The Smart Thinking Podcast

Episode 176: The Courage of a Kid (Black History)

Within each of us is a leader with influence. Imagine if your influence caused a kid -- to change the world. Take a listen to one of my favorite stories from the civil rights movement of the 1950's. 
List people who have influenced you in your life and leadership.
Describe ways that influencing others can change the world.
Describe how Claudette changed the world.

Episode 175: You Should Assume (Empathy and Reflection)

We all have room to improve when we communicate. Take a listen to why we should assume when communicating with others. 
Two why's and a couple of what's!
Why is this important?
Why are we doing this?
What does this mean for me?
What are the consequences of inaction? 
Reflections: 
Describe how you can avoid communicating with assumptions.
List how you can apply two whys and a couple of what’s.
Describe your process for avoiding the frustration of assumptions.
 

Episode 174: The Game (Refection & Tool)

Many of us are in organizations with lots of people and that means lots of personalities. Take a listen as we explore a way to view your world with more empathy. Which role do you play: fan, referee, coach or player? 
Describe which roles are prevalent in your organization.
List which roles you play most often in your organization.
Describe which of the stakeholders you have the least empathy for and analyze what you’ll do different.

Episode 173: Grade Your Life (Tool & Reflection)

This week, learn about a process to help you reflect and gain perspective on your life. Grade yourself on the 11 categories that actually determine your overall life GPA. A great process for you to use with those you love and serve. 
 
Category 1: Self. Your own personal health and safety.
Category 2: Immediate Family. The proverbial spouse/partner and your children and loved ones.
Category 3: Original Family. The people you grew up with.
Category 4: Friends. The health of your friendships.
Category 5: Money. Right or wrong, the scorecard most people pay attention to.
Category 6: Career. How fulfilling your work is.
Category 7: Creativity. Your innate creativity outside of work.
Category 8: Discipline. Having the self-control to implement your goals.
Category 9: Lifestyle. Are you actually having any fun?
Category 10: Leadership – Are you influencing and serving?
Category 11: Buffalo – How is your optimism and attitude?
Episode of Smartless: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OtqR89AG0w
 
 
 

Episode 172: Going Retro, Proactively (Leadership & Tool

We have created a lot of innovations in 2020. Take a listen as we explore a process to ensure we don't forget or lose all of them. 
 
List what you’ve become proficient in that you were not a year ago.
Describe a process that you can employ to collect new wisdom.
List the matrixes that you need to create.

Episode 171: The Best Gift: Learning (Reflection)

Join us for a discussion about giving the greatest gift to others. How you and your daily interactions make a difference and hear about the four conditions needed to make it all stick.
 
Describe how you have had your life changed by someone else’s wisdom.
List opportunities you have to support the learning of others.
Describe the ways in which you can increase opportunities for those you serve.
Ted Lasso: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8U_Nt0QNNo

Episode 170: Think Back (Reflection and Leadership)

Oh how quickly we forget. Take a listen as we explore how to support your reflection and gratitude with a buffalo style process that'll get you thinking of how amazing 2020 has actually been.
 
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this year?
What is the best thing that has happened?
What is a skill you learned?
What did you enjoy the most?
What advice would you give your "last-year self?"

Episode 169: Advocate for the Underdog (Leadership and process)

Each day there is someone or some group needing an advocate. Will it be you? Take time to hear the story of an advocate and find inspiration in her actions. 
List ways in which you can advocate for the underdog.
Describe a process you can employ when people are working against someone or a group.
List ways in which you will change your behaviors in order to

Episode 168: Treat Yourself (Tools and Reflection)

In order to be a selfless leader you need to be selfish -- on occasion. Listen as we explore the need to put yourself first once in a  while -- by treating yourself! 
Identify the last full day you had filled with your passions.
List the people who fuel you and the last time you had hours of uninterrupted time with them.
Describe the last day – full day -- you were disconnected from a device.
List the days you’ll take micro “treat yourself” breaks.
Describe yourself when you’re frayed.
List the people in your life that you can depend upon to make you realize that you’re in need of a little selfishness.

Episode 167: Give Thanks (Reflection)

Take a listen as we discuss what fuels optimism and how to make the most out of this years Thanksgiving season! It's not about what we don't get to do this year. It is about -- what we got to do! 
 
Hope
Drive
Love
Each other!