When chaos hits, do you have the crisis leadership skills to keep yourself—and your team—steady? As a leader, you can’t always control the storm, but you can control how you show up. In today’s episode, you’ll learn practical ways to navigate upheaval with confidence. These crisis leadership skills will help you stay grounded, support your team’s morale, and keep everyone moving forward when uncertainty is at its peak. In this conversation, you’ll discover how to: Strengthen your resilience with two powerful mindsets that every leader needs in a crisis. Apply seven crisis leadership skills that bring clarity, focus, and stability to your team. Communicate with honesty and empathy to build trust and loyalty—even when delivering tough news. Hit play now to master the crisis leadership skills that will help you inspire confidence and guide your team through the toughest challenges. Check out: [02:48] — Learn the Stockdale Paradox and how realistic hope can anchor your crisis leadership skills. [07:29] — Discover why doubling down on values gives your team stability when everything else feels uncertain. [10:37] — See how clear, frequent communication prevents fear and builds trust in times of upheaval. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When frustration hits, how strong are your leadership communication skills—do they help you build trust, or do they risk tearing your culture down? As a leader, those heated moments can make or break your team’s culture. What you say in frustration can either reinforce accountability and trust—or unravel morale and push your best people away. This episode gives you a way forward, so you can respond with clarity and confidence without losing your cool. By listening, you’ll discover how to: Ask yourself five quick questions that reset your emotions and keep you steady under pressure. Use simple, direct language that addresses the issue without burying the truth or crushing morale. Model healthy accountability so your team learns how to navigate tough situations the right way. Hit play now to learn how to turn frustrating moments into culture-building opportunities that strengthen your leadership and your team. Check out: [04:06] – The first gut-check question: Learn how asking “What’s my intent right now?” can immediately shift your mindset away from venting and toward constructive leadership. [07:53] – Real-world example with messy data: Hear the difference between a “Diaper Genie” response, a blow-up, and the third way of giving clear, steady feedback. [10:09] – Addressing public missteps: Discover how to turn an awkward or unprofessional moment into a coaching opportunity without shaming or shutting down your team member. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are you the leader everyone turns to for help—yet secretly running on empty? What feels like generosity today can quietly drain your energy and keep your team from growing tomorrow. It’s time for a mindset shift. If you’ve ever felt torn between being the “go-to helper” and protecting your own energy, this episode is for you. Over-helping might feel like the right thing in the moment, but it can quietly drain your well-being and hold your team back from growing. By exploring the hidden traps of “Super Helper Syndrome,” you’ll learn how to set boundaries without losing your empathy—and discover how to lead with both heart and strategy. In this conversation with psychologist and leadership coach Jess Baker, you’ll discover: How to spot the hidden costs of compulsive helping and prevent exhaustion, resentment, and self-criticism. Practical ways to set healthy boundaries that actually empower your team instead of disempowering them. Mindset tools you can use to quiet the inner critic and lead with empathy while protecting your own well-being. Hit play now and learn how to make one powerful shift that frees you from over-helping and helps your team thrive. Check Out: [02:00] – What is “Super Helper Syndrome”? Jess Baker defines the term, explains how over-helping works, and describes the emotional toll it can take on leaders. [08:26] – The role of boundaries in leadership. A practical discussion about setting limits, communicating expectations with your team, and modeling healthy boundaries. [17:15] – The decentering technique. Jess introduces a simple but powerful mindset tool to manage the inner critic and shift harmful “should” thoughts. About Jess Baker Jess is a Chartered Psychologist and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (CPsychol AFBSsS). She began her career in public healthcare and has been practising as a Business Psychologist and leadership coach for twenty years. Her award-winning book, The Super-Helper Syndrome, has been translated into Chinese, Japanese, Turkish and will shortly come out in Polish. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if one leadership communication skill could instantly energize your relationships and boost your impact? In this episode, you’ll discover a communication tool that goes far beyond a quick “thank you.” It’s about tapping into genuine gratitude in a way that not only uplifts others but also transforms how you show up as a leader. If you’ve ever wanted your team to feel more valued and engaged—or you’ve been searching for a way to feel more grounded and joyful yourself—this conversation is exactly what you need. Here’s what you’ll walk away with when you listen: How writing letters of gratitude benefits not just the recipient, but you as the writer. Seven proven ways gratitude strengthens leadership, builds loyalty, and elevates morale. Practical, easy-to-use frameworks to express meaningful appreciation—even if writing isn’t your thing. Press play now to learn how gratitude can become your secret leadership advantage—and start practicing a skill that will transform both your career and your life. Check out: [02:59] – The First Letter of Gratitude Joel Zuckerman shares how a single unexpected letter sparked an ongoing practice that transformed both his life and his relationships. [08:35] – The Seven Pillars of Expressive Gratitude A rapid-fire breakdown of the seven powerful benefits of writing letters of gratitude, from personal growth to creating a ripple effect. [17:28] – Seven Paragraphs, Seven Sentences, Seven Words Joel explains his simple framework for making gratitude practical—whether you want to write a full letter or just offer a quick but powerful acknowledgment. About Joel Zuckerman: Joel has written for decades about golf, travel, and sports for all sorts of different publications, and this year, he released a book that we are very excited to share with you in this episode. The book is called Gratitude Tiger, and it's all about a specific practice that's going to create more joy for you and for others. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do you try to delegate, only to have the team run off in fourteen different directions and waste time? Empowering your team shouldn’t mean more interruptions, rework, or missed deadlines. If you’ve tried handing off responsibility only to end up with more stress, this episode gives you a practical way to fix that without becoming a micromanager. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: A proven method to delegate effectively while improving everyone’s time management A clear way to define what decisions your team can make—and which ones still need your input Tools to boost creativity and accountability without sacrificing control Press play now to learn how to delegate with clarity and finally take time management off your list of leadership headaches. Check out: [01:43] — Real-world frustrations leaders face when delegation goes wrong, from overstepping boundaries to constant hand-holding. [03:25] — The “hard lines, soft lines, your lines” framework explained with clear examples to apply immediately. [09:36] — How to delegate a project using strategic empowerment without losing accountability or control. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are you frustrated your team isn’t performing the way you hoped? If you’ve ever scratched your head wondering why your team isn’t delivering—despite clear expectations and solid training—this episode is for you. Learn how five often-overlooked leadership missteps could be silently derailing your team's success, and what you can do to fix them fast. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: The five most common leadership mistakes that sabotage performance—and how to avoid them. Actionable tools like “5x5 communication” and “schedule the finish” that create clarity and momentum. A roadmap for follow-through that builds trust, improves morale, and keeps your team on track. Press play now to uncover which leadership mistakes are holding your team back—and what to do instead. Check out: 01:00 – The First Leadership Mistake: Your Team Doesn’t Know What to Do Learn why clarity isn't as obvious as it seems, and how “5x5 communication” helps eliminate confusion and boost alignment. 04:25 – The Third Mistake: Assuming They Know How Discover how vague feedback like “show more empathy” leads to missed expectations—and how to replace it with specific, trainable behaviors. 10:42 – The Fifth Mistake: Lack of Follow-Through Explore how inconsistency in celebration or accountability sends the message that the work doesn’t matter—and how to fix it with simple habits. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What’s the one word leaders overlook that’s quietly draining your team’s motivation? If you’ve ever noticed your team going through the motions—or worse, burning out—you’re not alone. In this episode, you'll uncover why even well-intentioned leaders unintentionally create meaningless work, and how reconnecting your team to a deeper sense of purpose can transform morale, trust, and results. By listening, you’ll learn: How to prevent meaningless tasks from turning into morale-killers. The overlooked communication skill that boosts productivity and trust. A mindset shift that helps your team stay engaged—even during tough conversations. Tune in now to discover the overlooked word that can turn disengagement into purpose and performance. Check out: [03:52] — The Real Reason Motivation Fails David contrasts his short-lived teenage attempt at vegetarianism with his daughter's long-term commitment—unpacking how the depth and clarity of your “why” determine whether motivation lasts or fizzles. [05:48] — Prison Labor & Meaningless Work Through a reference to Cool Hand Luke, David paints a vivid picture of how tasks without purpose feel like spirit-breaking labor, and why failing to link tasks to meaning can silently erode your team’s engagement. [08:33] — The Hardware Store Story A real-world example from an engineer named Matt reveals how explaining the “why” behind a policy could’ve completely changed his view of leadership—and how missing that moment cost more than just a summer job. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if one simple communication framework could help your boss actually listen to—and act on—your ideas? If you've ever felt ignored, dismissed, or unsure how to speak up effectively, you're not alone. This episode gives you a practical approach to managing up, so you can confidently share ideas, advocate for your team, and build credibility as a strategic thinker. Here’s what you’ll take away when you tune in: A four-step communication framework to make your ideas more compelling and actionable Insight into why well-meaning messages often fall flat—and how to fix them Real examples of how others used this framework to gain support and momentum Listen now to start getting the traction your ideas deserve with the people who can say yes. Check out: [02:00] – Hear two real-world stories of frustrated leaders whose ideas fell flat—and why their approach didn’t work. [04:34] – Learn the IDEA framework and how each step helps you communicate with strategic impact. [14:02] – Discover how a tiny, specific ask turned one idea into an organization-wide movement—starting with just $50. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if one overlooked communication skill could be the difference between unfinished work and unstoppable team progress? If you've ever walked out of a productive meeting only to find that no one followed through, you're not alone. This episode is your shortcut to fixing that—using just five minutes and three powerful questions that build clarity, accountability, and action into every conversation. Listen in and walk away with: A simple communication habit that ensures your team always knows what to do next. A low-effort way to prevent dropped balls, delays, and confusion. A practical technique to build your influence and get noticed—whether or not you’re leading the meeting. Press play now to master the communication skill that transforms talk into action—starting with your very next meeting. Check out: 2:48 — The 3 critical questions that create clarity and real follow-through 6:12 — A step-by-step example of the questions in action with a real team scenario 9:52 — How asking these questions helped the lowest-ranking person in the room lead the room Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the secret to becoming a more confident leader and fighting burnout is simply learning to recognize how fear is running the show? Fear doesn’t just sit in the background—it hijacks your leadership, clouds your judgment, and quietly fuels burnout. If you’ve ever avoided a tough conversation, felt isolated at the top, or found yourself paralyzed when the stakes are high, this episode is for you. David unpacks how fear disguises itself as caution, control, and perfectionism—and what to do instead. In this episode, you’ll discover: The 10 subtle leadership mistakes fear causes—and how to stop them before they cost you credibility. Simple mindset shifts and behaviors that restore your courage and re-energize your leadership. Practical tools to lead with clarity, stay connected to your team, and stop fear from driving your decisions. Hit play now to break free from fear-based habits and start leading with the confidence that fights burnout and builds lasting influence. Check out: [01:44] – The scratched car metaphor: A powerful story that reveals how fear of “scratches” in leadership holds you back—and why courage means getting out of the garage. [04:09] – Mistake #2: Fear kills your credibility: Learn how silence and hesitation erode trust with your team—and what to say instead when you’re unsure. [12:47] – The two questions that re-empower you: David shares a simple but transformative mindset shift that helps you move from victimhood to intentional leadership. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to master a leadership communication skill that helps you be more productive, avoid overwhelm - without hurting relationships or your reputation? If you're feeling overwhelmed by meetings, projects, and endless to-do lists, you're not alone. This episode dives into one of the most underrated leadership superpowers: saying no. Whether it’s your boss, a colleague, or your own inner voice piling on more than you can handle, mastering the art of a thoughtful no can dramatically reduce stress, sharpen your focus, and elevate your effectiveness. Here’s what you’ll walk away with from this episode: Practical, non-confrontational phrases you can use immediately to say no—without guilt or conflict. A powerful framework using the four C’s—connection, clarity, curiosity, and commitment—to guide your no’s with purpose and professionalism. Strategies for saying no to your boss (yes, really!) that actually build trust, respect, and credibility. Press play now to unlock the confidence and language you need to say no with grace—and yes to what truly matters. Check out: 04:42 – Saying Yes to Say No: Learn how to connect with the other person first before delivering a respectful and productive no. 12:28 – How to Say No to Your Boss: A step-by-step example using connection, clarity, curiosity, and commitment to handle one of the toughest workplace conversations. 18:24 – Why Saying No is a Leadership Skill: Understand how clarity helps others make better decisions—and why your team, your boss, and your well-being depend on it. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Which leadership assumptions are quietly sabotaging your team—and what if you don’t even know you’re making them? If you’ve ever felt stuck in your role—spending too much time on the wrong problems, struggling to connect with your team, or unsure how to level up your influence—this episode is a must. You’ll learn how the stories you tell yourself shape your leadership... and how to rewrite them for better results. In this conversation with coach and author Sean Glaze, you’ll discover: The four most common leadership assumptions and how they silently hold you back. A clear, relatable model for moving from confusion to clarity—from unaware to solutions. How to build a culture that values feedback, clarity, and courageous conversations (without becoming the “nice but ineffective” boss). Tune in now to learn how questioning your assumptions can unlock greater confidence, impact, and performance in your leadership journey. Check out: [03:24] – The Awareness Ladder: Learn the four stages of leadership awareness—why most leaders get stuck at the symptom level and how to move toward real solutions. [08:37] – Challenging Assumptions About Purpose: Discover the #1 assumption that trips up emerging leaders: misunderstanding what their job really is now that they’re in charge. [23:34] – Why Niceness Can Hurt Your Team: Sean breaks down the difference between being nice and being polite, and why avoiding tough conversations can destroy performance. About Sean Glaze As a workplace culture and leadership speaker for over 15 years, Sean has been customizing event experiences to help leaders build "Sticky Cultures". As a team building facilitator and teamwork speaker, he has found that most organizations struggle with one of four areas of culture:1 - Do You Wish Your Employees Were More Like Winning Teammates?2 - Are You Frustrated by People Who Are Just Not Staying Coachable?3 - Would Your Managers Benefit From Becoming More Effective Leaders?4 - Have You Struggled to Discover What Really Drives GREAT Teamwork? Those areas are the four areas he focuses on to build STICKY CULTURES! Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could a surprising communication skill be the hidden reason your hard-working team still struggles with productivity? You're not imagining it. The real culprit behind missed deadlines, communication breakdowns, and lackluster performance often comes down to one overlooked issue: unclear expectations. In this episode of Leadership Without Losing Your Soul, you'll learn how mastering just one leadership skill—clarity—can instantly shift your team from confusion to momentum. Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode: Simple, actionable habits to clarify expectations and eliminate the frustration of "Why didn’t they do that?" A smarter approach to communication that turns meetings and one-on-ones into alignment powerhouses. Pro-level leadership practices that help you uncover blind spots and drive better team results—with less stress. Tune in now and discover how a few clarity habits can transform your team's productivity and your own leadership impact—starting today. Check out: 01:44 – Discover how unmet expectations are at the root of most productivity issues and conflicts. 04:53 – Learn a powerful way to uncover the "why" behind any task so your team stays aligned and motivated. 09:38 – Hear the game-changing habit of “check for understanding” that can instantly boost clarity and performance. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is your leadership strategy unintentionally killing the urgency your team needs to succeed? If you’re leading a team in the middle of a big change or a multi-year strategy rollout, you already know how hard it is to get people moving faster without burning them out or coming off like a micromanaging jerk. This episode is your guide to solving that leadership dilemma—so your team follows through with energy, clarity, and momentum. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why saying “we need more urgency” usually backfires—and what to say instead Five communication habits that instantly create clarity, reduce friction, and build sustainable speed How to remove hidden roadblocks (like risk-aversion, false urgency, and burnout) that quietly kill follow-through If you’re ready to lead your team with focus, urgency, and humanity, hit play and grab five powerful skills you can use today. Check out: 04:41 – Why “urgent” means five different things to five different people—and how to get everyone aligned on what matters most. 05:59 – The #1 communication habit that transforms vague follow-through into concrete results: “Schedule the Finish.” 16:30 – The top roadblocks killing urgency (and what to do instead—especially if you’re the one unintentionally creating them). Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, and conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Struggling to find real work-life balance while juggling endless to-dos and leadership demands? If you're burning out from chasing productivity hacks, working overtime, and still not finding peace or fulfillment, this episode is your wake-up call. Discover why your internal dialogue—not just your workload—is the real source of stress and how to reset your leadership mindset before it costs you your energy, your team, or your purpose. Here’s what you’ll walk away with after listening: A powerful mindset shift to help you break free from the myth of “doing it all” A practical framework for identifying and acting on what matters most each day Clear strategies to lead both yourself and your team with intention, balance, and focus 🎧 Hit play now to escape overwhelm and reclaim your work-life balance by focusing on what matters most. Check out: 02:19 – The “No Limits Mindset” Trap: A relatable and humorous example that reveals how easily we fall into the illusion of limitless capacity—and why that’s so dangerous for leaders. 06:02 – Infinite Need, Finite Me: David breaks down this eye-opening concept to help you recognize your human limits and make smarter, more intentional choices. 16:17 – Leading a Culture That Respects Limits: Practical advice on how to build systems within your team or organization that support balance, prioritize what matters, and reduce overwhelm for everyone. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the most powerful feedback tool to grow your leadership skills isn’t in your manager’s hands—but yours? Let’s face it—leaders often struggle to get the kind of feedback they actually need to grow. Either it’s anonymous, vague, or just too expensive to implement consistently. But what if you could skip the formalities and get real, useful insights directly from the people you work with every day—without spending a dime? This episode introduces a game-changing approach that puts your growth squarely in your own hands while deepening trust across your team. By listening to this episode, you’ll walk away with: A step-by-step method for conducting your own DIY 360 feedback tour to get precise, actionable insights from your team, peers, and manager. A repeatable framework that strengthens trust and credibility with your colleagues by showing that you truly listen—and follow through. A simple, no-cost way to spark a culture of feedback and growth across your team by role-modeling humility and continuous improvement. Hit play now to discover the DIY 360 strategy that will accelerate your leadership growth and transform your team’s trust—starting today. Check out: [02:37] – Choosing the Right Topic for Feedback Learn why getting ultra-specific with your feedback focus (like narrowing "communication" down to how you deliver feedback or lead meetings) makes all the difference in what you get back. [10:33] – How to Show Up for These Conversations Discover the essential mindset shift—humility, not defense—that turns these interviews into powerful connection and growth moments. [14:46] – The Critical Follow-Through Step Understand how choosing one actionable insight and circling back builds credibility, trust, and momentum for ongoing feedback. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have you ever wondered if the way you communicate as a leader could destroy trust with your team? Even well-meaning leaders unintentionally send the wrong message through avoidable communication missteps—and when trust slips, so does performance, engagement, and morale. This episode is your radar check: a chance to spot the subtle mistakes that may be holding your leadership back and start making the small shifts that lead to powerful change. By tuning in, you’ll discover: The seven most common communication habits that destroy trust—and how to fix them. Simple, actionable tools like “scheduling the finish” and “responding with regard” to immediately boost clarity and follow-through. Powerful listening and feedback strategies that help your team feel heard, valued, and motivated to perform at their best. Listen now to catch the trust-breaking mistakes you might be missing—and learn exactly how to turn them into connection, clarity, and credibility. Check out: [02:13] – Avoiding Difficult ConversationsLearn how silence can sabotage trust—and get a practical framework (“put the fish on the table”) to address accountability issues with care and clarity. [06:47] – Listening with Curiosity Discover game-changing curiosity questions like “What would a successful outcome do for you?” that help you hear your team fully before jumping to conclusions. [17:41] – Moving Too Fast and Missing Ideas Explore how to “respond with regard” and invite quiet voices and fresh ideas into the conversation without slowing your momentum. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What do great leaders do when a team member says they'll change… but nothing changes? You’ve had the first accountability talk. Maybe even a second. And still—you're stuck in a frustrating loop, repeating yourself while performance stalls. This episode is your next step. Learn how to confidently navigate those tough follow-up conversations without sounding like a broken record—or burning bridges. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: A practical 3-step model (A.R.T.) to escalate accountability conversations while preserving trust and connection. Exact language to use when behavior doesn’t change—even after promises have been made. A clearer path forward, whether it’s coaching improvement or helping someone realize they’re not in the right role. Hit play now to master the next-level skills that make sure your people follow through—without you losing your soul (or your patience). Check out: [02:43] – “The ART of Accountability: Escalating Without Escalating”Discover the three-phase framework—Action, Repetition, Trust—for taking accountability conversations to the next level while preserving the relationship. [07:24] – “Is That a Promise?”Learn how one simple question shifts the tone of the conversation and uncovers hidden barriers to follow through—without turning up the pressure. [09:32] – “Trust is on the Line: What Happens When Commitments Are Broken”David walks through how to lead with concern, not frustration when someone breaks their word—and why it’s your most powerful move as a leader. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are your accountability feedback conversations falling flat—or worse, backfiring—because you're not sure what to say? If you’ve ever avoided giving tough feedback or struggled to hold someone accountable without damaging the relationship, you’re not alone. This episode unpacks why most accountability issues stem not from performance—but from a lack of clarity—and how to fix that with confidence and compassion. It’s all about creating a workplace where expectations are clear, growth is encouraged, and everyone knows where they stand. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: A 4-word phrase that simplifies even the hardest accountability conversations. A powerful framework—clarity, connection, curiosity, commitment—that helps you get results and build trust. The exact steps and phrases to use so your team knows you care and that you mean business. Play this episode now and learn how to handle accountability conversations like the kind of leader everyone wants to work with. Check out: 02:06 — The Real Root of Accountability Problems David breaks down why 90% of accountability issues aren’t really about performance—they’re about lack of clarity. This section reframes how to think about your role in setting expectations and gives you the first “aha” moment of the episode. 04:56 — The First Step in the Conversation: Connection Here, David introduces how to start accountability conversations by connecting with intent and care. If you've ever worried about sounding harsh or cold, this is where you’ll learn how to balance honesty with compassion. 12:49 — The Missing Step That Makes Accountability Stick Most managers skip this—scheduling the finish—and it’s a game-changer. This part explains why setting a follow-up meeting increases follow-through and how it helps you recognize improvements or escalate when needed. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tired of vague deadlines and Groundhog Day conversations that wreck your productivity—and your work-life balance? If you’re a leader trying to stay on top of competing priorities while also protecting your team’s time and energy, this episode is your shortcut to clarity. You’ll discover a practical, people-centered communication tool that replaces fuzzy follow-ups with real results—without tipping you or your team into burnout. Here’s what you’ll take away when you hit play: A concrete strategy to turn “we should” into “we did” without relying on willpower. A team-tested method to reduce stress, avoid missed deadlines, and deliver with consistency. A reliable way to align expectations and make space for a sustainable work-life balance. Hit play now to learn how to Schedule the Finish and become the leader whose team gets things done—without the overwhelm. Check out: [01:40] Why “soon” means something different to everyoneDiscover how vague deadlines lead to missed expectations—and how to fix it with a shared understanding. [04:42] What it really means to "Schedule the Finish"Learn the step-by-step process that turns ideas into action and sets your team up for reliable follow-through. [08:30] Real-world examples for performance, delegation, and meetingsSee how to apply this tool in common leadership situations—from accountability conversations to project planning. Leadership Without Using Your Soul podcast offers insightful discussions on leadership and management, focusing on essential communication skills, productivity, teamwork, delegation, and feedback to help leaders navigate various leadership styles, management styles, conflict resolution, time management, and active listening while addressing challenges like overwhelm, burnout, work-life balance, and problem-solving in both online and in-person teams, all aimed at cultivating human-centered leadership qualities that promote growth and success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices