The Spin

Season 2

Episode 6: We all want to go hybrid

In this edition of The Spin we explore hybrid work – the popular choice as people start to plan a return to the office.

Hybrid work is one of those new terms (like “social distancing”) that we didn’t use 18 months ago but is now a common part of our vernacular. In a recent study from Microsoft, it was reported that 70% of workers want flexible work and 67% want more in-person time with colleagues so hybrid work (the flexibility to spend time in the office and at home) seems to be the perfect compromise.

There are a number of important considerations to make sure hybrid works effectively that we review in addition to offering some helpful tips.

You’ll find some helpful resources here:

• Pros and cons of different hybrid work models - Range
• Hybrid work: a guide for business leaders - Microsoft
• The joys of hybrid work. Then things we have learned. – Josh Bersin

High low end of the show

A musical theme here:

• Take a listen to Kristen’s band Cheat Notes
• Get angry and introduce yourself to Rage Against the Machine if you haven’t already

If you enjoy The Spin, we’d be humbled by a review on your podcast platform of choice or a recommendation to a friend. You might even win a prize!

Season 2 Episode 2: Embracing Accountability
Welcome to Season 2 Episode 2 of The Spin – it’s been a while, but life’s busy so we give ourselves a pass!

What does the word discipline mean for you? Join us as we explore the different connotations of this word with our guest Michael Clark.

For some people (like Kristen) it means self-discipline and keeping to habits. You may want to have a quick history lesson and learn more about Marcus Aurelius.

In an organizational context, we refer to the work of Patrick Lencioni and Michael’s frameworks are beautiful articulated in this splendid paper.

High, low, end of the show

Mark’s tale of woe doesn’t make it to the show notes. Mr Butcher refers to Halt and Catch Fire and you may also want to support him doing his thing with his facial hair for a great cause!

Until next time!

If you enjoy The Spin, we’d be humbled by a review on your podcast platform of choice or a recommendation to a friend.

Introduction

Welcome to Season 2 of The Spin. We learnt a lot in Season 1 and had a lot of fun along the way, so we’re excited to get to Season 2 where we’ll introduce some new features alongside the tried and tested!

One particular new feature will be more audience participation including welcoming friends of The Spin to the show.

In our first episode we met with Meghan Gardner – ex-colleague of Mark’s and colleague of Kristen’s ... plus a friend (once Mark painted Meghan into that corner!).

In this episode Meghan shares her perspective on how good leaders maintain a deliberate balance between their intent and the impact.

Balancing intent and impact

We like to think people have good intentions and in the majority of cases they do, but if you don’t consider the impact on your actions, how can you be confident your intentions landed in the right way?

Intent is the input but could be influenced by our own assumptions. Impact is the output - how something was received by the other person.

As we discuss in the pod, being conscious of both will help ensure you are in balance and we agree with Meghan ... that is what makes a good leader (and a good person!).

Take aways

A few tips or take aways ... well 3 to be precise!

1. Be conscious of your intent – take the time to think about it and remember words matter
2. Put yourself in other people’s shoes – this is a great technique to try and understand how your intent could be received by the other party
3. Make sure you find a balance – don’t spend too much time thinking about intent (like ‘need to make sure everyone is happy’ Mark) but be careful not to jump to action too quickly (like ‘Action Man’ Butcher!)

High, low, end of the show

We both had sad news to share in our lows plus the usual diversity to our end of the shows ... and no Mark still hasn’t seen ET!

Until next time!

If you enjoy The Spin, we’d be humbled by a review on your podcast platform of choice or a recommendation to a friend.

It was Mark’s turn to do some research around how to build relationships. We decided to focus our time on John Maxwell’s four levels of relationship.

We started with a definition that we liked.
Interpersonal relationship refers to a strong association between individuals sharing common interests and goals. A sense of trust, loyalty and commitment is essential in a relationship. Individuals need to trust and respect their partners to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts in relationship.

Why is it important to be able to build relationships?
Well it makes you happy as we know, but it’s also an important human skill that helps differentiate us from technology. Well so we thought, until Mr B told us that robot influencers that are way more attractive than us (well Mark anyways!) are getting better at building relationships. Who knew!? Well Kristen apparently. Here is a link to Miquela (straight from Kristen’s IG account) and a story that tells you more about the whole crazy phenomenon! No judgement from us if you follow the links and the robots ...

The four levels of relationships
These insights from John Maxwell provide a great model for the levels of relationships. You can go from casual encounter in Starbucks to a long last relationships built on trust and mutual respect. Just look at Kristen and Mark – although we didn’t meet in Starbucks.

Surface Relationships

• Most common of all relationships
• Foundation of all relationships
• There is no strong commitment from either person
• There can be a passive approach to the relationship

Structured Relationships - when a relationship is ready to go to another level, it is usually because it has been structure to do so.

• These relationships take place at a specific time each week
• They are built on routine encounters
• Usually happen around a common interest or activity

Secure Relationships - when a structured relationship becomes healthy and enjoyable, the relationship then moves to a new level.

• The people desire to spend more time together ii. Mutual sharing begins to take place
• Trust begins to form
• Friendship can be tested
• There is a comfort level that is established

Solid Relationships

• This is the highest of all relationships
• A long-term relationship will develop
• Complete trust and confidentiality exist
• There is a desire to serve and give to others
• The level of relationship will be determined by the way those involved respond to conflict

Take aways

1. Relationships are a major factor in happiness
2. Relationship building is a very human skills (helps with employability)
3. Remember it’s quality over quantity (lucky for Mark)
4. Be conscious of high maintenance relationships – are you giving more than you’re getting?
5. Trust and respect build solid relationships

Hi lo end of the show

• Kristen’s ‘end of the show’ was this wacky podcast – take a listen!
• Or you can play a game of Spikeball – see you at the 2021 Olympics

The Spin - Episode 5: Wellbeing
Introduction

When we initially recorded this episode, COVID-19 was in the news more than it was in our lives. A lot changed in a week and the topic of wellbeing feels even more relevant now. So in this episode of The Spin listen to Kristen and Mark chat about wellbeing. They provide some context around different components of wellbeing and talk about physical and mental wellbeing.

What are the different elements of wellbeing?

Well there are a lot - spiritual, relationship, intellectual, social, physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

What do you need to think about when it comes to physical wellbeing?

• There is so much to do! If you fancy joining Kristen in a Tough Mudder ... first are you sure? And second follow this link.
• Healthy eating
• Get enough sleep – even if you get up at 5am in the morning!
• Go to the doctors if you have any lumps or bumps – oh and the dentist too(th!).

What tips does Kristen have when it comes to physical health?

• Anything is better than nothing
• Don’t worry about being judged

What about mental wellbeing?

• 1 in 5 people will experience mental health according to the Canadian Mental Health Association
• Great work is being done to help raise awareness and remove stigma including Bell Lets Talk
• By age 40 – 50% would have or have had a mental illness
• We talked about how common burn-out can be and the research from Gallup on the top 5 causes: unfair treatment at work, unmanageable workload and lack of role clarity, lack of communication and support from their manager and unreasonable time pressure

What resources are there to help with mental health?

• Crisis Services Canada
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• World Health Organization
• Action for Happiness
• How to stay fit during COVID19?

Where can I find out about the Canadian Mental Health Association?

What is this ADKAR thing? And how many times is Mark going to mention it ...Here you go! Go and indulge yourself.

What was our Spin on wellbeing?

1. What can you do to build your own resilience?
2. Find things you enjoy doing when it comes to exercise and work
3. Connect with good people – and family and friends
4. Be clear on your purpose
5. Find the right relaxation techniques
6. Keep a balance
7. Oh and WRITE IT DOWN! ☺

Until next time!