Episode 144: The Discomfort of Learning Something New

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce riff on ways to build resilience in the midst of significant workplace disruption. This includes everything from a major organizational overhaul to the sudden departure of a popular leader. The question is what practical steps can leaders and HR/OD practitioners do to ground employees and maintain business focus. Disruptive change paralyses an organization and its employees. The typical reaction is to avoid risk, hunker down, and keep concerns to yourself. Bob’nJoyce offer practical ideas that helps people and teams get unstuck by providing “islands of sanity,” where safe conversations promotes resilience and a sense of normal. Managing the chaos, without doubt, is one of the most critical roles that HR/OD people play so… Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob and Joyce take on the discomfort, sometimes embarrassment, of learning something new. There is a period where we often go backwards, stumble and fall when learning something new. The expectation of most people is that once the learning process begins, improvement quickly follows. When it doesn't go this way, disappointment and resignation often follows. As coaches, OD and HR practitioners, the question is, what do we do to encourage experimentation and failure as a normal part of the learning process? How do we level set this expectation with bosses who are impatient to see progress? We offer principles of learning that help answer these questions. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce speak to the importance and challenge of third-party facilitation. As HR/OD practitioners, we are often called upon to facilitate open and productive conversations between two parties. This is an important and often underappreciated role that we play. In this episode, you will get: What it looks like when done well The perils of not getting it right Skills necessary to be good at it Why this is one of the most courageous roles HR/OD plays Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome.

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce rift on creating a healthy work culture in a world where cynicism about institutions has become the norm. Many workers today are tired, bored, and disillusioned. Given this current reality, what can leaders and HR/OD practitioners to turn the ship around? Bob’nJoyce would offer those cosmetic solutions like flexible hours, ping pong tables, and pizza parties are nice but are not the answer. They discuss the roots of cynicism and then offer ideas and actions to consider. Here are some ideas they offer: Name what is happening correctly to understand the nuances behind the cynicism. Ask, "Is the current cynicism episodic (one time event/impact) or is chronic and pervasive?" The answer to this question will inform what to and what not to do. Ask employees the question, ‘What would create positive energy for your daily work.” You can also ask what is creating negative energy in your daily work. Resist the urge to act to “fix it” in a parental way. Involve employees to co-create solutions. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce share OD principles that foster true collaborative workplaces where dignity and meaning prevail. They highlight an approach, STS (Socio Technical Systems), a collaborative change process introduced by Bernard Mohr some 30 years ago at a new Hannaford warehouse. A team of people doing the work (receivers, packers, selectors) partnered with leadership to transform their workplace with impressive results. As OD practitioners, we strive to foster workplaces that create a sustaining competitive advantage and positive work culture. In today’s podcast, Bob’nJoyce rift on the valuable lessons they’ve learned about leading workplace transformations that stick. These lessons may inform what leaders can do post pandemic to transform their workplaces. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce share ideas on facilitating powerful conversations when differences exist in the room (BTW, differences always exist). As OD practitioners, we are all familiar with the setting of norms for teams to engage in respectful, bold dialogue. Today, Joyce reaches into her treasure trove of practical guidelines to facilitate real and productive conversations. While these ideas can be used in the context of DEI conversations, they apply universally to any topic or situation. These guidelines are effective at helping: • A new team hit the ground running. • A cross functional group working on a thorny problem. • A group that comes together from diverse cultures and/or countries. • A team where there are strong conflicting beliefs or opinions. So come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce, explore leadership expectations through the lenses of their people. Joyce shares from a paper she recently wrote on what people want and expect from their boss. These are universal and timeless truths that serves as a litmus test for leadership effectiveness. In the spirit of the new year and renewal, we challenge you to rate yourself, and commit to one area to improve upon. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In the spirit of the new year, Bob’nJoyce share a process that creates rigorous accountability for top leaders. This is based on a process that Joyce created with a senior team to set intentions for organizational and personal wellness and success. It takes courage for a senior team to take a stand for what they are willing to be measured by and measure their peers by. Are you ready to take this challenge in 2024? It’s a new year and a good time to reevaluate the qualities expected of you and your team. In this podcast, you will get simple instructions on how to make this happen. Happy New Year! Get out there and make some ‘good trouble’ in 2024. Com on in. Grab a healthy snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce challenge the tendency to walk on eggshells when celebrating holiday traditions in the workplace. Too often, people and organization tamp down celebrating a holiday tradition to not offend. In the name of fairness, companies put restrictions on holiday celebrations that stifles inclusiveness and learning. We encourage companies to let er rip and allow employees to openly celebrate their traditions. All of that being said, we struggled with the discomfort of this topic and indeed found ourselves walking on eggshells. Come join us as we lean into our discomfort. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome!

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce make the case for rituals in a world in flux and disarray. Rituals helps us find meaning, comfort, and continuity whether it be a holiday tradition or troubled times. Rituals ground us (the cranberry ice) helping to pave the way forward. The tricky part rituals is to: Let go of what’s not working or no longer relevant, Keep what’s valued (the cranberry ice), Make new ritual, and Consciously choose which rituals to keep, discard, or create. Speaking of rituals - Come on in. Grab your cranberry ice. Welcome!