Shows
The Indigo PodcastLoneliness and Building Connections for a Better LifeThis episode is about loneliness--but it's also about so much more. The bigger issue has to do with building connections with each other and within a society that so often feels fragmented. So we do tackle loneliness in this episode, but building connections is the big theme of what we discuss. It’s a topic that we see as absolutely critical for the flourishing of everyone both as individuals and as a society. Tune in for a thought-provoking and at-times rather passionate discussion of loneliness and building connections for a better life. As always, please subscribe, share th...
2024-02-081h 05The Indigo PodcastSuzanne Lucas "The Evil HR Lady" on the State of HR, Improv, and MoreSuzanne Lucas is the "Evil HR Lady." After a decade in corporate HR, she embarked on a new mission to enhance the world of work for all. She coaches and trains HR departments, speaks around the world, and is the mastermind behind the Evil HR Lady group on Facebook, which has become a community of more than 31,000 HR professionals. In this episode, we talked about the state of HR, the dangers of the idea and practice of “bringing your whole self to work,” and the value of improv comedy for developing leadership skills. Stay tuned to hear Chris and I tr...
2023-11-0958 minThe Indigo PodcastHow “Real” Should You Be at Work and Beyond?Who are YOU, really? In this episode, Ben and Chris explore how "real" you should be at work and in other social circles, including: The benefits and potential pitfall of authenticity How authenticity plays out in groups and organizations Implications for all of us, for leaders, and for organizations Links and Other Information Lehman, D. W., O’Connor, K., Kovács, B., & Newman, G. E. (2019). Authenticity. Academy of Management Annals, 13(1), 1-42. https://journals.aom.org/doi/abs/10.5465/annals.2017.0047 Why Brutal Honesty is Often a Brutal Mistake: https://www.el...
2023-05-301h 00The Indigo PodcastHow to Make the World Better on Sept. 24, 2022 The Vincent William Baran Day of Service is named after Ben's son, who died in a tragic accident in November 2020. The mission of the Day of Service is to bring joy, passion, empathy, and love to the world through an annual day of in-person service. In this episode, Ben and Chris discuss how everyone can get involved in the 2nd Annual Vincent William Baran Day of Service, which is set for Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, with additional opportunities on Sept. 23 and 25. The Vincent William Baran Day of Service will be an enduring, annual event, with the vision of it becoming one of th...
2022-08-1617 minThe Indigo PodcastWant to Make the World Better? Do This.The magnitude of problems facing the world can be overwhelming. But we are not helpless. In this episode, we discuss the value of getting involved and volunteering your service for the betterment of society. Specifically, we discuss the inaugural Vincent William Baran Day of Service, which was held on Sept. 25, 2021, and how everyone can contribute to making the world a better place. Links and Other Information The Vincent William Baran Day of Service: Mighty Vincent The USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation: click here All episodes of The Indigo Podcast Like us...
2021-11-1123 min
Three Questions, Three Drinks with Chris MikolayEp. 24 - Mighty VincentOn November 7th, 2020, 7 year-old Vincent William Baran – Vinny – was riding his bike with his family on a beautiful Fall afternoon when he was tragically struck and killed by a car turning out of a parking lot. In a conversation both raw and inspiring, Ben Baran, Vinny’s father, sits down to talk candidly about that day, how the family has been coping with an unimaginable loss, and the individual nature of grieving. Not only will you learn the right and wrong ways to support someone dealing with adversity, you’ll get to know “Mighty Vincent”, the swashbuckling little boy who, in his 7 sho...
2021-09-131h 16Three Questions, Three Drinks with Chris MikolayEp. 24 - Mighty VincentOn November 7th, 2020, 7 year-old Vincent William Baran – Vinny – was riding his bike with his family on a beautiful Fall afternoon when he was tragically struck and killed by a car turning out of a parking lot. In a conversation both raw and inspiring, Ben Baran, Vinny’s father, sits down to talk candidly about that day, how the family has been coping with an unimaginable loss, and the individual nature of grieving. Not only will you learn the right and wrong ways to support someone dealing with adversity, you’ll get to know “Mighty Vincent”, the swashbuckling little boy who, in his 7 sho...
2021-09-131h 13The Indigo PodcastRachel Wernicke on Self-Talk and LeadershipRachel Wernicke is a clinical psychologist and leadership coach, currently serving as an associate dean and chief mental health officer at George Mason University. She’s also a U.S. Army veteran, and in today’s episode, we talk with her about self-talk--what it is, why it matters, and how it can be harmful or helpful. We discuss: - What is self-talk - Different types of self-talk and examples - Implications for people, leaders, and organizations Links and Other Information - More about Rachel Wernicke: website and TEDx talk ...
2021-05-181h 01The Indigo PodcastBureaucracy is Bad! Or is it?What do you think about when you think about the word, “bureaucracy?” If you’re like most people, it’s probably not something positive. Truth be told, there is plenty about bureaucracy that’s not great. But might bureaucracy have some redeeming qualities? In this episode, we discuss: - What is bureaucracy and why does it have a negative connotation? - What might “good bureaucracy” look like - Implications for people, leaders, and organizations Links and Other Information - Thompson, V. A. (1965). Bureaucracy and innovation. Administrative Science Quarterly, 1-20. click here...
2021-05-1252 minThe Indigo PodcastA Two-Minute Introduction to The Indigo PodcastCo-hosted by organizational psychologist Ben Baran and management consultant Chris Everett, The Indigo Podcast takes an evidence-based approach toward solving problems at work and in life in a way that's always thoughtful and spit-out-your-coffee funny. The Indigo Podcast is on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Visit: https://www.indigotogether.com/indigopodcast
2021-04-2602 minThe Indigo PodcastActive Shooters at Work: Run, Hide, Fight, and MoreOrganizations must prepare for low-probability events like having an active shooter because the stakes are so high. In this episode, we draw upon our own military experience, guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and some of Ben’s research to help people and leaders everywhere with regard to this sobering topic. In particular, we explore: - What is an active shooter and what you should do in an active-shooter situation - Roles for leaders and managers - Considerations for HR departments and the rest of the organization Links an...
2021-03-1847 minThe Indigo PodcastBouncing Back? Yeah, Right. A Real Look at ResilienceWe cut through the numbskullery and unpack what resilience really means, along with an associated characteristic: hardiness. These ideas are tremendously important for all of us. Specifically, we discuss: - What resilience and hardiness are and why they matter - Individual and environmental factors that influence resilience and hardiness - Implications for people, leaders, and organizations Links and Other Information The Navy Leader Development Framework 3.0: click here Building Your Resilience: APA article More about resilience from Psychology Today How People Learn to Become Resil...
2021-03-0357 minThe Indigo PodcastYour Happiness Makes Me Want to Puke: When Positivity is ToxicEverything is awesome! Except when it’s not. Positivity, although generally valued, can have real downsides in our human relationships and in our organizations. We explore in this episode, specifically: - What toxic positivity is and some different forms of it - Why toxic positivity can be harmful - Implications for all of us Links and Other Information There’s a dark side to looking on the bright side. Here’s a healthier antidote. Article by Laura Gallaher in Fast Company What is Toxic Positivity? Article by Ken...
2021-02-2444 minThe Indigo PodcastShiny Objects, Sexy Ideas, and Fads in ManagementEverywhere we turn, it seems, there are amazing solutions to all of our modern problems. But when things sound too good to be true, they often are. In this episode, we unpack the problem of seemingly novel ideas in management. Specifically, we discuss: - What are management fads and how to spot them - Novelty bias: what is it and how does it play out - Better decision making for individuals, leaders, and organizations Links and Other Information Miller, D., & Hartwick, J. (2002). Spotting management fads. Harvard Business Review, 80(10), 26-7...
2021-02-1751 minThe Indigo PodcastHow We Don’t Fall ApartAmid the chaos and many challenges we face in society, what can we do so that we don’t fall apart? We explore in this episode, including: - Why it might feel like the world is falling apart - What institutions are and why they matter - How we can strengthen human institutions and move forward with hope Links and Other Information All episodes of The Indigo Podcast Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Institutional strengthening: Guidance from Catholic Relief Services What ca...
2021-02-101h 14The Indigo PodcastTop 10 Work Trends for 2021: Insights from ExpertsLists of trends abound. Yet this list--the Top 10 Work Trends for 2021--come from the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, so it reflects the views of workplace experts from that field. In this episode, we provide: - An intro to the top 10 work trends for 2021 as reported by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology - A discussion of the actual trends - Implications and further considerations regarding the state of the world of work in 2021 Links and Other Information The list of 2021 top trends from the Society for I...
2021-02-0454 minThe Indigo PodcastPost-Pandemic Organizational Leadership: What to Expect and DoThe COVID pandemic continues on, yet it will end someday. And it’s a good idea for leaders everywhere to be thoughtful about preparing for the future--starting TODAY. In this episode, we discuss what the post-pandemic environment might look like for leaders and organizations, specifically: - What practices might stay in place - What might change - What leaders can do now Links and Other Information Yuan, Z., Ye, Z., & Zhong, M. (2021). Plug back into work, safely: Job reattachment, leader safety commitment, and job engagement in the COVID-19 pandemic. Jour...
2021-01-2745 minThe Indigo PodcastConspiracy Theories: Why Leaders and Organizations Should CareConspiracy theories hijack the minds of people from all walks of life. They affect families, friends, coworkers, and leaders. Dealing with conspiracy theories can feel helpless, but there’s hope--and there are evidence-based approaches that we can use to make society better and win back those lost to falsehoods. In this episode, we talk about conspiracy theories; in particular: - What is a conspiracy theory? - Why do conspiracy theories matter and why should we care as leaders in our communities and organizations? - What can we do about conspiracy theories?
2021-01-2159 minThe Indigo PodcastWhat Can I Do for the World?Outrage sells. Division is rampant. And sometimes it might feel like our world is falling apart. But there's hope, and we all can make a big difference. We explore in this episode, discussing in particular: Finding your purpose What we all can do right now How we can all have a broader influence Links and Other Information All episodes of The Indigo Podcast Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
2021-01-1458 minThe Indigo PodcastScott Tannenbaum on Teams That WorkScott Tannenbaum is the co-author of Teams That Work: The Seven Drivers of Team Effectiveness, which we discuss in this episode. Tannenbaum, who wrote Teams That Work with Eduardo Salas, has spent more than 25 years working with, providing evidence-based advice to, and conducting highly cited research on teams across a vast array of settings and challenges. As the President of the Group for Organizational Effectiveness, he has advised hundreds of organizations globally, including more than 75 Fortune and Global 1000 companies across every major business sector. He's also supported teams that work on oil rigs, parachute into fires, perform surgery, dive...
2021-01-061h 08The Indigo PodcastWhy There’s HopeThis year has been such a challenge for you, us, and the rest of the world. But there is hope. We discuss in this episode, specifically: How 2020 was tremendously challenging Why we should have hope going into 2021 Ways in which we can position ourselves for flourishing this year Happy New Year to you and yours! SUBSCRIBE TODAY. Links and Other Information COVID-19 data from Johns Hopkins University: click here COVID vs the Flu: article How Science Beat the Virus: article in The Atlantic All episodes and more information is ava...
2020-12-301h 05The Indigo PodcastA Tragedy. And a Pause.We are taking a pause. Please listen as to why. More about Vincent William Baran's life, including the eulogy that Ben delivered for him, is online at www.MightyVincent.org
2020-11-1701 minThe Indigo PodcastKristin Saboe on Veteran Value in the WorkplaceDo veterans make good civilian employees? How do veterans and civilians avoid talking past each other in corporate settings? We discuss this and more with Kristin Saboe who leads employee listening, research, and talent strategy at The Boeing Company. She is responsible for authoring and leading Boeing’s Enterprise Veterans and Military Spouses Strategy. She also sits on several national level advisory councils related to veteran employment. Prior to Boeing, Kristin served in the U.S. Army. We'll dive deep into: Kristin's areas of focus and work with the military veteran community The use of science for making polic...
2020-11-101h 02
The Indigo PodcastThe Agility Conversation: Driving Agility with the Three Dimensions of InfrastructureThe infrastructure of your business, of your organization, is critical because it shapes behavior. And if you’re not careful, you’ll have an infrastructure that reinforces behaviors that aren’t agile, that hinder your ability to be nimble. In this episode, we discuss: What is infrastructure What are the three dimensions of infrastructure What is agile infrastructure How can you make the pivot on those three dimensions from waterfall to an agile infrastructure Links and Other Information All episodes of The Agility Conversation: Click here Issue No. 1 of Retrospective: A Guide for Students of Agil
2020-11-0655 min
The Indigo PodcastJackwagons and Numbskulls Beware! We’re Just Getting StartedIt’s the one year anniversary of launching The Indigo Podcast! In this episode, which we also broadcasted live via Facebook and YouTube, we: Discuss where we’ve been What we’re trying to do The future of The Indigo Podcast and Indigo Together Links and Other Information All episodes of The Indigo Podcast, all episodes with guests The Indigo Manifesto: click here Ending Racism at Work: website Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
2020-11-0540 minThe Indigo PodcastJohn Kroger on Learning, the Military, Higher Education, and American SocietyJohn Kroger, a vice president at the Aspen Institute, previously served as the inaugural Chief Learning Officer of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, providing oversight for all education institutions and programs for more than 900,000 civilian and military personnel, with a budget of more than $1.7 billion. Before that, he served as the president of Reed College, the Attorney General of Oregon, Assistant US Attorney, and in several roles as a policy analyst and legislative assistant. He also served in uniform as a U.S. Marine, after which he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy at Y...
2020-11-031h 06
The Indigo PodcastThe Agility Conversation: Agile Operations ManagementPeople often talk about “operations” and “operations management.” But what does it mean for those functions of the business to be agile? Can that even occur? In this episode, we unpack these ideas, including: What do we mean by “operations management” What is agile operations management versus waterfall operations management How can you pivot to agile operations management Links and Other Information All episodes of The Agility Conversation: Click here Roese, N. J. (1997). Counterfactual thinking. Psychological Bulletin, 121(1), 133. Click here Steven Rogelberg: podcast about meetings and using science to improve the workplace (link) and book The Surprising...
2020-10-301h 06The Indigo PodcastTrick--or Treat? How to Reward EmployeesIf you want to motivate people, you need to understand the nature of rewards in the workplace. Otherwise, you might be really missing the mark. You might actually be demotivating your employees. In this episode, we unpack the basics of rewarding employees, including the following: Extrinsic versus intrinsic rewards Fundamental ideas about employee motivation Implications for people, leaders, and organizations Links and Other Information Related episodes: Cort Rudolph on Generational Differences (link), Designing Work that Doesn’t Stink (link), Make it RAIN! Money as a Motivator (link) Ben’s terrible YouTube videos: Equity Theory, Expectanc...
2020-10-2950 minThe Indigo PodcastRob Briner on Evidence-Based PracticeOne way to tilt the odds in your favor is to use evidence when making decisions and choices. But our typical use of evidence isn’t optimal. We can do better. In this episode, we talk with one of the world’s leading voices regarding evidence-based practice, Rob Briner. He is a professor of organizational psychology at Queen Mary, University of London and the co-founder and scientific director of the Center for Evidence-Based Management. He has received several awards for his work in this area including the British Psychological Society Division of Occupational Psychology Academic Contribution to Practice Award in 2...
2020-10-271h 03
The Indigo PodcastThe Agility Conversation: Agile Strategy ProcessStrategy is something you do once a year, right? Wrong! In this episode, we unpack what it means to have an agile strategy process and discuss how it benefits leaders and organizations. Specifically, we address: Why might traditional ("waterfall") strategic planning be problematic? Why you should consider an agile strategy process How to make the pivot and implications for leaders and organizations Links and Other Information All episodes of The Agility Conversation: Click here
2020-10-2359 minThe Indigo PodcastDesigning Work that Doesn’t StinkWhat can managers do to make work more satisfying and more motivational? Does it matter if people find their jobs satisfying? Why or why not? We explore these and related topics in this episode, including: What job satisfaction is and why it matters Five different facets of job satisfaction The job characteristics model and how managers can make work more satisfying and motivating Links and Other Information Man’s Search for Meaning: book The Chimp Paradox: book Judge, T. A., Thoresen, C. J., Bono, J. E., & Patton, G. K. (2001). The job satisfaction–job performance relationship: A qualita...
2020-10-2246 minThe Indigo PodcastCort Rudolph on Debunking the Myths of Generational DifferencesIn this eye-opening episode, Cort Rudolph of St. Louis University pulls back the curtain on generational differences at work. Simply put, they don’t exist. And it’s tough to even make the claim that generations themselves exist. We discuss these topics, drawing upon Cort’s recently published article on the topic in the Journal of Business and Psychology. Specifically, we explore: What are generations, do they even exist, and do they matter? Myths about generations and generational differences Implications for people, leaders, and organizations Links and Other Information Rudolph, C. W., Rauvola, R. S., Cos...
2020-10-201h 05
The Indigo PodcastThe Agility Conversation: Ask Us AnythingEvery so often, we’re releasing an “ask us anything” episode of The Agility Conversation. In this episode, we delve into many topics under the general categories of (a) confusion about agile and (b) getting started. Links and Other Information All episodes of The Agility Conversation: Click here Ben’s white paper, “Agility and Agile: An Introduction for People, Leaders, and Organizations” click here The Social Psychology of Organizing: click here Managing the Unexpected: click here Scrum: click here Good to Great: click here Great by Choice: click here Execution: click here Agile at Spotify: video
2020-10-161h 02The Indigo PodcastI Want You to Want Me: Exploring Impression ManagementFirst impressions, in some research studies, are measured in milliseconds. Let that sink in. In fractions of a second, we make judgments about each other. In fractions of a second, people make judgments about us. In this episode, we explore impression management. Specifically, we discuss: What is impression management How do we shape impressions and can we change them Implications for people, leaders, organizations We may or may not also discuss Greek yogurt. Links and Other Information Bar, M., Neta, M., & Linz, H. (2006). Very first impressions. Emotion, 6(2), 269. Click here Bolino, M. C. (1999). Citizenship and imp...
2020-10-1541 minThe Indigo PodcastNeil Shortland on Decision MakingDecisions are fascinating, and Neil Shortland is an expert on them. He’s an assistant professor of Criminology and Justice Studies and the director of the Center for Terrorism and Security Studies at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. In this episode, we explore decisions and decision-making, including details about: Making hard decisions Decision-making in policing and business How the research on decision-making can apply to all of our lives Links and Other Information More about Neil Shortland: website, Twitter, and YouTube Ground Truth: Communication, decision-making, leadership, and risk for law enforcement, emergency services, military, and...
2020-10-131h 32
The Indigo PodcastThe Agility Conversation: Orienting Yourself to the Agile JourneyAgility is a journey, not a destination. It’s about getting more acutely oriented to the unfolding journey of your business differently perhaps than you have been oriented before. With the speed of business, pace of change, and accelerating VUCA of the world we live in, business has become a 3-dimensional challenge. We explore in detail, focusing upon: What is a journey orientation? How to get oriented to a journey differently than before? What can you do to begin pivoting? Links and Other Information All episodes of The Agility Conversation: Click here Stoute...
2020-10-0956 minThe Indigo PodcastBig Company or Big Brother? Surveillance of EmployeesIs the boss always watching you? With the proliferation of employee monitoring technologies, it’s becoming increasingly likely. But employee surveillance--electronic or otherwise--must be handled with care. In this episode, we discuss: What is employee surveillance Forms and negative reactions to employee surveillance Implications for people, leaders and organizations Links and Other Information News about H&M and employee surveillance: BBC and NY Post Yost, A. B., Behrend, T. S., Howardson, G., Darrow, J. B., & Jensen, J. M. (2019). Reactance to electronic surveillance: A test of antecedents and outcomes. Journal of Business and Psychology, 34(1), 71-86. Cli...
2020-10-0836 minThe Indigo PodcastDavid Horning on Humor in the WorkplaceWhat is humor? Why does it matter with regard to the workplace? How can it help organizations and leaders? In this episode, we talk with comedian and speaker David Horning about the changing nature of work and how humor fits into it all. Specifically, we discuss: The work landscape Why humor helps How to--how NOT to--incorporate humor into the workplace and leadership Links and Other Information David Horning’s website David’s organization, Water Cooler Comedy David's podcast, You Can't Laugh at That David on Twitter Avolio, B. J., Howell, J. M., & Sosik, J. J. (1...
2020-10-061h 06
The Indigo PodcastA Deep Dive into Agile versus WaterfallWhat is “waterfall” as it pertains to projects--and more? And how does it compare with agile? In this episode, we dive into this topic. Specifically, we explore: The primary differences between waterfall and agile The deeper complexities in these two approaches toward work How you can overcome “waterfall inertia” with agile Links and Other Information The Agile Manifesto TED marshmallow video: Click here
2020-10-0258 minThe Indigo PodcastBreaking Bad … News: A How-To GuideDealing with bad news is a fundamental part of being a leader or a manager. Focusing on how to deal with bad news within the organization, we discuss the research on delivering bad news and distill some actionable insights. Specifically, we explore: How sharing bad news is hard and painful, but it’s necessary Why and how fairness matters with regard to sharing bad news Implications for people, leaders, and organizations Links and Other Information Bies, R. J. (2013). The delivery of bad news in organizations: A framework for analysis. Journal of Management, 39(1), 136-162. Click here...
2020-10-0142 minThe Indigo PodcastMarisa Carson on Turbulence and Talent Management ImplicationsWhat is talent management, anyway? And what does it have to do with how the workplace is changing? We explore these questions and more in this phenomenal episode with Marisa Carson, Ph.D. Specifically, we discuss: How an organizational psychologist ended up working in talent management How the workplace is changing amid COVID and other social shifts Implications for talent management in the future Links and Other Information Related episode: Enrica Ruggs on Race, Organizations, and the Role of Leaders
2020-09-291h 10
The Indigo PodcastThe Agility Conversation: Agile CultureIf you want an agile organization, you must consider culture. In this episode, we explore organizational culture, with a focus on what it means to have a culture that supports agility. Specifically, we explore: Why an agile culture is essential and how it contrasts with a traditional or “waterfall” culture What organizational culture is anyway, and what having an agile culture entails How leaders can develop an agile culture or a culture that supports agility Links and Other Information What to Learn from the Firing of Ford CEO Mark Fields: Click here White paper on agi...
2020-09-2500 minThe Indigo PodcastCorporate Training Doesn’t Have to Stink!Training at work is often terrible--but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we unpack some of the basic--yet essential--ideas behind creating training that has a real and sustained impact. Specifically, we address: What is training and why does it matter Ways to design training so that it helps people learn Key takeaways for people, leaders, organizations Links and Other Information Association for Talent Development: website and state of the industry The International Society for Performance Improvement: website The Thiagi Group: games and other training-related resources Aguinis, H., & Kraiger, K. (2009). Benefits of training and de...
2020-09-2452 minThe Indigo PodcastJosh Cogswell on Workplace OstracismBeing ostracized is painful, regardless of whether it occurs in our non-work or work lives. We explore workplace ostracism in this episode with Josh Cogswell, an assistant professor of management at Nicholls State University who recently published a meta-analysis on workplace ostracism in the Journal of Applied Psychology. Specifically, we discuss: What is ostracism and why does it matter in the workplace Outcomes of ostracism What leads to ostracism and implications for people, leaders, and organizations Links and Other Information Josh Cogswell: LinkedIn or at the Nicholls State University College of Business Administration Howard, M. C...
2020-09-221h 03
The Indigo PodcastThe Agility Conversation: Mental AgilityAre you thinking about your thinking? Being an agile leader and building agility in your team or organization requires a look inward. In this episode, we discuss: What is mental agility and what are mental models? What are some examples of mental models and how they work? How to develop mental agility and practical steps for you to take Links and Other Information Fulmer, R. M., & Keys, J. B. (1998). A conversation with Peter Senge: New developments in organizational learning. Organizational dynamics, 27(2), 33-42. Click here Baran, B. E., & Woznyj, H. M. (2020). Managing VUCA: The human dynamics of...
2020-09-1800 minThe Indigo PodcastNot Throwin’ Away My Shot! Mormons, Hells Angels, and Forging LeadersTo develop as a leader, stretch assignments or “crucibles” are critical. We discuss in more detail, using Mormon missionary experiences and the Hells Angels motorcycle runs as examples. Specifically, we explore: Why people need “crucibles” to grow and develop What is a stretch assignment Implications for people, leaders, and organizations Links and Other Information Thomas, R. J. (2008). Crucibles of leadership development. MIT Sloan Management Review, 49(3), 15. Click here Fernández-Aráoz, C. 21st-Century Talent Spotting. Harvard Business Review. Yost, P. R., & Plunkett, M. M. (2009). Real Time Leadership Development (Vol. 7). John Wiley & Sons. Click here
2020-09-1749 minThe Indigo PodcastDave Schramm on Building Relationships and Families that ThriveDave Schramm is a no-kidding family and relationships scholar--but he also does tremendous work bringing that research-based knowledge to the general public. He's an expert on what makes good relationships and good families, and he has great ideas on how those concepts can apply in the workplace. In this episode, we discuss: Promoting happy and healthy relationships The marriage and family help landscape and Dave's assessment of it How families and organizations can benefit from this field of knowledge Links and Other Information Dave's website: https://www.drdavespeaks.com/ Dave on Facebook: https://www.fac...
2020-09-151h 00
The Indigo PodcastThe Agility Conversation: Agile ProductivityAre you overwhelmed ... or are you under-organized? In this episode, we unpack ideas around the topic of agile productivity. Specifically, we talk about: Starting with your personal approach toward organization Meeting the challenge of turbulence with good triage Meetings, project management, and personal ways to view challenges Links and Other Information Upcoming webinar with Mike, Ben, and Chris: click here Other episodes of The Agility Conversation The Surprising Science of Meetings: book Related episode: Getting S*** Done James Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model: more info David Krakauer: Intelligence and Stupidity
2020-09-1100 minThe Indigo PodcastHow Leaders Actually DevelopDrawing upon decades of research, we describe what science suggests regarding how leaders actually develop. Specifically, we explore: What is leader development and why does it matter What do we know about leader development and how does it happen Implications for people and organizations Links and Other Information McCall Jr, M. W. (2010). Recasting leadership development. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 3(1), 3-19. Click here Day, D. V., Fleenor, J. W., Atwater, L. E., Sturm, R. E., & McKee, R. A. (2014). Advances in leader and leadership development: A review of 25 years of research and theory. The Leadership...
2020-09-1050 minThe Indigo PodcastMatt Crayne and Kelsey Medeiros on Pandemic LeadershipJustin Trudeau, Jair Bolsonaro, Angela Merkel: three distinct leaders with three distinct approaches toward the COVID pandemic. We unpack their charismatic, ideological, and pragmatic approaches with Matt Crayne of the University at Albany and Kelsey Medeiros of the University of Nebraska Omaha. Specifically, we discuss: Three ways to think about leadership Profiles of three world leaders during COVID Implications for people and organizations Links and Other Information Matt Crayne: website and Twitter Kelsey Medeiros: website, ethics consulting firm, and Twitter Crayne, M. P., & Medeiros, K. E. 2020. Making Sense of Crisis: Charismatic, Ideological, and Pragmatic Leadership in...
2020-09-081h 02
The Indigo PodcastThe Agility Conversation: Agile Decision-MakingIn this first episode of our series titled, "The Agility Conversation," we explore agile decision-making. Specifically, we discuss: Agile conversation flow to cash flow Decision making and how your thoughts, questions and actions play a role Proactive conversation flow to improve functioning Links and Other Information Join us for a free webinar on Sept. 16, 2020! We'll be uncovering agility before, during, and after COVID--with a specific focus on the five roles of everyday agile leaders. Click here for more info. Two books by Gary Klein: (1) Intuition at Work and (2) Sources of Power Baran, B. E., & Scott, C. W...
2020-09-0400 minThe Indigo PodcastManagers as Coaches: Great Idea or Total Numbskullery?What is coaching and should managers be coaches? We explore this and related topics in this episode; specifically: Coaching as a critical part of performance management Coaches in the workplace--and managers as part of that How organizations can promote coaching behavior Links and More Steelman, L. A., & Wolfeld, L. (2018). The manager as coach: The role of feedback orientation. Journal of Business and Psychology, 33(1), 41-53. Click here Joo, B. K. B., Sushko, J. S., & McLean, G. N. (2012). Multiple faces of coaching: Manager-as-coach, executive coaching, and formal mentoring. Organization Development Journal, 30(1). Click here
2020-09-0344 minThe Indigo PodcastMike Richardson on Agility Before, During, and After COVIDLearn about the five roles of everyday agile leaders and turning your conversation flow to cash flow with Mike Richardson, who specializes in the agility challenges of CEOs and executives running small to medium sized enterprises. He shares insights at the intersection of his agility experiences in three worlds. In the real-world, he started his career working as a Petroleum Engineer on offshore oil and gas drilling rigs with Shell International and now studies other everyday agile leaders in the real world: fighter pilots, Navy Seals, Fire Fighters and others. In the business world, via an MBA at London...
2020-09-011h 09The Indigo PodcastWell I Never! Dealing with Slackers in GroupsHave you ever had to work in a group that had a member or two who just weren't pulling their weight? It happens--all the time. And it's terrible, for both people and organizations! These slackers in teams are doing what's called "social loafing," and in this episode we discuss: What is social loafing What we know about it and what does it do to groups and teams How to prevent social loafing Show Notes and Links Karau, S. J., & Williams, K. D. (1993). Social loafing: A meta-analytic review and theoretical integration. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 65(4), 681...
2020-08-2748 minThe Indigo PodcastMike Dovilla on Careers in Public Service and Making a DifferenceIn the realm of public service, the Honorable Mike Dovilla has done it all: elected official, congressional staffer, presidential appointee, military officer, and more. In this episode, we explore why public service is worth pursuing as a career, what shapes and forms public service might take, and advice for those of any age or state looking to get into public service. We also explore important aspects of history and context that shape U.S. government, society, and our involvement in it. Show Notes The Grindstone Institute: https://thegrindstoneinstitute.com/ Mike Dovilla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.co...
2020-08-251h 19
The Indigo PodcastNEWS FLASH: More Podcasts and Fighting Racism!This week, we will release TWO episodes of The Indigo Podcast: one that’s an interview with someone awesome, one that’s Ben and Chris. Starting the week of Aug. 31, we will release THREE episodes every week: an interview, Ben and Chris tackling an issue, and The Agility Conversation with Mike Richardson. Also, we won a grant to fight racism! And, listen to our episode with Mike Dovilla on careers in public service! Our anti-racism research project description: https://www.siop.org/Research-Publications/Items-of-Interest/ArtMID/19366/ArticleID/4684/Anti-Racism-Grant-Winners-Announced#_Organizational_Anti-Racism_Initiati
2020-08-2400 minThe Indigo PodcastBill Gentry on Careers, Networking, Political Skill, and LeadershipBill Gentry is the author of the best-selling book, Be the Boss Everyone Wants to Work For: A Guide for New Leaders. In this episode, our conversation covers getting to know Bill, his tips on career development, and information for first-time leaders. Why should we listen to Bill? He is a leadership researcher, trainer, speaker, author, and industrial-organizational psychologist with a specialty of helping new and aspiring leaders. He’s currently the Assistant Vice President of Career and Professional Development at High Point University. Before that, he was a senior research scientist, trainer, and director at the Cent...
2020-08-181h 08
The Indigo PodcastA British Accent, Agility, and MORE: Meet Mike Richardson!In this short bonus episode, we introduce our good friend and colleague Mike Richardson, with whom we'll be hosting a fantastic webinar--"Agility Before, During, and After Covid: The 5 Roles of Everyday Agile Leaders "--on Wednesday, September 16th at noon EDT/9 a.m. PDT. We also talk about upcoming special episodes of the podcast that we'll be doing with Mike. For more information and to register for this FREE webinar, visit www.mikerichardson.live/webinars, where you will also find a lot more about Mike. Also, check out this article Mike published in CEOWORLD Magazine: https://ceoworld.biz/2020/08/13/the-5...
2020-08-1400 minThe Indigo PodcastTodd Dewett on Education, Authenticity, and LeadershipToday, we have guest, Todd Dewett, on the show. Todd grew up in Memphis. He started a career as a consultant, but got an academic itch and earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior at Texas A&M. He became a professor, quickly rose the ranks through tenure and promotion all the way to full professor, won all the teaching and research awards, and after 10 highly successful years in academia… he left. Fast forward to today, Todd is a professional speaker. He’s given more than 1,000 speeches, including TEDx, endless corporate events and conferences, military groups, religious organ...
2020-08-111h 13The Indigo PodcastSteven Rogelberg on Fixing Bad Meetings and MoreWe're thrilled to have Steven Rogelberg on our show. Steven has authored more than 100 publications addressing issues such as team effectiveness, leadership, engagement, health and employee well-being, meetings at work, and organizational research methods. He has been seen in the media via CBS, TEDx, The Washington Post, etc. He is also a professor and the Editor of The Journal of Business and Psychology. Today, we will discuss what drives Steven, his evidence-based take on improving meetings, and his latest book, “The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance.” Links to check...
2020-08-041h 04
The Indigo PodcastCOVID UPDATE: Astral Sex and Alien DNA?!Science is real. Astral sex is not. In this quick update, we share our perspective on how to decipher some of the information and disinformation out there regarding COVID. And we provide a sneak preview of our episode with the amazing Steven Rogelberg, which is set to release on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
2020-07-2900 minThe Indigo PodcastCan You Say What You Want and Keep Your Job?In this episode we explore: What the heck can anyone say anymore How to be an effective social deviant How to curate a healthy conversation and culture at work Show Notes Poll: 62% of Americans Say They Have Political Views They’re Afraid to Share: https://www.cato.org/publications/survey-reports/poll-62-americans-say-they-have-political-views-theyre-afraid-share The Overton Window: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overton_window Morrison, E. W., & Milliken, F. J. (2000). Organizational silence: A barrier to change and development in a pluralistic world. Academy of Management Review, 25(4), 706-725. https://journals.aom.org/doi/abs/10.5465/amr.2000.3707697 Episode on difficult conversations:http...
2020-07-281h 00The Indigo PodcastEnrica Ruggs on Race, Organizations, and the Role of LeadersToday, we have the pleasure of interviewing Enrica Ruggs, Assistant Professor of Management and Director of the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion in the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis. We discuss the racism landscape, racism and organizations, and making progress and the role of leadership against racism. If you want to know a little more about Enrica, her work focuses on the manifestation of subtle forms of discrimination and mistreatment toward employees with stigmatized identities, the outcomes of these behaviors, and strategies that individuals and organizations can engage in to c...
2020-07-211h 17The Indigo PodcastCOVID UPDATE: Don't be a Numbskull!!!In this seven minute episode, we add on to our initial COVID podcast with some concerns that we have regarding behavior that we are seeing. Cases are surging. We provide an update for employers and leaders.
2020-07-1600 minThe Indigo PodcastNetworking: Love It or Leave It?Networking ... some people love it and some people don't. Everyone says it's valuable. Today we discuss: Networking defined and some forms that it takes Research on networking and its outcomes Practical steps for enhancing your career--and your current job Final note about networking during COVID-19 Show Notes Wolff, H. G., & Moser, K. (2009). Effects of networking on career success: A longitudinal study. Journal of Applied Psychology, 94(1), 196. https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2009-00697-007 Hargadon, A., & Sutton, R. I. (1997). Technology brokering and innovation in a product development firm. Administrative Science Quarterly, 716-749. ht...
2020-07-1456 minThe Indigo PodcastKate Ball on Career Pivots, Champions, and Finding PurposeToday we have the pleasure of learning from Kate Ball. Kate is the Director of Talent and Leadership Development at a large tech company and she’s been an officer in the U.S. Navy since 2002. Kate is going to share her story about finding what is possible in your life and career. We'll also discuss the circuitous nature of careers and navigating possibilities. And, chat about the importance of finding purpose and implications for all of us.
2020-07-071h 07The Indigo PodcastBeyond “What Do You Do?” Developing an Identity OUTSIDE of WorkThis podcast is about human flourishing at work AND BEYOND. Work and non-work are often intertwined, but if we’re to flourish in life, we need to pay attention to the full spectrum of human flourishing. Today’s episode is probably a little more on the “beyond” side of the spectrum. We discuss: What is your identity and why is it important? Work identity and the benefits of a more complex identity. Developing a balanced “you.” Links & Show Notes Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/TheIndigoPodcast/ Subscribe on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdek-k3uDlmX...
2020-06-301h 05The Indigo PodcastSeriously, Another Zoom Meeting? Are you kidding me?!Today's podcast is on the subject of virtual meetings. Fun fact: Zoom has surpassed 300 million daily meeting participants as of April 2020. To help us present the best evidence on how to run better meetings, we have guest, Lea Williams. We will discuss: The proliferation of online meetings Pitfalls and opportunities Implications for people and organizations Lea Williams, a proud caretaker of two greyhounds living in the Queen City (Charlotte, NC), is an organizational scientist with a passion for researching workplace meetings and helping nonprofit organizations. Her prior industry experience includes work at Duke Ener...
2020-06-231h 15The Indigo PodcastThis Fall Will Be a COVID Nightmare … or Will It?Today, we talk with Dr. Warren D. Everett and end up with a moral case for opening the economy in the wake of Covid-19. Dr. Everett has practiced medicine for over 40 years, is a retired medical school professor from the University of AL, and has specialties in Aerospace Medicine and Family Practice. He also has a B.S. in Economics from the United States Air Force Academy. Specifics we address: How pandemics end: medically vs socially Psychology of exhaustion and self-control The role of organizations and leaders as we move forward
2020-06-161h 05The Indigo PodcastYou’re So Vain, You Probably Think This Podcast is About YouMany of us have worked for someone we suspected might be a narcissist, or maybe have simply wondered, "What's wrong with this person?" Some of you may not be able to get enough of yourself. In this episode we talk about Narcissism and leadership. What is narcissism? What do narcissistic leaders do in organizations? How to spot, avoid, and deal with narcissistic leaders around you. "Narcissism and self-deception are survival mechanisms without which many of us might just jump off a bridge.” –Todd Solondz
2020-06-091h 03The Indigo PodcastMake it RAIN! Money as a MotivatorThis episode is all about the mighty dollar's relationship with humans and work. We dive deep into: Does money motivate people at work? Your relationship with money and why that matters Implications for organizations and for us as individual people Show Notes Pfeffer, J. (1998). Six dangerous myths about pay. Harvard Business Review, 76(3), 109-120. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA20567116&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=00178012&p=AONE&sw=w Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Science, 319(5870), 1687-16...
2020-06-021h 08The Indigo PodcastHigh School, Again: An Adult View of PopularityWould you like to go back to high school? For many, the deciding factor in answering this question would be popularity. And, for those of us who perhaps despised high school, the "adult" world can be quite disappointing when we realize popularity contests don't go away. All potential cringing aside, in this episode we discuss: What is popularity and how does it relate to the workplace? How do people achieve popularity and what happens if you are popular? What does popularity have to do with flourishing in life?
2020-05-261h 01The Indigo PodcastCheck Yo Self Before You Wreck Yo Self! Self-Leadership and Managing EmotionsWe couldn't help it....we love Ice Cube. But alas, today's episode is about managing your emotions. Once you understand how your mind works you will be able to hack it. Others' behaviors will likely make more sense as well. So we dive deep into: What is self leadership and how is managing one's emotions part of it? How understanding how your mind works is the key to “hacking” your future Using this understanding to improve your interactions with others Show Notes George, J. M. (2000). Emotions and leadership: The role of emotional intelligence. Human Rela...
2020-05-151h 09The Indigo PodcastWFH? WTF! Puncturing the “Perfect” YouWe're talking about working from home, and in particular, how working from home has caused so many of us to have a collision between our personal and professional lives ... a “puncturing” of an illusion of perfection that many of us have created. So we dive deep: ● What is a private vs. professional persona? ● How this is potentially helpful and potentially harmful in the workplace? ● Some tips for how to best navigate between private and professional personas.
2020-05-121h 02The Indigo PodcastUs versus Them: Healing the Management-Employee Rift The big rift that can emerge between management and employees Aligning the factions Practical steps to head in the right direction
2020-05-051h 10The Indigo PodcastLove in an Elevator: All About Workplace RomanceWe hope you laugh listening, as much as we did in prepping for this episode. Shout out to Jordan J. in Washington D.C. for submitting quite a few ideas on this fun topic. In a survey by CareerBuilder.com in 2009, 40% of respondents revealed that they have dated a coworker. Taboo? We’re drawing upon a nice summary in the Encyclopedia of Industrial/Organizational Psychology written by Charles Pierce of the University of Memphis, also a good article in the MIT Sloan Management Review by John Pearce of Villanova University. Different types of workplace romances and how t...
2020-04-2850 minThe Indigo PodcastThe Psychology of a Crisis DemystifiedThis is part two in our series on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Manual. Part one explored “Crisis Management Communication: Principles and Pitfalls,” check out that one too. Today we’re going to talk about: Four ways people process information during a crisis Mental states in a crisis Behaviors in a crisis Addressing psychology in the crisis and emergency risk communication rhythm #crisismanagementcommunication
2020-04-211h 09The Indigo PodcastCrisis Management Communication: Principles and PitfallsThis is the first of what will likely be a handful of episodes on crises and related topics. We are drawing DIRECTLY from some amazing resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and we’ve included a link to all of these resources in the show notes. What we love about these resources is that it’s all evidence-based, drawing upon the relevant social science literature. And it doesn’t just have to do with public health emergencies. The six principles of crisis and emergency risk communication The phases of a crisis and the communication rhythm Pitfall...
2020-04-141h 02The Indigo PodcastCovidtunists: The Rise of COVID-19 Profiteering What the heck is a covidtunist? Need for differentiation and authenticity Implications for vendors and organizations Don't fall victim to the covidtunist. Have examples of “covidtuning” or “covidtunists”? Share them with us on Twitter using the hashtag #covidtunist and tag us @PodcastIndigo
2020-04-0743 minThe Indigo PodcastSensemaking, Leadership, and COVID-19COVID-19 is kind of like getting hit by a bus. This time is stressful, chaotic, and anxiety-provoking. How you respond is based on a number of factors. In this episode we dive deep into sensemaking and leadership in light of current events. What is sensemaking? It is the action or process of making sense of or giving meaning to something, especially new developments and experiences. The collapse of sensemaking / a way in which organizations are fragile How to lead the charge and how individuals and organizations can support Emerging new tasks and roles for management due to COVID-19 Sh...
2020-03-311h 05The Indigo PodcastSanity While Isolated: Lessons from POWs and AstronautsWhile #covid-19 (#coronavirus) has us all on lockdown, we are finding that many of us are struggling with the isolation of #socialdistancing. Whether we live alone or with family, the isolation of having to stay in one's own home and deal with all the stress and changes this virus has brought us is a tall task. So in this episode we take an #evidencebased look at how to keep your sanity while isolated. Humans are social Experiences with Military Deployments and training scenarios Guidance for behavior while in captivity--lessons from prisoners of war and the U.S. military
2020-03-241h 06The Indigo PodcastRun Your Company Like an Aircraft CarrierScholars often cite naval aircraft carriers as prototypical examples of “high-reliability” organizations. Such organizations, they suggest, are able to engage daily with risky technologies in a remarkably safe manner because of the ways in which people interact, communicate, and adhere to common principles. In this episode we explore: What is a “high reliability organization?” What can “normal” organizations learn from aircraft carriers? Additional lessons from modern aircraft carriers that can be helpful.
2020-03-171h 01The Indigo PodcastUnderstanding Science and the World of WorkFirst let us say this episode will leave many unsatisfied -- we can empathize with the desire for definitive answers, but in the real world of leadership and management you have to get comfortable with incomplete information and ambiguity. We discuss: What is science? How does it work? Misconceptions? When it works, what kind of knowledge does it provide? What is the nature of scientific explanation? How does the social organization of science contribute, if at all, to its success?
2020-03-101h 06The Indigo PodcastMilitary Veterans and Civilian Work: Hidden Issues and Potential SolutionsIf you are a veteran-- this episode is for you. If you are not a veteran, you may still find interest in this episode-- particularly if you are hiring veterans. What we cover: Unrealistic transition preview Geographic inflexibility Sense of entitlement Knowledge and skills gap Additional tips and ideas for both transitioning veterans and employers who want to hire them Additional info here.
2020-03-031h 02The Indigo PodcastThe Four Day Work Week: Fad or Fabulous?Everyone wants to work less with more productivity, right? Many companies have experimented with alternative work schedules, flex hours, and reduced hours. In the war for talent it is certainly tempting to offer a four hour work week, providing a way for employees to achieve work life balance. Does it work? In this episode we discuss: History of the four day workweek and different types of work schedules Industry, profitability, ethics Implications for individuals, managers, execs and board members
2020-02-2558 minThe Indigo PodcastLeadership Styles, Personal Professional Boundaries, and MoreToday we’re trying something slightly different on the podcast. We’re going through some of the wonderful feedback we’ve received from you listeners, and we’re going to respond to some of the great questions you've thrown at us. Here are a few things we will cover: Leadership styles and corresponding work environments that are conducive to those styles Disentangling personal and professional boundaries in the workplace
2020-02-1849 minThe Indigo PodcastHow Will You Measure Your Life? Reflections on Clayton ChristensenToday’s episode reflects on, Clayton Christensen, who was a Harvard Business School professor and consultant. He is probably best known because of his book, The Innovator’s Dilemma, which was published in 1997 and introduced his theory of “disruptive innovation.” Christensen died on January 23, 2020, and it reminded us of one of our favorite works of his, a 2010 article in Harvard Business Review titled, "How Will You Measure Your Life?" So, in this episode we reflect on Clayton and explore the following: What does it mean to create a strategy for your life? Ethics and integrity matter because...
2020-02-101h 04The Indigo PodcastCreating a Feedback CultureIn this episode we discuss creating a feedback culture. We hear a lot about how important culture is and many companies are striving to win in the culture wars by offering everything from massages to gourmet free snacks. That’s all great on the surface, but let’s talk about: What is a feedback culture and why does it matter? What can an organization do to foster a feedback culture? What can individual leaders do to foster a feedback culture? Our last episode came in response to one of our listeners requests, and this one does too! So...
2020-02-041h 01The Indigo PodcastWill You Be My Mentor? Uh, No.Today’s episode comes from a recommendation from one of our many amazing listeners. So, this one’s for you, Kate! And the topic we’re addressing today is mentoring. What is mentoring and its types Mentoring programs contrasted with coaching and leadership development Advice for those who seek mentoring
2020-01-281h 04The Indigo PodcastDifficult ConversationsWe are drawing from the great book by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton and Sheila Heen, Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. If you ARE Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, or Sheila Heen, let us know--we’d love to have you on! In this episode we discuss: what is a difficult conversation and when to have them the three conversations how to prepare for and conduct difficult conversations
2020-01-211h 02The Indigo PodcastWhy People Quit and How to Keep Them, Part 2There is a lot we can say about why people quit and how you can retain them, hence a "part 2" to this discussion. We cover the following. Turnover and retention--what the research says Retention management--evidence based guidelines Unfolding model of turnover Organizational commitment and withdrawal
2020-01-1455 minThe Indigo PodcastWhy People Quit and How to Keep ThemMost managers know that retaining top talent is key to their success. As such, many companies are offering all sorts of "perks" to attract and keep the best employees. What does the research say? In this episode we cover: Turnover and retention--what the research says Retention management--evidence based guidelines Unfolding model of turnover Organizational commitment and withdrawal
2020-01-071h 05The Indigo PodcastGetting S*** DoneIt's amazing how difficult it seems to get things done sometimes. In our consulting practice we have an entire curriculum around "Getting to Done" given how many organizations struggle in the area of execution. So in this episode we discuss: Queuing theory (you need a damn backlog) Sandbagging is bull**** Definition of done, managing nexus, and broader organizational implications
2019-12-3148 minThe Indigo PodcastMoments: Are You Brave?A personal “moment” from Ben Baran. "When I was about 11 years old, I injured my left pinkie finger while attempting to catch a football. It really hurt. When we arrived at the hospital’s emergency department, it felt like forever before they called me back for someone to see me. Finally, they called me back, took an X-ray of my finger, and injected it with some local anesthetic. Dr. Gurdev Purewal, an orthopedic surgeon, stopped by to examine me. He looked at my finger, and he looked at the X-ray. He then described how my finger w...
2019-12-3000 minThe Indigo PodcastMoments: Some Have Greatness Thrust Upon 'EmA personal "moment" from Ben Baran In January 2003, the Super Bowl was set to be played in San Diego, California. I was a young ensign in the U.S. Navy, serving in San Diego aboard a brand-new guided missile destroyer. Because the ship was new, we got to do a lot of cool public-relations events. Someone decided that our ship was going to be the host ship for the Super Bowl. We moved the ship a few miles from our normal pier at the 32nd Street Naval Base to a pier closer to downtown San Di...
2019-12-0503 minThe Indigo PodcastWhy We Hate (and Love) HRBen and Chris discuss: History of the HR function What's wrong with how HR often functions given the changing nature of work Why HR is essential for the success of organizations in the future and some ways it must change
2019-11-121h 03The Indigo PodcastFailure is an OptionThe Indigo Podcast's hosts, Ben and Chris, discuss what managerial derailment is and why it happens, practical ways in which people can reduce the probability of derailing themselves, and steps for organizations to avoid having their managers derail. Podcast articles and links mentioned by Chris and Ben: Shipper, F., & Dillard Jr, J. E. (2000). A study of impending derailment and recovery of middle managers across career stages. Human Resource Management, 39, 331-345. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Herman_Aguinis/publication/227496278_Enhancing_the_relevance_of_organizational_behavior_by_embracing_performance_management_research/links/5c6aac7f299bf1e...
2019-10-311h 12The Indigo PodcastFlourishing in a VUCA WorldThe Indigo Podcast's hosts, Ben and Chris, explain the origins of VUCA and why it’s relevant. They define what “agile” and “agility” mean in the context of business and management. And, they provide practical examples of agility/agile and implications for employees and managers. Podcast articles and links mentioned by Chris and Ben: Ben’s agility white paper https://www.indigoanchor.com/s/Bens-SIOP-Paper.pdf On origins of VUCA https://www.indigoanchor.com/blog/2019/10/31/on-the-origins-of-vuca-and-how-it-affects-decision-making Developing strategic leadership: The US Army War College experience https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/02621719210018208/full/html Agile Manifesto: http://agileman...
2019-10-311h 09The Indigo PodcastScandalized By ManagementThe Indigo Podcast's hosts, Ben and Chris, swap entertaining stories of being scandalized and surprised by incompetent management/leadership. They explore the question, "Why does incompetent management and leadership persist?" And, they offer advice on what people and organizations can do to thrive at the individual, management, and executive levels. Podcast articles and links mentioned by Chris and Ben: John Kotter What Leaders Really Do https://hbr.org/2001/12/what-leaders-really-do Situational Leadership https://www.amazon.com/Situational-Leader-Dr-Paul-Hersey/dp/0446513423 Blanchard, K. H., Zigarmi, D., & Nelson, R. B. (1993). Situational Leadership® after 25 years: A retrospective. Journal of Leadership Studies, 1(1), 21-36. ht...
2019-10-311h 21The Indigo PodcastIntroduction to The Indigo PodcastBen and Chris introduce listeners to who they are, how they met, what they're doing now, why they started the podcast, and what drives them in the world of work...and beyond.
2019-10-3147 min