Better At Work with Cathal Quinlan

In episode 26, we go deep on what makes a better day at work based on what we have learnt so far across two seasons of inspiring interviews with incredible people, plus our own lived experiences across global workplaces. When we’re so busy ‘doing’ work, how can we learn to be better at it?  In this three-part mini-series, Cathal Quinlan and Annette Sloan share 9 brain-friendly, bite-sized insights from world experts in workplace relationships, behavioural science and performance. In part one, ‘Better Me’, Cathal and Annette delve into the significance of self-awareness, confidence, and purpose in personal and professional development. They stress that self-awareness serves as the foundation for growth and improvement, helping people to identify areas to improve and how to go about it. We discuss: Personal experiences and insights on how taking the time to reflect and understand our own role in a crisis or challenging situation can be transformative. The importance of understanding our values as a starting point for self-awareness. Values act as a compass, guiding us in our decision-making and goal-setting, aligning them with our core beliefs. Simple, small steps to managing anxiety and growing our confidence. When we have confidence in ourselves and our abilities, we can inspire and motivate our teams to achieve greatness. It's not just about leading, but also about living a more fulfilled life. The significance of paying attention to our feelings and thoughts as a guide for future decisions and goals.  Listeners can access and download sum ups for free to dive deeper and take actionable steps: www.betteratwork.net/newsletter  Let’s find out how to be better at work, together!   Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 25, we chat with Dr. Jim Harter about how developing the right habits in organisations can lead to increased productivity and better work environments. We go deep on what the latest research from Gallup is revealing about engaging and retaining employees. Jim is the Chief Workplace Scientist at Gallup and has been studying human behaviour in organisations for 37 years. Jim has led more than 1,000 studies of workplace effectiveness, including the largest ongoing meta-analysis of human potential and business unit performance. His work has also appeared in many publications, including Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, and in many prominent academic journals. He shared some invaluable insights on how to improve your work life and those of others.  We discuss: Why engagement is crucial to success  Research-supported principles for shaping work conditions and autonomy in hybrid work The unique position of managers to cultivate employee satisfaction How to revive mentoring in the workplace The five elements of wellbeing and why careers are critical to our wellbeing Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Jim! His expertise, backed by research and science, is presented in super digestible and easy-to-understand manner.  And in let's take this offline, Annette Sloan and I break down the three biggest takeaways, plus provide some exciting news on new Better@Work content dropping soon – you don’t want to miss it.    Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net   About Guest Dr Jim Harter is the chief workplace scientist of at Gallup’s workplace management and wellbeing at Gallup. Jim is the primary researcher and author of the first large-scale, multi-organization study to investigate the relationship between work-unit employee engagement and business results, including profitability, productivity, turnover, customer engagement, safety and health. He is the author of Wall Street Journal bestsellers Culture Shock, released in 2023, and Wellbeing at Work, released in 2021. He is also the author of No. 1 Wall Street Journal and Washington Post bestseller It's the Manager, released in 2019. If you want to learn more about Dr. Harter and his work, visit gallop.com.  Plus, we talked about the Gallup Q12 survey in this episode, do check it out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 24, we chat with Jonathan Black about soft skills being the employability skills, how the hiring process is not all about qualifications and achievements, and how hiring for attitude is so important. Jonathan shares his insights and practical tips for improving career prospects. From working in small businesses to large corporations, Jonathan's diverse background makes him the perfect person to guide students and professionals alike. With a career that has spanned continents and a proficiency in multiple languages, Jonathan offers a truly global perspective on career development. He also shares his insights on how to transition into a new career field and the delicate balance between career goals and personal aspirations, providing a nuanced view on the evolving nature of work. Jonathan offers so much advice, presenting fresh perspectives on early and later career development. We discuss: Why transactional analysis as a psychoanalytic theory is so important as a basis for understanding ours and others behaviour The importance of soft skills when evaluating candidates and why skills such as teamwork and communication are so important Hiring for attitude and training for skill, Jonathan talks about the importance of looking beyond qualifications and focusing on a candidate's attitude. Skills can be taught, but you cannot change attitude How Gen Z bring the courage to challenge and express their views and the rest of us can benefit if we listen, respect and present our own ideas so together we make things better No pride in ownership, Jonathan reminded us that true success comes from collaboration and shared ownership. Let go of the ego and embrace teamwork Join us for this thought-provoking discussion to gain valuable insights from Jonathan’s experiences and to enhance your understanding of the dynamic world of career development and hiring. And in let's take this offline, Annette Sloan and I break down the three biggest takeaways, plus we answer a question from our listener Jo, who has her first interview in 10 years and is looking for our advice.    Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net   About Guest Jonathan Black has been Director of the Careers Service at the University of Oxford for the last 15 years. He has worked in the UK, Europe and the USA, in small businesses and large corporations, private and public sector. In his day job, he works one-to-one with students, presents at international conferences, and produces new ideas and programmes to help students in schools, university and beyond, to improve their career prospects.  Jonathan writes his own column at the Finanical Times called "Dear Jonathan" and is also an author. His book, How to Find the Career You've Always Wanted is a must read that really gives you the confidence and skills to choose your career - as well as the perspective to see the big picture and understand where you are heading. Website:  https://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/jonathan-black FT: https://www.ft.com/jonathan-black Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 23, we chat with Margaret Heffernan about the critical human skills that we need to confront the unexpected in today’s world. Margaret explains why attempts to predict the future, even in today's world of AI and Big Data technologies, are often doomed to failure. She offers alternative strategies for people and organisations facing an uncertain future — strategies based on human creativity and resilience. Dr Margaret Heffernan is an entrepreneur, Chief Executive, broadcaster, and author. She writes, speaks and blogs about business leadership, management, innovation and creativity, and her TED talks have been seen by over 14 million people. Margaret has written six books and her third book, ‘Wilful Blindness, Why We Ignore The Obvious’ was named one of the most important business books of the decade by the Financial Times. Her most recent book ‘Uncharted: How To Map The Future’ was published in 2020 and was nominated for the Financial Times Best Business Book award. We discuss: How Margaret’s dads job influenced her thinking early in life, especially that there were good companies and bad companies and good bosses and bad bosses The more we rely on technology to make us efficient, the fewer skills we have to confront the unexpected Human skills such as humility, imagination, and optimism are adaptable and flexible skills that feed people Ways to prevent potentially devastating “willful blindness” in your organisation The biggest misconception around middle managers Her love for the TV show “Succession” and the lessons for Boards. This episode is packed full of wisdom and amazing insights, you will walk away feeling inspired and energised. And in let's take this offline, Annette Sloan and I break down the three biggest takeaways.   Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net   About Guest Dr. Margaret Heffernan is an entrepreneur, author, academic and Lead Faculty for the Forward Institute’s, where she mentors CEOs and senior executives of major global organisations. Her book, Uncharted: How to Map the Future explores how understanding and being prepared for uncertainty, both as individuals and leaders of organisations, helps navigate modern life.  Website: https://www.mheffernan.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 22, we chat with Mamie Kanfer Stewart about creating effective and engaging meetings. Have you felt that you were wasting your time in a meeting, stuck in back-to-back meetings all day, and not getting to your work? Our listeners have told us this is a problem in many of their organisations and one that has worsened in recent years. Mamie, is a coach and consultant who trains teams and organisations to develop a healthy and productive meeting culture. She shares with us her expertise in planning (and declining!) meetings, substitutes to meetings, and making meetings more beneficial and productive for everyone. Cathal and Mamie also spent some time discussing how meetings reflect your culture and your team dynamics. We discuss: How to establish whether you need a meeting and the alternatives to holding one Why asking the desired outcome of a meeting before accepting it can have multiple benefits for you and the meeting organiser Approaches to prepare for meetings effectively How to chair/lead meetings inclusively for different personalities and thinking styles  Best practices for achieving your expected outcome in meetings This episode is packed full of practical tips to put into action in your meetings immediately! And in let's take this offline, Annette Sloan and I break down the three biggest takeaways, plus we answer a question from our listener Elizabeth, who has been out of the workforce for 15 years and is unsure how to start her career again.    Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net   About Guest Mamie Kanfer Stewart is the author of Momentum: Creating Effective, Engaging, and Enjoyable Meetings. Her company, Meeteor, helps teams and organizations build healthy meeting culture. As a coach, speaker, writer, and trainer, Mamie has helped thousands of people improve their meetings and how they collaborate. Mamie has been featured in Forbes, Inc, and Fast Company. She is a regular contributor on The Price of Business and is the host of The Modern Manager podcast. Website: MamieKS.com Book: Momentum by Mamie Kanfer Stewart and Tai Tsao Podcast:  The Modern Manager Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 21, we chat with Professor Ian Robertson about the science and neuroscience behind confidence. If you have confidence, it can empower you to reach heights you never thought possible. But if you don't, it can have a devastating effect on your future. Confidence lies at the core of what makes things happen. Probing the science and neuroscience behind confidence that has emerged over the last decade, clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Professor Ian Robertson tells us how confidence plays out in our minds, our brains and indeed our bodies. He explains where it comes from and how it spreads. And why it's not necessarily something you are born with, but something that can be learned.  We discuss: How our upbringing impacts our confidence The science behind confidence The ‘can do’ and ‘can happen’ matrix Our imagination is the Chief Operating Officer of confidence   Why women face more issues with self-confidence than men.   From the science behind confidence to practical tips for boosting self-assurance, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their mindset and achieve their goals And in let's take this offline, Annette Sloan and I break down the three biggest takeaways, plus we answer a question from our listener Shane, who’s company has been partnered with another company for a major project and both have very differing views.    Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net   About Guest Ian Robertson is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin and Co-Director of the Global Brain Health Institute. He is also the T Boone Pickens Distinguished Scientist at the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas and is a Member of Academia Europaea, as well as being a trained clinical psychologist and neuroscientist. Website: https://ianrobertson.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-robertson-4480502/ Book: https://ianrobertson.org/product/how-confidence-works-the-new-science-of-self-belief-and-why-some-people-learn-it-and-others-dont Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 20, we chat with Kate Goodger about the approaches to unlock our best performance ever.  Formerly a PE teacher, Kate is one of the most experienced performance psychologists in Olympic sport in the UK having worked with Team GB athletes and medallists at seven Olympic Games.  She has also built a reputation as a high-performance coach and facilitator with leaders and executives in European and global businesses. Clients have included LEGO, Morgan Stanley, Pfizer, ASDA, and Laing O’Rourke. We discuss: Taking time to know 1) who you are, 2) what really matters and 3) where you belong How the strongest athletes have the best relationship with failure The Psychology & Biology of Performance The biggest barriers that prevent people from improving their own performance How to be proactive and nurture our sense of belonging Plus, Kate puts Cathal on the spot for his views on some topics This is a fantastic discussion from a thoughtful, present, and very articulate Kate, we hope it helps with improving your performance. And in let's take this offline, Annette Sloan and I break down the three biggest takeaways, plus we answer a question from our listener Natasha, on the impact an error she made at work is having on her.   Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net   About Kate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-goodger-phd-c-psychol-7ba6b379/ Speaking: https://raisethebar.co.uk/speaker/dr-kate-goodger/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 19, we chat with Joe Hirsch about feedback. Most of us dread giving feedback and we're not that effective when we do. International lecturer and best-selling author Joe explains why our present method for feedback is flawed and he has made a career investigating how we can transform feedback from something we fear, to something that brings us joy.  We discuss: The difference between good and bad feedback How feedback focuses on a past we can’t change and how we should embrace a new approach A new strategy of shifting feedback from what you see to helping people see for themselves - a “mirror holding” approach for self-reflection to provoke an insight The super practical WRAP approach to feedback over the “Praise Sandwich” The four steps to handle receiving feedback   Joe Hirsch helps organizations design and deliver feedback without fear. He is an internationally recognized expert on leadership and communication, who makes research-based practices more accessible to improve the way people work, learn and lead. In his book The Feedback Fix, Joe presents a bold alternative to traditional feedback techniques and performance management practices. A lot of our listeners have asked for an episode on feedback, and we hope you take a lot from this great discussion with Joe. And in let's take this offline, Annette Sloan and I break down the three biggest takeaways, plus we answer a question from our listener Ashley on how to deal with a clique at work Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or https://betteratwork.com.au   Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net   About Joe Website: www.joehirsch.me TEDx: https://www.ted.com/talks/joe_hirsch_the_joy_of_getting_feedback Book: https://www.amazon.com/Feedback-Fix-Embrace-Future-Change/dp/1475826591 Podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0Hk8FyFkgiGrlocemkBLCd?si=7f3be9c5c618425f LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemhirsch/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/joemhirsch  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 18, we chat with Ayse Birsel about designing a life you love. Ayse (pronounced Eye-Shay) Birsel is one of the world’s leading industrial designers. She has designed hundreds of products, from toilet seats to office systems to potato peelers to concept cars. However, her current work has shifted beyond that. Now, Ayse is focused on what it takes to design a good life. Through her workshops and writing, Ayse has helped thousands of people design their work and lives, and we really wanted to get the chance to share her methods.   We discuss: Why designing your life is important and how to apply design principles to your life Insights into her year-long codesign with older people Making friends is as healthy as exercising How thinking of a hero of yours, somebody who inspires you can help define your values Companies that love themselves! Ayse is the author of the best-selling book Design the Long Life You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide to Love, Purpose, Well-Being, and Friendship. She has won international design awards for just about everything - including creating one of the world’s most comfortable toilet seats (which we have a lovely chat about)! In our chat we also take a look at the key steps to create the life you really love. Ayse speaks about the importance of collaborating and what she means when she speaks about the friendship factory. We look at how self-love is one of the key components in creating a long life you love.  And in let's take this offline, Annette Sloan joins me again as we break down the three biggest takeaways, plus we answer a question from our listener Paul, who was recently made redundant and feels lost after working in that job for nearly 15 years and how does he come back from it.    Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net   About Ayse Website: AyseBirsel.com Book: Design the Long Life You Love Website: DesignTheLongLifeYouLove.com Newsletter: AyseBirsel.com/newsletter Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysebirsel/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AyseBirselSeck Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 17, we chat with Maryanne O’Brien about the importance of conscious communication in the workplace. Our work lives revolve around effective communication. It is essential for cultivating trust and team collaboration, as well as strengthening our motivation and well-being at work. And with teams experiencing more anxiety, stress, and burnout than ever before, strong communication skills have never been more essential.  We discuss:. How communication is at the heart of many workplace issues  Understanding communication styles improves your ability to be heard The four communication styles–and how to master yours (link below to help you discover your style) How to bridge the gap between your style and others’ How stress has a significant impact on your communication skills Maryanne is an expert in creating cultures to foster open communication, cultivate empathy, and deepen trust. She is the author of The Elevated Communicator: How to Master Your Style and Strengthen Well-Being at Work, which was born out of more than a decade of original research. In our chat we take a look at how communication is at the heart of common problems. We dive into understanding our own communication style and how to use it in the most effective way as a leader. Maryanne speaks about how self-assessment helps you identify your communication style, raise your self-awareness and build the communication skills needed to create a positive impact at work.  And in let's take this offline, my friend Annette and I break down the three biggest takeaways, plus we answer a question from our listener Georgina who is dealing with a close colleague who is working in a dysfunctional team and wants to pull Georgina into the drama.    Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net   About Maryanne Book: The Elevated Communicator: How to Master Your Style and Strengthen Well-Being at Work  LinkedIn: Maryanne O’Brien Style Assessment: TheElevatedCommunicator.com Website: TheElevatedCommunicator.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.