The Living Your Learning Podcast

Summary:

Why do we struggle with honest conversations? What happens when we leave crucial things unsaid? In this revealing episode, we dive deep into the authentic heart of human communication to uncover the hidden costs of avoiding difficult truths.

We've all experienced it; that knot in your stomach when feedback is vague, that spiral of overthinking when someone isn't direct with you, or that paralysis when you need to deliver an uncomfortable truth. Research suggests that unclear or withheld feedback can reduce a person's efficiency by up to 80% as they become preoccupied with deciphering unspoken messages rather than focusing on their work. The psychological impact runs surprisingly deep, sometimes causing people to question their fundamental worth and values.

But there's hope. We share two powerful frameworks that have transformed our own difficult conversations. The HONESTY approach offers a step-by-step guide for being honest and delivering direct feedback with compassion, and our RECEIVE framework helps you navigate even the moost challenging criticism.

Through personal stories and practical examples, we illustrate how honest communication; delivered with intention and received with openness, can transform relationships from tension-filled to trusting. Whether you're a leader struggling with performance conversations, someone who avoids conflict at all costs, or simply wondering how to strengthen your relationships through greater authenticity, this episode offers the guidance you need to speak your truth with kindness and hear others' truths with grace.

What conversation have you been avoiding? Your next authentic exchange might be the one that changes everything.

Takeaways:

• Honesty is crucial for effective communication.
• Dishonesty can lead to misunderstandings and emotional turmoil.
• People often avoid honesty due to fear of consequences.
• Self-awareness is key to managing responses in conversations.
• Feedback is essential for personal and professional growth.
• It's important to clarify intentions before having difficult conversations.
• Empathy plays a significant role in honest communication.
• Being grounded helps maintain composure during tough discussions.
• Curiosity can transform how we receive feedback.
• Expressing appreciation for honesty strengthens relationships.

Get In Touch:

To chat about how we can help you, please do get in touch.

Craig's Email: 

[email protected]

Lisa's Email: 

[email protected]

Summary:

When business gets tough, what separates those who thrive from those who merely survive? In this illuminating conversation with Sabrina, a successful entrepreneur from New Zealand, we dive deep into the essence of resilience, authentic leadership, and maintaining your course through challenging times.

Sabrina highlights the importance of resilience as the cornerstone of entrepreneurial success and what truly resonates is her practical approach to weathering storms and the anxiety many business owners and leaders feel a lot of the time.

Particularly powerful is Sabrina's values-based approach to business, built around what she calls the "GOOD" framework, which aren't just pleasant-sounding ideals, but practical values and decision filters that guide her business daily.

Perhaps most importantly, the conversation reinforces that business is fundamentally about people and creating value through genuine connections, because through economic fluctuations and the tough times, it's this human element, that when it remains constant, will truly separate the successful ventures from the rest.

So, are you laying the right seeds consistently in your business? Where are you showing up and where should you be showing up that you're not?

Listen now for insights that will help you build a more resilient, values-driven business and organisation that can weather any storm.

Sabrina's Business Bio:

At Good Line NZ, we help busy business owners reclaim their time and get back to doing what they do best. Whether it’s expert executive assistance, streamlined board support, or stand-out creative content and branding, we deliver smart, scalable solutions that grow with your business.

Our New Zealand-based team of high-calibre assistants bring over a decade of experience supporting founders, CEOs, and leadership teams across industries. From inbox and calendar management to social media strategy, governance support, and marketing execution, at Good Line NZ, we step in as an extension of your team, without the overhead of hiring.

We’re known for our flexible packages, clear communication, and ability to get things done, beautifully and efficiently.

Let’s get the right support around you so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and time to breathe.

Website link:  https://www.goodlinevirtualassistants.co.nz/ 

LinkedIn Page:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinaoflaherty/

Get In Touch:

To chat about how we can help you, please do get in touch.

Craig's Email: 

[email protected]

Summary:

Ever caught yourself being your own worst enemy? Our co-hosts Craig and Lisa have. 

So, in this funny, raw, honest, but often salty and serious conversation, they deep dive into understanding the inner D*ckhead and how D*ckhead behaviours can not only create barriers to our progress, but also significantly impact our ability to perform at our best. 

In addition to this, they also explore what triggers our inner D*ckhead' and through personal examples and reflections, discuss how this negative energy doesn't stay contained, but spills over into our performance, relationships, and environments both at home and at work.

And through introducing the S.T.A.N.D. method, which is a practical framework for addressing these negative behaviours, they explore how to create a space between threat and response, so that you can choose a more constructive way forward. They also explore how to handle other people's difficult D*ckhead behaviours and have courageous conversations when someone's actions are negatively impacting you.

So, whether you're struggling with self-sabotage, managing difficult team dynamics, or simply trying to create healthier relationships; this episode offers practical insights to transform how you relate to yourself and others; resulting in behaviour that doesn't get in the way and D*ckhead Free Zones and environments, where people can thrive without the weight of unhelpful behaviour, excessive criticism, judgment, and fear. 

Get In Touch:

To chat about how we can help you, please do get in touch.

Craig's Email: 

[email protected]

Lisa's Email: 

[email protected]

Summary:

What if you could understand and change the traces you leave on every person you lead? In this eye-opening conversation with Paul Kinkaid, founder of Forensic Outcomes Limited and author of "Forensic Leadership," we explore how every leadership interaction leaves either "green traces" or "red traces" on our teams and the people around us. 

Drawing from his 20 years in the British Army and extensive global leadership development experience, Paul reveals how Dr. Edmond Locard's forensic principle of "every contact leaves a trace", transforms our understanding of leadership impact. This isn't abstract theory but practical wisdom for anyone seeking to lead with greater intention and awareness.

The conversation highlights five game-changing practices for becoming a more effective leader: slowing down to access deeper thinking, maintaining "version control" of yourself, observing your surroundings with heightened awareness, performing pre-mortem analyses to anticipate challenges, and measuring your leadership traces through feedback. It also emphasises that psychological safety isn't corporate fluff but essential for innovation and organizational survival, as teams without it become static and eventually irrelevant.

Perhaps most refreshing is Paul's candour about leadership arrogance. "When status, ego and power step in the room, leadership steps out," he notes, offering instead a vision of leadership built on humility, vulnerability, and genuine service to others. His advice to "speak last" creates space for diverse perspectives and demonstrates the respect that builds truly effective teams.

Whether you're an experienced leader or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers invaluable insights into creating positive leadership traces that endure long after each interaction ends. Tune in to discover how slowing down might be exactly what you need to speed up your leadership effectiveness.

Takeaways:

• Living your learning means being your own client.
• Continuous learning is essential for all leaders.
• Arrogance has no place in effective leadership.
• Psychological safety is critical for team performance.
• Feedback is vital for growth and development.
• Creating a safe environment encourages open communication.
• Emotional intelligence is key to successful leadership.
• Vulnerability can strengthen leader-follower relationships.
• Pre-mortem analysis helps in anticipating challenges.
• After Action Reviews foster a culture of learning.

Sound Bites:

"I try and be my own client."

"Be a nice human."

"Slow down to think better."

Get In Touch:

If you'd like to discuss what was explored in this episode further, please do get in touch.

Craig's Email: 

[email protected]

Paul's Email:

[email protected]

Further Information:

Also check LYL's In-Person and Online Leadership Development services at:

In-Person Leadership Development

Online Leadership Development

Coaching and Mentoring for Leaders and Managers

Summary:

What separates truly great leaders from those who merely hold leadership positions? This question drives our exploration into the essence of exceptional leadership in today's complex world.

Leadership excellence isn't found in authority or control but emerges from specific behaviours and characteristics that create environments where people flourish. Through candid conversation and community insights, we unveil the leadership traits that consistently make the difference between teams that struggle and those that soar.

The research is clear: leaders with contagious positive energy drive higher performance, greater innovation, and stronger workplace cohesion. Yet this energy manifests differently across leadership styles;  from the quietly confident to the openly enthusiastic. What matters isn't personality type but authenticity and impact.

We dive deep into five critical leadership characteristics: leadership energy, curiosity, kindness, communication, and courage. Each represents a cornerstone of leadership that inspires rather than demands, connects rather than controls. The most powerful revelation? Kindness stands as the non-negotiable quality that underpins all effective leadership.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply interested in creating positive change around you, this episode offers practical wisdom for developing leadership that genuinely works. The question isn't whether you have a title that designates leadership; it's whether you bring the energy, curiosity, kindness, communication, and courage that creates an environment where both people and performance can thrive.

Takeaways:

• Collaboration is key to successful leadership.
• Emotional awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
• Courageous conversations are necessary for growth.
• Empathy and Kindness should be fundamental leadership traits.
• Self-awareness enhances leadership effectiveness.
• Leaders should continuously develop their skills.
• Positive energy from leaders can inspire teams.
• Communication should be considerate and inclusive.
• Leadership confidence can manifest in various ways.

Further Reading:

https://hbr.org/2022/04/the-best-leaders-have-a-contagious-positive-energy

Get In Touch:

If you would like to develop yours or your organisations's leadership capability, we'd love to help you, so please do get in touch.

Craig's Email: 

[email protected]

Lisa's Email: 

[email protected]

Further Information:

Also check LYL's In-Person and Online Leadership Development services at:

In-Person Leadership Development

Online Leadership Development

Coaching and Mentoring for Leaders and Managers

Summary:

Rubbish leadership and in particular poor leadership behaviour, can literally make or break an organisation's culture and profoundly impact people's lives; and often in ways leaders themselves don't fully recognise. So, in this powerful in this episode, Craig and Lisa explore the bad and the ugly of leadership behaviour. 

Diving into the difference between those who manage and those who lead, as well as the consequences of poor leadership, Craig and Lisa share heartbreaking examples of how toxic behaviours can damage mental health, crush motivation, and sometimes can lead to devastating outcomes. Their frustration is palpable as they discuss how frequently these harmful patterns continue despite clear evidence of their destructive impact.

They explore the "accidental leader" phenomenon; where technically skilled individuals are promoted without proper development; and examine how misunderstanding leadership fundamentals leads to damaging behaviours.

Through listener contributions and personal experiences, they also identify the most harmful leadership behaviours, with each representing a failure to understand leadership's fundamental purpose; creating environments where others can thrive.

So join them in this thought-provoking discussion about the human side of leadership and discover practical wisdom for becoming the kind of leader people genuinely want to follow. Whether you're currently in a leadership position or aspire to lead others, this episode will challenge you to reflect on your impact and leadership behaviours.

Takeaways:

• Leadership behaviours significantly impact well-being.
• Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
• Poor leadership can lead to severe consequences.
• Leaders must prioritise the needs of their people.
• Continuous development and training are essential for leaders.
• A supportive environment fosters better performance.
• Feedback and reflection are vital for leadership growth.
• Leaders should be open to vulnerability and authenticity.
• Long-term vision is vital for sustainable leadership success.
• Effective communication is a key component of good leadership.

Get In Touch:

If you would like to develop yours or your organisations's leadership skills and  capability, we'd love to help you, so please do get in touch.

Craig's Email: 

[email protected]

Lisa's Email: 

[email protected]

Further Information:

Also check LYL's In-Person and Online Leadership Development services at:

In-Person Leadership Development

Online Leadership Development

Coaching and Mentoring for Leaders and Managers

Summary:

Step into an enlightening conversation about motivation in our latest podcast episode. We delve into the intricate layers of motivation, examining the unseen challenges employees face daily and how these obstacles impede their ability to succeed at work. Craig McHugh and Lisa Butler explore the idea that motivation isn’t merely an internal drive but is influenced by external circumstances and workplace environments. 

Using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a guiding framework, they unravel how lacking fundamental needs can manifest as disengagement and low energy levels for employees. Highlighting real-world stories, they illustrate the necessity for leaders to acknowledge and support the whole person sitting across from them in meetings. 

The discussion also leads to vital strategies for creating a culture that fosters intrinsic motivation rather than imposing external pressures. As they transition into personal reflections, the hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing small victories and the beneficial practice of self-reflection to track growth. With actionable advice and heartwarming stories, this episode offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on what it takes to cultivate a motivated workforce.

So join us for this thoughtful exploration, perfect for anyone keen on improving workplace dynamics and personal motivation. Don’t forget to engage by sharing your thoughts and experiences with us! Subscribe, rate, or leave a review to join in the conversation!

Takeaways:

• Employers need to understand the struggles of their employees.
• Creating a motivating environment is a collective responsibility.
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs applies to workplace motivation.
• Recognition and appreciation are crucial for employee engagement.
• Psychological safety is essential for motivation.
• Belonging and social connections enhance workplace satisfaction.
• Self-esteem plays a significant role in motivation.
• Personal growth requires courage and vulnerability.
• Reflection on progress is important for motivation.

Download:

The Motivation Pyramid Exercise

Summary:

In this episode, Lisa and Craig delve into the complexities of motivation, exploring personal experiences and what impacts motivation levels. They discuss the importance of understanding one's vision, purpose, and values, and how these elements contribute to consistent motivation. The conversation emphasises the significance of self-reflection and the need to identify the deeper 'why' behind personal goals in order to make them more effective. The hosts also touch on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and how it relates to motivation, ultimately encouraging listeners to create their own 'motivation chocolate bar' - a metaphor for the ingredients necessary for sustained motivation.

Takeaways:

• Motivation can be a tumultuous relationship for many individuals.
• Isolation can significantly impact motivation levels.
• Understanding your vision, purpose, and values is crucial.
• Self-reflection is key to understanding personal motivation.
• It's important to identify the deeper 'why' behind your goals.
• Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs plays a role in motivation and fulfilment.
• Creating an environment that fosters intrinsic motivation is essential.
• Setting arbitrary goals without underlying motivation can lead to failure.
• Personal values should guide decision-making and goal-setting.
• Engaging in self-inquiry can lead to profound insights about motivations.

Sound Bites:

"Motivation is what you need."

"You can't motivate another person."

"It's about creating an environment where you can be motivated"

Further Reading:

https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

Get In Touch:

If you would like help with your motivation or to identify your own Vision, Purpose (Why) and Values, get in touch, we'd love to help you.

Craig's Email: [email protected]

and

Lisa's Email: [email protected]

Summary:

In this episode of the Living Your Learning podcast, Craig McHugh welcomes Peter Wakefield, a seasoned expert in learning, leadership and organisational development and culture. They discuss the importance of people development in organisations, and the impact of feedback and coaching. The conversation delves into defining culture, the significance of authenticity and intent, and the connection between vision, purpose, and values. They also explore the role of communication, fostering a positive culture, and as a leader and manager, the power of self-awareness and understanding people. The episode concludes with valuable advice for people and those in the field of learning and organisational development.


Takeaways:

• Organisations are fundamentally about the people.
• Authenticity in leadership fosters engagement.
• Feedback should be a normal part of communication.
• Organisational culture is shaped by both written and unwritten rules.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective communication.
• Leaders must understand their impact on others.
• A positive environment starts with understanding how people want to feel.
• Vision and purpose guide organisational direction.
• The best of the best are great communicators.

Sound Bites:

"It's all about people."

"You have to know why you're doing it."

"Leave your ego outside the door."

"What is said and not written and what is written and not said."

Get In Touch:

If you'd like to discuss what was explored in this episode further, please do get in touch.

Craig's Email: 

[email protected]

Peter's Email:

[email protected]

Further Information:

Also check LYL's In-Person and Online Leadership Development services at:

In-Person Leadership Development

Online Leadership Development

Coaching and Mentoring for Leaders and Managers

Summary:

In this second part of the Christmas episode of the Living Your Learning podcast, Craig McHugh and Lisa Butler delve further into the pressures and expectations that come with the holiday season. They discuss the importance of understanding personal boundaries, the need for self-awareness, and the significance of creating meaningful connections during festive gatherings. The conversation also touches on balancing work and personal life, cultivating a supportive business culture, and strategies for thriving in the new year. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize leading with kindness and understanding, encouraging listeners to reflect on their needs and priorities as they navigate the complexities of the holiday season.


Takeaways:

• Reflection is crucial for understanding our mental load.
• Letting go of expectations can lead to less disappointment.
• Understanding each other and boundaries helps in managing relationships.
• Self-awareness allows us to navigate social situations better.
• Creating meaningful connections is more fulfilling than small talk.
• Leaders should prioritize the well-being of their teams during holidays.
• It's important to articulate responsibilities within family dynamics.
• Kindness should be at the forefront of our interactions.
• Planning and organization can alleviate holiday stress.
• Taking time to recharge is essential for thriving in the new year.

Sound Bites:

"Lead with kindness."

"What is important now?"

"Let's enjoy being alive."