Truth, Lies and Work

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Truth, Lies and Work episodes

September 17, 2024128. Are You a Workaholic? PLUS Gen Z Whisperers and the New Normal for Sick Days – This Week in Work 17th September 2024
Welcome back to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, chartered psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they keep you informed on the latest news, trends, and insights that are shaping the modern workplace.

Introduction
If you love hearing stories about how organizations big and small are building amazing workplace cultures, then be sure to tune into our Thursday episodes where we feature interviews with inspiring leaders. But today is all about the latest workplace news and our much-loved Weekly Workplace Surgery!

News Roundup
Are You a Workaholic?
Leanne kicks off the episode by discussing the rise of workaholism, which now affects 15% of workers, according to the Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior. Read more.

The Gen Z Whisperers
Al shares an interesting article from The Guardian about the rise of "Gen Z Whisperers," young advisors helping companies understand and retain Gen Z talent. Read more.

The Changing Face of Sick Leave
Leanne wraps up the news roundup with a discussion on how sick leave is evolving, especially in the hybrid work era. Read more.

Segment 2: Fresh Voices

In this week’s Fresh Voices segment, Leanne introduces Connie Hadley, the founder and chief scientist at the Institute for Life at Work. Connie’s research focuses on the future of work, team dynamics, and psychological safety. A highlight of her insights? The power of team rituals. She explains how simple bonding activities can elevate a team’s sense of purpose and improve overall well-being in the workplace. Watch the full interview.

Connect with Connie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-noonan-hadley-7303066/

Segment 3: Weekly Workplace Surgery

In the World Famous Weekly Workplace Surgery, Leanne answers your burning workplace questions:
Open Office Dilemma: Alex, the owner of a mid-sized marketing agency, recently converted the office into an open-plan layout to encourage collaboration. But the younger employees, particularly Gen Z, are wearing noise-cancelling headphones all day.
Modernising the Law Firm: Sarah, a law firm partner, faces pressure from junior staff to introduce flexible working hours. With senior partners resisting and concerns about client expectations, Sarah asks for guidance on implementing flexibility while maintaining high standards.
Attracting Young Talent: A graphic design studio owner is struggling to compete with larger firms offering flashy perks. Leanne advises on non-monetary benefits and creative solutions that can appeal to Gen Z talent.
Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful:
UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected].
US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
Email: Reach out at [email protected].
Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.
53 min
September 12, 2024127. How to Lead Gen Z, according to Millennial leaders Paul & Amanda from MAP
Welcome back to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

Join your hosts, chartered psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they bring you inspiring stories and practical insights on building a great workplace culture.

Today’s episode is part of our Thursday interview series, where we showcase organisations that are doing amazing things to create a strong workplace culture.

Guest Introduction

We are thrilled to introduce two incredible guests from MAP:
Paul Barnes, the founder and Managing Director of MAP, a Manchester-based accountancy firm that exclusively serves the creative and digital sector. MAP has grown from a team of 3 to 34 in just 11 years, becoming a go-to firm for agencies looking to scale.
Amanda Wilcox, the Operations Director at MAP and one of the first employees, has been with the company for over 10 years. Amanda has been instrumental in developing MAP’s processes and fostering its unique culture.
Key Talking Points:
The MAP Story: Paul shares how MAP was founded at the age of 27, starting during the rise of cloud accounting technology. He reflects on how the decision to niche down into the creative and digital sector helped the firm grow rapidly and stand out from traditional accountancy firms. Amanda adds her perspective on joining MAP in its early days and how the team had to create everything from scratch.
Culture Above All: One of the most unique aspects of MAP is how they prioritise workplace culture over everything else. Paul and Amanda discuss how they built a culture that embraces flexibility, autonomy, and the constant pursuit of improvement. They share insights into how they keep employees engaged and motivated, particularly the large Gen Z workforce they lead.
Challenges of Growth: As MAP grew, Paul and Amanda faced the challenge of transitioning from a scrappy startup to a more structured and scalable business. They share how they’ve navigated this journey, including how they’ve developed young leaders from within, and the importance of continuous feedback and adjusting the business based on what the team needs.
Connect with MAP
If you’d like to learn more about MAP and the amazing work they do, here’s how to connect:
MAP Website: WeAreMap.co.uk
Paul Barnes on LinkedIn: Paul Barnes
Amanda Wilcox on LinkedIn: Amanda Wilcox
Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful:
UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected].
US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
Email: Reach out at [email protected].
Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.
56 min
September 10, 2024126. 19 ways to improve your life, WTF is 'Founder Mode', and the UK's new 4-day work week - This Week in Work, 10th September 2024
Welcome back to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, business psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they dive into this week’s biggest stories in the world of work, share practical insights, and answer your burning workplace questions in our world-famous Weekly Workplace Surgery.

Introduction
We’re back in full swing for September, riding the wave of the “fresh start effect.” We’re now bringing you two episodes a week: Tuesdays are all about the This Week in Work roundup, and Thursdays feature expert guests from various fields. Last week’s guest was Ed Williams, co-founder of Candy Kittens—so if you missed that episode, be sure to check it out!

News Roundup
Leanne kicks off the news roundup with three exciting stories:
UK to Introduce Right to Request a Four-Day Work Week: This autumn, workers in the UK will gain the legal right to request a four-day workweek, with employers required to consider the request unless they can prove it's not "reasonably feasible." Read the full article.
Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode: Al explores a viral topic on social media—Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode. Paul Graham of Y Combinator and Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, have both commented on how founders often remain hands-on even as their companies grow, which contrasts with the traditional shift to "Manager Mode."
19 Science-Backed Ways to Improve Your Life: Leanne shares a fantastic article from the British Psychological Society (BPS) offering 19 science-backed ways to improve your life.
Fresh Voices

This week’s Fresh Voices segment features Marion Campan, a corporate culture expert whose TEDx talk, "The Secret to Finding Your Ideal Workplace," has garnered over 500,000 views. Marion emphasizes that company culture is key to job satisfaction and retention and offers practical tips on how to evaluate culture before accepting a job offer. She highlights two key ways to assess a company’s culture:
Observe the Recruitment Process: The speed and communication during hiring reveal much about a company’s internal culture.
Ask the Right Questions: During interviews, ask about company values and how they’re lived day-to-day. A great question to ask: “What kind of people get promoted here?” Watch Marion’s TEDx Talk.
World Famous Weekly Workplace Surgery

Leanne answers your workplace questions in this week’s surgery:
Feeling Excluded from an Office Clique: A listener feels left out of an "inner circle" at work.
Giving Feedback to a More Experienced Team Member: A listener who recently stepped into a managerial role struggles with giving feedback to a more experienced team member.
Getting Honest Feedback from Employees: Another listener, a business owner, is frustrated with the lack of honest employee feedback, despite using anonymous surveys.
Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful:
UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected].
US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
Email: Reach out at [email protected].
Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.
48 min
September 05, 2024125. The Willy Wonka Office: How Ed Williams and Candy Kittens are Redefining the Workplace
Welcome to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, business psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they bring you deep insights into workplace culture, leadership, and creating an environment where people can truly thrive.

Guest Introduction: Ed Williams
Today’s guest is Ed Williams, co-founder and CEO of Candy Kittens, one of the UK’s fastest-growing confectionery brands known for its vegan sweets without artificial additives. Ed launched Candy Kittens alongside TV personality Jamie Laing, and their sweets can now be found in major UK supermarkets and worldwide. Ed is the driving force behind their creative and innovative office space, known as The Sweet Factory, which has redefined workplace culture and collaboration in the heart of London.

Key Talking Points:

Building Candy Kittens: Ed shares the journey of creating Candy Kittens from the ground up, starting as a "sweets company without sweets" to becoming a household name in UK grocery stores.

The Creation of The Sweet Factory: Ed and Jamie wanted their workspace to be more than just an office—it’s designed to feel like a "real-life Willy Wonka factory." Ed talks about how their headquarters promotes creativity, collaboration, and work-life balance.

Workplace Culture and Well-being: Ed explains the balance between fostering autonomy and maintaining high performance. He discusses their unlimited holiday policy and shares how B Corp certification has become central to their business philosophy.

Managing Millennials and Gen Z: With a young team, Ed talks about the evolving expectations of modern employees, from valuing purpose-driven work to seeking out benefits beyond salary.

Working with Jamie Laing: Ed discusses his dynamic partnership with Jamie Laing, describing how their complementary skills have been key to the brand's success.

Connect with Ed Williams and Candy Kittens:
Ed’s Instagram: @edward_williams
Ed'd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-williams/
Candy Kittens Instagram: @candykittens
Candy Kittens Website: candykittens.co.uk
The Sweet Factory Designer: Lick Paints on Instagram
Book Mentioned: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful:
UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected].
US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
Email: Reach out at [email protected].
Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.
48 min
September 03, 2024124. Google’s WFH mistake, Toxic bosses & the psychology behind Pumpkin Spice Latte..? - This Week in Work 3rd September 2024
Welcome back to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

We’re kicking off September with our full lineup—two episodes a week from now until Christmas! If you’re new here, Tuesdays are all about informal discussions where we round up the latest in the world of work, dive into a mystery segment, and tackle your burning questions in our world-famous Weekly Workplace Surgery.

Segment 1: News Roundup
This week’s news roundup features some intriguing stories:
The Psychology Behind the Pumpkin Spice Latte Craze: Leanne discusses an article by Nick Hobson in INC. that explores the "Fresh Start Effect," explaining why this seasonal favorite resonates so strongly with people. Read the full article.
Eric Schmidt on Work-from-Home Culture: Al highlights comments from Google’s former CEO, Eric Schmidt, who criticized the company’s hybrid work model, suggesting it’s one reason Google has lost its edge in AI to startups. Read more on Fortune.
Stress and Heart Health in High-Stress Jobs: Leanne shares a new study from the University of Quebec that reveals office workers with high-stress jobs are 97% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to strokes. Read the full research.

Segment 2: Fresh Voices
Introducing our new segment for September—Fresh Voices—where we spotlight emerging thought leaders and innovators. This week, we feature Rob Kalwarowsky, who recently delivered a TEDx Talk titled "How to Handle a Bad Boss." Rob shares his deeply personal story of dealing with a passive-aggressive boss and the toll it took on his mental health. We discuss three key takeaways from his talk:
The Impact of Toxic Leadership on Mental Health: Toxic leadership isn’t just an HR issue—it’s a health crisis.
The Subtlety of Toxic Bosses: Many destructive leaders aren’t overtly abusive but still create a toxic environment.
Practical Strategies for Handling Bad Bosses: Rob offers actionable advice for dealing with various types of toxic bosses.
Watch Rob Kalwarowsky’s full TEDx Talk.
More About Rob and Services
Connect with Rob on LinkedIn

Segment 3: Weekly Workplace Surgery
In this week’s "World Famous Weekly Workplace Surgery," we tackle listener questions on workplace dilemmas:
Encouraging Initiative in Your Team: A business owner asks how to get their team to take more initiative instead of relying on them for every decision.
Politely Declining Extra Tasks: A listener struggles with saying no to extra tasks without appearing unhelpful.
Socializing with Your Boss Outside of Work: Another listener wonders whether it’s a good idea to hang out with their boss outside of work and how to manage the potential risks of blurring professional boundaries.
Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful:
UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected].
US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
Email: Reach out at [email protected].
Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.
49 min
August 27, 2024123. How to disagree with your boss, Aussie work reforms and menowashing - This Week in Work 27th August 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join your hosts, chartered psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they explore the latest workplace trends, insights, and practical advice to help you create a thriving work environment.

For the month of August, we're taking a bit of a break, so we're only bringing you one episode each week. But don’t worry, we’ll be back to our regular schedule soon! Starting next Thursday, our interview series returns with some incredible guests who are not only household names but are also building the next generation of the workplace. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Segment 1: News Roundup

In this week’s news roundup, Leanne and Al discuss three thought-provoking topics:
Menowashing: Marketing Gimmicks or Genuine Support? Leanne introduces a new term—"menowashing"—which refers to brands capitalizing on the menopause movement by marketing products with little scientific backing. . Read more in The Telegraph.
The Difference Between Managers and Leaders: Al shares a thought-provoking tweet by Rob Dance that highlights the difference between managers and leaders: "When I talk to managers, I get the feeling they're important. When I talk to leaders, I get the feeling I'm important." See the tweet.
Australia’s New “Right to Disconnect” Law: Leanne brings hot-off-the-press news from Australia, where a new law now allows employees to ignore work-related communications after hours without fear of repercussions. Read more in Reuters.
Segment 2: Workplace Time Capsule
Our final "Workplace Time Capsule" segment takes us back to 1968, where journalist Fyfe Robertson reports from a cigarette factory on the movement for equal pay for women. Watch the video.

Segment 3: Weekly Workplace Surgery
In this week’s "World Famous Weekly Workplace Surgery," Leanne and Al tackle listener questions on the following workplace dilemmas:
Leading a More Experienced Team: A listener who’s just been promoted to manage a team older and more experienced than they are seeks advice on how to lead effectively without appearing insecure or overly bossy.
Disagreeing with Your Boss in a Meeting: Another listener wonders whether it’s appropriate to voice disagreements during meetings or if it’s better to bring up concerns afterward.
Encouraging PTO Without Guilt: A business owner in the financial services sector struggles with employees feeling guilty about taking their PTO days.

Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful:
UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected].
US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
X (formerly Twitter): Truth, Lies & Work on X
Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
Email: Reach out at [email protected].
Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to check out our podcast playlist with over 100 episodes to dive into!
44 min
August 19, 2024122. Doomscrolling, Wisdom Work, and What CEOs Eat: This Week in Work, 20th August 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

Join your hosts, chartered psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, as they explore the latest workplace trends, insights, and practical advice to help you create a thriving work environment.

Segment 1: News Roundup

This week’s news roundup covers several thought-provoking (and silly!) topics:
Doomscrolling and Its Impact on Mental Health: A study by Reza Shabahang and colleagues reveals how compulsive doomscrolling can increase existential anxiety, pessimism, and distrust in others. Read the study.
Wisdom Work in a Multigenerational Workforce: Chip Conley’s article in Harvard Business Review introduces the concept of "Wisdom Work," emphasizing the importance of experience and foresight in a workplace that will soon include five generations. Read the article.
The Breakfast Habits of Successful Executives: From turkey bacon wraps to green juices, the breakfast choices of top executives are as diverse as their leadership styles, as highlighted by Bloomberg Businessweek. Read the article.
Segment 2: Workplace Time Capsule

In our brand new summer segment, we travel back to the 1960s in Edinburgh, where Tarry's Chip Shop on Manse Road became a pioneer by offering the first-ever fish and chip delivery service. Originally broadcast on January 31, 1963, this segment showcases the early innovations in customer service that have shaped modern business practices. Watch the original broadcast.

Segment 3: Weekly Workplace Surgery

In this week’s Workplace Surgery, Al and Leanne tackle some challenging listener questions:
Blindsided by a Resignation: A listener shares their shock at losing a key team member despite offering competitive pay and a flexible work environment. Al and Leanne discuss strategies for understanding the deeper reasons behind resignations and how to retain top talent.
Championing Unwanted Change: Another listener is tasked with managing the transition to new software they don’t believe in. Al and Leanne provide advice on how to effectively lead change management, even when personal beliefs differ from organizational decisions.
Can People Really Change?: A listener grapples with whether to promote a manager who previously committed fraud but has since shown exemplary performance. The hosts discuss the complexities of trust, redemption, and the risks of second chances in the workplace.
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your experiences, questions, or suggestions for future topics.

Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
X (formerly Twitter): Truth, Lies & Work on X
Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
Email: Reach out at [email protected].
Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.
Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful:
UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected].
US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
47 min
August 13, 2024121. Crowd Psychology, Gen Alpha Slang and The Peter Principle: This Week in Work, 13th August 2024
Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.

In this week's episode of Truth, Lies & Work, Al and Leanne bring you a comprehensive breakdown of the most important developments in workplace culture, a nostalgic journey through work history, and practical advice for tackling modern workplace dilemmas.

Segment 1: News Round-Up
Leadership Lessons: Al and Leanne discuss the latest research and stories around effective leadership, including how managers can better understand and motivate their teams. They explore real-world examples of leadership gone wrong and the critical lessons that can be learned.
Explore the story further: 7 Bad Bosses to Avoid and How to Spot Them During an Interview
Gen Alpha in the Workplace: The hosts dive into how Gen Alpha, the newest generation entering the workforce, is influencing workplace dynamics. From their unique communication styles to their digital-first approach, understanding Gen Alpha is becoming crucial for businesses looking to stay ahead.
Explore the story further: TikTok Video on Gen Alpha | Article on Gen Alpha's Workplace Impact
Olympic Fever: With the recent Olympic Games still fresh in everyone's minds, Al and Leanne explore the psychology of crowd and how supports can influence athlete performance.

Segment 2: Workplace Time Capsule: Lessons from the 60s, 70s, and 80s

This week, we dive ito the BBC archives and go back to 1974 to explore The Peter Principle.
The Peter Principle, which states, "In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence." Developed by Dr. Laurence J. Peter, this principle explores the common phenomenon where employees are promoted based on their success in previous roles until they reach a position where they are no longer competent.
Watch the original broadcast on YouTube: The Peter Principle
Segment 3: Weekly Workplace Surgery
Question 1: "I’m a software engineer and my girlfriend thinks I’m stealing from my boss. This is the situation. I work 100% remotely and I fix bugs and handle support tickets. I’m paid to work 40 hours a week but usually complete my work in 20-25 hours. What do you think, Lea?"
Question 2: "I’m having to make a redundancy in the next few months. I have two people who do the same job. One is great to be around but not as effective, and the other is highly productive but kind of an asshole. What do I do?"
Question 3: "Do I lie about being unemployed? I was let go last year and ended up working in fast food for a few months. Now I have an exciting interview in my field, but I’m not sure how to explain the gap in my work history. What should I do?"

Support and Contact Info:
Have a workplace question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Want to share your thoughts on today’s discussion? Get in touch with us:
Email: [email protected]
Website: truthliesandwork.com
Follow Us:
Truth, Lies & Work on Apple Podcasts
Truth, Lies & Work on Spotify
Visit our Website: Truth, Lies & Work
Follow us on X (Twitter): @TruthLiesWork
TikTok: @TruthLiesWork
Instagram: @TruthLiesWork
Mental Health Resources:
United Kingdom:
Mind: www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
United States:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Mental Health America: www.mhanational.org
Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org
Rest of the World:
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): www.iasp.info
Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org
48 min
August 06, 2024120. Stress bragging, Gen-Z jargon and pets on Zoom - This Week in Work, 6th August 2024
Welcome to another episode of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

In this engaging episode, Al and Leanne discuss the latest trends in workplace culture, share insights from recent studies, and tackle your most pressing workplace dilemmas in our famous weekly workplace surgery.

Segment 1: News Round-up

Leanne on "Stress Bragging"
Leanne introduces a new term: "Stress Bragging," where people talk about their stress levels as a badge of honor. She explains how this phenomenon can actually alienate colleagues and make us seem less competent. A study from Personnel Psychology by Jessica B. Rodell shows that stress bragging can create more workplace anxiety and reduce the willingness of coworkers to help.

Read the full paper here: Rodell J. B., Shanklin B. C., & Frank E. L. (2024). "I'm so stressed!": The relational consequences of stress bragging. Personnel Psychology.

Al on Gen Z Slang
Al shares a guide to Gen Z slang from a recent Forbes article, highlighting terms like "No Cap," "That Slaps," and "Menty B." He advises caution for older generations trying to use these terms, comparing it to the embarrassment of watching your parents dance.
Read the full article: Forbes Guide to Gen Z Slang.

Leanne on Kamala Harris' Laugh
Leanne discusses an Inc article about Kamala Harris' laugh and its psychological impact. She highlights research showing that laughter can boost motivation and team effectiveness, and how positive emotions can lead to success.

Read the full article: Inc on Kamala Harris' Laugh.

Segment 2: Future of Work

What Will Work Look Like in 2074?
Al and Leanne discuss a fascinating YouTube video that explores predictions for the future of work in 2074. They delve into potential changes in technology, workplace culture, and job roles.
Watch the video: The Future of Work in 2074.

Segment 3: Weekly Workplace Surgery

Q1: Using Memes in Workplace Communication
A listener asks about the appropriateness of using memes in work chats. Al and Leanne discuss the balance between fun and professionalism, offering advice on how to encourage a light-hearted atmosphere without compromising on work ethics.

Q2: Pets in Zoom Meetings
A remote team leader is concerned about pets distracting from work during Zoom meetings. Leanne and Al debate whether to ban pets from meetings and how to address this issue without sounding too authoritarian.

Q3: Transitioning to a Management Role
A listener who is up for a promotion worries about transitioning from being a peer to a manager. Al and Leanne offer strategies for easing this transition and ensuring a smooth change in dynamics with coworkers.

Book a Meeting
Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://book.calendly.com/AlandLeanne
Follow Us
Truth, Lies & Work on Apple Podcasts
Truth, Lies & Work on Spotify
Visit our Website
X (Twitter): @TruthLiesWork
TikTok: @TruthLiesWork
Instagram: @TruthLiesWork
Mental Health Resources
United Kingdom:
Mind: www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
United States:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Mental Health America: www.mhanational.org
Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org
Rest of the World:
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): www.iasp.info
Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org

Stay tuned, subscribe, and we'll see you next week!
45 min
July 30, 2024119. How to build connection in remote teams, with Confetti CEO, Lee Rubin
Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.

In this special episode, Al and Leanne delve into the world of virtual events with Lee Rubin, CEO and Co-founder of Confetti. Discover how Confetti is revolutionizing corporate events, making it easier than ever to plan and execute engaging virtual experiences. Lee shares her journey from aspiring entrepreneur to leading a company that serves giants like Google, LinkedIn, and Netflix.

Lee discusses the critical role of team-building activities, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and her vision for the future of remote and hybrid work.

Enjoy!

P.S. Our normal Tuesday ‘This Week in Work’ episodes will return in August!

Key Topics Covered:
The Evolution of Corporate Events
How Confetti Makes Virtual Events Seamless
Lee Rubin’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Challenges and Benefits of Remote Work
Common Mistakes in Event Planning
About Lee Rubin, CEO and Co-founder of Confetti
Lee Rubin is a renowned expert in employee culture and event planning, specializing in virtual team-building. Her company, Confetti, has organized over 33,000 events for more than 1 million participants, helping organizations create unforgettable virtual and hybrid experiences.

Find out more:
Visit Confetti
Contact Confetti: [email protected]
Connect with Lee Rubin on LinkedIn
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Mental Health Resources:

United Kingdom:
Mind
Samaritans Call 116 123 or email [email protected]
United States:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255
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Crisis Text Line Text “HELLO” to 741741
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International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
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Next Episode Teaser:
We'll be back next Tuesday with our This Week in Work episode. Summer is here are we are going to entertain you with some lighter, less work related content. Tune in for our news round-up, world famous weekly workplace surgery, and a surprise segment that we haven't created yet. Woohoo!
49 min