Bob 'n Joyce Talk HR 'n OD

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce muse about the paradox of being 'all in.' With the world in disarray, many consider withdrawing and checking out but more often than not end up choosing engagement and purpose. So what is going on here? Being all in requires discipline and commitment to weather the tough patches. There is an expression that most of us start with the best of intentions and then life gets in the way. Well Joyce and I have been thrown a lot of life’s curveballs and we are still ‘all in’ on doing this work together. Join us to find out why we think this is so. Come on in. Grab a Snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce muse on the X factor in why some leaders excel and thrive. The context is today’s podcast was recorded on November 5th, America’s election day and a new leader will be chosen. By the time you read this, we all will know the results and hopefully, what we shared will make sense of why either Trump or Harris won. My bet is that the winner possessed many of the attributes of this X Factor. The bottom line is that while literally tens of thousands of leadership models have been written (We’ve created some of our own), what it often comes down to are a couple of the attributes you will hear today. So, Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome.

In this Episode, exactly one week before the U.S. elections, Bob’nJoyce take on the timely topic of getting unstuck when uncertainty and anxiety run rampant. As a country, we are trying to figure out how to move forward post-election despite half of the country being disappointed and angry. The same is true when a business is suddenly disrupted and what worked before no longer does. Bob’nJoyce lean into their experience and share lessons about ways to get organizations and its people unstuck and moving forward. Come joins us in this doozy (Joyce’s word) of a topic and join us in taking a much-needed respite from political ads. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Joyce shares the characteristics and unique qualities of high performing CEOs she has worked with over her career. Again, Joyce reaches into her treasure chest of written reflections and makes them available to you, our valued listeners. Her observations are anything but your typical list of traits or rigid leadership models. What she shares may surprise you. In Episode #165, Joyce shared a list of CEO flaws and flubs so it is only fair that we balance that with this episode. It is important to remember that all CEOs have flaws and signature strengths. This “perfect imperfection” is what makes a CEO both fully human and a leader worth following. There is a lot of really good ‘stuff’ packed in today’s conversation. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce interview Corey Spitzer - serial entrepreneur, IT expert, start-up guru, and business change agent. Corey is a fractional CTO who helps clients solve the thorniest of product development and business growth challenges. He describes himself as an interpreter of sorts helping tech and business development people communicate and collaborate better. Corey brings a wealth of experience and stories to help start-up execs get the most from their IT development teams. He is passionate about making a difference in the organizations and people he serves. We all know someone who loves riding on bumpy roads and solving hairy dilemmas. Corey is one of those people. And no, despite describing his work like making sausage, he has never actually done it as best we know. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss how a network of auto repair tradespeople loosely organize as entrepreneurs to provide value and quality. There are a lot of ideas and lessons to be gleaned from this entrepreneurial innovation - think outsourcing done where everyone, especially the customer, wins. What can the rest of us learn from their example about org structure and how, when, and where work gets done? In previous episodes, we discussed how org structures and traditional work arrangements are being replaced by innovative, flexible and, at times, counterintuitive approaches. We invite you to get curious about how your company can adapt using this innovative outsource model. Come on In. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss ways to unleash our best thinking when feeling stuck. We share concrete ideas to go from linear to lateral thinking that gets the creative juices following. In a world where dull thinking is way too common, these simple but effective ideas promote creativity and new thinking. You will get: * Meeting check-ins that get a group revved up and ready. * How to use synectics - a creative problem-solving that combines seemingly unrelated things. * An idea generator exercise that offers a lot of choices. * An exercise that gets every voice heard. This episode combines rigorous thinking with fun to bring out the best in our thinking. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss CEO flaws and flubs they observed while working with them. CEO’s are human and therefore imperfect. The good news is that those we worked with possessed strengths that offset their shortcomings. Come listen and assess which flaws you may have. Some of the flaws they observed include: Failure to stay disciplined about messaging what matters most again and again.. Being susceptible to flattery and praise that impacts judgment. Failure to hold in check the privilege and entitlement of power. Not staying in touch with the grit of the business. Being too protective and not demanding enough We grimaced a lot at our own flaws and suspect you will too so buckle up. So come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce address the challenge of moving from personal or organizational lethargy to vitality. Good leaders can sense the pulse of an organization and find ways to move the needle on the cultural vibe. So the question becomes how do you engage employees in order to make the shift? Here are a couple of areas we mused on: Responding to, ‘Well, it is what it is.’ Combating the malaise of boredom at work. The importance of leaning into the discomfort through dialogue (versus measuring it through stay surveys). The power of putting a name on what’s happening. Joyce and Bob get feisty and gritty about what they believe is an oft ignored but important aspect of a healthy organization. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce muse on the merits and limitations of setting goals. Goal setting can both energize and move you to action but can also discourage and demotivate. It begs the question as to how you accomplish the former and avoid the latter. This topic is timely given the 2024 Paris Olympics and the stories athletes share about how they became the best in the world. The recurring theme is the power of goal setting that propelled them to become the best. The conundrum is to tap into that kind of goal setting and avoid that which distracts and bores. Some take-a-ways include: * Good goal moves you past your fear. * Goal setting creates purpose and a path towards the next and that is a good thing. * The power of collaboration and ownership when setting goals. * Jettison goals that don’t inspire. This is a courageous act and not failing. * The danger of goals handed down from above. So come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce, go through a recent post where the author describes leadership attributes that makes a person worth following. While there are many leadership models, this one focuses on affinity, the ability to connect with others based on mutual respect and trust. The behaviors and attributes described in today’s podcast serves as a guide to assess how we are doing. Come listen to learn where you are nailing it and where you just might see an opportunity to be a better leader. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce rift on the importance of an organization’s culture being seen and understood. Our definition of culture is the way that a group solves problems, make decisions, and gets the work done. When these norms or assumptions no longer work, making your culture tangible and seen, is the first step to cultural change. To do this, we share ideas on how you can lead a conversation to make the unseen seen by having groups discuss these dimensions on a continuum of how things happen around here: Conflict – Direct and blunt or indirect and polite Tolerance for ambiguity – order and completeness or raggedy and chaotic Awareness of time – Fixed or fluid Emotions – expressive or controlled Perspective on the business – data/finance or intuition/art Freedom – Hierarchical or egalitarian Dress – Formal or informal Communication – Explicit and direct or implicit and indirect Great stuff here so… Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce share a list of OD values created by a team Joyce worked with several years ago. The list resonated with them but what matters more is if they ring true to you. These values are not exclusive to OD practitioners and apply to all of us who lead and we all lead at something. You probably won’t find these values on the ODN website or in an academic leadership article. This list is borne out of hard work, determination, and yes, screwing up. Our hope is after listening, you take a moment to reflect on the values important to doing your best work. Here are a few of ours: Embrace humor. Don’t take yourself too seriously and know when you are up on your high horse. Reside on the boundary. Know when you are kissing ass and betraying your work. Shrug when you screw up. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss the importance of HR/OD abandoning worn out approaches and rules that no longer cut it. In fact, past practices too often stifle creativity and employee engagement. The role of OD is to “supersize” the capacity and potential of their workforce. Sounds too idealistic and soft? We think not. Taking this on demands courage and patience. Warning: We get irritated and a wee bit sarcastic in today’s podcast. Despite this… Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce speak out about stuff that irritates the heck out of them. Leaders too often fail to treat employees respectfully, especially at times that matter most. It is almost as if common sense and decency go out the window. Here is some of the stuff that irritates them: The arrogance of viewing employees as problems to be solved versus as the solution Letting people go without respect and compassion Those who manage and manipulate and call it leading Managers who ‘do to’ versus ‘doing with’ employees Get ready to get irritated!

In this episode, our guest, Andrea Derler, shares how people analytics empowers HR and leaders to align HR strategy with business goals like never before. Organizations are increasing under greater pressure to increase employee engagement and performance outcomes. Join us today to learn how people analytics can unlock the untapped value of your employees. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome _About Dr. Andrea Derler Andrea Derler, has been leading research projects in the HR field in both U.S. and European companies for over 10 years and has been with Visier, a Canadian software company and a leader in the People Analytics domain, since 2021. In this interview, she will provide a practical introduction to the discipline of People Analytics, share the hottest HR trends of 2024, and offer insights into current case examples from the HR and people analytics practice. _

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce share thought-provoking question for leaders and HR/OD practitioners. Some questions come from Gallup consulting, and the rest from Joyce’s own writings. Asking a powerful question is a valuable tool for providing insights, shifting perspectives (in a good way), and revealing blind spots. They can also irritate the dickens out of you. Come join us as we rift on each and provide our thoughts on where and when to use them. We blend humor, a bit of sarcasm, and brilliant insights that will make you both smile and grimace. Spoiler Alert!!!! Here is the list of Joyce's touchstone Leadership Questions: — Would you do the same job for half the salary? — Do you have something preposterously important you want to get done? — Do you think about ‘better’ or ‘different’? — Do you look forward to developing, thinking with, being demanding of, infusing with enthusiasm, your direct reports? — Does the idea of contact with the core of your business excite you or bore you? —Do you take reality into serious consideration but not bow to it? —When people see you coming, do they want to do good work and after you leave, do they want to do their best work? — Do you often realize that you owe your privileged role to every person in your company and does it make you determined to make them proud of you? Some of these I know grabed your attention and interest so... Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce rift on the merits and relevance of creating self-organizing communities. Whether it be in the fabric of an organization’s culture or a one-time intervention, taking a decentralized approach for problem solving, co-creation, and vitality works. In this episode we asks as many questions as we answers so buckle up because we need you on this topic. We touch on: How self-organizing unleashes tapped down energy and promotes engagement. The importance of trust that communities will get it right Working through the panic that this might just not work How to embrace a decentralized approach in a hierarchical, top-down organization. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce delve into the practice of setting norms of behavior for meetings. Norm setting is a game changer for effective engagement but too often doesn’t work. We provide tips and ideas on how to establish norms that work. Why is this an important topic? • Many meetings are waste of time and talent. • Meetings done well are where real work gets done. • Norms are a powerful intervention to promote a productive culture. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce sit down with Terry Morgan, an accomplished executive known for his change leadership as a CEO, CIO, interim executive, and technology consultant. Terry has led large scale transformations at companies including Food Lion, Delhaize, and Lowe's Home Improvement. Terry shares insights for navigating significant change with a thoughtful approach resulting in successful, high impact outcomes. Some of those insights include: • Ways to address resistance to change • Why taking risk is necessary and the importance of mitigating it • The flywheel of things to consider when leading big change • The importance of getting stakeholder involved in the change process This episode is packed with good stuff so……Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome! About Terry Morgan Principal, Morgan Advisory Services, LLC. Mr. Terry Morgan is a seasoned senior executive with deep and diverse experience in industry and consulting. He retired as the CEO of Macro Integration Services, Inc. and has been the sole principal of Morgan Advisory Services, LLC (www.morganadv.com) since 2010. He has over 40 years of industry and consulting experience in strategic planning, technology, retail services, business process improvement, cost optimization, and general management. After his grocery career as the Global CIO of Delhaize Group, he served interim executive roles via Morgan Advisory Services at Extended Stay America (Interim CIO), Belk (Interim CTO), AMTdirect (Consultant and Board Member), Delhaize America (Interim CTO, Interim Office of the CIO), Lowe’s (Interim CIO, Interim CISO, and Interim SVP of Technology – Canada). In most cases, he hired the permanent replacement as well as ran the function. Mr. Morgan has served in a volunteer mentoring capacity with Rowan County Times Two Mentoring and Queens College. He has his MBA from the Fuqua School of Business with an emphasis in Finance, his BS from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a major Business Administration and Accounting and is a Certified Management Accountant.