The Smart Thinking Podcast

Episode 130: The Great Generation Z (Reflection)

Take a listen as we break down the qualities of Generation Z. They may just be the greatest generation in a while!
Knowing what you now know - -what will you do different in order to support the Gen Z’rs in your life?
Describe the differences between you and the Gen Z’rs 
List the qualities of a Gen Z’r
 
New music at the end: Dear- You Look Happy Now  https://music.apple.com/us/album/you-look-happy-now/1500098111?i=1500098117
 

Episode 129: 4th Grade You (Leadership & Tool)

Do you live with a sense of wonder and appreciation? Do you have a process to capture your learnings from each journey? Take a listen to this week’s episode and hear how to better reflect in order to move forward with success.
 
Describe what you’d tell you’re fourth grade self to these prompts:
What did you sweat that you shouldn’t have?
What did you wait too long to address?
What sacrifice is worth it?
What should you start earlier?
What life experience should you take more time to absorb the joy of?
One thing that you’re never going to believe that you did!

Episode 128: Cornerstone (Leadership & Tool)

Each of us impact and influence others. When we do, we need to be thinking about who we are and what we bring to others. Take a listen as we explore the six sides of your influence.
Describe why cornerstones change the direction of others.
List your strengths, faults, priorities, loves, values, and motivations.
Reflect upon how you could guide those you serve to articulate their six sides.
 

Episode 127: Be Who You Need (Reflection)

We are needed by others with frequency – kids and adults. But how do you respond? This episode will help you grow as a leader through reflection. The challenge: Be who you would need in the moment someone else needs you. Take a listen.
 
Describe what it means to be there for others.
List supportive and guiding questions that you could employ to support others. 
Describe what you need from others when you need them and then - -be that

Episode 126: Point it Out (Team Building & Leadership)

What process do you have in place to support reinforcing the strengths and contributions of others? Take a listen as we explore why positive reinforcement is powerful and how to use the game Totem to increase the engagement of those you serve.
 List the names of the people that you have positively reinforced in the last three days.
 Describe how you can increase your influence by reinforcing the behaviors that lead to others being empowered
 When are you going to order the Totem game?
 
Song: What I Like About You, The Romantics
Game: Totem

Episode 125: Read to Lead 4,3,2,1 (Leadership & Strategy)

Reading is critical for you to grow and expand your knowledge. Take a listen to this episode as we explore a process to engage those reading along with you.
List 5 people in your life that you could engage in this process
Describe how you approach building perspective
List the books you’d like to read with others
4- Ideas you will implement
3- Quotes that impacted you
2- Questions you have for others
1- Behavior you changed as a result of your learning
Song: Peter Schilling- Major Tom

Episode 124: Mid-Journey SWOT (Leadership & Strategy)

When you are in the middle of a project, school year or fiscal cycle, it is important to take a "look back." This episode we discuss the importance and power of taking time to review the journey, the strengths, the weaknesses the opportunities and the threats.
Describe how you can review the journey at the midpoint
List the SWOT’s of your journey
Describe a process you can use to celebrate your growth, errors, and recoveries
 Song: Howard Jones- Things Can Only Get Better

Episode 123: Buffalo The MLK Way (Leadership & Tool)

This week we explore the impact you have as an influencer and reflect upon the lessons of Martin Luther King. Take a listen as we look at his cognizant use of influence to inspire change.
Describe what your mindset is around influencing others
List what you can do to be a leader today
List a person or cause that you can be more intentional about supporting

Episode 122: When Buffaloes Break (Leadership & Strategy)

Why is it so hard for us to talk about and deal with mental health? Join me as we explore mindsets and strategies to support those we serve and maybe even ourselves.
Describe your mindset around mental health.
List what you can do to support those that are struggling
Describe your willingness to support others
Song: Coldplay- Up&Up
 

Episode 121: Coaching Buffaloes: LDRS Process (Leadership & Tool)

When coaching those you serve, you need to follow a process. So here it is -- Listen, Defer, Reflect, and Support. When people come to you with an issue or an idea, take the time to LDRS – and yes, it is the word leader without vowels!
Describe how well you listen.
List the ways in which you help others reflectively inquire.
Describe how you will hold those you serve accountable using the LDRS process.