The Smart Thinking Podcast

Episode 32: The Answer Starts With Why.

Before we are too quick to find a solution – we need to make certain that we have first identified the problem. We have to ask ourselves are we trying to solve the problem or are we trying to find the problem? We should always be trying to find the problem. Without an understanding of the issue we cannot solve anything.
What cyclical issues are you facing that could be five why’d?
When faced with an issue this week – can you ask yourself if you are trying to find the solution or are you trying to find the problem?
Who in your life is naturally inquisitive and would be a good coach to help you drill past the quick solution?
How can you avoid quick solutions that may have unintended consequences?

Episode 31: The Wisdom of Diversity

The key to finding elegance in complexity is to embrace as many people as possible. People have all different talents and perspective – very few times is one person correct in their assumptions – but as soon as you infuse diversity in the decision – you get rich, deep, and meaningful solutions.
The research behind diversity in the workplace is pretty clear. Companies that have a woman on their Board of Directors out perform companies without female leadership and teams that have diversity go even further in performance.
How can you demonstrate the wisdom of the crowd?
What do you need to do different in order to increase diverse thinking in your leadership?
Who are you surrounded with and how willing are they to embrace all others in the decision making process?
What groups could use your diversity?
Finally, what is one way in which you can embrace the differences of others this week to keep yourself and your leadership honest?
Twitter: @tneitzke
Facebook: www.facebook.com/smrtthnkng/
 

Episode 30: Behind every champion

Behind each champion there are other people who are championing for him or her. Each of us as leaders has the opportunity to be part of that story when we choose our leadership behaviors and actions. Champions have characteristics that are universal – they are resilient, committed, driven, talented, strong – but champions are not only athletes - -they’re ordinary leaders and people who every day demonstrate the skills and mindsets necessary to be their best for others.
 
What will you do moving forward to ensure that you can support the needs of future champions?
How are you advocating for the success of others through your behaviors?
When a future champion is in need – how are you demonstrating empathy?
Who stood behind you and showed you the way to your success?
Can you be kind to everyone you meet and genuinely compliment or encourage them this week?
Finally, who in your mind is the most successful person you know and what role did you play in their story?
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tneitzke
Smart Thinking Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smrtthnkng/
Smart Summary: https://www.cesa6.org/cms_files/resources/The%20Power%20of%20Moments.pdf
 

Episode 29: Risk it to avoid regret

The path of least resistance is paved with things forgotten -- no one remembers the ordinary things we do -- we remember the extraordinary moments of courage and risk. The path of reward is paved with the chances we took and filled with memories, emotions, tears, and joy. Join us this week for a conversation about risk and regret. 
 
If you see a child, student or colleague facing a tough choice – how will you support them in taking the risks they need to find success?
“Most of us have two lives: the life we live and the un-lived life within us. Between the two stands resistance.”  -- what is stopping you from the unlived life?
What is your greatest failure and what lessons can you share with others to encourage them to take risks?
What risks are you facing that you are avoiding taking?

Episode 28: Be a good forgiver

There is a lot of research that shows that the act of forgiveness in leadership and life makes you a better and stronger person. This episode will help you to develop the practice of forgiveness in your leadership. 
Who around you do you need to forgive? 
When someone around you falters, what will you do different in order to support them and their leadership? 
Do you actively put time between your reactions and actions in situations when those you serve fail to meet an expectation?
How good are you at forgiving yourself?

Episode 27: An interview with the Well Pennies

What is it like to be a professional musician? How do you start? What are the obstacles and lessons when you take on the leadership of following your passions?
Join us for an extended conversation with two extraordinary people as we discuss their journey and their motivations. The Well Pennies provide the theme music for the Smart Thinking podcast and the founders are also a remarkable couple that demonstrates buffalo leadership behaviors.
This episode is especially insightful and powerful for those aspiring to have a life in the arts.

Episode 26: Forest v. the trees

One of the greatest qualities of leadership is reflection and we often forget to take a second and elevate ourselves out of the micro moment and move ourselves to the macro analysis. Join us for a conversation of how to step back from your situation and look at it differently and/or with another person to gain perspective. 
Thinking of your current and most significant issue – how could you change your view so that you see the problem in a new way?
Can you scrabble that problem so that a solution may emerge?
When mountaineers climb, they often bring along a guide or Sherpa – who are your Sherpa’s – who are the people who can guide you to new heights so that you can see the problem or issue for what it is?
Finally, when you get emotionally engaged in a situation, what will be your strategy to step back and climb to a new height of understanding before responding.  

Episode 25: Creating collaboration

True collaboration has to be defined and modeled. In a multi-generational world we do a poor job of demonstrating collaboration. I suggest that you start by showing popular examples of collaboration and then breaking down the roles that people play in truly collaborative environments and then asking the team members to identify what they can contribute.
 
What processes can you put in place to ensure that the right people are working together?
What strength(s) do you bring to the group?
What anchors or weaknesses do you bring to the group?
How confident are you identifying those strengths and gaps for others?
When we expect people to collaborate, do we first show them examples of real collaboration?
Finally, what do you need to do differently in the future on teams in order to be more collaborative so that people will seek you out for their team?

Episode 24: Be it resolved

Happy New Year and welcome to 2018 and goodbye 2017. This podcast is about growing yourself as a person and a leader in the upcoming year as well as developing a process to help you be better. Go small to go big and find yourself content in 365 days.
 
What is your vision for a better you?
What is one small thing you can do today to change your life?
Instead of spending money on trying to diet and upending your entire life – what small step can you take everyday to improve your eating habits
Write down your three strengths – and then one strategy to build upon each of those.
Finally, this year each morning when you look into the mirror can you set one goal for the day that gets you toward your vision?

Episode 23: Riding and Reflecting

Listen on the ride in between traditions this holiday season. This is an active reflection podcast for the people in the car! Take some time to discuss what is good about being friends and family and plan a moment for the future.