The Smart Thinking Podcast

Episode 341: A Graduate's Gift: Empathy and Predictability

What do people in transition need the most? Well, the greatest gift we can give them is empathy and predictability. Ted breaks down how to give a gift that will be meaningful and needed for the people graduating or transitioning as well as describes how to support people as they take on their newest challenge. 
Simple process:
Give clear expectations of how you will be there for them
Recognize how hard they've worked to get where they are
Tell them you love them
Provide praise for the way in which they live their lives.
Buy Ted's book as a graduation gift here! 
 

Episode 340: Recognition Month (Leadership & Process)

The month of May is filled with opportunities for recognition and especially within our schools. Take a listen as Ted shares a process to use to create intentional and meaningful recognition in your culture. The process will bring Rays of Recognition throughout your culture. 
Click here for retreat registration. 
 
 

Episode 339: Genius, AI, and Challenging 4kr’s: A Conversation with Neuroscientist Jared Horvath (Reflection)

What is a genius? What is the impact of AI on our learning? How is our memory being impacted by digital technology? Why are little kids becoming more challenging? Find out in this conversation with Ted and Dr. Jared Horvath: neuroscientist, professor, author, documentary filmmaker, dad, and entrepreneur.
https://www.lmeglobal.net
 

Episode 338: We Need To Talk: Online Gambling (Leadership and Reflection)

Did you know that 60% of male teens have online gambled at least once? Our children have too many opportunities to make bad choices, create addiction, and find themselves in accelerated anxiety loops. Ted tackles the newest research and findings on online and app-based gambling and the impact on teens. He ends with a simple suggestion: TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN! 
 
Summer leadership retreat registration: https://store.cesa6.org/products/smart-thinking-summer-leadership-retreat-in-person

Episode 337: Optimism Needs Energy (Reflection & Leadership)

Tired of all of the negativity? It can be hard not to be and negativity is fueled by uncertainty and there is a lot of that lately.
Let's do something about it. Let's get optimistic (Think Olivia Newton-John)! Take a listen as we explore reflective questions to frame your day and bring renewed energy towards your mindset. Ted has a ton of energy on this episode and brings you a great way to frame your oncoming storms!
 
Stop by our store to purchase Ted's tools: https://store.cesa6.org/
 
 
 

Episode 336: Books to Grow Your Leadership and Life (Learning)

This week Ted continues to bring you texts to read and the theme this week is -- growing yourself. Leaders are readers and readers are leaders. This collection of texts will help you with your self-discipline, mindset, leadership behaviors, and reflections as a person for others. A great collection of texts to support you and allow you to grow.
The books:
Discipline is Destiny, Ryan Holiday
The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins
MindCraft, Aaron Sadoff
Radical Humility, Urs Koenig
Meditation for Mortals, Oliver Burkeman
Duke’s Storm, Ted Neitzke 
Buy Ted's book and tools here: https://store.cesa6.org/
 

Episode 335: Please Stay (Tool and Leadership)

People are leaving their jobs and we need a proactive process that allows us to understand how to help. Ted explores the idea of stay interviews and explains the powerful impact that asking positively framed questions can have for leaders as they are seeking to retain staff. He then adds a twist at the end which will help students! 
 
 

Episode 334: Unspoken Expectations (Process & Leadership)

55% of Americans (per GALLUP) indicate that they do not know what is expected of them at work. This is not good for stakeholders or leaders. This episode shares a process to help you help others seek clarity and become crystal clear of their expectations. The process begins with providing everyone choice and voice in their world so that they have permission to seek clarity and be engaged and empowered.

Episode 333: We Need To Talk To Our Kids About Uncomfortable Stuff: Sextortion (Process & Worry)

Gen Z and Gen Alpha are amazing and yet they are facing threats online that others generations could not have even imagined. Sextortion being one and this episode explores how to talk to young people about the threats they face in the 2020's. All of it by learning how to LEAN into difficult conversations with young people.
Learn together
Engage the topic
Announce expectations
Next steps
 

Episode 332: HR in the 20's (Reflection & Process)

Organizations create structure and people create culture. So how do we better support Gen Z in the workforce for a great culture? Take a listen as Ted breaks down strategies to support younger employees and colleagues - -oh heck -- these processes are actually good for everybody. 
Describe how you set yourself up for the future.
List programs and supports you need in your current season of life.
Describe innovations you could support in your workplace to increase success. 
Song: Better Days by Thomas LaVine