In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights how important setting up leadership guardrails are in keeping us on track.Whether those guardrails are there to challenge us as leaders or show us perspectives we may not see, they are essential for helping us become better. Russel shares real world questions we should expect from leadership guardrails and the multiple ways they can help us improve the workplace culture and our leadership.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with personal branding image consultant Shelley Golden on the importance of appearance and how to show up in the right way for work.Shelley shares her experience and insight in the...Importance of appearance on perception.Standards of professional attire.Detailed appearance reflects work ethic.Comfort can still work with professionalism.Five-step process to improve our virtual presence.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher digs into "soft skills" and why calling them soft couldn't be further from the truth. Though language around "soft skills" is changing, the importance we put on these essential skills continues to struggle. Russel shares multiple reasons why these skills are so important and why organizations need to take them more seriously in order to create a healthy and successful organization. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with researcher and work stress and burnout prevention consultant Nina Nesdoly on how understanding neuroscience is the key to addressing stress and burnout.Nina shares her insights and experience with...Understanding stress and burnoutImpact of stress on cognitive abilitiesOverwhelming stress and cognitive functionNeuroplasticity and burnoutWork-Life balance and recoveryMasking and emotional exhaustionImportance of training and developmentHealthy stress vs. hindrance stressDopamine misconceptionsAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the importance of what do as much as how we do it in our leadership. No leader wants to hurt or fracture their team culture, but if we don't better align our intentions with our actions, we could do far more damage than we realize. Russel shares real world examples of how well-intended leaders missed the mark from what they wanted to achieve vs how they went about executing it, as well as a few things we should consider if we want to lead better. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with leadership communication consultant John Bates on how understanding neurobiology helps us connect through communication.John shares his insights and experience with...Effective communication is not just logical but biological.Importance of trusting gut feelingsThe value of sharing leadership stories to for promotion.Small talk is really big talk and foundational to trust.Align your mental state with your message.Reflective practices for self-awareness.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares more effective job interview questions to understand leadership.Interview questions are extremely formulaic, regardless of industry. Almost all are focused on productivity, with very few determining the applicants leadership experience and quality. Russel shares why organizations stick to the formula, and various questions (provided by the Relationships at Work community) that applicants would prefer were asked to better understand leadership levels. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with master facilitator and executive coach Paul O'Beirne on what a first-time leader really needs to know and so does the organization they work for.Paul shares his insights and experience in...Transition challenges for new leaders.Importance of support systems.Leadership vs. management.Understanding role and relationships.Asking for help and adapting.Building networks and managing relationships.Importance of feedback structures for self-awareness.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher explains the importance of regular leadership tests to ensure we're on the right track.As a leader, how do we know we're any good? That comes from regular check ins in how we react to circumstances at work. We need to proactively be curious about ourselves and take a daily interest in understanding our impact on our teams and the culture. Russel shares four areas we can assess on a regular basis to determine the quality of our leadership and the one stakeholder group we need to hear from, more than our colleagues and bosses. Join us as we discuss. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and executive coach Mark J. Silverman on understanding and approaching leadership ambition.Mark shares his experience and insights on...The root of true ambition.Reckoning with ambition's impact at work.Self-awareness and authentic ambition.Generational shifts in ambition.Balancing ambition with authenticity.Organizational support for sustainable ambition.Personalized ambition.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares the importance of not prioritizing productivity over humanity. The ends can not justify the means. As a leader, it's vital that we provide a service or product, and deliver countless things along the way. The problem is when leaders achieve those results without regard for the human impact along the way just to make the boss happy. The long-term impacts can be devastating.Russel shares a personal story and provides of areas we can invest our time and leadership in to avoid losing that humanity for the sake of results. Join us as we discuss. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with authors and Edelman Executive Vice-Presidents Elena Grotto and Felicia Joy on understanding leadership influence and its impact on teams and workplace culture.Elena and Felicia share their experience and insights on...Continuous learning and adaption as leaders.Balancing humanity and productivity.The modern workplace as a laboratory for co-creation and experimentation.Changing employee expectations and involvement.Bridging the executive-employee gap.Importance of relationships and flexibility.Intentional relationship building.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher discusses the causes and answers to cultural debt.Technical debt is a common term in software development to explain growing issues caused by not properly addressing problems. By only implementing "band-aid" solutions, the root problems only continue to grow and fester. Cultural debt is the same in that organizational issues unaddressed or avoided, will just poison the company little by little over time until it's not something that can be fixed anymore. Russel provides examples of how we invest in cultural debt and the areas we can pay attention to to avoid it. Join us as we discuss. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with best-selling author, drama researcher and headline speaker Cy Wakeman on focusing on a reality-based leadership approach to improve accountability at work.Cy shares her insights and experience in:Why we need to self-reflect and be personally accountable.Reality-based leadership practices.Cultivating curiosity and compassion to understand different perspectives.Collective Genius for reducing risks and driving innovation.Achieving post-traumatic growth.Co-creation and simplification for the greater organizational good.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the hypocrisy of organizations not asking applicants for feedback and why they should. Leadership often talks about the importance of feedback, including for applicants (successful or not) to ask for debriefs after their hiring experience. So why don't organizations take their own advice? There are so many benefits to listening to applicants to improve the hiring process. Russel provides real-world examples of what we can applicants are asking for and experiencing and spotlights the benefits of taking a development approach to hiring. Join us as we discuss. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, speaker and Chief Enthusiasm Officer Dr. Randy Ross on the importance of connecting values to employee retention.Randy  shares his insights and experience in:Holistic employee experienceValues and behaviour alignment.Ethical and aesthetic components of values.Alignment and authenticity of values.Continuous feedback and self-reflection to operationalize values.Culture by design vs default.Value creation vs extraction.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher recommends we share our values publicly to build better connection.Knowing our values is vital to our self-awareness and in helping us make decisions and setting boundaries that help our career and our employee experience. But they are too valuable to keep to ourselves. Share them. With everyone. It'll benefit us as leaders, our teams and the organization. Russel provides real-world examples of what sharing our values looks like and the many benefits to doing so to help our teams be more innovative, productive and inclusive. Join us as we discuss. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and Clockwork founder Nancy Lyons on the positive and negative impacts employees can have on company culture.Nancy shares her insights and experience in:The power of microcultures and employee influence.Leadership's role in shaping culture.What an authentic work culture is and is not.The agency of employees.Unlearning traditional norms.Evaluating organizational fit before influencing.Constructive use of technology to support work culture.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the importance of prioritizing small gestures before big moments at work. Big events at work are great. It's an opportunity to bring everyone together, connect in new ways, hear from leadership, have presenters sharing new ideas. They're awesome. But without a foundation built through small gestures and regular connection, these efforts will ring hollow. And further hurt the workplace culture. Russel provides real-world examples of why that effort matters and the benefit it can have on the entire organization.  Join us as we discuss. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with HR professional and consultant Beverly Hathorn on managing and aligning subcultures in the workplace.She shares her thoughts, stories and experiences with...Subculture dynamics.Executive engagement with various work cultures.The importance of customizing engagement.Alignment and adaptability of subcultures.How mentorship can help with rigid subcultures.Effective and personalized communication benefitsAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher asks us to maintain relationships even through significant change.Change is a part of the work world, whether it's as big as a merger or reorganization of a company or as traditional as moving teams or getting a new job. Great leaders understand that relationships are integral to the employee experience so we have to keep nurturing those connections even if our environments change. Russel provides real-world examples things we can do to ensure our relationships at work remain strong and resilient in the workplace. Join us as we discuss. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with speakers and workforce consultants Alex Schwartz and Nate Thompson on the impact AI will have on the employee experience.They share their thoughts, stories and experiences with...AI's role and adoption in work environments.AI as a tool, not a threat.The need for continuous adaption and learning.Cultural readiness and leadership mindset.Early adoption and experimentation.AI and diversity, ethics and privacy concerns.Defining human and AI work roles.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher explores how leadership should and shouldn't respond to tragedy from their teams.Not so long ago, Russel experienced a personal tragedy, which inspired his curiosity on how leaders and workplace cultures handle those moments.  He provides real-world examples of good and bad experiences before highlighting some of the steps great leaders take to pass this tragedy test. Join us as we discuss. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and speaker Bob Chartier on the relationships and practices we need to foster innovation and action at work.Bob shares his thoughts, stories and experiences with...Importance of relationships in effective leadershipTools  for building relationships"Possibility Action" - how relationships are essential when exploring possibilityEmpowering grassroots leadership and initiativesCross-boundary collaborationAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher asks the question, "would you tell your manager you were looking for a new job" and how the answer illustrates our relationship quality. Recently, Russel posed this question to his community online and the answers were... sad. What does it look and feel like when we don't have a great relationship with our leaders, and what can we as leaders do to ensure our employees trust us? Join us as we discuss. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with Workhuman's practice leader and social recognition expert Brenda Pohlman on implementing an employee recognition and gratitude program.Brenda shares her thoughts, stories and experiences with...Recognition as a key to culture.The need for a detailed recognition framework.Cultural sensitivity in recognition practices.Technology's role in facilitating recognition.Why personal appreciation matters.Simple acts of recognition can have a huge impact.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher provides a recap of attending Workhuman LIVE in Austin and his favourite takeaways.Russel shares the future of work leadership from Brene Brown, the lessons Baratunde Thurston learned when he discovered his mom wasn't perfect, the importance of intention and impact with considering A.I.,  how Issa Rae embraces fit for herself and her colleagues, and the frustration of having insight you can't use. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with leadership development expert Summer Davies on what we need to know about our leadership styles and how they can impact employee engagement.Summer shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...Importance of leadership style adaptability.Critical roles of self-awareness and feedback.The different leadership styles and their impacts.Recognizing leadership effectiveness.The need for continuous adjustment.Reconsidering how leadership is selected for promotion.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with six-time best-selling co-author, podcast host and keynote speaker Scott Stratten on the impacts of bad leadership and how unlearning and unleadership (defying traditional norms) is the path to better relationships at work.Scott shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...Real experiences good and bad leadership.How bad and good experiences can have life long impacts to employees.Why treating people well isn’t a campaign.How “unlearning” can help leadership.How selfish leadership can hurt a company culture.What to do if leadership doesn’t want to model good culture.How Stop, Start, Continue can help your leadershipAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher illustrates the importance of saying NO and not always saying YES.To be a great leader, we need to advocate for and defend our teams. To do that effectively, we'll need to be prepared to say No to our Executive, other business areas, other colleagues. Which is saying YES to team advocacy. Russel shares examples of YES statements leaders may use, the NO responses we should say instead, and the impacts of saying either one.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with leadership and business development coach Jen Hope on assessing leadership and what we need to understand to get it right.Jen shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...Importance of self-awareness through assessments.Value of feedback and a growth mindset.Bais in assessments.Integration into organizational culture.Organizational support for continuous improvement.How debriefs and development plans foster accountability.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher showcases common resistances to change at work and how leaders can avoid these pitfalls. Change is a constant in the workplace, but so is resistance to it. The success and failure of change will be found in how leadership introduces, leads, implements and follows up on that change, and in how they respect what's come before. Russel shares five common pitfalls that leaders encounter when implementing change and ways in which we can think differently in how we approach them.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with speaker and expert leadership development coach Tammy Dowley-Blackman on what leadership needs to understand and embrace from Gen Z in the workplace.Tammy shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...The need to understand and embrace Gen Z.The importance of generosity in leadership.Rethinking professional development.Creating collaborative work environments.Prioritizing open conversations about career paths.Bridging generational gaps through mentoring.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

(Originally released: April 24,  2023)In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, consultant and former WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge on how learning moments for leadership are integral to the success of culture change.Garry shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...What a learning moment is for leaders.What change looks when implementing new policies in a large organization.The ingredients in properly changing a culture. The four pillars for successfully shepherding an organizationWhat leaders are getting wrong right nowHow Garry motivates his own leadershipIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the dangers of being an empathetic leader. Empathy is a vital ingredient to good and great leadership. However, it can also be a double-edged sword in how it can impact our ability to lead and the culture we're creating.  Yes, there are tons of benefits in being an empathetic leader, but it can also lead to burn out and avoidance. Russel breaks down how empathy can be a burden at work, and the many ways being too empathetic and not knowing how to manage that empathy can lead to fracturing a workplace culture.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with workplace conflict expert and professional trainer Carol Bowser on how to address conflict at work, on remote teams, in the office and across the organization.Carol shares her insights and experience in...Conflict spectrum in the workplaceThe role of perception and communication to resolve conflict on remote teamsUnderstanding cultural differences in conflict managementListening fluency as a skill for conflict preventionThe importance of building relationships and trustThe complexity of conflict resolutionFinding workable solutions without trustAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher asks us to stop only focusing on performance reviews and prioritize leadership reviews as a way to help leaders and work cultures. Performance Reviews continually are used as a checklist check-in to ensure work is being done to help with productivity. Why not also check-in on leadership quality, cultural impact and the employee experience? If we say we want a healthy culture, we have to. Russel breaks down the importance of Leadership Reviews and the questions we can ask to better understand how to help leaders improve their impact on the workplace.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with international leadership coach and consultant Gerardo Segat about what we fear and how to coach through that fear as leaders.Gerardo shares his insights and experience in...Leadership through fear managementPyramid of fearsThe Bullet Train and Regional Train approaches to coaching fearTransforming fear into strengthThe necessity of psychological safetyCoaching with diversity in mindAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares the problem with our curse of knowledge.In every industry and role, we get comfortable in our work. This leads to embracing unique ways of talking and expressing ourselves that might be a barrier to inclusivity.  Russel will define what the curse of knowledge looks and feels like, as well the steps we can take to better communicate and connect with others through this challenge.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with executive coach, consultant and speaker HR Huntsman on why leaders need to introduce creative conflict into the workplace, but only if they're ready.HR shares his insights and experience in...The importance of creative conflictTrust as the foundation:Leadership's role in fostering an innovative cultureCreative conflict as a catalyst for innovationCreative conflict as a pathway to engagement and productivityBasing conflict in curiosity and inquiry over direct confrontationAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher wants us to put more value into our corporate values by leaders operationalizing them.We talk about values, we put them on posters and on websites but they have absolutely no meaning to staff if they aren't demonstrated and rewarded, every day.  Russel will walk through an example of how to operationalize values, some areas to focus on and how to get started to make those values valuable. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with researcher, author and psychotherapist Dr. Laura Crawshaw about how organizations can better manage bullies and abrasive leaders in the workplace.Laura shares her insights and experience in...Understanding abrasive behaviourThe fear and lack of knowledge leaders have of interventionThe importance of management responsibilityCollective action and advocacyLeadership development and coachingProactive measures to prevent abrasivenessAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher asks us to consider employee interviews from the viewpoint of the employee and how a leader can help.Onboarding interviews, Stay (or better yet, Thrive) Interviews and Exit Interviews are not always great experiences for the employee. And it has nothing to do with how productive they may or may not be but everything to do with their psychological safety, workplace culture and relationships. Russel will walk through the questions employees should ask themselves and their organization and the things we as leaders need to consider to set these interviews up for success. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, speaker and master leadership trainer Jen Buck on planning for the future of leadership training programs.Jen shares her insights and experience in...Evolving expectations in the workforceLeadership development is a shared responsibilityThe importance of blended Learning solutionsFocus on power skillsThe vital role of HR in leadership trainingEmbracing people-first leadershipThe importance of adaptation and personalization in leadership trainingAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher challenges us as leaders to acknowledge and address our own biases, specifically proximity bias as it pertains to remote work. Proximity Bias is the tendency of leadership to show favouritism or preferential treatment to employees that are close to them physically. With the rise of remote work and hybrid work and employee expectations around this way of working, this bias could be on the rise. Which only reduces our organization's ability to embrace diversity, equity and inclusivity. Russel will walk through the possible impacts, benefits of addressing our bias and steps we can take to minimize it.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with psychologist and author Dr. Sabrina Starling on how we can ensure we hire for culture fit and keep that alignment consistent.Sabrina shares her insights and experience in...The importance of culture fit.Addressing toxic leadership.Defining core values.Positive reinforcement and immutable laws.Addressing misalignment.Accommodating diversity and neurodiversity in hiring.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher illustrates the importance of defining power and our pursuit of it in the workplace.What is power? More importantly, what is power to US? Us, as individuals? As we move along our leadership journeys, it's important that we understand the path we want to follow and what our idea of success and power might look like. Russel will walk through multiple steps to consider to set us up for our own success. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with researcher, author and speaker Diana Wu David on figuring out our identity as an organization in preparation for the future of work.Diana shares her insights and experience in...The need to emphasize embracing change and technologyThe importance of a human-centric approach.Personalization of the employee experienceThe crucial role of an Adaptability Quotient (AQ)Understanding and embracing diversityAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the importance of embracing duality at work. Two things can be true. And, to be good leaders, we need to embrace that duality even if the those experiences are contradictory to each other.  Having this understanding will allow us to find issues we may ignore and improve the health of the workplace. Russel will walk through why duality can be dismissed and what we can do to embrace it. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with facilitator, educator and speaker Lauren Yee on how using traits of a kid-like curiosity and play at work can improve workplace culture.Lauren shares her insights and experience in...Redefining employee retention and opportunity at workIndividualized approach to employee experienceRole of mentoring in modern workplacesEvolving workforce dynamics and adapting to new realitiesThe value of acknowledgement and appreciationSimple, effective techniques for employee engagementAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the last in his seven deadly sins of leadership ecosystems: Cognitive Dissonance DanceIn this seventh in a series of seven, Russel discusses how even though leaders are well intended, they can cause more harm than good doing the cognitive dissonance dance.  He provides real-world examples of what this can look like, the impacts of ignoring bad leadership even though we know better, and what we can do as leaders to address this issue.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, consultant and speaker Joey Coleman on what it takes to keep employees and how leadership needs to change to make it happen.Joey shares his insights and experience in...Redefining employee retention and opportunity at workIndividualized approach to employee experienceRole of mentoring in modern workplacesEvolving workforce dynamics and adapting to new realitiesThe value of acknowledgement and appreciationSimple, effective techniques for employee engagementAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the sixth of the seven deadly sins of leadership ecosystems: Responsibility Without AccountabilityIn this sixth in a series of seven, Russel discusses the difference between responsibility and accountability,  how a lack of accountability allows for bad leadership to flourish and a few areas to focus on to foster better accountability. He provides real-world examples of what this can look like, the impacts of ignoring accountability, and what we can do as leaders to address this issue.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with best-selling author and speaker Gary Ryan on starting our leadership journey with self-leadership and why it's important.Gary shares his insights and experience in...Embracing Continuous Learning.Intentionality and Strategy in the Workplace.Self-Leadership as a Foundation for Success.Importance of Self-Awareness.Redefining Success.Integrating Work and Personal Life.Responsibility for Personal Development.The Gap in Leadership Training.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the fifth of the seven deadly sins of leadership ecosystems: Ignoring the Gap - The Space Between Words Said and Actions TakenIn this fifth in a series of seven, Russel discusses how the divide between the words we say at work as leaders and the actions we take or don't take to demonstrate them, can have significant effects on our work cultures. He provides real-world examples of what this can look like, the impacts of ignoring this gap, and what we can do as leaders to address this issue.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, educator and speaker Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer on how to approach learning and the steps that help to start.Dr. Shaffer shares her insights and experience in...Importance of adaptability in leadership.Learning as an ongoing processLearning as a collaborative processPersonalizing learning strategies.Leadership's and organization's role in facilitating learning.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the fourth of the seven deadly sins of leadership ecosystems: forgetting to follow up.In this fourth in a series of seven, Russel discusses how not following up with action and intent can hurt employee trust and faith in leadership. He provides real-world examples of where leaders can take the opportunity to follow up and how best to make it part of our operations and culture. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with consultant, author and speaker  Jennifer Fondrevay on managing change and challenges through mergers and acquisitions.Jennifer shares her insights and experience in...Mergers and acquisition complexities and challenges.First hand employee experience during a M&A.The importance of effective and adaptive leadership during M&A.The critical role of communication.How early involvement of frontline leaders is crucial.Steps to overcome an "us vs them' mentality.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher poses questions to help us be curious in our reflections and intentions in the year ahead.Russel shares questions we need to ask ourselves to better understand how effective we were in our journey and for our team this passed year. He asks us to use those questions to fuel our leadership intentions for 2024.   If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, podcaster and consultant Meredith Bell on prioritizing and implementing peer coaching at work.Meredith shares her insights and experience in...Importance of coaching culture in organizations.The differences between peer coaching with traditional coaching and mentoring.How peer coaching can help self-reliance and critical thinking in the workplace.The positive impacts of vulnerability and transparency in leadership.The role of empathy and listening in peer coaching.The value of embracing diversity and curiosity in coaching.Measuring the success of peer coaching.How leadership has a critical role in peer coaching.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares his thoughts on taking a break this holiday.Russel discusses why suggesting employees should self-care and relax this holiday season actually does more harm than good, some of the impacts of not prioritizing self-care and how we need to rethink "taking a break" as leaders.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and Mobrium co-founder Matt R Vance on our employer reputation, its impact on our hiring and how we can be more intentional in improving it.Matt shares his insights and experience in...Importance of employer reputation.Impact of reviews on company culture and recruitment.Cultural evolution in growing companies.Proactive Review collection.Managing reputation across multiple platforms.Utilizing employee feedback for culture change.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the third of the seven deadly sins of leadership ecosystems: having no curiosityIn this third in a series of seven, Russel discusses how a little curiosity can have a huge impact and actionable insights, how harmful a lack of curiosity can be, what curious leadership should look like, common excuses and steps we can take to activate our curiosity. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and consultant Clark Glassford on what we need to do as applicants and interviewers to better prepare for job interviews.Clark shares his insights and experience in...The importance of self-advocacy.The need for thorough preparation before an interview.How treating applicants like numbers can hurt the company brand.Why highlighting our unique qualities can help us stand out.Understanding and evaluating company culture.Asking relevant questions as the applicant and the employer.Challenges technology can bring to recruitment.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and keynote speaker Kat Vellos on the importance of making friends at work for ourselves and workplace culture, and how to take those steps to connection.Kat shares her insights and experience in...Importance of workplace relationships.Impact relationships have on workplace culture.The four "seeds of connection" essential for cultivating friendships.Missteps we make in friendship building.How remote work impacts friendship.What intentional networking looks like.Utilizing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).Role of organizations in facilitating connections.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the second of the seven deadly sins of leadership ecosystems: being too conflicted with conflict.In this second in a series of seven, Russel discusses why leaders might be afraid of conflict, the impacts of not addressing conflict, why lack of training has a role to play and things we can do to make us more comfortable in uncomfortable situations. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and CEO Rajeev Kapur on AI disruption and what leaders need to do to get ready.Rajeev  shares his insights and experience in...AI as a Time-Saving ToolThe Importance of Embracing AI for Efficiency and DevelopmentAI Adoption Can Lead to a Shift in Work Dynamics and Reorganizing PrioritiesAI's Potential for Job CreationEmbracing Disruption Regardless of ReadinessThe Traits Leaders Need to Adapt to AIAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights on of the seven deadly sins of leadership ecosystems: being too busy. In this first in a series of seven, Russel how busy leaders allow for bad leadership to thrive, the impacts it has on the workplace culture and some of the shifts they can make to diminish this issue. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and Chief Growth Officer Mark Mears on the steps we need to take to grow as leaders and leave a lasting legacy.Mark shares his insights and experience in...The L.E.A.F. Model as a Framework for LeadershipImpact of COVID on Workplace ReflectionEmpowerment through Listening and Valuing Team MembersUprising and Revolution in WorkplacesThe Role of Organizations in Supporting LeadershipThe Importance of Alignment in OrganizationsSustainability of the Revolution through ServiceAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher asks us as leaders to assume we're part (even in some small way) of any problem or issue that arises. It leaders to improving our impact.Issues and difficulties will always come up in our careers. As leaders, it's essential that we don't immediately assume we aren't a part of the problem. It's actually better for us and the organization if we just assume we always are. Russel will walk through why that is and five ways we can better self assess in these situations.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with speaker and executive board chair Jenny Knott on understanding the value of innovation through inclusivity and getting buy-in from executive.Jenny shares her insights and experience in...Inclusivity as a Core Organizational ValueThe Link Between Inclusivity and InnovationThe Importance of Accountability in InclusivityInclusivity as a Business ImperativeOvercoming Fear and MisunderstandingThe Impact of Inclusivity on Recruitment and RetentionAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher wonders why organizations prioritize the feedback of outsiders before insiders, and shares the steps to show we value our employees first.Leaders can be odd. We will talk about employee retention, engagement and empowerment but then turnaround and listen to the feedback of consultants before their own teams. And sometimes those same teams have been sharing that feedback for years, but leadership will act like they're hearing it for the first time. This can make employees feel undervalued and minimized. Let's do better.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with corporate advisor and speaker trainer  Elizabeth Bachman on how to prevent miscommunication and misunderstandings and what leads to them in the workplace.Elizabeth shares her insights and experience in...Single vs multi-focus approach to communicationsStrategic empathy to navigate workplace dynamicsAvoiding the "expert trap" to not overwhelm our audienceAdapting language to connect with othersThe importance of feedback to avoid misunderstandingAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the importance of care and connection in employee recognition, over prescriptive and and planned.It's important to recognize our employees, to improve retention, morale, productivity and more. But how we recognize those team members and the quality of that recognition is as important, if not more so. We can't look at it like a checked box exercise but rather one where we're intending to build a relationship.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with a speaker and award-winning entrepreneur Jennifer Ables on losing our work identity, discovering an identity that matters, and the role work identity plays on our mental health.Jennifer shares her insights and experience in...Importance of Separating Personal Identity from RolesValue of Recognizing and Embracing Your Unique QualitiesResilience through Grounded IdentityRedefining Identity and HappinessFinding the Right Fit ProfessionallySeparating Work and Self-WorthAnd connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares how the phrase "If you don't like it, you can leave" has changed in recent years but still exists. The phrase was heard a lot, back in the day. It's something leaders would use as a stick to stay at an organization even if they didn't agree with how things were done or how employees were treated. Though it was explicitly said back then, it's implied now. And Russel highlights how it now shows up and how we as leaders can make sure we aren't spreading that ultimatum. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with coach and communications expert Ulrike Seminati on how to improve our leadership communication skills, in the office or for remote work.Ulrike shares her insights and experience in...What effective leadership communication looks like.How leadership communication is different than other communications at work.The importance of understanding your audience.How leadership communications look when presenting.What it looks like to be more effect in communicating virtually or remotely.How to better prepare when communicating at work as a leader.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares why the hiring process and application submission are missed opportunities for organizations to make a great first impression.Inspired by a recent conversation with author Joey Coleman, Russel highlights the importance of taking the hiring process more seriously as the first step in an employee's journey and their impression with us as employers. He shares some areas to reassess so that we can put our best foot forward for current and future applicants.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with continuous improvement consultant and education leader Carly Basian on what it takes to get buy-in from your organization at every level.Carly shares her insights and experience in...What it means to have "buy-in".The challenges in getting buy-in from your colleagues and executive.The role DEI has in approaching and getting buy-in.How to approach buy-in over the long term.The steps to take to maintain buy-in over time.How to prepare yourself to communicate and present to get buy-in.What it takes to be motivated when you aren't getting buy-in.When to know you need to quit trying to get buy-in.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares the signs that we could be destroying a work relationship.Based on the work shared on Adam Grant's Re:Thinking podcast of John and Julie Gottman, Russel digs into the four patterns in conflict that predict the end of relationships. He shares what those patterns look like at work and what we can do to mitigate them. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with workplace consultant and positive psychology play coach Jeff Harry on how we can silence our inner critic and get out of our own way at work.Jeff shares his thoughts and experience with...How we know we’re getting in our own way at work.The impacts of listening to our self-critic.What we should do or stop doing to get out of our own way.Self-fear’s impact our employee journey.The role of play in addressing our self-critic.How friends and family can help with self-fear.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher celebrates the show's 100 episode milestone with 10 lessons and takeaways. After almost two years of digging into leadership, workplace cultures and employee experiences with brilliant guests from around the word, Russel shares his experiences, what stood out for him and what we can make note of in our own work. Happy 100, Relationships at Work!!! Here's to another 100. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with speaker, coach and consultant Monique Helstrom on understanding and improving our communication habits at work.Monique shares her thoughts and experience with...How communication habits are formed.What bad communication habits can look like.How self awareness can help in understanding and redefining our habits.The importance of knowing who you’re communicating to in any situation.Where nonverbal communication skills fit into our habits.The challenge of remote work in creating better communication habits.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher asks us to embrace night owls, and their way of working, to further support diversity and inclusivity. We don't all work the same. We aren't all productive and energize at the same points in the day. So why do we treat all employees like they are? Night owls and their productive energy shows up differently. It peaks differently. In this traditional model, we’re never getting their best work. We’re never helping them be seen. In this episode, Russel explores how we can be more inclusive for our nocturnal team members.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with digital transformation consultant and executive coach Tara Wilson on prioritizing the human element of digital transformation and change management.Tara shares her thoughts and experience with...Who needs to be considered in digital transformation.How you bring employees along into this change management.The role vision and mission have in communicating change.Where to start when introducing digital transformation into your organization.How curse of knowledge can get in the way.How you know you’re successful in transformation.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights how organizations weaponize language, intentionally or not.Words matter and how we use those words matters more. Language we use everyday in emails, posters, meetings, etc. can have negative impacts in the workplace. Words like leadership, professionalism, resiliency, when used or understood in a particular way, can actually hurt workplace cultures more than support and inspire them. Russel takes this episode to highlight those issues and what we can do to address them.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with mental health advocate and motivational speaker James Pickles on his personal experience with the impacts of burnout at work on mental health - breaking down because if it and the journey to rebuild. (Originally published: Dec. 5, 2022)James shares his thoughts and experience with...What it feels like to be overwhelmed and burnt out.What good and bad HR responses look and feel like.How colleagues can best show up during this type of crisis.Signs you might be self-neglecting your stress.Steps to rebuild after burnout.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher asks leaders to consider their relationship with their team when providing employee recognition. The challenge is understanding that not all kudos are created equal. Russel shares the dangers of assumption when it comes to good relationships and multiple steps to consider in ensuring employee recognition has the impact and benefit we as leaders intend. Rather than hurting the relationship further.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with UC Berkeley's Chief Learning Officer and Director of People and Organizational Development Dr. Angela Stopper on why and how we need to rethink and modernize Human Resources. Angela shares her experience and insight on...Why it's important to earn transformation before you do.Who's in charge of HR transformation.How do you sell improving HR to executive.How the pandemic accelerated change.What to look for when hiring for a new version of HR.How do you know a new HR is working?If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares ways we can stop the passion tax and support the mental health of our team."The reward for good work is more work." We've heard that before and it's a common problem in many organizations. But what's forgotten is the impact, the tax, of taking advantage of those who are passionate about the work they do - anxiety, stress, burnout. Russel shares how leaders/employers can prevent their organization from inflicting the passion tax and employees can defend themselves from having to pay it. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and psychologist Dr. Marie-Helene (MH) Pelletier on how to address anxiety in the workplace and how to be better prepared for it.MH shares her insights and experience with...What the reality of anxiety can look like.How helpful context can be in combating anxious environments.The role of boundaries in resilience to anxiety.The leader's and organization's role in managing employee anxietyWhere companies get it wrong in addressing mental health.The differences between stress and anxiety.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares the questions we need to ask to know if the organization we work for cares about us.It's important to understand that our success is our responsibility, but that doesn't let company's off the hook when it comes to investing in its employees. How do we know that the organization that we invest our time and effort into isn't just looking at us as a means to an end but rather as a partner in growth, productivity and creating value? Russel poses some questions we can ask to review the performance of the organization we've committed to. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, consultant and keynote speaker Gregg Brown on what it takes to spark action and lead change that matters in the workplace.Gregg shares his insights and experience with...Why someone at work would need to "spark" action.The importance of understanding ourself before sparking change.What to do with naysayers to change.How to approach an organization that is risk adverse.When the best time to spark action in your organization may be.How storytelling is key to influencing change.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with productivity expert and author Mike Vardy on our relationship with time management in the workplace and how we can look at it differently.(Originally published: Oct. 17, 2022)Mike shares his thoughts and experience with...How productivity has changed with the pandemicWhy "time management" is the wrong termThe relationship between mindset and tactics Who's responsibility is it better have a relationship with time - individually or management?Where to start when you want to address overwhelmThe trial and error of time management personalizationIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares the importance of proactively reassessing ourselves as leaders, whenever we want.Russel tells the story of how we look to established dates like New Years, or fiscal year end, to learn and refocus our efforts. To reinvest in what's working and address any failures. But it's important to understand the power in not waiting.As leaders, we have the power to take in information daily and use it frequently to improve our leadership, our teams and our organization. We shouldn't be waiting for a yearly survey to understand our employees and support them. Russel breaks down how identity fits into our reflection, the questions we could ask to understand our relationships and when we can start to make things better (spoiler - anytime). If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with executive coaches and consultants John Volturo and Peter Gandolfo on the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community at work and steps needed to be more inclusive.John and Peter share their thoughts, stories and experience with...The challenge of the rainbow glass ceiling.Who is responsible for diversity and equity in an organization.What to look for and do to ensure an organization was LGBTQ+ supportive before applying.How organizations can support the creation of ERGs (employee resource groups).How remote work can be supportive of diversity and inclusion.Why the language and phrases we use matter in relation to inclusivity.The ingredients to a successful ERG to support LGBTQ+.Why listening sessions and who is included is so vital.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher asks us to see one word answers as a red flag for employee disengagement.Russel tells the story of how employees and colleagues using one word answers to questions and requests can be a sign of a cracked relationship. And the opportunity it offers leaders to proactively investigate the issue and create a safe space to the disengagement together. Curiosity, empathy and proactive leadership are key in mending a broken relationship, we just have to be ready to listen to the signs we're in one. Russel offers suggestions on how we can take steps to rebuild those relationships at work.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with executive consultant and keynote speaker Amii Barnard-Bahn on how our awareness of ourselves and our environment can help with our promotability.Amii shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...Defining awareness as it relates to promotability.Why you should embrace awareness at work.How to determine our own self awareness.The importance of feedback and how to ask for it.How to evaluate a culture in how it supports promotability.How to set ourselves up for success in how we show up for others.What is the organization's role in setting the tone for promotability.What is the number #1 thing that gets in the way of promotability.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares a story of how dismissive language can happen at work and how we can stop using it. Russel tells the story of how leaders can dismiss employees, even when those employees are being honest and vulnerable, and what that dismissal can actually communicate to the larger organization. Curiosity and awareness can be incredibly helpful in preventing leaders from being dismissive and better supporting those they are in charge of. Russel breaks down how we can take steps to avoid a dismissive communication style.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with leadership development consultant Janet Livingstone on creating connection and culture with remote and hybrid teams.Janet shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...The challenges created by remote and hybrid work.Is resistance to remote work generational?The connection of mental health and remote work.Where to start when learning to engage with remote workers.Why connection is so key for remote teams.How do you connect a remote team to the larger culture.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares a story of leadership being comfortable with being uncomfortable. And how we can too. Russels demonstrates one of his favourite moments at a recent keynote, where an executive publicly shared their discomfort to their peers, demonstrated vulnerability and modelled great leadership in doing so. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is difficult for many leaders, so Russel shares a few tips on how to take those first steps in embracing those moments, learning from them and becoming a better leader.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with keynote speaker, consultant and analyst  Justin Robbins on addressing employee apathy in the workplace - as a leader, as an organization and as an individual.Justin shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...The definition of power.How authority and influence play a role in power.Why "leading from the front" is nonsense.How power can prevent an organization from innovating.Why understanding power balance is key to improving the organization.The vital role of continuous learning.Where to start in obtaining power and influence at work.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the problem with passive leadership, what it looks like and how to change it in ourselves. A survey from State University in New York found passive leadership led to employee role overload, role conflict and role ambiguity, which negatively impacted mental health. Russel shares examples of passive leadership, why it could have bigger impacts to the culture than we might believe and steps to be more proactive in how we lead.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and leadership coach-mentor  Dr. Stephen Barden on how we can learn to balance power to improve the workplace and the dangers of its misuse.Stephen shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...The definition of power.How authority and influence play a role in power.Why "leading from the front" is nonsense.How power can prevent an organization from innovating.Why understanding power balance is key to improving the organization.The vital role of continuous learning.Where to start in obtaining power and influence at work.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with executive coach and author Rita Ernst on showing up with positivity at work, why that's so important and what that looks like.RIta shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...Positivity as being your authentic self at work.How confirmation bias gets in our way.Showing up positively includes standing up for a better workplace.The misconceptions of positivity.How newer generations are more apt to fight for a positive workplace.The first steps on our road to being more positive.Rethinking culture starting at the top of an organization.Why honesty could be your positivity weapon in a tough environment.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher highlights the gap between leadership assumptions and employee reality. Numerous surveys have been conducted by SHRM, Deloitte, Forrester showing executives have a very different perception of their organizational culture than those who work for them. Russel asks the question, "but how do you know?" to challenge those leaders who make assumptions, dismiss data they don't agree with or have far too small of a network to know what's really going on. He also offers ideas on how to embrace employees and the challenges they face.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with intrapreneur and entrepreneur Kareem Rahaman on why intrapreneurship needs to be embraced in the workplace.Kareem shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...What is intrapreneurship and what does it look like.Who is best suited in an organization to be an intrapreneur.How intrapreneurship can work in a traditional organization.What are the leadership qualities necessary to support intrapreneurship.How intrapreneurship helps employee retention.What you need to do to sell intrapreneurship.How to cultivate intrapreneurship.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares the importance of defining the words we use at work.Miscommunication in the workplace can cost millions of dollars, but it can also cost employee connection. Defining terms we deem important can help with that. Leadership, diversity, innovation... all words overly used in our work cultures but rarely are they defined as to what they mean for the organization. If we aren't clear, others assume. And that can only cause further problems at work.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, speaker and entrepreneur Ingrid Christensen on the role language and communication have in building trust in the workplace.Ingrid shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...How trust is defined so personally for each of us.What does trust-based communication look like.How do you know if trust is established.Why trust starts with ourselves.The importance of communication to build trust in an emergency.What the language of distrust feels like.Remote work offers new challenges to build trust.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher shares a term that former guest Amber Naslund left him with - emotional aftertaste.Do leaders understand the impact and the emotional residue they leave, for good or bad, that can stay for years and even decades? Rarely.Russel shares what that emotional aftertaste can look like and the areas we can focus on to ensure we better understand the impacts we have. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, global trainer and CEO Bonnie Low-Kramen on the challenges and work needed to be done for gender equity in the workplace.Bonnie shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...Gender equity still doesn't exist in the workplace.How equity is a family and human issue, not a gender one.How women should prepare for job negotiations.The problems with onboarding.How the "broken rung" can be addressed.The added challenges of bullying and harassment for women.Why women don't speak up in exit interviews.What needs to happen for gender equity to move forward.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher talks on the importance of being heard at workAccording to a study published in the Harvard Business Review, employees who feel heard are 4.6 times more likely to perform their best work. Additionally, a Gallup study found that employees who feel their voice is heard at work are 3.5 times more likely to be engaged.Russel shares why it's important to feel heard, ways we can show we aren't listening and the ways we can show we are. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with award-winning organizational leader and Senior VP Penny St. Antoine on the importance of continuous improvement and how it looks different for every employee.Penny shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...When is the best time to foster continuous improvement.What continuous improvement looks in a remote workplace.The different forms of continuous improvement.What if someone is happy in their job and don't want to improve.How you prioritize improvement when you're always in meetings.The importance of modelling behaviour.How to help employees with their career journey.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher talks declares that no meeting should ever happen without an agenda. A lack of agenda equals a lack of respect. According to a studies by the Harvard Business Review, meetings with clear agendas are 80-150% more productive than those without. Russel shares why it's important to have an agenda and the negative impacts of not having one, as well as how to better prepare for your meetings. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with SkillsCamp and #SafeSocial founder Bailey Parnell on how we need to look at creating digital culture for remote work.Bailey shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...Should employers be free to review employee social media.The mental health impacts to those working in social media.What is the employer's role in keeping staff safe on social. The linkages between culture and digital culture in remote work.Why intention is integral to creating culture in digital work.Executive presence on digital platforms isn't necessary.Bullying behaviour on social media is no different than in person.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher talks the importance of words leaders use and understanding their meaning in that workplace.A 2014 Salesforce report found that 86% of employees and executives believe that lack of collaboration and ineffective communication are responsible for workplace failures.Russel shares why it's important to know what your words mean, what questions to ask to make sure you do and how vital it is to understand your audience.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with CEO, keynote speaker and cabinet maker Neil Pretty on the ingredients to building a resilient workplace culture and where we get it wrong.Neil shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...The definition of resiliency.Where intention for resiliency needs to start in an organization.How resiliency should work for a healthy culture.How we'll know when resiliency efforts aren't working.What is the key to maintaining a resilient culture.How relationships support resiliency.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher talks about the need to prioritize curiosity over assumption when entering a new work environment or connecting with a new team.  According to a 2018 survey conducted by Gallup, employees who demonstrate curiosity in the workplace are more likely to be innovative, adaptable, and high-performing. Specifically, the survey found that highly curious employees were more likely to generate new ideas and solutions, adapt to change, and find innovative solutions to problems. Russel shares the questions we should ask ourselves and ask our new team, the assumptions we shouldn't make and some steps to think about to improve building workplace connections.  If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with CEO, executive coach and Zen teacher Marc Lesser on creating the mindset and practice of compassionate accountability.Marc shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...What is compassionate accountability.How to add compassionate accountability into our culture.How to handle conflict with compassionate accountability.The importance of a mindfulness practice.The impacts from home to the workplace.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher talks about perpetual urgency - its impacts on workplace culture and the steps emerging leaders can take to change that mindset.According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2017, employees who experience high levels of job-related urgency are more likely to experience burnout and stress. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with CEO, leadership coach and entrepreneur mentor Tammy McKinney on defining and establishing our boundaries at work, including how to defend them.Tammy shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...A definition of what boundaries are.The difference of boundaries as a reaction vs. proactive.The varying types of boundaries to be aware of.What to do when your culture doesn't embrace boundary setting.How boundaries reflect workplace culture.How to handle when our boundaries are crossed.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, communications and leadership nerd (and host) Russel Lolacher talks about demotivation and the activities organizations unintentionally allow to happen to demotivate their employees. Organizations may not have a set in stone demotivation strategy, but it is working. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with DEI consultant and author Minette Norman on the playbook to follow to create psychological safety and be more human in the workplace.Minette shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...What is psychological safety and why it's misunderstood.Where to start in creating psychological safety.Self-awareness's role in safety at work.Why organizations might not adopt psychological safety practices.How to create a psychologically safe space for feedback.The degrees of psychological safety.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with culture consultant and wellness counsellor Rita Chand on what bullying in the workplace feels like, looks like and what we can do about it.Rita shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...The reaction when you don't realize you're being bullied.The various forms of bullying.What covert bullying can look like.The changing perception of bullying.What the personal toll of being bullied feels like.How organizations can work to address bullying.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, consultant and former WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge on how learning moments for leadership are integral to the success of culture change.Garry shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...What a learning moment is for leaders.What change looks when implementing new policies in a large organization.The ingredients in properly changing a culture. The four pillars for successfully shepherding an organizationWhat leaders are getting wrong right nowHow Garry motivates his own leadershipIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with communications expert and candour advocate Lisa Bloch on intentionally bringing candour into workplace communications.Lisa shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...What is candour.When not to use candour.How to handle candour with executives.Facts vs stories in how they support candour.Who sets the tone for candour.Importance of direct, personal communication in being candid.Candour in employee interviews.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher chats with psychologist and data analyst Dr. Kalifa Oliver on the importance of people analytics when hearing the voice of employee (VOE) at work.Kalifa shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...Why survey fatigue is a myth.The importance of intent when gathering data.Four approaches to continuous listening.Why data is more important than what is assumed.What gets in the way of properly collecting data.When anonymous surveys are necessary.Why stories and people are more important than data. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher chats with training and people developer Will Mahon, on the importance of motivation - the different motivational styles of your employees, the benefits to the organization and how as a leader or colleague you can work to connect and motivate others.Will shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...How motivation has changed in the workplaceThe seven motivational styles to better understand and motivate your organizationThe steps to start motivating staffWhere leaders get it wrong when trying to motivate employeesWhat happens to an organization that doesn't have motivated staffIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher chats with speaker and psychologist Dr. Lauren Appio on creating and fostering a consent culture in the workplace to give employees agency and choice. Lauren shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...What consent culture actually is.The importance of fostering this type of cultureWhat a consent culture looks like through the hiring process. The four areas of work it takes to build a consent cultureHow leaders get this type of culture wrong and whyIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with academic and best selling author Hamza Khan on the importance of reinventing leadership to improve the workplace and the employee experience.Hamza shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...Why essential skills are future-proof.The reinvention history of leadership.How crisis influences leadership.How leaders are dropping the ball with return to office.That S.I.D.E. is an answer to a chaotic world. Where to start in reinventing our leadership.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, speaker and age inclusivity advocate Patti Temple Rocks on ageism in the workplace, what it looks like and how to address it.Patti shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...What is ageism and being ageist in the workplace.How ageism can impact mental health.Misconceptions about age at work.Why we need to value older workers.Some of the warning signs of ageism.The role of ageism and gender.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

  In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with Sideways6 founder and CEO Will Read on the importance of employee ideas and how to generate and tap into them.Will shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...How having your ideas heard helps foster employee connection.How to convince organizations to take employee ideas seriously.Why clarity in asking for ideas is better than generalities.How do you define "good" ideas?How incorporating anonymity is a good approach. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with the CEO for Work Ethic Development Josh Davies on what goes into the an employee's work ethic and how to bring your "A" game.Josh shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...The seven work behaviours that define work ethic. Anyone can focus on skills to improve their work ethic.How defining terms organizationally and culturally is important.Work Ethic Gap and what changing factors may be influencing it.How the pandemic has impacted the understanding of work ethic.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with personal branding strategist Ana Lokotkova on how defining who you are in the workplace will help you standout and improve your employee experience. Ana shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...Personal branding's link to empowermentWhat personal branding looks like at work and onlineHow to figure out what your brand is nowThe benefits of having a personal brand definedThe steps to sell yourself in the workplaceHow to personal brand with little work experienceIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, keynote speaker and i4CP CEO Kevin Oakes on research-backed actions leadership can take to culture change their organization for the better.Kevin shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...What to consider in a listening strategy.The mindset shift needed for a cultural renovation.How an Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) can help with identifying internal influencers.How Employee Resource Groups (ERG) can benefit your organization.How learning development is the key ingredient to a great culture.Why a healthy culture is a competitive advantage.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and Inspiring Comfort CEO Jen Marr on the importance of prioritizing care and comfort in the workplace.Jen shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...Empathy isn’t enough in building connection with othersHow comfort and care can be effective to build connection at workThe self-imposed roadblocks to caringHow younger generations are having difficulty with human interactionsThe negative impacts of not being there for employees during traumatic experiences.What the “empathy action gap” looks like.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and CEO of the Armah Institute of Emotional Justice Esther A. Armah on racial healing and the emotional justice road map for the workplace.Esther shares her thoughts, stories and experience with...How the language of whiteness shows up in DEI and the workplaceThe difference between intent and outcome in diversityWhy the roadmap for racial healing is an emotional one, not intellectualThe different relationships between work, worth and and productivity based on historyEveryone has a role and work to do in racial healingThe problem with celebrating hustle cultureHow to bridge from a language of whiteness to racial healing love languagesIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with organizational psychologist and SparkPath founder JP Michel on the importance of approaching career planning with a challenge mindset rather than solely on job titles and a "what do you want to be when you grow up" stance.JP shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...how to look differently in preparing students for their careerswhy solely looking at job titles is the wrong career path approachhow a challenge mindset can help you focus on your careerreverse engineering career developmentdifferent ways to define what problems you fixIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with six-time best-selling co-author, podcast host and keynote speaker Scott Stratten on the impacts of bad leadership and how unlearning and unleadership (defying traditional norms) is the path to better relationships at work. Scott shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...How bad and good experiences can have life long impacts to employees.Why treating people well isn't a campaign.How "unlearning" can help leadership.How selfish leadership can hurt a company culture.What to do if leadership doesn't want to model good culture.How Stop, Start, Continue can help your leadershipIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

As the first year of the Relationships at Work podcast comes to an end, host Russel Lolacher shares his gratitude for the experience producing the show.As well, after multiple discussions with leaders in employee experience, leadership and workplace culture, and his own experiences focusing in this area, he shares the...Top three things that he feels organizations can and should focus on to have a big impact.Signs of hope for 2023 and beyond If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with mental health advocate and motivational speaker James Pickles on his personal experience with the impacts of burnout at work on mental health - breaking down because if it and the journey to rebuild. James shares his thoughts and experience with...What it feels like to be overwhelmed and burnt out.What good and bad HR responses look and feel like.How colleagues can best show up during this type of crisis.Signs you might be self-neglecting your stress.Steps to rebuild after burnout.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with speaker and Police Chief of the Mountain View Police Department Chris Hsiung on how communication and creating connection within an organization can improve workplace culture.Chris shares his thoughts and experience with...What to put in your communications that will resonate with staff. How to connect when titles and hierarchy can get in the waymHow to look at onboarding for building connectionGetting buy-in from other senior managersThe power of internal employee clubs and committeesIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with community creation expert Nikki Thibodeau on creating safe spaces at work so we feel comfortable being our true selves.Nikki shares her thoughts and experience with...Why organizations would need a safe spaceHow intention is necessaryThe difference between in-person and virtual safe spacesThe benefit of creating a safe space to your organizationHow culture or cultures can get in the wayThe role of inclusivity and exclusivity in creating safe spacesIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, speaker, CEO and empathy advocate Rob Volpe on the steps we can take to create a more empathetic workplace.Rob shares his thoughts and experience with...Types of empathy Why we need a more empathetic workplaceWhat gets in the way of empathy buildingThe nature vs nurture understanding of having empathyWhere to start when building stronger empathyHow to prepare for the steps to empathyIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with transformation and culture change consultant Katie McLaughlin on why we need to introduce the principles and power of theatre into the employee experience.Katie shares her thoughts and experience with...What does theatre looks like as an engagement tool in the workplaceHow theatre can help employees be seen and heardThe challenge of diversity in introducing theatrical practicesThe two biggest takeaways from a theatre exerciseHow to convince decision makers to embrace theatreWhen the best time to incorporate this method in the employee journeyIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with workplace culture consultant Erin Skillen on the importance of bringing and keeping humour and joy in the workplace.Erin shares her thoughts and experience with...Why is now a great time to focus on humour and joyThe connection humour and joy have to mental healthWhere to find joy in the workplaceThe importance of psychological safetyHow "professionalism" and the notion of "work-life balance" has done a lot of damage on culturesWhat humour might not be appropriateIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with 4x author, keynote speaker and consultant on service culture Jeff Toister on connecting the dots to create tangible employee engagement at work.Jeff shares his thoughts and experience with...The questions to ask to gauge if your employees are engagedPersonalization's relationship to culture fitHow metrics shouldn't be the barometer for successThe importance of definitionsHow we're approaching employee surveys and reviews wrongThe one thing that generally determines if an organization is engagedIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with productivity expert and author Mike Vardy on our relationship with time management in the workplace and how we can look at it differently.Mike shares his thoughts and experience with...How productivity has changed with the pandemicWhy "time management" is the wrong termThe relationship between mindset and tactics Who's responsibility is it better have a relationship with time - individually or management?Where to start when you want to address overwhelmThe trial and error of time management personalizationIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and employee experience leader Stacy Sherman on the latest employee experience workforce trends your organization needs to watch and plan for in the years ahead.Stacy shares her thoughts and experience with...Current trends we may or may not be aware of.What is missing the mark for EX leadership and HR right now.Whether organizations are ready to transform and embrace change.Areas companies need to be paying attention to in the future.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with Executive Career Strategist Maureen McCann on taking the right steps for your career transition.Maureen shares her thoughts and experience with...How do you know when it's time for a career transition.What you need to have in place before you start looking for your next job.The importance of understanding your values to others.How to build your network to help you.What you need to know to understand if you're finding the right culture for you.The role of mental health when determining when it's time to leave.The many myths of career transitions.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with SaaS Head of Support and Training and emerging leader Reagan Helms on his experience in learning to lead by example.Reagan shares his thoughts and experience with...What it is to lead by example.As a new leader, where to look for examples of leadership.What are the words and actions that resonate with and inspire young leaders.What triggers someone to understand the importance of modelling good leadership.When to start demonstrating your leadership.How receiving feedback is integral to being a leader.Authenticity as a key to leading by example.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with Senior Manager for Marketing Solutions at Linkedin Amber Naslund on Imposter Syndrome. As someone challenged by it, she shares what she's learned, what it feels like and how it shows up and how leadership can better support those with this issue.Amber shares her thoughts and experience with...Who generally suffers from Imposter Syndrome.What can trigger it.Culture co-existence of Imposter Syndrome vs unearned confidence.Amber's thoughts on Adam Grant's perspective on imposter syndrome from the book Think Again.The long term impacts of having imposter syndrome.Psychological safety and corporate culture's role in addressing this issue.How do we reframe associated shame and guilt to move forward.How to start conversations with others to open the discussion on imposter syndrome.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

Relationships at Work presents Frontline Feedback - Stories from the Employee Journey.Host and storyteller Russel Lolacher shares the real story of Compassion So Counterfeit.In this inaugural tale, we’ll hear the story of Sally, one in which she shares a moment of an outreached hand and a possible safe space for vulnerability but it only leads to shattered confidence and inept leadership.We’ll wrap it up by digging into the emotional impacts that may not be obvious and then the lessons we can take away from this story that can help us build a better culture for our employees.Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with organizational consultants and compensation experts Crystal Henrickson and Annika Reinhardt on the role of compensation in professional development and workplace culture.Annika and Crystal share their thoughts and experience with...The various levels of compensationHow compensation is determined in an organizationHow a job description/job profile connects to compensationCompensation's link to growth and motivationHow to address a job that grows in responsibilities but not compensationWhy transparency is so important and so hard.The complications of including salaries in job postingsWhy you need a compensation and rewards philosophyIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with neurodivergent leader Doug Rabold on embracing neurodivergency in the workplace, what it might look like and its importance.Doug shares his thoughts and experience with...What neurodivergency isTypical misconceptions of neurodivergencyHow autism and neurodivergency can show up at workWhy organizations should embrace neurodivergent leadersThe benefit of neurodivergent "superpowers" (though Doug hates that term)Why embracing neurodivergency is hard for some organizationsNeurodiversity's connection to innovationIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with leadership and culture coach Katie Rasoul on the importance of prioritizing belonging at work and what it looks like.Katie shares her thoughts and experience with...What belonging feels like at workHow belonging is associated with DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion)Why it's still challenging for organizations to talk about belongingThe role of culture and leadership in building belongingHow personalization and belonging can be trickyWhere to start either as a corporate leader or a team leaderIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with activist and IKEA Campaigns Manager Jessie MacNeil-Brown (formally the head of Global Activism and Corporate Responsibility for the Body Shop and the Global Campaigns Manager for Amnesty International) on encouraging activism in employees improves the world and workplace.Jessie shares her thoughts and experience with...Are companies prepared to onboard younger generations looking for purpose in their work?The importance of building community to attract talent.Activism and its connection to corporate values.How hiring by value connects to purpose.What it looks like for a small or medium business to embrace activism.Activism's connection to employee empowerment.The importance of sharing your activism story internally.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher chats with strategic HR manager and DEI corporate advocate Alexa Harris on being more intentional in our workplaces with diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and what that looks like.Alexa shares her thoughts and experience with...Defining the difference between D, E, I and BWhat is most misunderstood in implementing DEI in an organizationDEI's role in The Great ResignationBenefits of a DEI organization"Random Acts of Diversity" and why it probably isn't moving the needle of DEIWhere to start your DEI workplace journey (spoiler - data)How to change mindsets to embrace DEIIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with Canada's first Chief Accessibility Officer Stephanie Cadieux on the importance and benefits of embracing an accessible workplace.Stephanie shares her thoughts and experience with...The definition of accessibility.What organizations are missing out on by not being accessible.Where to start for your organization.Where organizations go wrong.What she fears the most in trying to implement accessibility standards.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with workplace violence prevention advisor and consultant Felix Nater on the impacts of violence and non-violent behaviour in the workplace, its impact on culture and steps to avoid it.Felix shares his experience with...The definition of workplace violenceHow to approach it in your organization before it eruptsThe single most important ingredient in an organization to prevent violenceHow small businesses aren't immune to violenceWhat gets in the way of properly understanding the problemThe role of empathy and mental healthIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with co-founder of the CX Accelerator and speaker Nate Brown on how to build community to benefit your employee experience in your industry. Nate shares his experience with...the different types of networksthe origins of the CX Accelerator networkthe differences between introverts and extroverts in building connectionsThe benefits of creating a communitySteps to building a networkIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with multi-time best selling author, researcher and international Hall of Fame speaker Eric Chester on the ingredients to an on fire workplace culture that solves the employee retention problem.Eric shares his experience with...The seven pillars for a great workplace cultureHow the "Golden Rule" gets in the way of retentionThe challenges of creating a great cultureThe warning signs that you need to focus on cultureThree questions every organization needs to ask its employeesWhat employees want to be motivated (and motivation wasn't the word they used)A case study of what valuing employees looks likeIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with management consultant, executive coach and speaker Liz Kislik on the importance of compassion in the workplace.Liz shares her experience with...The difference between compassion and empathyHow to be more compassionateWhere compassion fits depending on your generationHow workplace culture can benefit from compassionHow we can foster compassion in othersThe boundaries of compassionIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with customer experience and employee experience advisors Dr. Robyn Petree-Guzman and Keith Kmett on how organization silos can be formed and the best approaches and benefits of removing them.Robyn and Keith share their experience with...how organizational silos can be createdhow vision and mission of a company relate to silosthe importance of communicationthe benefits and considerations of removing silosthe role of executive and culture in addressing silosIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with technology service leader and speaker Brandon Caudle on the pros and cons of communication technology at work.Brandon shares his experience with...The types of communication platforms organizations can useHow knowledge transfer and culture can benefit from communication technologyThe dark side of always being connectedHow to introduce inexperienced staff to new technologiesIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author and keynote speaker Gregg Ledermen on how being a good human through knowing your values and embracing your vulnerability can make you a better human leader at work.Gregg shares his experience with...The balance between results and humanityThe importance of living your defined valuesWhere followers fit in good leadershipWhy you need to know who you are to be a good leaderHow trust is an outcome, not a value of leadershipFinding value-driven leadersIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with Neal Dlin, founder and Chief Human Experience Officer of customer and employee experience consultancy Chorus Tree, on intention and action alignment at work, including how it can impact culture, the role of leadership and employees, and how curiosity can help.  Neal shares his experience and expertise on...The impacts of words not matching intent and action.How leadership can help employee intention and supporting it.How actions might mislead intention.How employee experience can be hurt by misalignment.Where being a "detective" around intention and actions can help your relationships at work.Where to start in your organization if the culture doesn't align actions and intentions.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, speaker, coach and award-winning entrepreneur Vicki McLeod on speaking well in the workplace, either in-person or through technology.Vicki shares her experience and expertise on...Why speaking well is important.What speaking well (and not speaking well) looks like in the workplace.The importance of preparation, and its dark side.How an organization's communication culture can influence speaking well.How situational awareness is a factor in speaking success.How speaking well helps employee engagement.Introversion vs extroversion.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with CEO and founder of global consulting firm Experience Investigators Jeannie Walters on the importance of employee journey mapping and its role in employee retention and engagement. Jeannie shares her experience and expertise on...The scope of an employee journey map.How employee personas can help and what they should include.When you should review your employee journey map.Where mapping falls down.How maps can help with employee engagement.Why organizations don't do it as frequently as they should.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with executive leadership coach, CEO and Dare to Lead facilitator Diane Lloyd on the importance of vulnerability and in bringing your full self to work.Diane shares her experience in...What vulnerability is.The benefits of being vulnerable at work.How empathy and compassion play a role in vulnerability.How to handle those being vulnerable with you.How lack of vulnerability can impact a culture.How Brene Brown is wrong about Corridor Conversations and what to do about it.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks about how to get leadership to see your value - whether it's executive or anyone with influence in your organization. You have more power than you know.After a recent experience where an employee diminished themselves and their influence within their organization, Russel shares how that is the wrong outlook and the steps you can make to improve how your value is perceived at work. When we talk about Relationships at Work on this podcast, we’re not just talking about the ones you make with your boss, your co-workers, your staff… we’re also talking about the one you have with yourself. "Executive doesn't know what I do." "No one sees the value in my work." - this is on you.We need to talk about how to get leadership to see your value.Highlights:How we don't understand our influence at work.Two things we need to first understand before influencing change - communications and people that aren't you.Four steps to increase your perceived value in your organization. Tools to help with organizational influence.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And check out our Instagram page. Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chat withs author and consultant Annette Franz, on company culture and how to put people-first in your organization to keep them engaged (and some of the red flags you might be going the wrong way).Annette shares her experience and from her new book BUILT TO WIN...What organizations don't understand about cultureHow corporate and personal values fit to build cultureHow you can check-in on how your culture is progressing (or not)Red flags and mistakes to a broken cultureHow outside-in, inside-in decision making can be impactful (for good and bad)If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In episode 12 of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with training and people developer Will Mahon, on the importance of motivation - the different motivational styles of your employees, the benefits to the organization and how as a leader or colleague you can work to connect and motivate others.Will shares his experience with...How motivation has changed in the workplaceThe seven motivational styles to better understand and motivate your organizationThe steps to start motivating staffWhere leaders get it wrong when trying to motivate employeesWhat happens to an organization that doesn't have motivated staffIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In episode 11 of Relationships at Work, I chat with facilitation expert Codie McQuay, on looking at work differently through gamifying it. Whether it's regular meetings, a strategy session, on-boarding, she shares how playing games at work can improve the employee experience.Codie shares her experience with...The differences between gamification and gamifying in the workplaceHow gamifying can be used in meetings to be more productive - for leaders and staffThe benefits to employee engagement by gamifying their experienceThe challenges to introducing gamifying and how to over come themIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In episode ten of Relationships at Work, I chat with emergency management director Ian Foss, on the dangerous impacts of stress on our health and the health of our organizations, and what we can do to identify and manage that stress at work.Ian shares his experience with...The dangerous impacts of stressWhere stress can come from to impact your workThings to look for as warning signs of stressWays to manage stress short-term and long-termIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In episode nine of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher chats with multi-author and keynote speaker Stan Phelps, on the ingredients of an organization with purpose, and its impact on the employee experience and workplace culture.Stan shares his experience with...What purpose means for employees and an organizationWhat is the benefit of purposeWhere you can find your company's purposeThe role of belonging in a purpose-driven organizationIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In episode eight of Relationships at Work, I chat with author and organizational performance consultant Clemens Rettich, on being more inclusive in stakeholder decision making so everyone and anyone can have a "seat at the table."Clemens shares his experience with...What a "seat at the table" meansThe baggage of the current "table" as it typically is doneThe argue-in vs argue-out approach (excluding vs including)How a lack of inclusiveness in decision making can impact workplace culture and projectsIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In episode seven of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher talks with Erin Hallett, the Director of Alumni and External Engagement at Cambridge Judge Business School and recognized advocate for better mental health in the workplace.Erin shares her experience with...Defining "mental health"The impact of COVID-19Stigmas around mental health that still existHow we can show up at work to support others mental healthPrioritizing your own mental health at workThe worst thing you can do to address mental healthIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

Host Russel Lolacher discusses the impacts and problems with yelling at work.We all get a little frustrated at others at work. Could be about them, more likely it’s about us. That’s ok. It happens. BUT how we react to that frustration is a whole other thing. And yelling at others, is never OK. For this show, Russel cites interviews with Stanford University professor and author of THE ASSHOLE SURVIVAL GUIDE Bob Sutton, shares real world stories from his own experience and those shared in his community, and provides tactics you can take to address this impact to the employee experience.The articles Russel mentions, include:Harvard Business Review - Is It OK to yell at your employeesNew York Times - Shouting can Backfire in Many a WorkplaceMarketplace.Org - Yelling at Work Persists Despite Awareness of Ill EffectsHighlights:the impacts yelling can have on coworkers and the culturethe different ways yelling can show up at work with real-life exampleshow yelling can be addressed from leadership and as the yellerIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

In episode five, host Russel Lolacher sits down with a professor and consultant on podcasting Vernon Ross on using internal podcasts for your organization to help with employee engagement.Vernon shares his experience with...The difference between private and internal podcasts.What are the most important things to consider before starting a podcast.How an internal podcast can benefit the employee experience (spoiler - onboarding and knowledge transfer).How to market your podcast internally.What organizations shouldn't consider an internal podcast.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.For more, go to relationshipsatwork.ca Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

Host Russel Lolacher revisits Maslow's Need Hierarchy. You remember that one, right? Well it actually gets a lot more interesting. One of the inspirations for Maslow's theory was in the time he spent with the Blackfoot First Nations for six weeks, and writer Teju Ravilochan has done an amazing job summarizing that research. In his article The Blackfoot Origins of Maslow's Need Hierarchy, I found another side to understanding needs and how it could apply to our relationship at work.From this review, he'll highlight: the difference in deficiency needs and growth need in the workplacehow the Blackfoot version of the hierarchy expands Maslow's theory and is as important if not more so.ways in the two hierarchies can relate to relationships at work with employees and culture.ways in which you can understand the needs of your organization so you can do something about it.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

For this episode, host Russel Lolacher speaks with The People-Skills Coach Kate Nasser on the impacts of negativity at work and the importance of addressing it.The author of the book Leading Morale: The People Skills to Stop Negativity and Ignite Contributions shares her expertise on:defining negativitytypes of negativityhow negativity can show up at workthe impact negativity has on a culture and individuallyhow to address negativityhow to self-identify and address negativity in ourselvesIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

Host Russel Lolacher digs into a 2021 study by Explorance and Wakefield Research to probe employees attitudes on workplace surveys in their hope to uncover the causes of employee satisfaction or dissatisfaction at work, and it's possible linkage to employees leaving.In the study, he'll highlight: communication of results with executive and employeesemployee attitudes towards internal surveysways in which badly conducted surveys can impact employee engagementways organizations can treat surveys properly.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

For our first episode, host Russel Lolacher speaks with plain language advocate Leslie O'Flahavan on the importance of simplifying how we communicate. A member of the Center for Plain Language, Leslie shares her insights into...what plain language is and is notwhy it is importanthow a lack of plain language can impact disengagementdanger of buzzwordstactics you can use right now to communicate plainly.If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime

Welcome to Relationships at Work - the Employee Experience and Workplace Culture Podcast. In this introduction episode, host Russel Lolacher shares what you can expect from listening to the show and why he's focusing on the employee experience. This podcast will invite experts to talk on specific topics that are part of the work environment and what we encounter daily. From addressing negativity to improving communication, starting internal surveys to providing feedback, understanding purpose to fixing the broken cycle of useless meetings. Who’s the podcast for? It’s for those who want to improve where they work by controlling what they can control - themselves and their interactions. Those who want to improve themselves, think differently, bring new ideas to work or proven ideas that need to be reinforced. If you lead others in your organization (or want to), this podcast is for you. Connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Email me anytime