The Smart Thinking Podcast

Episode 350: Reflect Like A Leader (Reflection, Process and Surprise!)

For 350 episodes Ted has suggested reflection in your daily practices. On this milestone episode, he describes a process and shares tools to help you increase your well-being through intentional reflective practices. Why? If you don't fill your brain, it'll fill itself with all the wonderful weirdness it is capable of creating. 
Tools can be found here

Episode 349: The Story In Your Head: A conversation with Bob Vajgrt: Architect, Pilot & Author

In this conversation Bob and Ted (not a morning radio show) have a great discussion around leadership, life, and Bob's two new books. Bob is a creative, humble and gifted architect who describes his process for getting the most out of other people with inspirational ideas and mindsets. This conversation will help you learn, grow, and go into the storm! 
 
Books:
The Story in Your Head & Along for the Ride can be found here

Episode 348: There Is No Scorecard in Leadership (Leadership & Process)

Too often we get stuck because of the culture and we need to find ways to support ourselves and others so that we can collect wisdom from the amazing people around us. Join Ted as he shares a great teaming tool to help you build a stronger and safer classroom, teaming environment, meeting or board room. Less judgment and more investment! 
 
If you could share one piece of advice with your past self or in your first year of your career -- what would you tell yourself.
What was the the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
When you struggle with balance, what works to get you aligned again?
What is one thing you hope your future self figures out?
Where did you waste time in the past that you’ve learned to approach differently?

Episode: 347 Prepare The Start Like A Hiker (Leadership and Process)

The energy at the beginning of a journey is critical. Take a listen to for a strategy and a mindset to help you launch this year! The ABC's of hiking is applicable and fun!
 
Here we go season 9!

Episode 346: Vacation: Take Me Away. (Reflection, Books, and Mindset)

We need to redefine what a vacation is and make certain it is something more than just a trip or time off. Let's get serious about supporting our well-being and creating the conditions so that we can grow our mind, body, spirit and soul. Join us as we reframe taking a vacation and create moments that just "take you away" from the things in life that don't add to who you are.
 
Books:
Careless People, Sarah Wynn Williams
On Character, Gen. Stanley McCrystal
Casting Forward, Steve Ramirez
Super Agers, Eric Topol
 

Episode 345: Pause and Applause (Reflection and Engagement Tactic)

During the summer and in between projects we need to create opportunities for people to understand how they make a difference and matter. Join Ted for a conversation and tactic to allow for you to pause and applaud the way in which others make a difference in the world in which we live. 

Episode 344: Learning Begins In Summer! (Leadership, Parent Strategies and Reflection)

Summer slide is a real thing and impacts children significantly. However, summer is an opportunity to increase student learning and skill application if we are willing to help parents out with ideas and activities. Ted shares how parents can support learning over the summer and how educators can fuel parents with tips and tricks to support learning. 
Parents are equal partners in the journey of learning. 

Episode 343: A Conversation with Urs Koenig (Author: Radical Humility)

Urs and Ted have an engaging conversation on the impact of Radical Humility when leading others. Urs shares empowering stories and processes that will help you help others. Ted’s favorite part of the book is the idea that we can all be “tough on results and tender on people.”

Episode 342: End With Predictability (Leadership & Process)

Too often we hide upcoming shifts and changes from people for fear that we will create tension. This is just a wasted opportunity to support people. Listen as Ted shares the research and a process to support increasing predictability for those you serve by outlining what people can expect during the next cycle or school year. Summer is an incredible time to help people see the change and find the support for their own engagement and empowerment.
 
 

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!