Shows
Leading Questions PodcastBookclub 25: No Rules Rules - Netflix and the Culture of ReinventionIt's time to talk about No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings and Erin Miller Our next will be Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath2021-06-1522 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 105 - Even When He's Wrong, He's RightIn this episode, we answer the question: 2021-06-081h 02Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 104 - Generous With His ServicesOur question this episode... 2021-05-2532 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 24 - TribesLet's discuss Tribes by Seth Godin. Next up - No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer2021-05-1822 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 103 - Quickly, to the Pink Squirrel-mobile!This episode's question... My position is cross-functional - I work with people from across the business in a multitude of disciplines. One of the people that I interact with has no boundaries - he is constantly working, day and night and weekends. While that may work for him and his leader, it's not how I and my team operate. Additionally, he refuses to communicate with anyone over anything but a call or meeting. The problem comes in when my team needs to interact with him. He expects others to act the way he does - h...2021-05-111h 01Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 102 - FINISH HIM!This episode's question... 2021-04-2748 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 23 - Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized WorldLet's discuss Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein. Next up - Tribes by Seth Godin. In this episode, we also mention Jer's blog post, A New Leader's Bookshelf.2021-04-2019 min
Leading Questions PodcastI Want to Break FreeThis episode's question... How do you handle it when something happens at work that is unquestionably an affront to your principles, but the financial loss would be incredibly uncomfortable. Not disastrous, just very, very uncomfortable for you and your family. Don't forget about the book club! Currently, we're reading Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein2021-04-131h 08Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 100 - Where Everybody Knows Your NameWelcome to the 100th episode of Leading Questions! We're doing something a little different to commemorate this episode - instead of a listener question, Dawn and Jer ask each other questions they want to hear the other person answer. So, this time, you get TWO questions! Dawn asks Jer... You've talked about the path you've taken from being an individual contributor to being a leader - How much of that was intentional, and what was your process for becoming a better leader? Jer's question for Dawn is... How do...2021-03-301h 23Leading Questions PodcastBookclub 22 - The Biggest BluffLet's discuss The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win by Maria Konnikova. Next up, Range by David Epstein2021-03-2316 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 99 - InstituitionalizedThis episode's question is... 2021-03-161h 09Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 98 - She's KeroseneIn this episode we talk about... Recently, I started leading a new group of people at my work. In the process of getting to know everyone, I noticed something and I don't know how to approach it appropriately. There is this one person, who is overwhelmingly talkative and who refuses to even hear others' ideas if they contradict her own opinions. The only time she allows other people to contribute to the conversation is if they further her own plans. I'm concerned that she drowns out other people and is making the team less productive and, honestly...2021-03-021h 08Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 97 - Everything is AlrightIn this episode we talk about... At the beginning of 2021, I'm going to be taking on a lot of new projects and work. Over the past few months, I've been freaking out, trying to plan for the siege of to-do's coming my way. I think the planning may be making me more anxious, but I can't stop myself. How do I deal with the caseload? and how do I stop freaking myself out? Don't forget to join our bookclub! We're currently reading The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova!2021-02-0256 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 21 - Moment of LiftLet's discuss Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates (not Michelle Obama). Next up, The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova. 2020-12-1518 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 95 - Wizard Needs Food BadlyThis episode is all fun and games, other than the parts that aren't... My company moved everyone to WFH when COVID-19 hit our state. It’s been several months and my team has settled into their routine well, hitting their goals. In this time where people feel isolated already, the team is understandably feeling it as well. How do I keep them bonded, and maintain healthy relationships, when the most interaction you have is a square on a Zoom call? (Also, it was teambuilding.com) We are reading Moment of Lift by Melinda Ga...2020-12-081h 01Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 94 - The KidsIn this week's episode, we answer... My family is a dual income home. My partner is still working, and I’ve been laid off. So I’ve taken over the household and our two young children. There is no in-class school, and there is no daycare, meaning they are with me all day. There are shifts I can make once I go back to work, but the days of the 8 - 10hr work day are long gone. If this is the new normal, what should working parents in this situation be expecting from their leaders? What should comp...2020-11-2458 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 20 - The Art of LeadershipTime to discuss the current bookclub book, The Art of Leadership by Michael Lopp. For our next book, we will be reading Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates. 2020-11-1717 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 93 - Sacrifice TheoryIn this episode... Like many, I’ve been furloughed. I work in the event industry, so being brought back full time is looking grim until spring next year. The company I work for is a small tight knit team that is committed to getting everyone back, and I love working there. There are still some projects and events that trickle in, and they’ve given us the option of working them, but they will have to back pay them when we come back on board. I want to be a team player to help us get...2020-11-101h 01Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 92 - The DiseaseThis episode, we answer this: My brother works in a manufacturing engineering plant. The company is a week or more behind promised delivery dates to various customers and has been running frantic shifts 7 days a week, to the extent that they are pulling marketing and engineering staff out of their normal roles and having them hand assembly parts. Today, someone in his group tested positive for COVID-19. They are not allowing employees in the group to leave for testing; they sprayed everything down in the area with disinfectant and sent everyone back to work. What would you...2020-10-2054 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 19: Radical CandorIt's time to talk about Radical Candor by Kim Scott! For our next book, we're reading The Art of Leadership by Michael Lopp.2020-10-1316 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 91 - Oi to the WorldIn this episode, we answer the question: Each Christmas my team puts together a group gift that they give to me along with a card. Each year, I write a nice card for each of them, but, I don't buy a gift because I don't make that kind of money! Worse, because there are a lot of them, even pitching in 5 or 10 dollars each adds up to a really nice gift. Am I doing the right thing? Should I be getting them a gift? This would almost double my Christmas budget! Don't forget to read...2020-09-2939 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 18 - The Phoenix ProjectSo now we circle back and read The Phoenix Project after having finished the sequel. How did it hold up? Let's see... For our next trick, we'll read Kim Scott's Radical Candor!2020-09-0319 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 89 - Black Lives MatterLater than we'd have liked, we answer a question that is very timely and important: How do I talk about Black Lives Matter and the protests and all that with my team? I know we're supposed to leave religion and politics at home, but it feels like I should address this. Should I? If you have questions about this, or feedback about our handling of this conversation, we definitely want to hear from you... email jer@, dawn@, or questions@ leadingquestionspodcast.com If you want to learn more, some great resources: How to...2020-08-181h 04Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 88 - Working for the WeekendIn this episode, we answer: My boss has been trying to transition our team from everybody working all the time, day or night to setting realistic expectations for support and holding us to those. It's hard for me to take her seriously when she answers emails day and night within minutes of their arrival. I'm not talking about just high importance emails, but all emails. It's rare for an email that is sent between 6am and 11pm to fail to get a response from her within an hour. Sometimes, she even responds to emails at 2 or 3 in...2020-08-0447 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 17 - Unicorn ProjectFind out if we're crazy for reading them out of order, but this bookclub episode covers The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim. Next up, we'll go back and read The Phoenix Project to see how it stacks up with this newer work.2020-07-1415 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 87 - Basket CaseOur question for this episode is: I occasionally get invited to do social things with some of my employees and if I'm interested in the event itself I'll go - typically things like video games or even holiday parties. I don't go to every events, but I do go to the ones that sound fun. I'm not playing favorites. But it also means that I have gone to events for less than half of my team. Is that ok? Don't forget to tune in next week as we discuss Gene Kim's The Unicorn Project! 2020-07-0747 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 86 - Gotta Get AwayIn this episode, a listener asks: I have a lot of vacation saved up. There are a few reasons for this. First, our company gives us a lot of vacation. But, second, we don't really get to use it. The team is always working long hours without breaks and if you take a vacation everyone treats you like you killed their cat. Plus, when I get back I just have a bigger pile of work to do. I've gotten another job that I think that I'll like, but I'm scared to switch and find out...2020-06-2334 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 16 - Talking to StrangersJoin us as we discuss Malcolm Gladwell's Talking to Strangers in the latest edition of our bookclub! For our next book, we are reading The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim. 2020-06-1617 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 85 - Puppy Monkey BabyIn this episode we answer: At work we have a lot of mandatory "fun" events. If I don't participate, I'm not a team player. However, I don't enjoy them, and I'm here to work. How do I avoid participating and still keep my job? But we also mention Puppy Monkey Baby and Shytown's "Olive Garden"...we're not proud. Join us later this week as we discuss Malcolm Gladwell's "Talking to Strangers" 2020-05-261h 01Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 84 - Like a PrayerIn this episode we discuss: I have a coworker who very religious--she does regular prayer luncheons at work and talks about her involvement in various Christian charities and programs, for example. As a rule, it's not an issue in any way at work except, she chastises her coworkers for swearing. Not just the "big words" but shit, damn, hell…everything. It's having an impact on team morale and they are starting to get irritated with her over it. What do I do? Don't forget to read along with us as we go through Malcolm Gladwell's "Ta...2020-05-1242 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 15 - PeakThis month, we read "Peak: Secrets From the New Science of Expertise" by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool. Next up, we will be reading Malcolm Gladwell's "Talking to Strangers", so join us!2020-04-3011 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 83 - Not a Credible ThreatIn this episode, in between rants we answer this question: My boss hates his job and bitches about it all the time. He doesn't complain to everybody, just to me and a few select others. It's annoying and it makes me not like my job as much. I'm also worried about my coworkers hearing this and it affecting them as well. Stay tuned later this week as we review "Peak: Secrets From the New Science of Expertise" by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool. Joey Bag o' Donuts And, A...2020-04-2843 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 82 - Over the TopIn a very special episode relevant to world events we answer: The work our company does doesn't lend itself to work from home, and the industry we supply to is dead in the water during the pandemic. Because of this, I've been furloughed for at least one month and probably more like three. What should I be doing with my time off? Don't forget to read "Peak: Secrets From the New Science of Expertise" by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool along with us! Coming up after our next podcast... 2020-04-141h 06Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 81 - Walking with a GhostNow that Jer is done being sick, we're back with this question: My work takes referrals and recently I referred a friend of mine that I thought would be a good fit for a position we were looking to fill. He went through the interview process and thought he did really well, but then the company sort of ghosted him. I suggested to my friend that he call and ask what was going on and when he did the company's explanation was they had decided to go another way. However, I know they are still looking to...2020-03-3151 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 80 - Office ParkourIn this episode, we answer the question: What am I supposed to do when I feel so busy I can't get things done? How can I get out of this mind set, use it to my advantage, and then influence my team or the people around me with my experience? Don't forget to join us as we read "Peak: Secrets From the New Science of Expertise" by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool.2020-03-031h 08Leading Questions PodcastBookclub 14 - 12 Rules for LifeThis month, we read "12 Rules for Life" by Jordan B. Peterson. Next up, we will be reading "Peak: Secrets From the New Science of Expertise" by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool. 2020-02-2020 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 79 - Gwyneth P's VIn this episode, we answer: While working on a dev team a while ago, we were reviewing our job postings as a group to ensure they reflected our actual needs. One of the requirements was for a bachelor's degree. My leader challenged if that was needed, and another said yes. Never one to back down, the first leaders said "Really? Raise your hand if you have a college degree." Very few people present raised their hand - and this was a great team. That meeting has stuck with me for years. Why do companies insist on a...2020-02-1851 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 78 - The Shit MobileWe're back to single-question episodes with this one: Recently I was speaking with several other leaders from my company and the subject of Glassdoor came up. One leader mentioned that he'd run into a former employee that hadn't been happy with their experience at the company, and this person said "I should have paid attention to the Glassdoor reviews". The former employee was right - our reviews are terrible, the complaints are legitimate, and the few good reviews sound forced and false. The suggestion from several others in the group of leaders was that we should ask...2020-02-0446 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 13 - How to do NothingThis month's book is "How to do Nothing" by Jenny Odell Hear Jenny talk about this topic on Adam Conover's (absolutely fantastic) podcast! For our next book, we read "12 Rules for Life" by Jordan B. Peterson. 2020-01-2319 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 77 - Short Questions, Part 2Join us as we continue to ask some of the quick hit questions posed to us over the past couple of years. The questions in this one are: Do you check the social media of people that work for you? How do you feel about visible piercings or tattoos on your employees? Does it matter if they talk to customers? Is it every okay to leave without 2 weeks' notice? Would you ever take a job you have absolutely no experience with? How important is grammar or typos in a resume or cover letter or whatever? How long should...2020-01-2152 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 76 - Short Questions, Part 1Over the past several years, we've accumulated numerous questions that probably aren't big enough to support an entire episode on their own, so, we bundled a bunch together and rocket through them in this two-part episode! The questions in this one are: How do you feel about start times/end times or set schedules? I am planning to quit my job, when do I tell my co-workers? Before or after my boss? Do you let your company put their software on your phone? Is it ever okay to say "if this happens I'll quit"? I like my job...2020-01-071h 09Leading Questions PodcastBookclub 12 - The Hard Thing About Hard ThingsThis month's book is Ben Horowitz's "The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers" Next up...Jenny Odell's "How to Do Nothing", a concept that both of us could stand to learn from.2019-12-1216 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 75 - Racism SucksIn this episode, we respond to the troubling observation... I think my boss is a racist. He has said things like: "I can't hire someone the team won't be able to understand" about two different Indian candidates He won't send our sole black engineer to client sites because he says it'll make our clients uncomfortable He recently said that given two equal candidates, he'd pick the white one even if he were a little worse because he'd work harder and have a better culture fit What should I do? I need this job. D...2019-12-1048 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 74 - Why Don't You Get a JobThis episode's question is... Why is hiring and recruiting so broken? Why does nobody do it well? Read along with us as we read "The Hard Things About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz!2019-11-2653 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 11 - Reality is BrokenThis month's book is Jane McGonigal's "Reality is Broken" Next month we will discuss "The Hard Things About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz with a completely straight face!2019-11-1518 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 73 - Money for Nothin'In this episode, we answer... As a leader, what is the best way to deal with coworkers who were mistakenly given your salary by upper management? Not only have they disclosed it but it's off by about 35%. How to deal with upper management undermining your leadership without taking a bazooka to upper management and undermining your own relationship with upper management and coworkers? And stay tuned on Thursday morning for the next bookclub episode where we discuss "Reality is Broken" by Jane McGonigal! 2019-11-1254 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 72 - Flock of MonkeysIn this episode, we discuss a leader of leaders' struggle with a member of their team over-committing and throwing their team under the bus. I'm a leader of leaders. One of the leaders on my team has what we'll call a bad habit. At the start of a sprint, he will agree to a certain amount of features to be completed. Without fail, halfway through the sprint, he informs us that "the team" has decided that they can't finish all of the features, or that they will be late in doing so. I'm trying to coach him...2019-10-291h 01Leading Questions PodcastBookclub 10 - Measure What MattersThis month, we read "Measure What Matters" by John Doerr.Join us next time as we read Jane McGonigal's "Reality is Broken"! 2019-10-1519 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 71 - Chasing WaterfallIn this episode, we talk scrum masters and iterative delivery: I'm a product owner in a team that just started doing agile a few month ago and our scrum master is not great at it. He was a very waterfall technical guy in the past and now he makes it hard to be a product owner because he still acts very waterfally and mostly wants to get involved in solving technical problems and not doing all of the other things that a scrum master should be doing to help. What do I do? Stay tuned...2019-10-1539 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 70 - Our Own Worst EnemyA listener asked a little bit about us, this episode: Why do you lead? Specifically, what made you change from technology to leadership? Clearly, we have thoughts! Don't forget to join us as we read "Measure What Matters" by John Doerr!2019-10-0157 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 9 - 5 Dysfunctions of a TeamFor our ninth book, we read "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick (or Peter, if you're so inclined) Lencioni. Next up will be "Measure What Matters" by John Doerr, if you are one of the 7 people in the industry that hasn't read it yet! 2019-09-1719 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 69 - GoogleableIn this episode, we answer... One of the goals assigned to me when I was hired at my current company is to train a new junior systems engineer so he can develop a broader skill set and gain some experience on the systems engineering side (he was performing desktop support duties previously). However, even though the Junior SE doesn't have any experience in that area, he regularly argues with me about the "correct" way to do something. I feel that I spend more time arguing with the junior guy than actually implementing new things and managing the...2019-09-1758 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 68 - Life Less FrighteningThis episode, we answer the question... How do you switch careers? I'm worried about completely starting over and then finding out I hate the new one. Don't forget to read along with us, because our next bookclub book is The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni! 2019-09-0351 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 8 - DriveIn this, our eighth bookclub episode, we talk about "Drive" by Daniel Pink. Our next book will be Patrick Lencioni's "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" 2019-08-2011 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 67 - Andy Capp Fry FluIn this episode, we respond to... I want to be promoted to a leader role because all of our leaders suck. We need somebody that knows how software is delivered to lead these development teams and stop making garbage decisions all of the time. I have been turned down over and over and over. How do I get that promotion so I can fix things? Stay tuned after this episode to join us in discussing Daniel Pink's Drive! 2019-08-2050 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 66 - Loser of the YearIn this episode, we answer the following question: You both have talked a lot about letting employees fail, but what if they fail constantly? I teach them how to do things right and they do it wrong unless I'm right there doing it with them. I don't get it. We are currently reading Daniel Pink's Drive, so grab a copy and join us in a few weeks!2019-08-0655 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 7 - SlackIn our seventh bookclub episode, we discuss Tom Demarco's "Slack: Getting Past Burnout, Busywork, and the Myth of Total Efficiency" For our next book, we'll be discussing the oft-referenced-by-us "Drive" by Daniel Pink. 2019-07-2316 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 65 - Ch-ch-ch-changesThis episode, we discuss changes... Many things at my current company are changing, and most are not for the better. The culture and the goals are just not the same as when I joined more than 10 years ago. I've been fighting the changes but I am not winning. When do you know it's time to quit? How long should I keep fighting? Hang out after this episode to hear our discussion of Slack by Tom DeMarco!2019-07-2347 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 64 - Under Your AuthorityThis episode's question is... I've recently been promoted to director at work starting very soon. I've never led leaders before. What can I expect? What will be different and what will remain the same? If you're interested in reading along with us, we're currently reading Slack by Tom DeMarco in preparation for the bookclub episode to follow our next podcast!2019-07-0945 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 6 - Ego is the EnemyThis episode, we discuss “Ego is the Enemy" by Ryan Holiday. Stay tuned next month for Slack by Tom DeMarco... 2019-06-2512 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 63 - You Can Go Your Own WayThis episode's question is... When I started in my current position a couple of years ago, I made clear that my expectation was that travel would be minimal. Over time, my role (title) hasn't changed, but both the company and my position have evolved, including a slight increase in the amount of expected travel. Now I'm being told that, because of the company's current direction and my role, I'm going to need to travel more, including some pretty significant international travel. I've considered proposing some creative solutions and alternatives, but in the end if they are going...2019-06-2546 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 62 - Simple PlanThis episode's question... I get very frustrated when things change constantly. I plan for so long and then my company just changes direction entirely and all of my plans are useless. How do I stop these constant changes or at least slow them down? Should I even try? Should I just stop planning? Don't forget to stay tuned after next episode to hear us discuss our current bookclub book, Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday... 2019-06-111h 02Leading Questions PodcastBookclub 5 - How to Lead When You're Not in ChargeThis episode, we discuss “How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge” by Clay Scroggins. Stay tuned next month for Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday... 2019-05-1415 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 61 - I Live in a CakeThis episode's question: I'm really having trouble with delivering what our scrum master thinks is a good minimum viable product. Our agile coaches do a good job of explaining what we should be doing but I can't have the coach with our team all of the time and they keep telling me that we're taking really big horizontal slices or build essentially the whole product before they have anything releasable but it seems like that is the smallest thing that can be delivered. How do you deliver something smaller without what your delivering being stupid? 2019-05-1437 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 60 - Expired MentadentThis episode's question: A team lead at my company leads 3 contractors that are on site part time, and they don't seem to be taking ownership of the code they're creating. The exact phrase used by one of them was: "I have no idea what it does, I just programmed it." How do you lead a team of people who are contractors when you are not? How do you get more junior developers or contractors to feel a sense of ownership about what they are doing? How do you lead when you are not the official leader of...2019-04-3058 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 4 - Start With WhyJoin our discussion of Simon Sinek's book "Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action"...why? Because we said so. Our next book is "How to Lead When You're Not in Charge" by Clay "Buster"1 Scroggins 1 Not his middle name2019-04-1615 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 59 - Never Measure UpThis episode's question: We use Agile at work, but now management is doing a bunch of measurement and using dashboards and looking for better and better measures. I don't think that's how Agile is supposed to work, but they are doing it anyway. What can I do about this? 2019-04-1654 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 58 - POAThis episode's question: I'm working on a project, and a lot of the questions that are being asked are coming off as very sexist. Lately I've been responding with answers that aren't a blatant "Fuck you", but have underlying tones of "Shut up". How do I deal with these sexist questions? How do I keep from taking them personally? SHOULD I take them personally? Should I point them out to the people who could possibly fix it? If I do tell someone in charge, how would I do that? Should I be 100% honest, or is there a...2019-04-021h 12Leading Questions PodcastBookclub 3 - Creativity, IncWe discuss Ed Catmull’s book about leading Pixar to greatness in Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration. Our next book is Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek, read along with us!2019-03-2614 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 57 - Fixing Missing StairsThis episode's question: I have a member of my new team who is very senior, they have been around for a very long time and they are a huge pain. Everybody talks about how difficult the person is, how much they have to work around them, and how much they are a terror in meetings and in any group work. When it comes to review time everybody has perfectly generic and kind feedback for the person. The people that complain the most just don't provide feedback at all. How can I help this person grow or make...2019-03-261h 09Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 56 - White Collar Fraud (feat Angela Dugan) A listener asked on Facebook about impostor syndrome. It's a topic that comes up a lot, both in questions from listeners and in conversation during shows. This episode Dawn, Jer, and special guest Angela Dugan talk about it a bit. Our next book will be Ed Catmull's Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration.2019-03-0555 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 2 - Little Guide to Empathetic Technical LeadershipFor our second bookclub book, we discuss The Little Guide to Empathetic Technical Leadership by Alex Harms. Our next book will be Ed Catmull's Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration.2019-02-1919 minLeading Questions PodcastLeading QuestionsIn this episode: A listener was lamenting the holiday season and how difficult it was to navigate all of the parties, dinners, and other social events as an introvert. Their questions ran along the lines of whether it was important to attend these functions, how to negotiate the events when you're not very outgoing, and how to plan social gatherings that aren't so terrible to introverts. 2019-02-1959 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 54 - Living on the BenchThis episode's question is: We just went through a re-org at work and the awesome team I was on has been split up. I am currently waiting for my next project, doing little bits of odds-and-ends work in the meantime. I went from getting to work on an agile team developing a product to sitting by myself working on spreadsheets. How do I not let this new situation poison my attitude? Next episode, we will be discussing our next bookclub book, Alex Harms' The Little Guide to Empathetic Technical Leadership! 2019-02-0558 minLeading Questions PodcastBookclub 1 - The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ckWelcome to the first in our bookclub series, in which we discuss Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life. Our next book will be Alex Harms' Little Guide to Empathetic Technical Leadership. Future books will include: Creativity, Inc (Ed Catmull) Start With Why (Simon Sinek) How to Lead When You're Not In Charge (Clay Scroggins) 2019-02-0521 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 53 - Leading Questions Book ClubA listener mentioned that we talk a lot about books we've read, both in a positive way and joking at their expense. So he posed this question: What are some great books for leaders and knowledge workers to read, and what are some not-so-great books to avoid? 2019-01-221h 05Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 52 - Have a Podcast and a SmileThis episode's question: I constantly hear about branding and personal brands. They sound like bullshit. What do you think? Are they real or important? Don't forget that next month (episode 53, specifically) we'll be discussing Mark Manson's book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck, so give it a read!2019-01-0853 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 51 - Follow the LeaderThis episode's question: I've been a leader for a number of years and recently took a position with a new company. In between my coming in and the last leader exiting, the company had a more junior team member filling the role temporarily, attending meetings to keep on top of projects, etc. Once I started, this team member became very posessive of their "management duties" and was very reluctant to give them up. How do I take over the parts of my job this team member was doing without causing issues with this person? I don't want...2018-12-2558 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 50 - Farmer's Market Job FairThis episode's question is: I work for a small company of less than 100 employees. We're currently hiring additional IT team members, and I want to make sure that we are getting a diverse group of employees, not just white guys. However, everyone who has come in for an interview is a white guy. How does a company find people that aren't just white guys? Our first book club episode is coming up, hurry up and read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson and tell us what you think!2018-12-161h 00Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 49 -It's Been...Two WeeksThis episode's question is: I have been mulling around my impending severance from the company I work for, and I can't help perseverating over one detail. The two week notice. What really is the point? To give some context, three fourths of our team has either been let go or quit in the past year. Every time someone puts in their two week notice, they are let go on the spot. We really don't have any sensitive materials at our disposal or security concerns, so one assumes it is out of spite. Knowing this, when my day...2018-11-2753 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 48 - Inappropriate PunishmentsThis episode's question is: I have an employee who is unhappy with changes that are being made in the company, and has been very vocal about it. About 2 months ago he informed me in a one-on-one that he was actively looking for a new job. Since then I've had incidents where I've had to speak to him about bad mouthing the company and its direction while he's still here. Also, whenever something happens that he doesn't like he says "Well, I guess it's time for me to really start looking!" I know he's been interviewing and he's...2018-11-1358 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 47 - Culture Club (feat. Karen Walker)This episode features Karen Walker helping us answer the following question: My company recently passed over a potential hire for culture fit. She seemed like a great candidate and did great on the hiring challenges. What is culture fit and why does it matter? Helpful Links: Karen's book: No Dumbing Down: A No-Nonsense Guide for CEOs on Organization Growth [Amazon link] Kitty Genovese, aka The Bystander Effect Dennis Miller, aka Comedians that used to be funny (see also, Tim Allen) 2018-10-3053 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 46 - Big Bang BabyThis episode's question is: I've been a leader for a couple of years now and have identified some significant changes I need/want to make in my leadership style. What are your thoughts on a slow/steady "roll-out" focusing on one element at a time vs. a big-bang release of "Leader 2.0"? In case you wanted to check out our completely unaware sponsor, they'll soon have a new newspaper...The Uranus Examiner!2018-10-1637 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 45 - Fourty-six minus oneThis episode's questions is: Am I hurting my career prospects the longer I stay as a senior developer but where there are no lead responsibilities and no team reporting to me? Conversely, how long can you be in a pure leadership position before a person would have a hard time getting a development job. 2018-10-0252 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 44 - Señior PositionsThis episode's question: Question about applying to "senior" positions: I tick almost all of the boxes listed as required qualifications with a few exceptions I could definitely learn on the job, but the responsibilities list notes a lot of leadership and project management work that I haven't done before. Am I unqualified to apply to these? I haven't really led anything outside of like...college projects. My work is as part of a team, not leading a team. The actual sound a peacock makes can be found here...2018-09-1845 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 43 - I Get So ExcitedThis episode's question is a long one... It is difficult for me to get enthusiastic about helping customers who I've never met, so instead, I motivate myself by helping my co-workers. I put effort into learning how to meet the needs of each person I work alongside-- only to find they will not be my colleague a few months later. It seems a developer is expected to last only two to three years at an employer. Is that familiar to you? And if so, do you get personally-invested in building a culture, institutional processes, and relationships, that strengthen an organization...2018-09-041h 39Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 42 - Bad News BearsThis episode's question: Recently, I was informed that a new executive/c-level has joined the company. I found out about this on my weekly touch base with my boss, where I was introduced to said executive and informed, in that meeting, that he's my new boss. This seemed a crappy way to introduce the entire situation to me, but in thinking about it later I began to wonder what the right way to do something like that is. What is the right way to introduce a new leader to their team, assuming that it isn't common knowledge that a search...2018-08-2145 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 41 - Missed It By That MuchThis episode's question is: This was an interview question at a recent job opportunity, I was curious how you'd answer it: Explain a time when you tried your best to achieve a goal but failed. Links from this episode: Just 2 short weeks until Self.Conference! A bit about the Campbellian Monomyth And most importantly, NASCAR romance Download this episode2018-08-0749 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 40 - The Pieces Don't FitThis episode's question: What do you do if you don't fit into your job? As mentioned on the podcast...The Peter Principle 2018-07-241h 08Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 39 - You're So BraveSorry for the missed week, but we're back, bless our hearts! By my count, 10 f-bombs before we hit the 5 minute mark on this question: I'm almost 30 and I'm single and I have no children and I'm doing okay with money. I have a good job that pays okay and they treat me fine but its a super boring job. I don't hate it, but I'm not excited to go there everyday. I had a chance to interview at a startup, and I did, and they've made an offer. I don't know if I should take it because I don't know...2018-07-101h 08Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 38 - Speak UpThis episode's question is: My company keeps pushing me to talk at conferences. Why should I? Why should you, indeed!?2018-06-1243 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 37 - Expensive ReimbursementThis episode's question: My company encourages conference attendance and reimburses expenses/travel. Previously I purchased a hotel stay for an event and was reimbursed immediately. More recently, I purchased a prepaid hotel stay and conference ticket for an event 2 months out, but my company has said that I can't be reimbursed the cost of the hotel because I haven't stayed there yet. Once the stay is complete, then I can add it with my other expenses for reimbursement. While I should have been aware of this rule change and I'm thankfully financially stable, but how much could I push back...2018-05-2954 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 36 - Live from Penguicon 2018Join Yanni Kuznia and Jer as they broadcast the live Q&A from Penguicon! Questions include: What is the worst job you've ever had (not starter jobs like fast food)? I keep hearing about servant leadership...what's that? It's easy to find tech conferences, what are good conferences for leadership? Is college necessary? If so, how much? Note: I kept referring to "Carnegie Mellon" courses when what I meant to say was "Dale Carnegie" courses. One of those is much more "bullshitty" than the other. I'll leave which is which as an exercise for the reader. Download this episode2018-05-1544 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 35 -Resume FolderolThis episode's question: Can you please discuss your thoughts on what constitutes a good resume and, more importantly, what constitutes a terrible resume? As a hiring manager, I'm subjected to a wide range of resume formatting, some of which is clearly performed by the recruiter or agency presenting the candidate. A recent trend separates a candidates job history from their skills or accomplishments, making it impossible to determine the candidate's career growth, for example. Can you discuss what an individual can do to clearly present themselves in writing to clear HR hurdles for a phone screen or in-person interview? Also...2018-05-011h 04Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 34 - Discussing DineroThis episode's question is: When you're interviewing, when should you talk about salary? And how? Some events for your consideration: Penguicon May 4-6 Kalamazoo X April 21 Download this episode Discarded titles: Talking Tenners, Discussing Dollars, Discussing Dead Presidents, Chatting About Cash, Chatting Cheddar, Jabbering About Jacksons, Questioning Quid, Wondering About Your Wad (eww), Speaking Sawbucks, Speaking Shekels, Speaking About Stacks...and so many more. See what we do for you?2018-04-171h 08Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 33 - A Niche to ScratchI want to apologize for that pun first...but, here's this episode's question: I am currently a programmer in niche languages with specialized experience going to school to be a software developer. I don't have a lot of experience doing large programming projects in C++ or Javascript or whatever. I make a good living now, but I get the feeling I might need to take a pay cut as I enter the development world. What should I expect to make as a person who is not new to tech but is new to being a developer? Some events you should...2018-04-0349 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 32 - Serially FiredThis episode's question (bear with us, it's long...): I've been fired from my last 5 jobs, 3 of which have been in the last 9 months. Now I'm getting to the last point in interviews (3rd and at the end they really want to give me an offer letter) and not heard anything from potential offers since. Including silence when I've tried contacting them via email. The reasons for my firings were as follows: In the role of a Software Engineer: I got fired after 3 months for not learning fast enough. In my next role as a Software Engineer at a small business...2018-03-201h 06Leading Questions PodcastEpisode 31 - Why Can't We Be FriendsThis episode's question: I have a person working with me that is a friend. She's a great friend but a terrible employee that is hurting my business. My question is this: how do you fire a friend while maintaining the friendship? And boy do we have a treat for you...Dawn's daughter in a turkey hat! Love you, T! :)2018-03-0641 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 30 - Mister ManagerThis episode's question: My current position has a manager title, but I have no direct reports. However, I am expected to lead others who do not report to me. What's the best way to lead people that you don't have direct authority over? This seemed appropriate!2018-02-2041 minLeading Questions PodcastEpisode 29 - Hyper-Professional (feat. Mike Eaton)This episode's question: At a previous job, I had an employee transfer from another group to mine. In chatting with her it became clear that the reason that she moved groups was because she'd been sexually harassed by her previous manager. She'd reported it to HR and their solution was a warning to the manager and moving the engineer to another group (mine). I'm really bothered by this, both by my peer and the company's reaction. How do I continue to work and collaborate with a peer that I've not only lost respect for, but that has...2018-02-0659 min