Stop Chaos Before It Starts: The Leader’s Playbook
03/05/25 • 12 min
Episode Title: "Stop Chaos Before It Starts: The Leader’s Playbook"
Host: Colby Morris
Episode Overview
Chaos doesn’t have to define your leadership. In this episode, Colby Morris turns Jocko Willink’s chaos-detachment mindset into a proactive game plan. Learn three practical tools—clear expectations, extreme ownership, and relentless communication—to build a team culture that stops mayhem in its tracks. Packed with real-world stories and steps you can use today, this is leadership made simple.
Key Topics: Leadership strategies, chaos-resistant culture, team clarity, ownership, communication
Listen Now!
Available on your favorite podcast platform—search "Things Leaders Do" and hit play!
Key Takeaways
- Set Clear Expectations: Use Role Clarity Conversations to wipe out confusion and keep chaos away.
- Build Ownership: Teach your team to ask, “What can I own?”—it’s the ultimate chaos-stopper.
- Communicate Relentlessly: Run a 10-minute Daily Huddle to keep your team synced and surprises at zero.
Listener Challenge: Try one tool this week—like the Daily Huddle—and let me know how it goes on LinkedIn!
Episode Highlights
- Colby shares how a team turned chaos into calm by asking, “What’s your top three?”—a simple fix with big impact.
- Inspired by Extreme Ownership, hear about a project manager who saved a deadline by stepping up when it wasn’t “his job.”
- The Daily Huddle in action: Colby contrasts a CEO’s launch flop with a team that nailed it through daily syncs.
- A final nudge: Pick one tool and run with it—plus, a hint about next week’s episode!
Resources Mentioned
- Book: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
- Connect with Colby: LinkedIn Profile –
- (https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/)
- Book Colby for keynotes, workshops, and coaching.
- (nxtstepadvisors.com)
Why You’ll Love This Episode
Overwhelmed by team chaos? Colby Morris, COO and leadership expert, breaks down three tools—clarity, ownership, and communication—to stop mayhem before it starts. From a team turnaround to a deadline-saving win, this episode delivers real examples and a clear plan to lead with less stress. Perfect for new managers or seasoned pros.
SEO Keywords: Leadership in chaos, proactive culture building, team clarity, ownership, communication strategies
Get Involved
- Share Your Story: Have a chaos tale? Connect or message on LinkedIn—it could feature next time!
- Rate & Review: Loved it? Drop a 5-star review on your podcast platform—it helps us reach more leaders.
- Connect: Share your favorite tool with #ThingsLeadersDo and tag @ColbyMorris.
- Colby's LinkedIn Profile
- Things Leaders Do Instagram
Episode Title: "Stop Chaos Before It Starts: The Leader’s Playbook"
Host: Colby Morris
Episode Overview
Chaos doesn’t have to define your leadership. In this episode, Colby Morris turns Jocko Willink’s chaos-detachment mindset into a proactive game plan. Learn three practical tools—clear expectations, extreme ownership, and relentless communication—to build a team culture that stops mayhem in its tracks. Packed with real-world stories and steps you can use today, this is leadership made simple.
Key Topics: Leadership strategies, chaos-resistant culture, team clarity, ownership, communication
Listen Now!
Available on your favorite podcast platform—search "Things Leaders Do" and hit play!
Key Takeaways
- Set Clear Expectations: Use Role Clarity Conversations to wipe out confusion and keep chaos away.
- Build Ownership: Teach your team to ask, “What can I own?”—it’s the ultimate chaos-stopper.
- Communicate Relentlessly: Run a 10-minute Daily Huddle to keep your team synced and surprises at zero.
Listener Challenge: Try one tool this week—like the Daily Huddle—and let me know how it goes on LinkedIn!
Episode Highlights
- Colby shares how a team turned chaos into calm by asking, “What’s your top three?”—a simple fix with big impact.
- Inspired by Extreme Ownership, hear about a project manager who saved a deadline by stepping up when it wasn’t “his job.”
- The Daily Huddle in action: Colby contrasts a CEO’s launch flop with a team that nailed it through daily syncs.
- A final nudge: Pick one tool and run with it—plus, a hint about next week’s episode!
Resources Mentioned
- Book: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
- Connect with Colby: LinkedIn Profile –
- (https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/)
- Book Colby for keynotes, workshops, and coaching.
- (nxtstepadvisors.com)
Why You’ll Love This Episode
Overwhelmed by team chaos? Colby Morris, COO and leadership expert, breaks down three tools—clarity, ownership, and communication—to stop mayhem before it starts. From a team turnaround to a deadline-saving win, this episode delivers real examples and a clear plan to lead with less stress. Perfect for new managers or seasoned pros.
SEO Keywords: Leadership in chaos, proactive culture building, team clarity, ownership, communication strategies
Get Involved
- Share Your Story: Have a chaos tale? Connect or message on LinkedIn—it could feature next time!
- Rate & Review: Loved it? Drop a 5-star review on your podcast platform—it helps us reach more leaders.
- Connect: Share your favorite tool with #ThingsLeadersDo and tag @ColbyMorris.
- Colby's LinkedIn Profile
- Things Leaders Do Instagram
Previous Episode
Gen X Leaders vs. Millennials & Gen Z: The Workplace Showdown No One Talks About
Episode Title: Gen X Leaders vs. Millennials & Gen Z: The Workplace Showdown No One Talks About
Host: Colby Morris
Release Date: [Insert Date, e.g., March 5, 2025]
Episode Overview
Are generational differences derailing your workplace? In this episode of Things Leaders Do, COO Colby Morris dives into the leadership clash no one’s talking about: Gen X versus Millennials and Gen Z. From the “figure it out” grit of Gen X to the feedback-hungry, team-driven Millennials and Gen Z, Colby unpacks what sets these generations apart, why it sparks tension, and how to bridge the gap. Packed with real stories, stats, and actionable strategies, this 14-minute episode is your guide to leading across generations—whether you’re a Gen X boss or a younger manager under one.
Key Topics: Generational leadership styles, workplace communication, team collaboration, feedback strategies
Subscribe: Never miss an episode—hit that subscribe button!
Key Takeaways
- Gen X Leaders: Embrace feedback and collaboration—your grit’s gold, but today’s teams need guidance. Try a 10-minute weekly check-in.
- Millennials & Gen Z Leaders: Proactively seek clarity and deliver results—your Gen X boss values ownership over effort.
- Bridge the Divide: Structured communication (e.g., biweekly huddles) cuts disconnects—Colby’s team proves it with a 20% turnover drop.
Listener Challenge: Spot a generational clash at work. Test a check-in this week—did it shift the vibe? Tell us!
Resources Mentioned
Deloitte Study: 70% of Gen Xers prioritize self-reliance
Pew Research: 60% of Millennials want weekly feedback
Connect with Colby: LinkedIn Profile – Leadership workshops & keynotes. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/colbymorris/)
Why You’ll Love This Episode
Struggling with generational tensions as a leader? Colby Morris, seasoned COO, breaks down the Gen X “figure it out” mindset versus Millennials and Gen Z’s team-driven approach. With real-world stories—like turning a floundering project into a win and slashing turnover 20%—this episode delivers practical tips to unite your team. Whether you’re a Gen X manager adapting to younger crews or a Millennial navigating a hands-off boss, you’ll walk away with strategies to lead smarter today.
SEO Keywords: Gen X vs Millennials workplace, generational leadership strategies, how to lead Millennials, Gen Z team management
Get Involved
Email Us: Got a leadership clash? Send it to [email protected] —Colby might tackle it next!
Rate & Review: Loved this? Drop a 5-star rating—it helps us grow.
Next Episode
Beat Burnout: Strong Teams in 2025
Episode Title: Beat Burnout: Strong Teams in 2025
Host: Colby Morris
Published: March 10, 2025
Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Platforms
Episode Overview
Burnout’s not just lurking—it’s eating your team’s lunch and tanking your productivity. In this episode of the TLD Podcast, host Colby Morris breaks down why employee well-being and retention are your leadership superpowers in 2025. With 73% of leaders reporting change fatigue (Forbes, Oct 2024), it’s time to ditch the corporate wellness clichés and fight back. Colby delivers three actionable strategies to beat burnout, boost morale, and build strong teams—no fluff, just stuff you can use right now.
Perfect for leaders wrestling with hybrid teams, workplace stress, or high turnover, this 30-minute episode blends practical tips, real stories, and a kick to act today. Ready to lead stronger in 2025? Let’s roll.
What You’ll Learn
- Why well-being isn’t a perk—it’s a business strategy for retention and productivity.
- How to build psychological safety that beats burnout (hint: it starts with you).
- A framework to redefine workloads and kill the 40-hour myth.
- Tips to lead for energy, not just output, with energy audits and recharge culture.
Show Segments
- Introduction – Colby sets the stage: Burnout’s real, and well-being’s your secret weapon.
- Why Well-Being Matters – The peanut butter and jelly of retention and health—plus a wake-up call on change fatigue.
- Strategy 1: Psychological Safety – Model vulnerability, reward honesty, and ask better questions (with a story that’ll hit home).
- Strategy 2: Redefine Workloads – Quarterly resets, empowering “no,” and a tale of clarity gone wild.
- Strategy 3: Lead for Energy – Energy audits, flexible schedules, and how banning meetings saved a team.
- Wrap-Up & CTA – Pick one strategy, start this week, and connect with Colby for more.
Show Highlights
- Quote of the Episode: “Burnout’s not waiting for the perfect moment—why should you?”
- Story Spotlight: Colby shares how axing pointless meetings cut stress and boosted output by 20%.
- Actionable Challenge: Try an energy audit this week—ask your team what drains them and what fires them up.
Resources Mentioned
- Forbes Article (Oct 2024): 73% of Leaders See Change Fatigue
- Connect with Colby: LinkedIn | NxtStepAdvisors.com
- Workshops & Speaking: Email [email protected]
Subscribe & Share
Loved this episode? Don’t miss the next one—subscribe and share it with a leader fighting burnout—tag @ColbyMorrisTLD on LinkedIn and let’s keep the conversation going.
Drop a review —tell us how you’re beating burnout in 2025. Colby reads every one (and might shout you out!).
Keywords
employee well-being, leadership strategies 2025, burnout prevention, team retention, psychological safety, workplace energy, hybrid team leadership, productivity tips, change fatigue
Things Leaders Do - Stop Chaos Before It Starts: The Leader’s Playbook
Transcript
Welcome to Things Leaders Do , the podcast that uncovers the secrets of becoming an extraordinary leader . If you're a leader who's constantly seeking growth , inspiration and tangible ways to level up your leadership , then you've come to the right place . Remember , the world needs exceptional leaders , and that leader is you . Now here's your host , colby Morris .
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