Things Leaders Do: Leadership for Managers and Executives

Why Listening is the Cornerstone of People-First Leadership

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Things Leaders Do, host Colby Morris dives deep into the transformative power of listening in leadership. Inspired by Andy Stanley’s impactful quote, “Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say,” Colby explores why listening is essential for building trust, empowering teams, and creating a people-first culture.

Learn actionable strategies to become a better listener, foster open communication, and develop a culture of engagement. Colby shares insights on overcoming barriers to team communication, practical steps for active listening, and how leaders can amplify their influence by valuing the voices of their people.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a new manager, or someone looking to grow as a leader, this episode is packed with tools you can implement today to strengthen your leadership and elevate your team.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why leaders who fail to listen lose their team’s trust and engagement.
• How to practice active listening with presence, curiosity, and action.
• Strategies to overcome the top barriers to team communication.
• The connection between listening and being a people-first leader.
• How to create a culture of listening that empowers innovation and trust.

Key Takeaways:

• Listening builds trust, and trust is the currency of leadership.
• Being present, asking thoughtful questions, and acting on feedback are key elements of active listening.
• A people-first leader prioritizes relationships and creates safe spaces for open dialogue.
• Modeling a culture of listening inspires your team to share their ideas and insights freely.

About the Host:
Colby Morris is a seasoned leader with experience across all levels of leadership, from new manager to executive. He is passionate about equipping leaders with actionable tools to grow their teams and drive organizational success. Colby is available for speaking engagements, from team gatherings to conferences, webinars, and one-on-one coaching sessions\u2014in person or virtual.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Colby Morris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/
• Interested in having Colby speak at your next event or lead a coaching session? [email protected]
• Don’t forget to subscribe to Things Leaders Do and share this episode with another leader who could benefit!

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

People-First Leadership: Practical Habits for Daily Impact

📚 Episode Summary:

Being a people-first leader isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up consistently in the small, meaningful moments that build trust and connection.

In this episode, Colby Morris shares three practical habits you can start using today to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

Whether you're a new leader or a seasoned executive, these habits will help you:
✅ Build stronger relationships with your team.
✅ Foster a culture of trust and communication.
✅ Create an environment where people feel valued and motivated to succeed.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Intentional Check-Ins: Build trust and communication through consistent, meaningful conversations.
2️⃣ Realize People Are People: Lead with empathy and see your team members as humans, not just task-doers.
3️⃣ Ask, Don’t Assume: Use thoughtful questions to uncover barriers, growth opportunities, and valuable feedback.

These aren’t complicated strategies—they’re repeatable habits you can implement immediately.

📥 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• One-on-One Meeting Blueprint: Email Colby at [email protected]
• Connect with Colby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/

🗣️ Join the Conversation:
What’s one leadership habit you’re focusing on this year? Drop a comment on LinkedIn or send Colby a message—we’d love to hear from you!

✨ About Colby Morris:
Colby Morris is a leadership expert and experienced speaker who’s led from every level of an organization. Through Things Leaders Do, Colby provides actionable tools that help leaders grow faster and lead better.

Looking for a Speaker for Your Next Event?
Colby is available for corporate events, trainings, webinars, and workshops. Reach out to learn how he can bring impactful leadership insights to your team.

👍 Don’t forget to:
✅ Follow Things Leaders Do to never miss an episode.
✅ Leave a Review if you found value—it helps us grow!
✅ Share This Episode with a leader who would benefit from these insights.

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

"New Year, New Leader: Building a People-First Leadership System, One Tool at a Time"

Episode Description:
Start your year as a people-first leader with a step-by-step approach! In this episode of Things Leaders Do, host Colby Morris outlines a bi-monthly plan to enhance your leadership skills by introducing one practical tool at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• January & February: Implement the One-on-One Blueprint to build trust through intentional conversations.
• March & April: Establish the Feedback Flywheel to foster a culture of regular, meaningful feedback.
• May & June: Introduce Team Connection Rituals, including managing by walking around, to strengthen team cohesion.

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Colby on LinkedIn 
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/
• Email Colby at [email protected] for the One-on-One Meeting Blueprint

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Things Leaders Do, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow leaders ready to make this year their best leadership year yet!

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

"Leadership Q&A: Balancing Authority, Leading Under Pressure, and Avoiding Common Leadership Mistakes"

Podcast Description:

"Struggling to balance being a 'friend' versus being the boss? Finding it hard to stay calm under pressure? In this special Q&A episode of Things Leaders Do, host Colby Morris tackles real leadership questions sent in by listeners just like you. Whether you’re a new leader figuring out your footing or a seasoned leader looking to refine your approach, this episode delivers actionable advice to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and impact.

In this episode, Colby dives into:

• How to balance relationships and accountability as a new leader
• Staying calm and effective in high-pressure situations
• Practical steps to become a people-first leader—even if it’s never been modeled for you
• The biggest leadership mistake Colby made and the game-changing lesson he learned

With clear strategies, personal insights, and relatable stories, Colby shares tools you can apply immediately to become a stronger, more effective leader.

Don’t miss this episode packed with leadership wisdom and real-world solutions!

👉 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with another leader who needs it.
🎙️ Connect with Colby on LinkedIn—join the conversation and level up your leadership skills. https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

One-on-One Meetings That Work: Build Trust, Track Goals, and Transform Your Team

Show Notes
Episode Summary:
One-on-one meetings: a simple leadership tool with extraordinary potential. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a first-time manager, mastering these conversations can elevate your leadership and transform your team’s performance.

In this episode of the Things Leaders Do podcast, Colby Morris breaks down the secrets to impactful one-on-ones. Learn how these intentional conversations build trust, foster alignment, and empower your team to achieve their best.

Colby shares actionable strategies, real-world examples, and even a game-changing tool called the "battery check" to help you connect with your team and create a culture of accountability and support.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The 4 Keys to Building Personal Connections: Why leadership starts with relationships and how to create a space for trust and open communication.
• What to Discuss in One-on-Ones:
  • Developmental goals to encourage growth.
  • Goal tracking to ensure there are no surprises in annual reviews.
  • Recognition to create a culture of appreciation.
  • Removing obstacles so your team can thrive.
• The Perfect Cadence:
  • Why biweekly one-on-ones are the gold standard, according to the Harvard Business Review.
  • How consistency builds trust and prevents small issues from escalating.
• The Trickle-Down Effect:
  • Why one-on-ones must reach every level of the organization, including front-line staff.
  • How this practice enhances communication, fosters collaboration, and strengthens company culture.
• Real-Life Examples: Hear stories of how effective one-on-ones solved challenges, boosted morale, and created alignment across teams.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:
If you’ve ever wondered whether one-on-one meetings are worth the time, this episode will leave no doubt. Colby shares practical tips and proven insights to help you take your leadership to the next level.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• One-on-One Questions Guide: Want a list of impactful questions to use in your next one-on-one? Email Colby or connect on LinkedIn to request your copy!
• Harvard Business Review Article: Learn why biweekly one-on-ones are considered the best practice for effective leadership.

Connect with Colby Morris:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/
• Email: [email protected]

Don’t Forget to Subscribe!
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Things Leaders Do podcast and never miss a new release. Share this episode with another leader who could benefit from these insights, and join the conversation on LinkedIn!

Ratings and Reviews:
Your feedback helps the show grow! Leave a rating and review to let Colby know what you love about the podcast.

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

"Leadership Conversations Simplified: The Power of Wearing the Right Hat"

Episode Summary:
As a leader, every conversation requires a different tone, approach, and mindset. That’s why in this week’s episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris dives into the concept of wearing different hats in leadership. Whether you’re a mentor, a leader, or just a friend, knowing which role to play—and when—can make all the difference in building trust and fostering productive conversations.

Colby shares his strategy of asking a simple but powerful question before any important conversation:
"What hat do you need me to wear?"

This episode explores how this practice creates clarity, sets expectations, and transforms leadership relationships. With real-life examples, actionable tips, and a touch of humor, you’ll walk away with practical ways to strengthen your communication as a leader.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The three hats every leader needs to wear: mentor, leader, and friend.
• Why asking for clarity at the start of a conversation changes the tone and frame of mind for everyone involved.
• How to align your leadership style with the needs of your team in any given moment.
• Actionable strategies for applying this approach in your day-to-day leadership.

Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ The Mentor Hat: Provide guidance and perspective by asking the right questions, not giving all the answers.
2️⃣ The Leader Hat: Be decisive, set expectations, and hold people accountable with empathy.
3️⃣ The Friend Hat: Create psychological safety by listening without judgment or solutions.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, you’re the guide. Sometimes, you’re the boss. And sometimes, you’re just the human who listens."
• "Clarity is the secret weapon of leadership—it creates trust and builds momentum."
• "The next time someone comes to you, ask them: ‘What hat do you need me to wear?’ It’s a small question that makes a big impact."

Action Steps for Leaders:

1. Start every important conversation by asking, “What hat do you need me to wear?”
2. Reflect on whether you showed up in the way your team member needed.
3. Practice shifting between hats intentionally to create stronger connections with your team.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to lead with clarity, purpose, and a whole lot of impact.

Connect with Colby:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Things Leaders Do on your favorite podcast platform. Share it with another leader who could benefit from learning about the power of clarity in conversations.

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with Colby Morris on LinkedIn to share your leadership stories, questions, and feedback.

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

Episode Title: Mastering Leadership Communication: Be a Chief Reminding Officer

Episode Summary:
Communication isn’t just part of leadership—it is leadership. In this episode of Things Leaders Do, host Colby Morris dives into unusual but highly effective methods for leaders to communicate, inspired by Patrick Lencioni’s concept of the "Chief Reminding Officer." Leaders must communicate clearly, frequently, and in alignment with their organization’s key pillars to keep teams focused and engaged.

Learn practical ways to connect with your team, such as Town Halls, shift kick-off meetings, and video updates. Discover why visibility matters and how even casual walkabouts can make a huge impact on your leadership. Colby also explains how structuring communication around your organization’s most important goals reinforces alignment and clarity for everyone.

This episode is packed with actionable tips, a touch of humor, and plenty of insights to help you master the art of leadership communication.

Key Takeaways:

• Why leaders need to think of themselves as "Chief Reminding Officers."
• Unconventional methods to deliver your message effectively and engage your team.
• How to align all communication with your organization’s pillars and priorities.
• The importance of being visible and intentional in your communication.

🎧 Tune in now to elevate your communication game and inspire your team like never before!

Call to Action:
If you enjoy this episode, make sure to subscribe to Things Leaders Do on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with another leader who’s ready to level up their communication. Let’s connect on LinkedIn for even more leadership insights and discussions—[link in show notes].

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

Episode Title: " Humility in Leadership: How Adaptability Builds Trust and Innovation "

Episode Summary:
Welcome back to Things Leaders Do, hosted by Colby Morris. In today’s episode, we’re unpacking why embracing humility and adaptability are essential traits for effective leadership. Are you tired of feeling like you have to have all the answers? Do you want to create a team culture that thrives on trust and innovation? Tune in as Colby shares powerful insights and personal stories on how admitting mistakes and pivoting when needed can actually strengthen your leadership and your team’s performance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace the Pivot: Stop doubling down on strategies that aren’t working. By admitting when it’s time to change course, you build credibility and trust with your team. This shows that you’re focused on the organization’s success, not just protecting your ego.
2. Model Vulnerability: Being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. When you’re open about your own mistakes, you create a safe space for your team to be honest and innovative. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
3. Foster a Culture of Innovation: Teams that fear failure rarely innovate. Leaders who encourage risk-taking and celebrate effort—regardless of the outcome—unlock creativity and drive growth. Creating psychological safety is key to fostering innovation.

Memorable Quotes to Share:

• "Leadership isn’t about always being right. It’s about being real and earning your team’s trust."
• "Admitting you’re wrong isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength."
• "If you want to innovate, create a culture where mistakes are part of the journey, not the end of it."

Personal Stories from Colby:

• The time Colby doubled down on a tight project deadline, only to realize he needed to adjust expectations. Admitting his mistake shifted the team’s morale and built stronger trust.
• A story about implementing a new process that flopped—and how openly acknowledging the failure led to better solutions from the team.

Action Steps for Leaders:

• Reflection: This week, take a moment to reflect on a recent decision. Is it time to pivot? Be open about it with your team.
• Model Vulnerability: Start small. Admit when something isn’t working as expected, and watch how it transforms your team’s engagement.
• Encourage Risk-Taking: Celebrate effort, not just results. Foster a team culture where trying something new is valued over playing it safe.

Connect with Colby on LinkedIn:
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with Colby Morris on LinkedIn [link in show notes] to share your thoughts on humility and adaptability in leadership. Colby regularly shares insights, practical advice, and engages in meaningful discussions with fellow leaders.

Call to Action:

If you found value in today’s episode on leadership and humility, make sure to subscribe to Things Leaders Do on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with another leader who needs a reminder that vulnerability and adaptability are key to thriving in today’s fast-paced world.

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

Leading Under Pressure: 3 Powerful Strategies to Thrive in High-Stakes Environments 

In today’s episode of the Things Leaders Do podcast, Colby Morris tackles a crucial topic for leaders navigating challenging, high-stakes environments. When everything is moving fast, and chaos feels like the only constant, how do you stay grounded and lead effectively?

Colby shares three unique, actionable strategies that empower leaders to remain clear-headed and make purposeful decisions under pressure. This episode goes beyond the basics, offering practical advice designed for those moments when there’s no time to waste.

What You’ll Learn:

• Proactive Adaptability: How to mentally prepare for the unexpected through “what-if” scenario planning.
• Leveraging Team Strengths in Real-Time: The power of tapping into each team member’s unique skills—and why training them to be problem solvers is key.
• Reflect Before Reacting: A three-step method to keep yourself intentional and avoid knee-jerk reactions in chaotic situations.

Actionable Takeaways: Gain tools you can apply today to become a more effective, resilient leader who thrives even when things get tough.

Key Highlights:

• Leading in High-Stakes Situations: Why preparation and adaptability are essential for confident leadership
• Building Problem Solvers: Empowering your team to take initiative when it matters most
• Clarity Under Pressure: How self-reflection can be your greatest tool to stay strategic

Connect with Colby on LinkedIn
Join Colby on LinkedIn for more insights and to share your leadership experiences! [Link in show notes]

Subscribe & Share
If this episode gave you new insights, subscribe to Things Leaders Do and share it with another leader in your network.

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com

Leading with Empathy Without Losing Accountability

In this episode of the Things Leaders Do podcast, Colby Morris explores one of the biggest challenges for today’s leaders: How do you lead with empathy without sacrificing accountability? If you’ve ever felt like you have to choose between being a compassionate leader or a results-driven leader, this episode is for you.

Colby debunks the myth that empathy means being “soft” and shows how the most successful leaders leverage empathy to build trust, accountability, and high performance on their teams.

You’ll discover:

• What leading with empathy actually looks like and why it doesn’t mean lowering standards
• How to set clear expectations while maintaining a supportive environment
• Practical strategies for listening with empathy without moving the goalposts
• How to coach your team through challenges without jumping in to fix everything for them
• Real-world examples of leaders who balance empathy and accountability to achieve great results

Actionable Steps: Learn how to implement empathy in your leadership style while still holding your team accountable to their goals and outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy and accountability are not opposites; they work hand-in-hand to drive team success
• Practical steps for leading with empathy without compromising on high performance
• How to build a team culture where people feel supported but also responsible for their results

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

Subscribe & Share:
If you found this episode valuable, subscribe to Things Leaders Do and share it with another leader in your network. Don't miss weekly episodes packed with actionable leadership advice.

Support the show

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• NXTStepAdvisors.com