The Elephant in the Org

Send us Fan Mail

Election season is upon us, and it’s not just your social media feed that’s feeling the heat—your workplace is, too. In this episode of *The Elephant in the Org*, hosts Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora tackle the tension that creeps into offices during politically charged times. From navigating differing opinions at work to managing post-election anxieties, we explore how to maintain psychological safety when emotions run high.  

Is it possible to keep things civil in the office when things get messy outside? Should organizations offer moderated spaces for political conversations, or are they just asking for trouble? And how do we support colleagues who might be struggling after the election without turning the workplace into a battlefield?  

It’s a lively, thoughtful discussion on what happens when *the personal becomes professional*. Whether you’re managing a team, navigating political conversations, or just trying to survive the watercooler talk, this episode offers practical insights with a healthy dose of humor.  

Tune in to hear our take on how to stay sane, civil, and connected at work—even when the world feels anything but.

Link to show notes 

**Referenced Articles and Books:**  

- [Navigating Politics in the Workplace During a Divisive Election Year]

- [How to Guide Your Workplace Through the 2024 Election Season]

- [Navigating Pre- and Post-Election Tensions in the Workplace: Part I]

- [2024 Election Impact on the Workplace]

- [What Employers Need to Know About Employee Voting Leave]

- [NPR: Death Threats and Harassment – 2024 Election Workers Are Already Scared]

- [Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know]

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at [email protected]

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

• 🐘 Marion Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx
  
  
• 🐘 Danny Gluch — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgluch
  
  
• 🐘 Cacha Dora — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cachadora
  
  

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this explosive episode, Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora dive deep into the turbulent world of middle management. Inspired by the recent MSN article "Being a middle manager is getting increasingly toxic," our hosts explore whether it's the hardest it's ever been for those caught between the C-suite and the frontlines.

Our hosts unpack:

• The growing toxicity in middle management roles
• Why focusing on managers might be more crucial than employee experience
• The dangerous disconnect between C-suite expectations and on-the-ground realities
• How the push for efficiency might be crushing innovation and morale
• The critical need for psychological safety in fostering effective leadership

From "time and attendance police" to "mouthpieces for bad news," we explore middle managers’ evolving and often thankless role. Are they set up to fail from the get-go? How can organizations better support these crucial linchpins?

Join us for a no-holds-barred discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh perspectives on empowering middle management. Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring manager, or simply interested in organizational dynamics, this episode is a must-listen.

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation. Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and let us know your thoughts!

Do you have an organizational elephant you want to discuss? Email us at [email protected]

Link to show notes 

**Reference:**

MSN. (2024). "Being a middle manager is getting more and more toxic." 

#MiddleManagement #LeadershipChallenges #OrganizationalDynamics #WorkplaceCulture #TheElephantInTheOrg

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at [email protected]

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

• 🐘 Marion Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx
  
  
• 🐘 Danny Gluch — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgluch
  
  
• 🐘 Cacha Dora — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cachadora
  
  

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Send us Fan Mail

We are back! Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of "The Elephant in the Org"! 

Danny, Cacha, and Marion are thrilled to kick off a new season, bringing you fresh insights into workplace dynamics and organizational culture. While Marion is on assignment for this episode, Danny and Cacha are excited to welcome a very special guest: Acey Holmes, founder of BoredLess.

Acey is a playful work design consultant who's about to shake up everything you thought you knew about productivity and workplace enjoyment. With her vibrant energy and engaging style, Acey is transforming corporate cultures one playful interaction at a time.

As the mastermind behind BoredLess, Acey has made it her mission to revolutionize work environments by seamlessly weaving flexibility, purpose, psychological safety, and inclusion into the fabric of everyday work life. Her secret weapon? The power of play and flow.

Acey's unique blend of experience in education, speech-language pathology, and a deep understanding of neuroscience allows her to translate complex concepts into relatable, actionable strategies. As a TEDx and 4x DisruptHR speaker, she's inspired countless teams to unlock their creativity and foster collaboration in ways they never thought possible.

In this episode, Danny and Cacha dive deep with Acey into the world of playful work design. They explore how something as simple as an "emotional support pickle" on your desk can boost productivity, and why treating your workday like a strategy game might be the key to unlocking your potential.

Get ready for a conversation that will challenge your perceptions, tickle your funny bone, and maybe even inspire you to bring a little more play into your workday. It's time to get BoredLess and discover the elephant in the org – the untapped power of playfulness at work!

You can connect with Acey here

You can find this episode's show notes here

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at [email protected]

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

• 🐘 Marion Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx
  
  
• 🐘 Danny Gluch — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgluch
  
  
• 🐘 Cacha Dora — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cachadora
  
  

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Send us Fan Mail

Amazon's return-to-office mandate (sort-of) shocks the tech industry! 

Join The Elephant in the Org for a pre-season special as your favorite Fearless PX trio, Danny, Marion, and Cacha, analyze this game-changing decision.

Is Amazon redefining workplace flexibility or taking a step backward? We're dissecting this 5-day in-office requirement, covering:

• Debunking the myth: Does in-office presence really build company culture?

• Remote work vs. office work: Impact on employee productivity and job satisfaction

• Hybrid work models: Are they the future of work?

• The great return: How will this affect work-life balance and employee retention?

Plus, we'll brainstorm ideas for all that office space. A coworking hub for Amazon sellers, perhaps?  

If AWS can operate in the cloud, why can't Amazon employees?

Don't miss this data-driven, witty exploration of the corporate bombshell that's reshaping the tech workplace. 

Mark your calendars: Season 2 of The Elephant in the Org launches Wednesday, October 2nd!

Tune in now and join the debate. 

Inspired by: "Working in the office 5 days a week to build company culture is a myth, PwC report says" - MSN Money

You can find the show notes here: 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at [email protected]

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

• 🐘 Marion Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx
  
  
• 🐘 Danny Gluch — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgluch
  
  
• 🐘 Cacha Dora — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cachadora
  
  

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Send us Fan Mail

As we close the chapter on Season 1 of The Elephant in the Org, join hosts Marion, Cacha, and Danny for a heartfelt reflection on our journey so far. In this special finale episode, we look back at the highs, the laughs, and the eye-opening moments that have shaped our podcast.

We'll reminisce about our favorite guests, from Jessica Donahue's candid talk on workplace trauma to Neil Pretty's thought-provoking discussion on psychological safety as a KPI. We'll share how these conversations have educated us and inspired change in our professional practices.

But it's not all nostalgia - we've got some news to share! Tune in to hear about our upcoming summer hiatus and why we're taking this important break. Don't worry, though - we've got some teasers about what to expect when we return in the fall for Season 2.

Whether you've been with us since episode one or just discovered us now, this wrap-up is the perfect way to celebrate the impact of open, honest conversations about the elephants in our orgs. Plus, we've got some exciting calls to action that will keep you engaged during our break.

So grab your favorite beverage, find a comfy spot, and join us for this season finale. Let's raise a toast to breaking down barriers, challenging norms, and continuing to evolve the world of HR together.

Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss our return in the fall. The elephant in the org may be taking a vacation, but trust us - it'll be back with even more to trumpet about!

Link to show notes.

Links to contact our amazing guests:
Adam Horne

Alastair Clarkson

Paula Brockwell

Ben O’Mahony

Hector Lujan Jnr

Jessica Donahue

Josie Batres

Michelle Minnikin 

Neil Pretty

Kim Minnick

Adam Weber

Ruth Crick

Jim Bentley

Greer Procich

Jim D’Angelo

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at [email protected]

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

• 🐘 Marion Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx
  
  
• 🐘 Danny Gluch — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgluch
  
  
• 🐘 Cacha Dora — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cachadora
  
  

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Send us Fan Mail

Join the roundtable discussion held by the Performance Innovation Collective and The Fearless PX on July 18th, 3-4 PM Eastern. Panelists Adam Horn, Jennifer Laurie and Catalina Coleman will be featured, co-moderated by Danny Gluch and Elena from PIC. Sign up here! 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at [email protected]

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

• 🐘 Marion Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx
  
  
• 🐘 Danny Gluch — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgluch
  
  
• 🐘 Cacha Dora — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cachadora
  
  

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this eye-opening episode of The Elephant in the Org, hosts Marion, Cacha, and Danny tackle the latest trend in workplace rebellion: quiet vacationing. Inspired by a recent Korn Ferry article, our hosts dive deep into this stealthy practice where employees take time off without explicitly informing their employers.

Are your zoom backgrounds more present than you are? Is your cubicle turning into a secret escape hatch? We're uncovering it all!

Key discussion points include:

• The art of the virtual vanishing act
• Trust falls and quiet calls: navigating modern work culture
• Why your best talent might be on a secret staycation
• Moving beyond managerial whack-a-mole

Whether you're a manager wondering where your team disappeared to, or an employee considering a stealth sunbathing session, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable advice.

Join us as we explore how to create workplaces where employees don't need to play hide and seek for a mental health day. It's time to talk about trust, flexibility, and the future of work – no background required!

Tune in, turn up, and let's tackle the elephant in the org together!

The Telltale Signs of Quiet Vacationing

Link to Show Notes

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at [email protected]

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

• 🐘 Marion Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx
  
  
• 🐘 Danny Gluch — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgluch
  
  
• 🐘 Cacha Dora — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cachadora
  
  

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this insightful episode of the Elephant in the Org Podcast, Jim D'Angelo, Founder of Heartwired, joins hosts Marion Anderson, Danny Gluch, and Cacha Dora to explore the intricate balance between inclusion and exclusion in the workplace. The discussion centers around "Compassionate Excellence," which emphasizes caring for people while maintaining high-performance standards.

Jim illuminates the dangers of poorly executed inclusion practices, which can result in organizational chaos and a lack of accountability. He emphasizes the crucial role of consistent leadership and encourages managers to engage in uncomfortable conversations to promote growth and trust among employees.

The conversation also delves into the influence of ego and self-perception on receiving feedback and how leaders can address these challenges using techniques such as nonviolent communication. Jim introduces the notion of inviting employees to actively opt-in to the organization's culture rather than presuming their inclusion.

Throughout the episode, the group analyzes the "swinging pendulum" of organizational culture, where companies frequently oscillate between extremes like centralization and decentralization. Jim proposes moving beyond these polarities and adopting a contextual approach that harnesses the strengths of both ends of the spectrum.

Listeners will discover valuable insights on fostering a culture of psychological safety, vulnerability, and leadership that acknowledges the complexities of inclusion and exclusion. The discussion also highlights the significance of finding the right fit for employees within an organization, using the metaphor of "the right seat on the bus."

Link to show notes.

You can contact Jim here. 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at [email protected]

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

• 🐘 Marion Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx
  
  
• 🐘 Danny Gluch — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgluch
  
  
• 🐘 Cacha Dora — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cachadora
  
  

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Send us Fan Mail

Are your performance conversations falling flat? You're not alone. In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, hosts Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora are joined by special guest Greer Procich to explore why most companies struggle with effective performance management and continuous feedback. 

Discover the key barriers holding organizations back from meaningful performance conversations, such as lack of manager training, outdated annual review processes, and the need for better integration into daily workflows. Learn why leadership buy-in and accountability are critical for creating a feedback-rich culture.

Greer shares her insights on the importance of equipping managers with the tools and skills they need to coach their teams and provide constructive feedback. The group discusses strategies for making feedback a habit and shifting the focus from evaluation to professional development.

Join the conversation as the hosts and Greer offer practical advice for HR professionals looking to be strategic partners in implementing effective performance management practices. Whether you're a leader aiming to boost team performance or an employee seeking more meaningful feedback, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Don't miss this engaging discussion on transforming performance conversations in your organization! Subscribe to The Elephant in the Org podcast for more episodes exploring the challenges and opportunities in modern workplaces. Together, let's create a more positive, engaging, and growth-oriented culture.

This episode's show notes can be found  here
You can connect with Greer here.  

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at [email protected]

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

• 🐘 Marion Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx
  
  
• 🐘 Danny Gluch — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgluch
  
  
• 🐘 Cacha Dora — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cachadora
  
  

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...

Send us Fan Mail

Are your work friendships fading away? You're not alone. In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, hosts Danny Gluch, Marion Anderson, and Cacha Dora dive into the declining state of work besties and its impact on employee engagement, happiness, and retention. Inspired by a recent Korn Ferry article, they explore the factors contributing to this trend, such as remote work, high turnover, and the time investment required to build close bonds in the workplace.

Discover why having a close friend at work is crucial for job satisfaction and how organizations can foster social connections in a remote or hybrid setting. Learn about the negative effects of isolation on senior leaders and the importance of creating safe spaces for team bonding.

Join the conversation as the hosts share insights on navigating the friendship famine and offer actionable tips for cultivating meaningful relationships at work. Whether you're a leader looking to boost team morale or an employee seeking to connect with colleagues, this episode is for you.

Don't miss out on this engaging discussion! Subscribe to The Elephant in the Org podcast and never miss an episode exploring the challenges and opportunities in modern workplaces. Together, let's create a more positive, engaging, and innovative organizational culture.

You can find the Korn Ferry Article Here 

📩 Got a hot take or a workplace horror story? Email us at [email protected]

🚀 Your Hosts on LinkedIn

• 🐘 Marion Anderson — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionandersonpx
  
  
• 🐘 Danny Gluch — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgluch
  
  
• 🐘 Cacha Dora — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cachadora
  
  

💬 Like what you hear?
Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode — and if this one hit home, leave a ★★★★★ review to help more people find the show.

🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024 — fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson

⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.

Topics: employee surveys, listening culture, trust, people analytics, psychological safety, employee voice, ...