Bob 'n Joyce Talk HR 'n OD

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss how a network of auto repair tradespeople loosely organize as entrepreneurs to provide value and quality. There are a lot of ideas and lessons to be gleaned from this entrepreneurial innovation - think outsourcing done where everyone, especially the customer, wins. What can the rest of us learn from their example about org structure and how, when, and where work gets done?

In previous episodes, we discussed how org structures and traditional work arrangements are being replaced by innovative, flexible and, at times, counterintuitive approaches. We invite you to get curious about how your company can adapt using this innovative outsource model.

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In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss ways to unleash our best thinking when feeling stuck. We share concrete ideas to go from linear to lateral thinking that gets the creative juices following. In a world where dull thinking is way too common, these simple but effective ideas promote creativity and new thinking.

You will get:

This episode combines rigorous thinking with fun to bring out the best in our thinking.

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In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss CEO flaws and flubs they observed while working with them. CEO’s are human and therefore imperfect. The good news is that those we worked with possessed strengths that offset their shortcomings. Come listen and assess which flaws you may have.

Some of the flaws they observed include:

Failure to stay disciplined about messaging what matters most again and again..

We grimaced a lot at our own flaws and suspect you will too so buckle up.

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In this episode, Bob’nJoyce address the challenge of moving from personal or organizational lethargy to vitality. Good leaders can sense the pulse of an organization and find ways to move the needle on the cultural vibe. So the question becomes how do you engage employees in order to make the shift?

Here are a couple of areas we mused on:

Responding to, ‘Well, it is what it is.’

Joyce and Bob get feisty and gritty about what they believe is an oft ignored but important aspect of a healthy organization.

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In this episode, Bob’nJoyce muse on the merits and limitations of setting goals. Goal setting can both energize and move you to action but can also discourage and demotivate. It begs the question as to how you accomplish the former and avoid the latter. This topic is timely given the 2024 Paris Olympics and the stories athletes share about how they became the best in the world. The recurring theme is the power of goal setting that propelled them to become the best. The conundrum is to tap into that kind of goal setting and avoid that which distracts and bores.

Some take-a-ways include:

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In this episode, Bob’nJoyce, go through a recent post where the author describes leadership attributes that makes a person worth following. While there are many leadership models, this one focuses on affinity, the ability to connect with others based on mutual respect and trust. The behaviors and attributes described in today’s podcast serves as a guide to assess how we are doing. Come listen to learn where you are nailing it and where you just might see an opportunity to be a better leader.

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In this episode, Bob’nJoyce rift on the importance of an organization’s culture being seen and understood. Our definition of culture is the way that a group solves problems, make decisions, and gets the work done. When these norms or assumptions no longer work, making your culture tangible and seen, is the first step to cultural change. To do this, we share ideas on how you can lead a conversation to make the unseen seen by having groups discuss these dimensions on a continuum of how things happen around here:

Conflict – Direct and blunt or indirect and polite

Great stuff here so…

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In this episode, Bob’nJoyce share a list of OD values created by a team Joyce worked with several years ago. The list resonated with them but what matters more is if they ring true to you. These values are not exclusive to OD practitioners and apply to all of us who lead and we all lead at something.

You probably won’t find these values on the ODN website or in an academic leadership article. This list is borne out of hard work, determination, and yes, screwing up. Our hope is after listening, you take a moment to reflect on the values important to doing your best work.

Here are a few of ours:

Embrace humor.

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In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss the importance of HR/OD abandoning worn out approaches and rules that no longer cut it. In fact, past practices too often stifle creativity and employee engagement. The role of OD is to “supersize” the capacity and potential of their workforce. Sounds too idealistic and soft? We think not. Taking this on demands courage and patience.

Warning: We get irritated and a wee bit sarcastic in today’s podcast. Despite this…

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In this episode, Bob’nJoyce speak out about stuff that irritates the heck out of them. Leaders too often fail to treat employees respectfully, especially at times that matter most. It is almost as if common sense and decency go out the window. Here is some of the stuff that irritates them:

The arrogance of viewing employees as problems to be solved versus as the solution

Get ready to get irritated!