Effective Challenge Podcast
productive, happy & well

Effective Challenge Podcast productive, happy & well

By Effective ChallengeEducationSelf-Improvement
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Effective Challenge Podcast productive, happy & well episodes

  • ECP 023 Don't overlook the youth

    ECP 023 Don't overlook the youth

    Something a bit different in this episode.  I have a special guest to talk with.  Amelie, my daughter. We discuss:

    • Tech
    • Cooking
    • Techniques for learning
    • The art of influence and persuasion
    • As always the cast draws out some practical things we can do to work on our own performance. Amelie will definitely be back for future episodes.

      I'm keen to increase the impact of the Effective Challenge podcast so please share with at least one person who may find the content useful or could do with something a little lighter in their podcast feed. 

      Please share any comments and or observations with [email protected]

      13 min
    • ECP 022 Mind Weeding

      ECP 022 Mind Weeding


      In this episode, I consider how much our minds need weeding so we can grow and bloom just like our gardens.  

      Often peoples minds are filled with thoughts that just are not helpful. 

      I discuss the benefits of considering three questions which can help:

      1. Do I want this thought?
      2. How is this thought serving or hindering me?
      3. What will I do as a result of this thought?
      4. As always there is plenty of practical things to start exploring straight away.

        If you have any questions or observations as a result of the cast please drop me a line [email protected]

        If you think other people you know might benefit from this content it'd be great if you could share. Also, if you are so inclined please leave a review on your podcast provider. I'd really like to increase the reach and impact of the podcast in 2020 so your help really is appreciated.



        19 min
      5. ECP 021 2020 some housekeeping

        ECP 021 2020 some housekeeping

        The ECP Podcast has taken a break for the first part of 2020. 

        This new series (or season depending on which you prefer) kicks off with a few messages about things that are planned for the podcast in 2020.  

        Different episodes will have different bitesize features. This will include:

        1. Q&A - where I'll answer questions that people ask me that are likely to be of benefit to others.
        2. Quote Thoughts - where I look at wise words from others and give my take on what I think the quotes are aiming at.
        3. Team Talk - where I'll come up with topics teams can use at their meetings to raise awareness of different performance approaches.
        4. Media Corner - where I'll consider different performance-related books, podcasts and talks.
        5. Of course, the Podcast will still continue to have the more in-depth look at particular subjects.  And a common theme throughout any podcast will be what people can practically do to make use of the content discussed.

          As always It'd be great to hear your thoughts and feedback. Of course keep your questions coming - I'll need them for the Q&A cast - [email protected].  

          Please share the podcast with people you feel would benefit from the content and if you are so inclined, head over to your podcast provider of choice and leave a review (particularly those 5 * ones...).

          12 min
        6. ECP 020 Unwrapping Wellbeing

          As the days tick by in December, we edge closer to Christmas and the holiday season. A time to kick back, probably eat and drink a little too much, laugh with family and friends and perhaps reflect a little on 2019. At least that’s the idea. The reality is very often different. In preparing for a merry Christmas many people will put more thought into what crackers to buy than their own wellbeing. So, with that in mind, grab a mulled wine, mince pie and some space to listen to ideas wrapped up in wellbeing gift.  In this case, the gift stands for:

          • Gratitude
          • Innovation
          • Forward Thinking
          • Time
          • I'm always interested in any comments or feedback from this or any other of the Effective Challenge Podcasts. Please share with others who you think may benefit for the content and of course please subscribe so you don't miss future episodes.

            18 min
          • ECP 019 Agile or anarchy - you decide

            In this edition of the Effective Challenge podcast, I discuss some of my observations about delivering in an agile environment. Topics include:

            1. Providing the bigger picture clarity
            2. Keeping things simple
            3. Keeping people in synch
            4. You do have plans
            5. Feedback as a way of working
            6. Recognition of the wider delivery environment
            7. Without due consideration of these six areas, it's easy to quickly find the promise of delivering in more agile ways quickly turns to anarchy.

              I'm really interested in your thoughts on this subject and any feedback you may have about the podcast.  Please drop me a line to [email protected].

              Please subscribe to the podcast and share it with people who you believe may benefit from its content.

              30 min
            8. ECP 018 Making work more obvious
              In this episode, I discuss the growing need to dedicate time and effort to define the work that needs to be done in order to reach an objective.  In fact, defining the work is actually work in its own right. I look at this topic from three angles:
              Defining the Macro
              The value of a weekly review and plan session
              Creating daily focus.
              I make reference in the episode to a Bill Gates documentary Inside Bill's Brain. It's available on Netflix.  Here's a link to a trailer.
              I'm interested in your feedback and observations please drop me a line to [email protected] 
              Please subscribe to the podcast through your usual channel and if you think others might benefit from the content, I'd be really grateful if you could share it with them.
              28 min
            9. ECP 017 Innovation - two wrongs can make a right

              In this episode, I discuss the topic of innovation.  I've worked in and with teams looking to innovate and have made a number of observations about what can work best when it comes to innovation.  I discuss seven in this cast.  They are:

              1. Clarity of objective.
              2. Build trust and openness in the team.
              3. It's a mindset not an event.
              4. Move quickly from theory to practice.
              5. Plan do review approach.
              6. Think about who you recruit.
              7. Alignment of reward systems
              8. As always I'm interestest in any thoughts and observations you have about this topic. I'd also be super appreciative if you've found this of benefit if you'd pass it on to someone else you think might appreciate the content.  And if I'm pushing my luck a 5* review always goes down well.

                21 min
              9. ECP 016 Are you too fancy?

                In this episode, I discuss the tendency some people and teams have to become too fancy about the approach they use to achieve a goal.  The approach can get in the way of the progress they want to make often as a result of:

                • Becoming too complex
                • Getting lost in the approach
                • Failing to bring people with them
                • Struggling to prioritise and make decisions
                • I talk about four things you can do to help support yourself when thinking about the approach:

                  • Clarity of objective, understanding of the start point, and specific on what next.
                  • Working out the basics and do them brilliantly
                  • Importance of MI - what questions are you looking to satisfy. When it comes to MI, because you can doesn’t mean you should
                  • Start the approach small then, potentially expand
                  • As always I'm interested in any comments you have - please drop me a line to [email protected]  If you have found this useful and can think of someone else who might appreciate it, I'd be really grateful if you could share with them.

                    26 min
                  • ECP 015 BEST Time Choices
                    This is the final of a four-part series which has been considering the Effective Challenge BEST model. This episode focuses on the choices we make around how we use our time.  Among other things, I discuss the potential downsides of finding yourself operating from a 'latest and loudest' mode,  consideration that we need clarity and principles as opposed to the latest gizmo or tactic and finally how Stephen Covey's habits can help.
                    I'm interested in any thoughts or comments you may have about this cast, please drop me a line to [email protected]
                    25 min
                  • ECP 014 BEST Skills

                    ECP 014 BEST Skills

                    In this episode, I consider the third element of the Effective Challenge BEST model - Skills.  Often skills are the first place people head for when thinking about development.  In this cast, amongst other things, I discuss how it's easy to not give enough consideration to the informal skills learning opportunities that exist and the need to combine theory with the practical doing to really enhance our performance.

                    I'm interested in any comments you may have from this cast - please drop me an email to [email protected]


                    20 min

                  About Effective Challenge Podcast productive, happy & well

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                  The Effective Challenge podcast, hosted by Damian, offers real-world tools and ideas to improve your effectiveness. Drawing on his experience in practical delivery, academic study, and coaching,…