The Smart Thinking Podcast

Episode 293: Let's Talk About Strengths! A conversation with Tim Hodges (Reflection and Tools)

Gallup has so many great resources and one of my favorites is the Clifton Strength Finder. Join me for a conversation with Dr. Tim Hodges who over sees the Clifton Strengths Institute and learn how to apply your strengths and utilize the tool in new and rewarding ways. 

Episode 292: The Advantage of a Short Attention Span (Tool & Reflection)

Maybe we all need to learn a new habit. Short-term memory when leading. In other words, how to move ourselves along quickly so that we don't get trapped in a narrative that causes us more stress and pressure. Well, as Ted Lasso says: be a goldfish.
 
Use the four f's to get you there: fast, forgive, forget and forward!

Episode 291: Generational Diversity: A Conversation with Author Tim Elmore

Join me for a conversation with author Tim Elmore as we discuss his newest book: A New Kind of Diversity. Our conversation focuses on how to bridge the gap between generations and become more empathetic for those you serve. 
I highly recommend his book and exploring his website: growingleaders.com

Episode 290: Take a Walk: The Power of Organizational Field Trips (Process and Tool)

Too often we miss the opportunity to SHOW our teams why we need to change. Take a listen as we explore the impact of taking organizational field trips.
Where do you need to go and visit?
Describe a process you could employ to increase collective empathy and understanding.
List who needs to go on a field trip.
 
Book: The Power of Moments- Chip and Dan Heath

Episode 289: It’s Halftime! Let’s Create Some Energy for the School Year!!! (Process & Reflection)

Do you have an intentional strategy to bring energy to the staff and students as you enter the second half of the year? You do now.
Take a listen and hear a few ways in which you can provide the energy and motivation to take you through the rest of the year. 
Describe your strategy to create mid-year energy
List the activities you’ll do or do to create lift mid-year
Describe how you can energize all staff
Song: Yellow by artist Andrew Hoyt 

Episode 288: 2024- The Year of Generosity (Reflection and Process)

This year, we need to practice being better to ourselves. Take a listen as we explore a great communication process for self reflection and goal setting. Hear why we need to be more generous -- not necessarily to others -- - but to ourselves.
List ways you can increase generosity towards yourself
Describe a process you can use to set your goals
List other ways you can use this process to support others
 

Episode 287: Two Future Educators and Their Dad (Reflection)

I thought I’d turn on the mic and sit down with my kids and ask them to describe their experiences as college students and why they want to be teachers.
 
 

Episode 286: Hope: Because It All Works Out (Reflection and Process)

It is the time of the year for us to focus on belief. Belief in ourselves, our abilities and the future. That is - hope. Take a listen as we explore the research behind hope and utilize two great people and two great coaches to frame hope for this season! 
Describe your hope strategies
List people that need to know they matter
Describe a process you can employ to utilize this learning
 

Episode 285: Are you Coachable? (Leadership & Reflection)

Are you good at being coached? Do you have the courage and vulnerability needed to improve to be the best version of yourself? This episode offers reflections, tips, and looks at specific ways to become more coachable as well as be a better coach for others. 
Describe your willingness to be coached.
List the people in your life that you would want coaching from.
Describe how you have traditionally responded to being coached.

Episode 284: The Neuroscience of Thanks (Reflection and Tool)

What happens to your brain when you're grateful? It send hormones through your body and supports joy!
Gratitude supports mental fitness and your overall well-being. Good news - we have a holiday called Thanksgiving and we'll help you in this episode learn the benefits of being grateful. 
Describe how you can build a stronger frontal lobe through gratitude
List those you need to thank
Describe your process for making gratitude front of mind