The People Spark Podcast

Most organizations have values. But can your people recognize them in action?

This week, we explore the gap between the words on the wall and the behaviors we see every day. Values like safety, service, teamwork, and accountability can pull people in different directions. It’s our job as leaders to make clear what those values actually look like and what takes priority when they colide.

---

Culture Development Session

Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.

Leadership Transformation Program

Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.

Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  

In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. 

Learn more at www.developagleaders.com.

Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals

(Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode) 

We’re back together in person, and this week we’re talking about the team member whose negativity seems to affect everyone around them.

When is a behavior coachable, and when has the bruise gone too deep? These conversations can be uncomfortable, but avoiding them is still a choice. Because culture isn’t just what we say. It’s what we allow.

What conversation have you been avoiding?

---

Culture Development Session

Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.

Leadership Transformation Program

Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.

Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  

In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. 

Learn more at www.developagleaders.com.

Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals

(Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode) 

Should we lead with clear feedback or thoughtful questions? We argue both sides of one of coaching's biggest debates and uncover why the best leaders know when to use each.

In this series, we pit Erin and Kristen against each other as they take opposite sides of leadership topics. Sometimes they're defending an approach they truly believe in. Sometimes they're arguing the side they don't. The goal isn't to win. It's to challenge our thinking, uncover the "why" behind both perspectives, and help leaders make better decisions for their own teams.

---

Culture Development Session

Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.

Leadership Transformation Program

Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.

Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  

In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. 

Learn more at www.developagleaders.com.

Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals

(Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode) 

What happens when leadership becomes bigger than the person leading?

This week, we sit down with Paul Kelly to explore what it takes to build leaders who can carry the culture forward, even when you aren’t in the room.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers or getting everyone to agree. It’s about creating enough clarity and trust that people understand why the work matters and know how to keep moving without waiting for direction.

How do you create a culture your team can carry forward?

---

Culture Development Session

Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.

Leadership Transformation Program

Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.

Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  

In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. 

Learn more at www.developagleaders.com.

Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals

(Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode) 

This week, we explore what happens after a new leader is chosen and before they fully find their footing in the organization.

Why do we assume experienced leaders should be able to step in and figure everything out on their own?

The first 90 days require more than experience and a few quick wins. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t choosing the right person. It’s creating the support, trust, and relationships they need to lead effectively.

---

Culture Development Session

Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.

Leadership Transformation Program

Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.

Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  

In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. 

Learn more at www.developagleaders.com.

Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals

(Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode) 

Should great leaders lead with clear expectations or with a deeper understanding of the person in front of them? Join us as we take opposite sides to unpack one of leadership's toughest balancing acts.

In this series, we pit Erin and Kristen against each other as they take opposite sides of leadership topics. Sometimes they're defending an approach they truly believe in. Sometimes they're arguing the side they don't. The goal isn't to win. It's to challenge our thinking, uncover the "why" behind both perspectives, and help leaders make better decisions for their own teams.

---

Culture Development Session

Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.

Leadership Transformation Program

Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.

Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  

In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. 

Learn more at www.developagleaders.com.

Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals

(Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode) 

Can a structured interview reveal the best candidate, or do the best insights come from throwing out the script? This debate challenges how we think about hiring.

In this series, we pit Erin and Kristen against each other as they take opposite sides of leadership topics. Sometimes they're defending an approach they truly believe in. Sometimes they're arguing the side they don't. The goal isn't to win. It's to challenge our thinking, uncover the "why" behind both perspectives, and help leaders make better decisions for their own teams.

---

Culture Development Session

Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.

Leadership Transformation Program

Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.

Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  

In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. 

Learn more at www.developagleaders.com.

Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals

(Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode) 

Say hello to the newest segment on the People Spark Podcast... Versus.

In this series, we pit Erin and Kristen against each other as they take opposite sides of leadership topics. Sometimes they're defending an approach they truly believe in. Sometimes they're arguing the side they don't. The goal isn't to win. It's to challenge our thinking, uncover the "why" behind both perspectives, and help leaders make better decisions for their own teams.

Versus: Protecting Culture Versus Evolving Culture

Culture is one of the hardest things to build and one of the easiest things to lose. But should leaders focus on protecting the culture they've created, or should they let it evolve as their business grows?

In our first Versus episode, we explore both sides of that question and unpack the strengths, risks, and leadership decisions that come with each approach.

---

Culture Development Session

Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.

Leadership Transformation Program

Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.

Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  

In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. 

Learn more at www.developagleaders.com.

Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals

(Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode) 

Say hello to the newest segment on the People Spark Podcast... Versus.

In this series, we pit Erin and Kristen against each other as they take opposite sides of leadership topics. Sometimes they're defending an approach they truly believe in. Sometimes they're arguing the side they don't. The goal isn't to win. It's to challenge our thinking, uncover the "why" behind both perspectives, and help leaders make better decisions for their own teams.

Versus: Solve the Problem or Build the Habit

When a problem shows up, it's tempting to fix what's right in front of you. But great leaders know the real question isn't whether the problem gets solved. It's whether the habits that caused it actually change.

In this episode of Versus, we debate the difference between solving today's problem and building habits that prevent tomorrow's.

What's your thought!? 

---

Culture Development Session

Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.

Leadership Transformation Program

Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.

Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  

In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. 

Learn more at www.developagleaders.com.

Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals

(Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode) 

Most of us know what it feels like to avoid a conversation we'd rather not have.

But what if the thing you're avoiding isn't actually the problem?

In this episode, we explore a concept from one of our recent leadership trainings that sparked more discussion than we expected: Coward's Corner.

---

Culture Development Session

Schedule your Culture Development Session.  In this free 30-minute session, you will have a personalized conversation with an expert advisor, an opportunity to see how our programs can help you define your business and people strategies, and actionable insights tailored to your goals to move to the business you have always envisioned.

Leadership Transformation Program

Learn about how to develop YOUR ag leaders by scheduling time with the People Spark ® team. 96% of employees want feedback – constructive OR recognition. Yet another survey found that only 5% of managers provide critical feedback to employees – even though it’s important for their development.  Nearly half of managers (44%) find giving feedback stressful. Nearly a quarter (21%) avoid giving it altogether.

Our leadership transformation program was designed to be straightforward and practical, providing content in digestible chunks, supporting participants through personalized feedback, and providing participants an environment to learn with other ag leaders across the country.  

In many instances, managers just aren’t comfortable with WHAT to do, let alone HOW to do it. They feel it’s uncomfortable, they don’t want to demotivate employees and just aren’t sure how to do it. And the repercussions of NOT giving feedback end up impacting you and your business – through lower productivity and profitability, decreased employee engagement, and increased employee turnover. 

Learn more at www.developagleaders.com.

Podcast Produced by Texture House Sound & Visuals

(Source:  www.peoplesparkconsulting.com/podcast/episode)