointing them out. He emphasizes the importance of creating solution-oriented feedback channels, empowering employees, and conducting solution-driven meetings to enhance team effectiveness and navigate challenges effectively.   Takeaways Encourage employees to present solutions alongside problems. Create accessible channels for solution-oriented feedback. Empower employees with autonomy and decision-making authority. Recognize and reward proactive problem-solving efforts. Implement a yes and culture to foster collaboration. Train employees to take ownership of their responsibilities. Mistakes should be viewed as opportunities for progress. Regular meetings should focus on solutions, not just problems. Public acknowledgment of contributions boosts morale. Fostering a culture of asking for help enhances teamwork. Chapters   00:00 Fostering a Solution-Oriented Workplace Culture 03:07 Empowerment and Ownership in Problem Solving 05:48 Creating Solution-Driven Meetings and Collaboration   Keywords   workplace culture, problem solving, employee empowerment, team effectiveness, feedback channels, solution-oriented mindset

Summary   In this conversation, Dr. Marc Reynolds discusses how business leaders can foster creativity and innovation within their teams. He outlines three practical strategies: organizing idea incubation sessions, allocating innovation time off, and providing opportunities for continuous learning. By implementing these strategies, leaders can create a more positive workplace culture and enhance team effectiveness.   Takeaways Fostering creativity is essential for team effectiveness. Idea incubation sessions can stimulate innovative thinking. Innovation time off allows employees to explore passion projects. Continuous learning opportunities enhance creativity. Executives should actively participate in creative initiatives. Breaking down hierarchy encourages open idea sharing. Curiosity is crucial for fostering innovation. Workshops can help structure innovation time effectively. Sharing knowledge within teams promotes a culture of learning. Implementing these strategies can transform workplace culture. Chapters 00:00 Fostering Creativity and Innovation in the Workplace 03:00 Implementing Practical Strategies for Innovation   Keywords   Creativity, innovation, workplace culture, team effectiveness, idea incubation, continuous learning, passion projects, executive leadership

To learn how we can help you make work work better visit us at: DrMarcConsulting.com   Summary   In this conversation, Dr. Marc Reynolds discusses the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing team effectiveness through practical strategies aimed at preventing burnout and promoting work-life balance. He emphasizes the significance of understanding Maslow's hierarchy of needs and provides actionable solutions for business leaders to implement flexible work schedules, mandatory breaks, and wellness programs to support their employees' well-being.   Takeaways Fostering a positive workplace culture is essential for leaders. Understanding Maslow's hierarchy of needs can help identify employee needs. Flexible work schedules can enhance productivity and work-life balance. Mandatory breaks and time off are crucial for employee creativity and innovation. Wellness programs support physical, mental, and emotional health. Creating a culture that prioritizes well-being leads to happier employees. Leaders should model work-life balance for their teams. High turnover rates are costly and hinder company progress. Integrating wellness activities into the workday can improve morale. Encouraging self-care is vital for preventing burnout. Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Work-Life Balance and Burnout Prevention 03:03 Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs 05:51 Practical Strategies for Enhancing Work-Life Balance   Keywords   work-life balance, burnout prevention, Maslow's hierarchy, flexible work schedules, employee wellness, productivity, workplace culture, mental health, leadership strategies, team effectiveness

Thank you for tuning in to the Make Work Work Better Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love to hear from you. Your thoughts and feedback help us continue delivering content that’s valuable to you. Click the button to follow us or subscribe and leave us a review to help us have a greater impact on making work work better.  Stay connected with us by visiting drmarcconsulting.com for more insights, resources, and services designed to help you optimize your organization and leadership strategies. Summary   In this workshop, Dr. Mark Reynolds discusses the principle of assuming positive intent and its transformative power in workplace interactions. He outlines three actionable strategies for leaders: creating a positive intent policy, offering training and workshops, and modeling positive intent through leadership. By implementing these strategies, organizations can foster better communication, reduce conflicts, and build a supportive work environment.   Takeaways Assuming positive intent can transform workplace interactions. Leaders must take responsibility for team dynamics. A positive intent policy can streamline communication. Training sessions can enhance understanding of positive intent. Leadership should model the behavior they wish to see. Recognizing positive intent reinforces a supportive culture. Regularly sharing success stories keeps principles top of mind. Effective communication is key to resolving misunderstandings. Creating a culture of positive intent improves employee engagement. Work-life balance is crucial for preventing burnout. Sound Bites "Assuming positive intent can transform interactions." "The problem is yours as a leader until you offer training." "Create a positive intent policy to save time." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Assuming Positive Intent 01:39 Implementing a Positive Intent Policy 03:27 Training and Workshops for Positive Intent 04:54 Leadership Modeling and Culture Building   Keywords assuming positive intent, workplace communication, leadership, employee engagement, conflict resolution, training workshops, positive workplace culture, work-life balance, burnout prevention Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your network! Let’s work together to make work work better—for everyone.

Summary   In this episode of the Make Work Work Better podcast, host Marc Reynolds interviews Matt Widdoes, a seasoned leader in marketing and user acquisition. Matt shares his journey from working with Red Bull to founding MAVEN, a company focused on helping businesses grow through a holistic approach to marketing and user acquisition. The conversation delves into leadership philosophies, the importance of empathy, time management techniques like time boxing, and the significance of work-life balance. Matt emphasizes the need for a positive company culture, the value of learning from failure, and the importance of accountability in leadership.   Takeaways Empathy and respect are crucial in leadership. Time boxing is an effective productivity technique. Work-life balance is essential for long-term success. Company culture reflects leadership values. Assuming positive intent fosters a better work environment. Learning from failure is key to growth. Accountability is vital in a successful team. Effective communication is necessary for problem-solving. Self-care should be prioritized in busy schedules. Leaders must do what they say they will do. Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Matt Widdoes and His Journey 03:06 Transitioning from Sales to Marketing 05:48 The Founding and Mission of MAVAN 09:06 Leadership Philosophy and Empathy in Management 11:52 Time Management and Productivity Techniques 17:06 Work-Life Balance and Self-Care 19:50 Company Culture and Leadership Values 24:09 Overcoming Common Workplace Challenges 30:10 Learning from Failure and Accountability 36:52 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways   Keywords   leadership, marketing, productivity, work-life balance, company culture, empathy, self-care, time management, user acquisition, growth strategies

Summary   In this conversation, Dr. Marc Reynolds discusses the importance of active listening and curiosity in fostering a positive workplace culture. He provides three practical tips that business leaders can implement today to enhance these skills in themselves and their teams. The tips include organizing active listening workshops, implementing listening and curiosity challenges, and conducting feedback and reflection sessions. By investing in these strategies, leaders can create meaningful interactions, impact people's lives, and improve overall work effectiveness.   Takeaways Active listening is crucial for fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing team effectiveness. Curiosity helps individuals feel seen, heard, valued, and loved in their interactions. Three practical tips to foster active listening and curiosity are: organizing workshops, implementing challenges, and conducting feedback sessions. These strategies can lead to meaningful interactions, improved communication, and overall work effectiveness. Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Problem Statement 01:31 The Importance of Active Listening and Curiosity 02:19 Tip 1: Organize Active Listening Workshops 03:11 Tip 2: Implement Listening and Curiosity Challenges 04:03 Tip 3: Conduct Feedback and Reflection Sessions 04:32 Conclusion and Call to Action   Keywords   active listening, curiosity, workplace culture, team effectiveness, strategic objectives, workshops, challenges, feedback, reflection

Summary   In this conversation, Dr. Marc Reynolds discusses the importance of role-playing exercises in fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing team effectiveness. He emphasizes the need to practice and build muscle memory in a low-stakes environment before facing high-risk or tense situations.   Dr. Reynolds suggests organizing interactive workshops where employees can role-play scenarios directly related to their daily work challenges. He also highlights the benefits of role-playing in improving communication skills and increasing confidence.   Additionally, Dr. Reynolds recommends integrating short role-playing segments into regular team meetings and hosting leadership role-playing sessions led by senior leaders. By actively participating in role-playing exercises, leaders can demonstrate the importance of these exercises and create a supportive atmosphere for learning and growth.   Takeaways Role-playing exercises help build muscle memory and prepare employees for real-life situations. Interactive workshops based on real-life scenarios can make role-playing more engaging and relevant. Integrating role-playing segments into team meetings can improve communication skills and confidence. Leadership role-playing sessions led by senior leaders can demonstrate the importance of role-playing and create a supportive learning environment. Chapters   00:00 Building Muscle Memory Through Role-Playing Exercises 01:40 Engaging Employees with Interactive Workshops 02:59 Improving Communication Skills and Confidence Through Role-Playing 04:50 Demonstrating Leadership Through Role-Playing Sessions   Keywords   role-playing exercises, workplace culture, team effectiveness, practice, interactive workshops, communication skills, confidence, team meetings, leadership role-playing sessions

Summary   In this conversation, Dr. Marc Reynolds discusses the importance of promoting authenticity in the workplace, especially during times of change such as mergers or leadership transitions. He highlights executives' challenges in maintaining trust and transparency, aligning cultures, addressing employee concerns, and balancing performance and productivity.   Dr. Reynolds provides three practical ideas to promote authenticity: transparent communication, recognition programs for core values, and authenticity workshops and training. He emphasizes the significance of authenticity in building meaningful connections and relationships and encourages open dialogue and sharing experiences related to authenticity.   Takeaways Promoting authenticity in the workplace is crucial for building trust and maintaining a positive workplace culture. During times of change, such as mergers or leadership transitions, executives face challenges in maintaining transparency and addressing employee concerns. Transparent communication, recognition programs for core values, and authenticity workshops and training are practical ways to promote authenticity. Authenticity is essential in building meaningful connections and relationships and is especially important in sales and customer relationships. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 03:18 Balancing Authenticity and Business Objectives 04:15 Practical Ideas to Promote Authenticity 05:37 The Significance of Authenticity in Building Connections and Relationships 07:01 Authenticity Workshops and Training 07:59 Conclusion   Keywords   authenticity, workplace culture, team effectiveness, challenges, strategic objectives, business leaders, mergers, uncertainty, culture integration, job redundancies, trust, transparency, aligning cultures, employee concerns, performance, productivity, balancing act, communication, recognition programs, authenticity workshops, training, meaningful connections, relationships

Summary   Kerry Grueneich shares her career journey in the telecommunications industry, starting as a sales rep and eventually becoming a VP of Sales Enablement. She emphasizes the importance of active listening, curiosity, and authenticity in sales. Kerry also discusses the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field and the need to break free from self-imposed pressure to overachieve. She believes in empowering others, building genuine connections, and creating a supportive company culture.   Takeaways Active listening and curiosity are key skills in sales. Authenticity and empathy are important in leadership. Challenges exist for women in male-dominated fields, but progress is being made. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can contribute to success. Building genuine connections and empowering others create a positive company culture. Chapters   00:00 Kerry Grueneich's Career Journey in Telecommunications 08:07 The Power of Active Listening and Authenticity in Sales 24:14 Challenges and Empowerment for Women in the Workplace 31:30 Creating a Supportive Company Culture through Genuine Connections   Keywords   telecommunications, sales, career journey, active listening, curiosity, authenticity, challenges, woman in the workplace, leadership, empowerment, company culture   #telecommunications #sales #careerjourney #activelistening #curiosity #authenticity #challenges #womanintheworkplace #leadership #empowerment #company culture

Summary   In this conversation, Dr. Marc Reynolds discusses how to navigate pain points that are beyond your control and still make positive change. He shares three practical tips: focusing on what you can control, focusing on solutions rather than problems, and building resilience by seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. By implementing these tips, you can foster a positive workplace and enhance team effectiveness.   Takeaways Focus on what you can control and take action in your sphere of influence. Redirect conversations from problems to solutions. See challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Celebrate wins and build resilience in the workplace. Chapters   00:00 Introduction: Navigating Pain Points Beyond Your Control 01:38 Chapter 1: Focusing on What You Can Control 02:35 Chapter 2: Shifting from Problems to Solutions 03:33 Chapter 3: Building Resilience and Celebrating Wins   Keywords   pain points, workplace, team effectiveness, challenges, solutions, resilience, positive change

Summary   In this conversation, Dr. Marc Reynolds explores the power of externalizing thoughts and plans with your team. He discusses the benefits of externalization, such as team alignment, increased employee engagement, and promotion of innovation. Dr. Reynolds provides practical tips for capitalizing on this power, including tying everything back to mission or values, pointing out successes, and focusing on positive feedback. He also emphasizes the importance of avoiding common pitfalls in feedback and idea-sharing, such as using the 'but' statement and shutting down ideas. Dr. Reynolds concludes by highlighting the significance of returning and reporting as part of company culture.   Takeaways Externalizing thoughts and plans with your team enhances team alignment, increases employee engagement, and promotes innovation. Tie everything back to your mission or values to create a sense of purpose and guide decision-making. Point out successes and provide positive feedback to encourage employees and foster a culture of celebration. Avoid common pitfalls in feedback and idea-sharing, such as using the 'but' statement and shutting down ideas. Make returning and reporting a part of company culture to empower employees and ensure accountability. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 02:37 Celebrating the Positive 03:02 Avoiding Common Pitfalls 04:30 Setting Clear Time Limits 05:39 Making Returning and Reporting a Part of Company Culture 06:09 Conclusion   Keywords   externalizing thoughts, team alignment, employee engagement, innovation, positive feedback, idea-sharing, returning and reporting, company culture

Summary   In this mini workshop, Dr. Marc Reynolds shares three practical tips for curating, uplifting, and maintaining a culture of excellence without fear-based motivation. The first tip is to lead by example and create a process-oriented company focused on growth and evolution. The second tip is to set clear expectations, communicate realistic goals, and provide necessary support. The third tip is to foster open communication and create an environment where feedback is encouraged and valued. The key takeaways include demonstrating excellence, clarifying communication, and embracing feedback.   Takeaways Share you evolution to excellence in your own work ethic and decision making in real time. Clarify communication by asking for restatements and avoiding assumptions. Foster open communication and create an environment where feedback is encouraged and valued. Sound Bites "Curate, uplift, and maintain a culture of excellence" "Motivate people in a way that uplifts them" "Set clear expectations, communicate realistic goals, and provide necessary support" Chapters   00:00 Introduction 01:25 Motivating People in a Positive Way 03:18 Setting Clear Expectations and Goals 05:10 Fostering Open Communication 07:36 Conclusion   Keywords   workplace culture, team effectiveness, challenges, strategic objectives, fear-based motivation, curating, uplifting, maintaining, excellence, lead by example, process-oriented company, growth, evolution, clear expectations, realistic goals, support, open communication, feedback

Summary   Dana Oaks, a former hospital executive, shares insights on making work better in the healthcare industry. He emphasizes the importance of caring for employees and showing them that they are valued. Dana believes that a leader's role is to curate, uplift, and maintain a culture of excellence. He shares examples of how he personally connected with employees and patients to build trust and create a positive work environment. Dana also discusses the challenges of being a CEO in the healthcare industry, including dealing with regulations and unexpected issues. He advises future executives to understand the sacred privilege of working in healthcare and to prioritize taking care of people.   Takeaways Caring for employees and showing them that they are valued is crucial for creating a positive work environment. Leaders should curate, uplift, and maintain a culture of excellence. Building trust with employees and patients is essential for effective leadership. Dealing with regulations and unexpected issues is a challenge for healthcare executives. Working in healthcare is a sacred privilege that requires prioritizing the care of people. Sound Bites "Caring needs to be visible to the employees and team members." "Building trust with employees and patients is crucial." "Difficult tasks become easier with practice and finding your own style." Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Career Journey 04:54 Lessons on Making Work Better 08:42 Counterculture Moves and Building Trust 18:06 Turning Liability into Asset and Lessons Learned 25:41 Dealing with Challenges as a CEO 33:16 The Sacred Privilege of Working in Healthcare   Keywords   healthcare, leadership, employee care, patient care, trust, culture of excellence, challenges, regulations, Dana Oaks, Scribematic   #healthcare #leadership #employeecare #patientcare #trust #cultureofexcellence #challenges #regulations #DanaOaks #Scribematic

Summary   In this episode, Dr. Marc Reynolds discusses the value of sitting in silence and provides practical tips on how to apply it. He highlights two situations where sitting in silence is crucial: during one-on-one conversations and before meetings or presentations. Dr. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of listening, planning questions, and giving others the opportunity to think and respond authentically. He also explains how sitting in silence can create a space for open communication and better decision-making. The episode concludes with actionable steps to incorporate silence into daily routines.   Takeaways Sitting in silence allows for better communication and understanding in one-on-one conversations. Taking time to listen and plan questions leads to more effective communication. Silence gives others the opportunity to speak and be heard, fostering a more open and authentic dialogue. Sitting in silence before meetings or presentations helps calm the mind and improve decision-making. Incorporating silence into daily routines can lead to better self-control and influential leadership. Titles The Value of Sitting in Silence Creating Space for Open Communication Sound Bites "If you talk to any expert interviewer, they will tell you the most powerful tool is silence." "A common trend I see when I'm working with executives is that they never stop. They're always going." "Executives should be in control, but the primary way that they need to be in control isn't of other people. It's in control of themselves." Chapters   00:00 Introduction 02:02 Sitting in Silence in One-on-One Conversations 03:28 Creating Space for Open Communication 04:25 Sitting in Silence for Better Decision-Making 05:22 Incorporating Silence into Daily Routines 07:19 Conclusion   Keywords   sitting in silence, communication, listening, decision-making, meetings, interviews, self-control   #sittinginsilence #communication #listening #decision-making #meetings #interviews #self-control #FYVConsulting #DrMarcReynolds #Consulting #Coaching #ExecutiveCoach

Summary   In this post-interview episode, Dr. Marc Reynolds discusses the importance of managing ego in personal and professional relationships. He provides practical tips for recognizing and balancing ego, as well as strategies for checking and managing ego in the workplace. The episode emphasizes the impact of ego on communication, relationships, conflict resolution, leadership, and personal growth.   Chapters   00:00  Managing Ego in Personal and Professional Relationships 03:25  Recognizing and Balancing Ego 07:41   Strategies for Checking and Managing Ego   Takeaways Managing ego is crucial for improved communication, healthier relationships, conflict resolution, effective leadership, and personal growth. Recognizing ego in oneself involves identifying signs such as defensiveness, inflexibility, seeking validation, blaming others, and a constant need for control. Balancing self-confidence and humility in a professional setting involves acknowledging strengths and limitations, practicing active listening, seeking feedback, showing empathy, and continuously learning and growing. #egomanagement #personalgrowth #communication #conflict resolution #leadership #workplacerelationships #MakeWorkWorkBetter #Dr.MarcReynolds #FYVConsulting

Summary   Lauren Crampsie shares her career journey, insights on making work work better, and practical leadership advice. She emphasizes the importance of understanding ego, embracing silence, and being authentic. She challenges the notion of top performers and highlights the significance of addressing the 'rotten fruit' in a team. Lauren also advocates for the value of offending and the need for genuine communication.   Chapters   00:00  Lauren's Career Journey and Leadership Insights 04:48  Challenging the Notion of Top Performers and Team Dynamics 06:35  Life-proofing your self-value   11:30   Take time to understand how your past influences you 12:20   The importance of understanding ego 15:08   "I don't like words like Executive." 16:05   "Treat everyone like they are the CEO" 17:00     Embrace silence 19:18    Importance of prioritizing and fostering genuine relationships 22:53    Detox your brain 24:14.    Highlights the significance of addressing the 'rotten fruit' in a team. 29:36    "Never, ever, ever be afraid to offend someone."   Takeaways Understanding ego and its impact on leadership and personal growth Embracing silence as a tool for self-reflection and clarity Giving extra attention to the 'rotten fruit' in a team to improve dynamics and performance Advocating for genuine communication and the value of offending during early career in leadership Challenging the notion of focusing on top performers and emphasizing the importance of the entire team Sound Bites "Your ego is not your amigo." "I don't like words like Executive." "Treat everyone like they are the CEO" #careerjourney #leadership #ego #silence #authenticity #teamdynamics #offending #communication #servantleadership #CEO #President #Journaling #LaurenCrampsie #MakeWorkWorkBetter #FYVConsulting

Summary:        The Make Work Work Better podcast, hosted by Dr. Marc Reynolds, aims to provide a platform for executives and leaders to share the lessons they have learned about making work work better for themselves and their teams. The podcast includes interviews and mini-workshops, offering specific tips and practical applications related to the interviews.        Dr. Reynolds shares his career pivot from opera stage directing to executive coaching and corporate consulting, highlighting the relevance of his previous experience in his current role. FYV Consulting focuses on executive coaching and third-party skip level interviews, offering unique processes and services to empower employees and help executives hear their employees.   Takeaways The podcast aims to provide a platform for leaders to share lessons they have learned. Dr. Reynolds shares his career pivot from opera stage directing to executive coaching and corporate consulting, highlighting the relevance of his previous experience in his current role. FYV Consulting focuses on executive coaching and third-party skip level interviews, offering unique processes and services to empower employees and help executives hear their employees. Chapters   00:00 Welcome to the Podcast & Exploring Leadership and Voice 01:40  2 different episode types explained. 2:29   Dr. Marc Reynolds' story 03:00 Strange Career Pivot and Relevance 03:35 Working with Large Groups 04:00 Expertise in communication 05:00  Working with Diverse Teams to help efficiency and quality of collaboration 06:10  From opera to business.   06:51  What does FYV Consulting do? 08:01  Executive Coaching 11:27  Third-Party Skip-Level Interviews - Empowering Employees and Executives 14:58  Other Services   15:42  Check us out at fyvconsulting.com   #MakeWorkWorkBetter #podcast #executivecoaching #corporateconsulting #leadership #voice #workshops #careerpivot #FYVConsulting #skiplevelinterviews #employeeempowerment #communication #conflictresolution #managementtraining #changeleadership #teamefficiencies