In this episode of The Best Boss Podcast, host Danny Ceballos and "The Hive" of expert leadership coaches dive into an unconventional but essential topic: embracing awkwardness as a superpower. They explore how leaning into vulnerability and discomfort can enhance leadership authenticity, foster deeper connections, and inspire others to bring their true selves to the table.

Listeners are guided through a grounding Positive Intelligence (PQ) exercise before the coaches share personal stories and practical advice on reframing awkwardness as an opportunity for growth. This episode offers actionable insights for leaders looking to build resilience, improve team inclusivity, and embrace the power of being perfectly imperfect.

Key Takeaways

• Awkwardness is a universal experience that, when embraced, reduces stress and fosters authenticity.
• Reframing awkwardness as authenticity can lead to greater connection and trust.
• Vulnerability in leadership can strengthen relationships and boost team performance.
• Self-awareness is key: name the emotions behind awkwardness and look for the wisdom they offer.
• Stepping out of your comfort zone often leads to new opportunities and relationships.
• Leaning into awkwardness helps leaders foster inclusivity and navigate difficult conversations.
• Pause, reflect, and breathe through discomfort to reframe it as a growth moment.
• Recognize that awkwardness is often a story we create in our minds, not an absolute truth.
• Permission to be messy encourages creativity, innovation, and deeper human connections.
• Every awkward moment is a chance to learn, reset, and strengthen your leadership.

"The Hive" is ...

Cynthia Gene Maloney — https://cynthiagene.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-gene-maloney/
Doni Landefeld — https://themetamorphosiscoach.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/donilandefeldphdmetamorphosiscoaching/
Kathleen Fanning — https://www.kathleenfanningcoaching.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-fanning/
Mary Fineis — https://www.gamechangercoaching.life
Svetlana Parilova — https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetlana-parilova/
Taryn Laakso — https://tarynlaakso.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarynlaakso/

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to https://ratethispodcast.com/bestboss and follow the simple instructions.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://unleashedconsult.com/podcast/

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© 2022 - 2024 Danny Ceballos

In this episode of The Best Boss podcast, host Danny Ceballos introduces an exciting new format featuring six seasoned coaches who bring unique perspectives on leadership and personal development. The group, known as "The Hive," tackles the timely and impactful topic of bridging deep differences in both personal and professional relationships. Through their stories and insights, they explore how empathy, self-awareness, and positive intelligence can help navigate disagreements while maintaining meaningful connections.

Listeners are invited to engage in a grounding exercise called PQ (Positive Intelligence™) reps, setting the tone for reflective and transformative discussions. The coaches explore the nuances of resolving conflict, balancing ego with curiosity, and fostering understanding despite divergent perspectives. Tune in for actionable strategies and inspiring reflections on building bridges across differences!

Key Takeaways:

• Grounding practices like PQ reps can silence reactive emotions and awaken the wiser "sage" mind.
• Empathy is a powerful first step in resolving conflicts and understanding differing perspectives.
• Recognizing your own biases and ego is crucial to fostering meaningful conversations.
• Sometimes, choosing to be effective rather than “right” can preserve important relationships.
• Staying curious about others' viewpoints can open doors to growth and deeper understanding.
• A willingness to sit with discomfort during disagreements can strengthen connections and build resilience.
• Leaders must model and facilitate constructive dialogue in teams, especially in polarized environments.
• Social media often amplifies differences; face-to-face interactions are more likely to highlight common ground.
• Practicing intentional listening and asking thoughtful questions, like “Tell me more about that,” can defuse tension and encourage mutual respect.
• Embracing the "gray areas" in conversations allows for more nuanced and productive discussions.

"The Hive" is ...

Cynthia Gene (Integrative Wellbeing Coach) https://cynthiagene.com
Doni Landefeld (Metamorphosis Coaching) https://themetamorphosiscoach.com
Kathleen Fanning (Leadership Coach) https://www.kathleenfanningcoaching.com
Mary Fineis (Game Changer Coaching) https://www.gamechangercoaching.life
Svetlana Parilova (Thrive Network International) https://svetaparilova.com/
Taryn Laakso (Conscious Leadership Coach) https://tarynlaakso.com/

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to https://ratethispodcast.com/bestboss and follow the simple instructions.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://unleashedconsult.com/podcast/

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2022 - 2024 Danny Ceballos

In this poignant episode, Danny welcomes back special guest Suzanne Jabour, author, consultant, and "grief expert," who shares her insights on how leaders can navigate the complexities of sorrow, grief, and loss in the 2024 workplace.

Suzanne brings a unique perspective, intertwining her personal experiences with grief and loss with the demands of leadership. Join us as she reflects on the intersection of vulnerability, resilience, and effective leadership in the face of life's inevitable sorrows.

Danny and Suzanne talk about ...

• Understanding and addressing grief within professional environments and its impact on both productivity and workplace culture.
• The significant financial costs associated with unaddressed grief, estimated at $125 billion annually in lost productivity, turnover, and extended leaves.
• Inadequacies of current bereavement leave policies, and suggestions for a more realistic bereavement leave to cover the acute phase of grief.
• The role of leaders in acknowledging and processing grief, advocating for emotional honesty and vulnerability to foster a supportive work environment.
• Using a "Grief Inventory" tool to help teams acknowledge and process collective and individual grief, promoting emotional resilience.
• How the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified workplace grief, leading to rapid decision-making and subsequent emotional consequences.
• The importance of emotional intelligence and agility in leadership
• Practical approaches such as emotional inventories and acknowledging the importance of creating safe spaces for emotional expression in the workplace.
• How external facilitators can help navigate the shift towards a more emotionally intelligent and responsive workplace.
• The need to create a culture where grief is acknowledged and then constructively moved past, advocating for honest expression followed by focused action.

Suzanne Recommends ...

For listeners interested in more audio content related to grief and Suzanne's work, there's a curated list of her top 10 favorite podcast interviews available at https://suzannejabour.com/podcasts

Get Suzanne's Grief at Work ebook here https://www.suzannejabour.com/book

Get in Touch with Suzanne ...

For further guidance on understanding and managing grief within your team or organization, feel free to reach out to Suzanne. She offers extensive experience as a grief educator and provides workshops, training, and one-on-one coaching to help cultivate a supportive and emotionally intelligent workplace.

Website: https://suzannejabour.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-jabour-03065546/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/A-Lived-Experience-100068042081183/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannejabourgriefeducation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alivedexperience-lovinglos6009

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://unleashedconsult.com/podcast/

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2022 - 2024 Danny Ceballos

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with grief expert Suzanne Jabour to explore the nuanced landscape of navigating grief and loss in the workplace.

Discover practical strategies and compassionate leadership approaches that empower leaders to create supportive environments, fostering resilience and understanding during challenging times. Gain valuable insights on how organizations can not only acknowledge but also genuinely value the grieving process, promoting a culture of empathy and growth.

Suzanne shares her wealth of knowledge to guide leaders in cultivating workplaces that honor the human experience of grief, ultimately leading to stronger, more compassionate teams.

Danny and Suzanne talk about ...

• Suzanne's work on navigating loss is transformative at both individual and organizational levels.
• How Suzanne's role as a grief educator extends beyond personal grief to helping organizations and their leadership address and anticipate grief.
• The importance of understanding a broader definition of grief that encompasses all forms of loss, leading to grief in various contexts.
• The necessity for leaders to create a culture of safety and openness where grief and loss can be acknowledged and discussed.
• The impact of unaddressed grief on workplace productivity, engagement, and retention, highlighting the need for proactive grief management strategies.
• The concept of "grief literacy" – educating oneself and others to better understand and navigate grief, reducing fear and stigma associated with it.
• The significance of leadership in setting the tone for how grief is addressed within an organization, emphasizing vulnerability and honesty.
• Strategies for reintegrating grieving employees, such as personalized support and practical assistance, to help them transition back to productivity.
• The potential for grief policies and support systems within organizations to not only aid grieving employees but also enhance overall team cohesion and workplace culture.
• The broader implications of effectively managing grief in the workplace, including improved organizational health, talent retention, and becoming an employer of choice.

Suzanne Recommends ...

For listeners interested in more audio content related to grief and Suzanne's work, there's a curated list of her top 10 favorite podcast interviews available at https://suzannejabour.com/podcasts

Get Suzanne's Grief at Work ebook here https://www.suzannejabour.com/book

Get in Touch with Suzanne ...

Website: https://suzannejabour.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-jabour-03065546/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/A-Lived-Experience-100068042081183/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannejabourgriefeducation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alivedexperience-lovinglos6009

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://unleashedconsult.com/podcast/

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2022 - 2024 Danny Ceballos

In this episode, we delve into the transformative realm of Systemic Leadership and its profound impact on organizational strategy. Join our host, Danny Ceballos, as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with seasoned expert, Gabriel Najera, on how senior and executive leaders can leverage a systems thinking approach to nurture strategy within their organizations.

Gain insights into fostering a holistic perspective, breaking down silos, and implementing dynamic strategies that adapt to the complexities of the ever-evolving business and social-sector landscapes.

Danny and Gabriel talk about ...

• Gabriel's diverse experience spanning boardrooms of international corporations to impactful nonprofit organizations emphasizes the importance of a strategic and multicultural approach to leadership.
• Systems thinking as an essential tool for strategic clarity, enabling organizations to navigate complexities while ensuring financial sustainability and social impact.
• Gabriel's personal story of early exposure to systems thinking through farm work and its application in his academic and professional journey underscores the universal applicability of this approach.
• The definition and significance of systems thinking in organizational context, emphasizing its role in achieving desired outcomes.
• The practical application of systems thinking in a corporate environment, particularly in problem-solving and decision-making processes, illustrated through examples.
• Integrating systems thinking into team discussions and strategy without formal training provides insights into fostering a culture of strategic inquiry and reflection.
• The concept of "archetypes" in systems thinking as classic stories that help identify and address recurring patterns and problems within organizations.
• Challenges in applying systems thinking, such as selecting the right components to track and measure, highlighting the importance of a holistic view.
• Recommendations for resources and approaches for leaders interested in adopting systems thinking, including books and websites for further exploration.

Gabriel Recommends ...

"Thinking in Systems: A Primer" by Donella Meadows

"The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization" by Peter M. Senge

The Systems Thinker

Get in Touch with Gabriel ...

Website: https://najeraconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-najera-009101/

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://unleashedconsult.com/podcast/

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2022 - 2024 Danny Ceballos

Dive into "Limitless," the best-selling book by Laura Gassner Otting. Join us as she reveals the keys to unleashing your untapped leadership potential. You've got so much more in the tank than you realize! In this episode, discover how senior leaders can redefine success, overcome common barriers, and craft a personal leadership narrative. Join the conversation with podcast host Danny Ceballos and reignite your leadership mojo!

Danny and Laura talk about ...

• Laura's unique approach to leadership development through her books "Limitless" and "Wonder Hell."
• The concept of consonance and how aligning what we do with who we are leads to extraordinary results.
• The journey from success to 'wonder hell,' where high achievers navigate the challenges of their own potential.
• Strategies for embracing ambition, reframing imposter syndrome, and thriving in discomfort.
• The importance of adaptability and embracing the learning curve in personal and professional growth.
• The balance between authenticity and effectiveness in the workplace.
• Recrafting leadership narratives to align with personal values and the mission of the organization.
• The role of self-awareness in identifying when leadership roles do not align with personal goals and values.
• The impact of prioritizing tasks that align with one's strengths and passions to combat burnout.
• Encouragement for leaders to evaluate their impact and ensure they are in roles where they can bring their best selves.

Laura Recommends ...

Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life by Laura Gassner Otting

Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should ... and What To Do About It by Laura Gassner Otting

Get in Touch with Laura ...

Website: https://www.lauragassnerotting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heylgo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heylgo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heylgo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heylgo
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heylgo

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://unleashedconsult.com/podcast/

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2022 - 2024 Danny Ceballos

In this episode of the Best Boss Podcast with Danny Ceballos, join Danny and special guest, Barb Bickford, as they unveil essential strategies to revolutionize your organization's meetings. Discover actionable tips to maximize productivity, eliminate time-wasting habits, and navigate the dos and don'ts for more effective and engaging gatherings. Stop wasting your time and start mastering the art of meetings!

Key Takeaways ...

• Engaging all participants early in the meeting helps encourage active involvement.
• Creating connections among participants enhances engagement and collaboration.
• Establishing trust through confidentiality and respect agreements is crucial for open communication.
• Active listening and inclusivity, especially of dissenting opinions, can build trust among team members.
• Co-creating agendas and outcomes can foster ownership and commitment to meeting objectives.
• Avoiding meetings for mere information dissemination can save valuable time and resources.
• Implementing small, experimental changes in meetings can lead to more effective and enjoyable gatherings.
• Preparing thoughtful agendas with clear objectives can guide meetings towards productivity.
• Using liberating structures can revitalize meetings by encouraging creative and collaborative problem-solving. https://www.liberatingstructures.com/
• Allowing thinking time before discussions can include and value contributions from all participants, enhancing inclusivity.
• Where the Action Is by J. Elise Keith

Get in Touch with Barb ...

Website: https://www.bickfordcollaboration.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarajbickford/

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://unleashedconsult.com/podcast/

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2022 - 2024 Danny Ceballos

In this insightful episode of the Best Boss Podcast, host Danny Ceballos delves into the intricate world of change management with author and consultant Rick Maurer. Listen in as they explore the nuanced dynamics of how individuals and organizations navigate change, emphasizing the importance of engaging people in the processes that affect them. Maurer, renowned for his approach "Change Without Migraines," shares his wealth of experience and the philosophy that change, when managed well, can elevate morale and commitment within an organization.

Danny and Rick talk about ...

• Rick's unique approach to change management, emphasizing engagement and positive outcomes.
• The common issue of resistance to change in organizations and insights on addressing it effectively.
• The concept of "resistance" as a dynamic interaction rather than a fixed trait in individuals.
• The identification of three levels of resistance: lack of understanding, emotional reactions based on fear, and lack of trust.
• Strategies for leaders to diagnose and address these levels of resistance in their teams.
• The importance of trust and clear communication in facilitating change and overcoming resistance.
• Real-life examples illustrating successful change management practices.
• The role of leadership in setting a conducive environment for change and fostering a culture of openness and adaptability.
• Practical tips for leaders on engaging their teams through focus groups and direct, candid conversations.
• The concept of "management by wandering around" as an effective way to understand and address team concerns in a more informal, approachable manner.

Rick Recommends ...

Beyond the Wall of Resistance: Why 70% of All Changes Still Fail and What You Can Do About It by Rick Maurer

Get in Touch with Rick ...

• Website: https://rickmaurer.com/
• Email: rick@rickmaurer.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rimaurer/

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://unleashedconsult.com/podcast/

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2022 - 2024 Danny Ceballos