Things Leaders Do: Leadership for Managers and Executives

Debunking the Myths of Psychological Safety for GenX Leaders

In this episode of the Things Leaders Do podcast, Colby Morris tackles a hot topic in leadership: psychological safety—but with a twist for GenX leaders. Raised in a “tough love” work environment, many GenXers have misconceptions about what psychological safety really means. Is it about avoiding hard conversations? Does it lead to a soft, unaccountable workplace? Colby is here to break those myths wide open.

You’ll learn:

• What psychological safety really is and how it impacts innovation and team performance.
• Why psychological safety is not about avoiding accountability—it’s about creating a culture where people feel safe to contribute, take risks, and own their mistakes.
• How to challenge your team with care, encourage calculated risk-taking, and build trust through mistakes.
• Actionable steps you can take today to start building psychological safety without losing the edge that makes you a great leader.

With relatable stories, humor, and real-life examples, Colby provides a practical roadmap for leaders looking to unlock their team’s potential through psychological safety.

If you’re a GenX leader who’s skeptical of this new leadership trend, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need to use psychological safety to drive results—without sacrificing accountability or high performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Debunking common myths around psychological safety for GenX leaders
• Challenging your team in ways that encourage growth, not fear
• How to create a safe space for risk-taking and innovation
• Turning mistakes into learning opportunities to build trust

Connect with Colby on LinkedIn:
Join the conversation and connect with Colby on LinkedIn for more insights into leadership and organizational culture. [Link in show notes.]

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Leading in High-Speed Chaos—Making Better Decisions in Fast-Paced Environments

In this episode of the Things Leaders Do podcast, Colby Morris tackles a major challenge for leaders in fast-moving companies: making informed decisions when time is tight and the pressure is on. Drawing on real-life stories from his own leadership journey, Colby shares practical strategies for thriving in chaotic environments, where every decision feels urgent, and the pace never slows down.

You’ll learn:

• How to develop a flexible decision-making framework to guide you through high-speed situations.
• The importance of empowering your team to lead without you and make quick decisions confidently.
• Why knowing when to slow down (even when it feels impossible) is a game-changer and how to make time for reflection, task triage, and micro-pauses to ensure you stay clear-headed.

This episode is packed with actionable steps and real-world examples to help you lead more effectively in high-stress, fast-paced environments.

Whether you're a new leader struggling to keep up or a seasoned pro navigating the demands of a high-speed company, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Colby on LinkedIn:
Join the conversation with Colby on LinkedIn, where leaders from all industries are sharing their insights and strategies for better leadership. [Link in show notes.]

Subscribe & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with another leader who needs these tools to thrive in a chaotic environment. Don’t miss out on actionable leadership advice every week!

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• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
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Episode Title: "Clear Communication, Part 2: 3 Out-of-the-Box Strategies to Radically Improve Your Leadership"

Are you ready to become a radically better communicator as a leader? In this episode of Things Leaders Do, host Colby Morris takes you deeper into the world of clear communication with 3 out-of-the-box strategies that will transform how you lead your team. These aren’t your typical tips—they’re unconventional tools designed to improve your communication, build trust, and drive better results.

In this episode, Colby breaks down:

1. The Power of Silence: Discover how using silence strategically can enhance decision-making, promote deeper conversations, and show intentional leadership.
2. Leading with Stories, Not Just Facts: Learn why facts alone aren’t enough to inspire action, and how storytelling can drive emotional connections and motivation within your team.
3. Radical Candor with a Twist: Explore how to balance direct, honest feedback with care—knowing when to lead with a compliment and when to be more straightforward in difficult situations.

These practical strategies are perfect for leaders in startups, high-pressure environments, or those navigating team transitions. If you’re looking to improve your leadership and communication skills in real-time, this episode has you covered.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how silence can be a powerful tool for better leadership.
• Understand the value of storytelling to inspire and motivate your team.
• Master the art of Radical Candor—balancing honesty with empathy when giving feedback.

Listen Now
Available on all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes packed with actionable leadership insights!

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

Leading in Chaos: 3 Actionable Tools for Startups and Reorganizations

Show Notes:

In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris tackles one of the toughest challenges every leader faces—leading through chaos. Whether you're in a fast-paced startup or navigating the turbulence of a company reorganization, chaos is inevitable. But instead of reacting to the stress, what if you could lead with intention, clarity, and confidence?

Join Colby as he shares three actionable tools that will help you:
- Create Pauses: Learn how to slow things down, even when everything feels urgent, so you can make intentional, thoughtful decisions.
- Use the 3-Filter Decision Framework: Discover a simple, effective way to evaluate decisions through the lenses of People, Process, and Profit, ensuring you're leading with balance and foresight.
- Focus on Relationships, Not Just Results: Understand why prioritizing your people, building trust, and celebrating small wins can be the key to long-term success—even in the most chaotic environments.

With Colby's signature blend of humor, real-world examples, and practical advice, you'll walk away with tools you can start using *today* to lead your team through chaos without losing sight of your goals or your people.

Key Takeaways:
- How to create intentional moments to regain clarity in hectic situations
- A quick decision-making framework that helps you prioritize both people and profit
- Why focusing on relationships can drive better business results, especially in challenging times

Whether you're leading a startup that’s moving at breakneck speed or managing a reorganization that feels like organized chaos, this episode is packed with insights that will help you thrive in uncertain times.

Tune in to learn how to lead well, even when the world around you feels out of control!
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Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow leaders who need these tools!
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Follow Colby Morris for more leadership insights:**
- LinkedIn: [Colby Morris](https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris)
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**Mentioned in This Episode:**
- Patrick Lencioni’s approach to practical leadership strategies
- Leadership tools for startups and fast-growing organizations

This episode is designed to help leaders take back control, focus on what matters, and lead their teams with purpose, even when chaos threatens to take over. You won’t want to miss it!

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

Can you imagine leading a team where everyone knows exactly what to do and why it matters, every single time? Today on Things Leaders Do, host Colby Morris promises to unlock the power of clear communication, revealing how even the most seasoned leaders can stumble into the trap of ambiguity. Inspired by Patrick Lencioni's groundbreaking work on team dysfunctions, we'll dissect the common pitfalls of overloading your team with information and how this often leads to confusion and missed deadlines. Through relatable, real-world examples, Colby shows how reducing complex instructions to their essential, actionable steps can dramatically improve team execution and drive success.

Ready to elevate your leadership game? We delve into practical tips and strategies for strengthening your communication skills, emphasizing simplicity and repetition. Clear communication isn't just a skill; it’s the cornerstone of effective leadership. By committing to these principles, you can transform your team dynamics and steer your group toward excellence. Tune in to discover more actionable leadership tips and stay ahead with the insights shared in future episodes of Things Leaders Do.

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

Ever felt the frustration of working under a bad leader? You’re not alone. What if we told you that you could not only survive but actually thrive in such an environment? In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris takes you through actionable strategies to handle four common scenarios of bad leadership, inspired by the wisdom of Jocko Willink's "Extreme Ownership," Brene Brown's "Dare to Lead," and John Maxwell's "360 Degree Leader." Whether you are dealing with a micromanager or an absent leader, you’ll learn how to take ownership, communicate effectively, and model the leadership qualities you want to see.

Starting with the micromanager, Colby explains how proactive communication and clarifying expectations can ease the burden of constant oversight. On the flip side, if you're grappling with an absent leader, you'll discover the importance of stepping up for your team and fostering a supportive environment. With practical tips and insightful guidance, this episode will help you turn the challenges of poor leadership into opportunities for personal and professional growth. Grab your favorite beverage and get ready to transform your leadership journey!

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

Feeling like an imposter in your new leadership role? Discover practical strategies to overcome imposter syndrome in today's episode of Things Leaders Do. We'll help you embrace your learning journey, ask insightful questions, and seek mentorship to build your confidence. Moreover, we’ll highlight the importance of effective delegation, detailing how to set clear goals, allow for mistakes, and empower your team with the right tools and instructions. Avoid the pitfalls of trying to do everything yourself and learn how to foster both your growth and that of your team.

Connect with us on LinkedIn to join the conversation on fostering strong workplace cultures and becoming a more effective leader. Building better leaders through connection is key, especially during your first year of leadership. We offer reassurance that the journey gets smoother with time and experience. Continuous growth and striving for excellence should be your driving force. Thank you for tuning into Things Leaders Do, and remember to subscribe for more actionable leadership tips coming your way.

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
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Can mastering emotional intelligence (EQ) truly transform your leadership? Today on Things Leaders Do, host Colby Morris promises to reveal actionable steps to harness the power of EQ, making your path to effective leadership smoother and more rewarding. We kick off with understanding self-awareness—daily reflections, identifying emotional triggers, and seeking feedback. Morris breaks down how these practices can profoundly impact your leadership style, setting the stage for personal and professional growth.

Next, we emphasize the essence of leadership, focusing on character and empathy. Morris discusses how improving your EQ and showing genuine empathy can enhance your relationships with your team, reinforcing that leadership is as much about who you are as it is about what you do. Tune in for practical strategies to elevate your leadership game and become the leader your team truly needs. Dive into this insightful episode for tips on developing emotional intelligence and fostering stronger team connections.

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

Ever wondered how to truly unlock your potential as a leader? Discover the transformative power of a people-first mindset in our latest episode of Things Leaders Do. Join Colby Morris as he reveals the secrets of becoming a leader who prioritizes the well-being, growth, and engagement of their team above all else. Drawing wisdom from leadership luminaries like Patrick Lencioni, Brene Brown, and Simon Sinek, Colby breaks down the power of empathy, humility, and active listening. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to cultivate a thriving workplace culture where individuals feel valued and empowered.

Learn practical steps to shift your leadership style, especially if you've never had a people-first leader to model after. Colby dives into the essential attributes needed to become this type of leader and shares actionable advice on fostering an environment where your team can bring their whole selves to work. Whether you're a newly promoted manager or a seasoned leader feeling that something is missing, this episode provides the roadmap you need to become the kind of leader your team deserves. Tune in and start your journey toward exceptional leadership today!

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

Imagine having a 24/7 leadership consultant right at your fingertips. That's exactly what you'll uncover in this episode of Things Leaders Do. Join me, Colby Morris, as we explore the transformative power of AI in enhancing your leadership strategies. Discover how AI can be your go-to resource for navigating challenging team dynamics, rebuilding trust, and driving productivity. I'll share a powerful AI prompt designed to help you address team tensions effectively, ensuring you have the tools to foster a harmonious and efficient work environment.

But that's not all—effective leadership goes beyond solving problems; it's about leading with purpose and intent. We'll delve into strategies for asking the right questions and taking purposeful actions that elevate your leadership game. Plus, learn the importance of continuous learning and sharing insights within your network. Subscribe to our podcast for more actionable tips and strategies to help you become the exceptional leader the world needs. Listen in and take the first step towards transforming your leadership journey today.

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com