We previously released this episode on December 18, 2024. We're excited to revisit some key ideas before we dive into fresh, exciting topics soon.

In this episode, Ethan Nash introduces the Challenge-Competency Continuum, a framework for understanding how stress impacts employee productivity. Picture an upside-down “U” with productivity on the y-axis and stress on the x-axis. Too little stress leaves employees unmotivated; too much stress overwhelms them. Peak productivity? It’s right in the middle.

The key to finding that balance, Nash says, ask your employees. Ethan dives into how understanding where someone lands on the continuum—how “challenged” and “competent” they feel—can help managers make smarter decisions. With the right insights, leaders can fine-tune workloads, reduce unnecessary stress, and unlock their team’s full potential.

To get our Effective and Enjoyable Meetings Guidebook, send a note to [email protected].

Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting’s monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.

We previously released this episode on September 5, 2024. We're excited to revisit some key ideas before we dive into fresh, exciting topics soon.

"Mindsets really, really matter because they set us up for learning. I don't know any leader or organization that doesn't want their employees to be engaged, to have high morale, to be learning and innovating."

In this episode of The Managing With Mind and Heart, Nash Consulting's own Hana Butler joins host Ethan Nash to explore the transformative power of a growth mindset. Coined by Carol Dweck in the 1980s, the term "growth mindset" highlights how our beliefs about learning and failure shape our personal and professional lives. Hana breaks down the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, showing how each influences our ability to innovate and grow at work. She explains that in a fixed mindset, mistakes are seen as a reflection of who we are, while in a growth mindset, they’re opportunities for improvement.

Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting’s monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.

We previously released this episode on August 15, 2024. We're excited to revisit some key ideas before we dive into fresh, exciting topics soon.

“In so many ways, we can’t be more of one thing without being less of another. The ability to recognize that I can't be everything -- and that there are tradeoffs for the best things that I bring to the table -- is really what the strengths based perspective is all about.” 

In this episode, Ethan sits down with leadership coach, consultant, and all-around cool dude Andy Thompson. Andy provides insights on identifying and leveraging strengths, and starts by explaining what a strength really is: a combination of talent, skills, and knowledge, which all exist in unison within a certain context. The duo discusses the importance and how-tos of helping teams discover and harness their strengths collectively. Individual "weaknesses" are inevitable, and the strongest teams tap into one another’s complementary strengths. 

Tune in to learn how to realistically balance strengths and weaknesses for personal and team growth.

Links and notes:

• Andy's podcast episode on strengths
• Clifton Strengths Finder

Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting’s monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.

We previously released this episode on August 1, 2024. We're excited to revisit some key ideas before we dive into fresh, exciting topics soon.

In this episode, Ethan Nash is joined by MIT Sloan’s Deborah Ancona, founder of the MIT Leadership Center, author of the new book xTeams, and contributor at the Harvard Business Review.

They explore the concept of “family ghosts” — a term coined to describe the way familial dynamics influence an individual’s workplace behavior and leadership. Deborah also shares insights from her pioneering research on high-performing teams and innovative leadership. 

Resources:

• Family Ghosts in the Executive Suite
• Herminia Ibarra’s idea of provisional selves
• Immunity to Change model
• Lindy Greer's Hippo Theory of Leadership
• Course: Unlocking Your Leadership Signature via Executive Education at MIT
• "Discovering and Developing" picture cards at xlead.co

Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting’s monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.

On this episode of the Managing with Mind and Heart, host Ethan Nash tackles the nitty gritty of email best practices, from formatting to feedback. 

Links: 

• #122 — Feedback Over Email
• #102 — The Magic Email

Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting’s monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.

Feedback on this episode? Send us an email: [email protected].

On this episode of the Managing with Mind and Heart Podcast, Ethan Nash is joined by Nash Consulting’s own Akpene Torku Sims. They discuss how to identify an employee’s strengths, and consider why assigning roles and responsibilities without considering individual talents is detrimental to the business and workplace morale. 

Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting’s monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.

“Being willing to let people make mistakes is a bit of a sacrifice because when you choose not to over define the behaviors, people will learn from trial and error.”

Autonomy is one of the biggest drivers of motivation. But finding ways to give employees freedom in their jobs can be challenging. Tune in as Ethan and Mike explore this critical topic.

This episode originally released back in 2023. 

Links: 

• Episode on the Decision Making Styles
• Episode on SCARF

Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting’s monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.

On this episode of the Managing with Mind and Heart Podcast, hosts Ethan and Mike Nash explore workplace communication hierarchies and dynamics, including when skip-level meetings are appropriate and when they risk turning into going “over someone’s head.” The host duo digs into the nuances of open-door policies and how thoughtful, intentional communication can empower employees and management, leading to an improved culture and morale. 

Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting’s monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.

Feedback on this episode? Send us an email: [email protected].

This episode of the Managing with Mind and Heart podcast explores the nuances of giving feedback over email. Join hosts Ethan and Mike Nash as they discuss which types of input are best suited to written communication, and which are more effective delivered in person.

Links:

• #111 – Awareness of Your Power Differential
• #113 – Moderating Your Power Differential

Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting’s monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.

Feedback on this episode? Send us an email: [email protected].

In this episode, Ethan Nash discusses the 6 "thinking hats" teams can employ for better decision making, and all the good that can come from intentionally coordinating approaches. “Imagine you’re with your team making a decision,” Ethan invites listeners to consider. “You collectively decide to wear one of the six hats at the same time. By doing this, we can help ensure that our different approaches, different styles are all being leveraged.”

Tune in to understand the background and best practices of this approach. 

Links:

• #15 — Behavior Styles Part 1

Text the word “LEADING” to 66866 to be added to Nash Consulting’s monthly newsletter. Just practical management skills and tips. And just once a month. Pinky swear.

Feedback on this episode? Send us an email: [email protected].