Leadership Today - Practical Tips For Leaders
Practical tips for leaders. Hosted by psychologist and founder of Leadership Today - Andrew Beveridge. Leadership Today is a weekly leadership podcast for managers, team leaders and executives who want practical, evidence-based leadership advice. Hosted by psychologist Andrew Beveridge, each episode translates the latest leadership and organisational psychology research into simple strategies you can use immediately. Discover practical tips on leadership, management, coaching, emotional intelligence, difficult conversations, delegation, employee motivation, psychological safety, team effectiveness, change leadership and workplace performance. Go to www.leadership.today for episodes and more information.
Curiosity is Productive Inefficiency
Summary
We often treat efficiency as an unquestioned good, but curiosity works differently. A major new research review describes curiosity as "productive inefficiency", slowing us down in the short term while helping us find better ideas and solutions. This episode looks at where leaders should deliberately make room for curiosity.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 241 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we look at curiosity and why being less efficient can sometimes help us produce better work.
<...When Negative Feedback Becomes Too Much
Summary
Negative feedback can sometimes improve performance and sometimes leave people distracted, discouraged or withdrawing from their work. New research shows that how surprising, disruptive and consequential the feedback feels helps explain those different reactions. This episode looks at how leaders can make difficult feedback clearer and easier to act on.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 240 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we look at negative feedback and why the way someone experiences the feedback can matter just...
Does Your Team Think the Relationship is as Good as You Do?
Summary
Leaders can easily assume they have stronger relationships with employees than employees themselves experience. New research shows that this mismatch can reduce psychological safety and make people less likely to speak up. This episode looks at how leaders can test their assumptions and make it easier for people to raise concerns.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 239 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we look at how leaders and their teams rate the quality of their relationships, and...
Interview - Dr Gleb Tsipursky - Helping Teams Embrace AI
AI adoption isn't just a technology challenge - it's a leadership and psychology challenge.
In this episode of Leadership Today, Andrew Beveridge speaks with behavioural scientist, author and CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts, Dr Gleb Tsipursky. Drawing on his new book, The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work: From Resistance to Results, Gleb explains why many AI initiatives fail to deliver a return and what leaders can do differently.
They explore the three emotional barriers that often hold employees back: fear of job loss, threats to professional identity, and the social stigma associated with using...
Remember What It Was Like to Be a Beginner
Summary
The better we become at something, the harder it can be to remember what it was like not to know. New research shows that experts give more useful and actionable advice when they reconnect with their own experience as beginners. This episode explores a simple way leaders can become better coaches and teachers.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 238 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we look at a challenge that comes with becoming more experienced: the better...
The Hidden Bias in Performance Reviews
Summary
Some employees are especially good at adapting their behaviour and creating positive impressions, but does that mean they actually perform better? A new meta-analysis suggests self-monitoring predicts supervisor performance ratings more than objective performance outcomes. This episode explores how leaders can distinguish genuine contribution from the appearance of performance.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 237 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we look at a subtle bias that can influence performance reviews: confusing someone's ability to manage impressions...
The Go-To Person Trap
Summary
Every team seems to have someone everybody goes to for help. New research shows that leaders may unintentionally create these go-to employees through the people they visibly rely on, increasing burnout without necessarily improving performance ratings. Discover how to spread expertise without exhausting your most dependable people.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we look at how the person everyone relies on can gradually become overloaded, and what to do about it.
...
How to Help Your Team Feel Heard
Episode 235 - How To Help Your Team Feel Heard
Summary
Most leaders understand the importance of listening, but far fewer understand what great listening actually looks like. Discover the research behind high-quality listening and why helping people feel genuinely heard can improve trust, engagement, wellbeing, and retention.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 235 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore the research behind high-quality listening and why helping people feel genuinely heard can improve...
The Hidden Motivation Trade-Off in Hybrid Work
Summary
Hybrid work isn't simply about where people are most productive. New research shows that working remotely tends to satisfy our need for autonomy, while office days strengthen our sense of connection, with both playing a vital role in sustaining motivation. Rather than debating attendance, effective leaders intentionally design office days for collaboration and relationship building, and remote days for focused, independent work.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 234 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we look at the...
Bored, Busy and Burned Out
Summary
Being busy does not protect people from boredom, and boredom does not mean someone has spare capacity. New research shows employees can be bored and burned out at the same time. This episode explores how role conflict, limited autonomy and poorly designed work create this combination, and what leaders can do about it.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. In this episode we explore whether it's possible to be both bored and burned out, and what that means for us...
How To Lead With Humility
Summary
Humility is often overlooked as a leadership strength, yet research links it to higher trust, engagement, creativity, and performance. Learn why humility is far more than being nice and discover practical ways to demonstrate confidence, openness, and a willingness to learn.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 232 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership.
When we think about great leadership, humility isn't always the first quality that comes to mind. We often focus on confidence, vision, decisiveness, or influence...
Preparing for an Underperformance Conversation: The CLEAR Framework
Summary
Underperformance conversations often go wrong before they even begin. In this episode, we explore the CLEAR framework to help leaders prepare with greater clarity, curiosity and confidence. You'll learn how to clarify the purpose, listen well, explore causes, agree on next steps and reinforce progress after the conversation.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 231 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we look at how to prepare for an underperformance conversation.
Most leaders think the hardest part...
Diagnosing Underperformance: Why Good People Underperform
Summary
Underperformance is often treated as a motivation problem when the real issue may be a lack of clarity, capability or confidence. Effective leaders resist the temptation to jump to conclusions and instead focus on understanding what's driving performance. By diagnosing before prescribing, asking better questions and creating clear expectations, leaders can prevent many performance issues before they occur.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 230 of the Leadership Today Podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore four areas that will help you...
How To Re-engage A 'Quiet Quitter'
Summary
Quiet quitting isn't usually about laziness or a lack of motivation. Research suggests it's often a sign that the relationship between an employee and their organisation has become unbalanced. Discover how leaders can spot the warning signs early and rebuild engagement through better conversations and clearer expectations.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 229 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore how to re-engage a "quiet quitter".
Over the past few years, you've probably...
How To Get The Best From AI Without Falling Off The Edge
Episode 228 - How To Get The Best From AI Without Falling Off The Edge
Summary
AI can be incredibly helpful, but it's not always right. Learn about the "jagged frontier" of AI capability and why the most effective leaders know when to rely on AI and when human judgement remains essential. Discover practical ways to get the benefits of AI without falling into its traps.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 228 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve...
How to Use Microbreaks to Restore Focus
Summary
Feeling exhausted despite being busy all day? Research suggests that short breaks throughout the day can boost energy, reduce fatigue, and help sustain performance. Discover how leaders can use microbreaks more effectively and encourage healthier work habits across their team.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 227 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we're exploring how to use microbreaks to restore focus.
Have you ever reached the end of a day and wondered...
How To Reduce Loneliness at Work
Summary
One in five people feel lonely at work. While loneliness is often seen as a personal issue, research suggests leaders play a bigger role than they might realise in helping people feel connected, included, and supported.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 226 of the Leadership Today podcast, where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership.
Most of us think of loneliness as something that happens outside of work. But Gallup's latest global research found that around one in five workers feel...
Interview - Brad Englert - Spheres of Influence
Summary
In this conversation, Andrew Beveridge speaks with Brad Englert, founder of Brad Englert Advisory and author of 'Spheres of Influence'. They discuss the importance of mentorship, building genuine relationships in business, and the significance of understanding both internal and external spheres of influence. Brad shares insights from his extensive experience in IT and leadership, emphasising the need for proactive customer service, the power of apology, and the challenges of influencing without formal authority. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of hybrid work environments and the importance of maintaining connections in a remote setting. Learn more...
The Leader's Mindset - Part Five - Drive for Growth
Summary
We each have mindsets that we bring to our leadership. In this final of a five part series, we explore Drive for Growth and the role it plays in The Leader's Mindset.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 225 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. In this final of a five part series, we explore Drive for Growth and the role it plays in The Leader's Mindset.
We are continuing to explore The Leader's Mindset which has four elements...
The Leader's Mindset - Part Four - Options Thinking
Summary
We each have mindsets that we bring to our leadership. In this fourth of a five part series, we explore Options Thinking and the role it plays in The Leader's Mindset.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 224 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. In this fourth of a five part series, we explore Options Thinking and the role it plays in The Leader's Mindset.
We are continuing to explore The Leader's Mindset which has four elements: Goal Orientation...
The Leader's Mindset - Part Three - Optimistic Outlook
Summary
We each have mindsets that we bring to our leadership. In this third of a five part series, we explore Optimistic Outlook and the role it plays in The Leader's Mindset.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 223 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. In this third of a five part series, we explore Optimistic Outlook and the role it plays in The Leader's Mindset.
We are continuing to explore The Leader's Mindset which has four elements: Goal Orientation...
The Leader's Mindset - Part Two - Goal Orientation
Summary
We each have mindsets that we bring to our leadership. In this second of a five part series, we explore Goal Orientation and the role it plays in The Leader's Mindset.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 222 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. In this second of a five part series, we explore Goal Orientation and the role it plays in The Leader's Mindset.
In the last episode we introduced The Leader's Mindset which has four elements: Goal...
The Leader's Mindset - Part One - Introduction
Summary
We each have mindsets that we bring to our leadership. In this first of a five part series, we introduce The Leader's Mindset and how it will help you to lead more effectively in all areas of your life. This is part one of a five part series.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 221 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we are commencing a five part series on The Leader's Mindset.
As we start our series on The Leader's Mindset...
Interview - Alexa Chilcutt - Executive Communication and Public Speaking
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Alexa Chilcutt (www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-chilcutt-phd/) discusses the importance of executive communication and public speaking skills. She explains that anxiety around public speaking stems from the fear of being judged and evaluated. However, she emphasises that with practice and a clear process, individuals can become more confident and effective communicators. Dr. Chilcutt also provides tips for structuring a message, including identifying the purpose, understanding the audience, and breaking the information into three main points. Additionally, she highlights the significance of executive presence in career advancement and outlines the 10 characteristics of executive...
How To Bend The Rules With Integrity
Summary
Rules can be frustrating. It can be tempting to bend the rules or ignore them altogether, but this can lead to negative outcomes. This week we explore how to work around rules but maintain your integrity.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 220 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore how to work around rules but maintain your integrity.
Lapses in integrity have ended many leaders' careers. Breaking the rules is never a good idea. But we often need to...
How To Appear Less Nervous in Meetings and Interviews
Summary
Interviewers place a strong emphasis on perceptions of nervousness. But there are practical steps we can take to appear less nervous in meetings and interviews.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 219 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we work through ways to appear less nervous in meetings and interviews.
Research demonstrates that anxious candidates perform worse at job interviews, even when their skills and experience align well with the role. Interviewers place an oversized importance to...
How To Boost First Impressions on Zoom
Summary
Research demonstrates the background we choose for video calls has a significant impact on how trustworthy and competent we appear. This week we explore how to boost your first impressions on a video call in three simple ways.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 218 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore how to boost your first impressions on a video call in three simple ways.
Your choice of background on a video call has a...
How to Be More Real on Video Calls
Summary
Research demonstrates a risk of detachment and reduced connection on video calls. This week we explore ways to be more real when we're not meeting in-person.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 217 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we look at how to be more real on video calls.
We make rapid judgements about people based on visual and other information we receive. While this can lead to us making incorrect judgements when we meet people...
How To Lead Through a Crisis
Summary
When you're in leadership for long enough you discover that crises are inevitable. This week we look at five ideas to help you lead through a crisis.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 216 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we look at five ideas to help you lead through a crisis.
When you're in leadership for long enough you discover that crises are inevitable. Whether it's a financial downturn, a global pandemic, or internal organisational challenges...
How To Be More Courageous
Summary
Whether it's speaking up in meetings, taking on challenging projects, or navigating uncertain situations, courage plays a pivotal role at work. This week we explore how to be more courageous at work.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 215 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore how to be more courageous at work.
Whether it's speaking up in meetings, taking on challenging projects, or navigating uncertain situations, courage plays a pivotal role at work. Courage is...
How To Negotiate Effectively
Summary
Whether it's working arrangements, a pay rise, contract terms with a client or project timelines with colleagues, we are all required to negotiate at some point. This week we explore ways to negotiate effectively.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 214 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore ways to negotiate effectively.
Whether it's working arrangements, a pay rise, contract terms with a client or project timelines with colleagues, we are all required to negotiate at...
How To Build a Great Career
Summary
With so much uncertainty and change it can be difficult to map out your career. However there are still steps we can take to build a great career.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 213 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore how to build a great career.
In just a few generations the number of jobs someone is likely to have in their lifetime has increased markedly. Estimates vary, but it's likely a young person...
How to Drive for Results
Summary
Leadership is about achieving results through people. With the demands of managing people, it can be easy to lose sight of results we need to achieve and deliver. In this episode we explore how to drive for results.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 212 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore how to drive for results.
Leadership is about achieving results through people. With the demands of managing people, it can be easy...
How To Maintain Composure Under Pressure
Summary
It's common to experience stress at work and then struggle to perform at our best. We might even react in ways we regret later. This week we explore how to maintain composure under pressure.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 211 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore how to maintain composure under pressure.
It's common to experience stress at work and then struggle to perform at our best. We might even react in ways we...
How To Use Artificial Intelligence at Work
Summary
Artificial Intelligence is all around us and provides great opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of our work. This week we explore how to use Artificial Intelligence at work.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 210 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we examine how to use Artificial Intelligence at work.
Artificial intelligence is a complex and evolving field. It can feel overwhelming to consider how to use AI at work. In reality, AI is built...
How To Transition Into a New Role
Summary
Starting a new job can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. We are often keen to deliver results quickly, but taking action too soon can sometimes backfire. This week we explore how to transition into a new role.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 209 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore how to transition into a new role.
Starting a new job can be exciting and slightly terrifying at the same time. We are often keen to...
How To Handle Sensitive Issues at Work
Summary
When sensitive issues arise in the workplace it can be hard to know what to say and do. We might shy away from political and social issues, or find it difficult to respond to those taking a particular stand on an issue. This week we explore practical ways to handle political and other sensitive issues at work.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 208 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore ways to handle political and other sensitive...
How To Lead a Multigenerational Team
Summary
There are more generations in the workforce than ever before. How do we ensure expectations are met and people work together effectively? This week we discuss how to lead a multigenerational team.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 207 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we discuss how to lead a multigenerational team.
There are more generations in the workforce than ever before, with up to five generations all trying to work together. Generational differences and tensions...
How To Deal With a Persistently Negative Team Member
Summary
Negativity can really impact a team's motivation and performance. This week we explore how to manage a persistently negative team member.
Transcript
Hello and welcome to episode 206 of the Leadership Today podcast where each week we share practical tips to improve your leadership. This week we explore how to manage a persistently negative team member.
Having a negative person on your team can be really draining. The tendency to always point out the downside and limitations can drag others down and reduce motivation. It can be a difficult...
Interview - Juliette Powell - The AI Dilemma
In this interview we speak with Juliette Powell about her latest book, The AI Dilemma - 7 Principles for Responsible Technology
During the interview we discuss a range of issues and opportunities around Artificial Intelligence:
- What drew Juliette into AI in the first place
- The "dilemma" in the AI dilemma
- Ways to think about AI in terms of triple A systems - algorithmic, autonomous and automated
- How to avoid the dehumanising impact of AI in organisations and society
- How to introduce AI in an organisation while avoiding magnification...
