The Thoughtful Talents Show

What do you do when your talents don't match with your working environment?This is one of the key questions we explore in this episode with our good friend and returning guest coach, Michael Stafford from The Chapter Coach. Join us for a lively conversation about how our talents often impact our "ideal" work environments; and how a "one-size-fits-all" approach is often ineffective. We also dive into the challenges and opportunities that have reshaped our work environments since the COVID-19 pandemic. You will find practical tips for those who long to be seen and heard, regardless of their physical work location, and for new managers navigating the complexities of managing people across multiple locations and workstyles.  Get ready for a good dose of personal experiences, humor, and data.KEY MOMENTS00:00 Introduction & Welcome01:49 The “Why” & Statistics 05:02 Personal Experiences 05:31 Challenges & Opportunities 12:40 The Importance of Individual Work Styles16:40 Using Talents to Navigate Hybrid Work26:55 Changing Mindset in a Hybrid Model29:09 Balancing Remote and Office Work31:15 Creating Moments of Visibility40:08 Proactive Leadership for New Managers47:31 Key Takeaways for SuccessRESOURCES:Michael Stafford’s blog postThe Future of the Office (Gallup)Boosting Productivity in Hybrid Teams (Gallup)OUR GUEST:Michael Stafford @ The Chapter CoachLinkedIn | WebsiteMichael’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Maximizer | Input | Individualization | Relator | HarmonyYOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteJen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | WebsiteChad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themesThe opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.

How can you inspire great connections with your customers?In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of customer engagement. Whether internal or external, we share a few compelling stories that highlight how our unique talents have helped us meet customer needs. We discuss strategies to connect with those who feel unseen and unheard by anticipating their needs, asking insightful questions, and drawing them in. For managers, we give actionable advice using your talents to enhance the cycle of Building Customer Engagement. Discover how your own engagement can inspire and empower others. 00:00 Stats & Importance of Engaging Customers03:40 Our Experience: Find the Need09:37 Using Talents to Engage Customers21:45 Reaching the Unseen28:03 Advice for New Managers28:13 Talents in the Customer Engagement Cycle33:00 Engagement: Pay it Forward38:27 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysRESOURCES:Customer Centricity (Gallup)Make Customer Engagement Your Competitive Edge (Gallup)Win Building Relationships, Not On Price (Gallup)YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteJen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | WebsiteChad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themesThe opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Strengths Applied, we welcome Bill Beachy of the Beachy Group to discuss our personal journeys in entrepreneurship and the crucial role our talents have played. Fueled by our strengths and passions, we share how these have been instrumental in our success. We redefine entrepreneurship to include passion, and aiming to help others be seen and heard. Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, we also explore how new managers can leverage this awareness to lead effectively and inspire their teams -- especially inside new startups.KEY MOMENTS00:00 Live out your passion00:16 Introduction00:39 Meet Our Guest Bill Beachy01:23 The Rise of Entrepreneurship02:06 The Shift: My Paycheck to My Purpose02:43 Personal Experiences 14:50 Using Our Strengths in Entrepreneurship26:24 Advice for New Entrepreneurs35:12 Leadership and Self-Awareness41:36 Final Thoughts and Wrap-UpGUEST COACH:Bill Beachy, Ph.D. @ The Beachy Group, LLC.LinkedIn | WebsiteBill’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Strategic | Ideation | Activator | Maximizer | FuturisticYOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteJen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | WebsiteChad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical To learn more about CliftonStrengths talent themesThe opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.

What does it mean to have a "best friend" at work? And why is it so important?In this episode, we explore the significance of the 'Best Friend at work' concept as highlighted in the Gallup Q12 Engagement Assessment. As we share our personal experiences, we also look at the relevant statistics, and discuss key traits of a "best friend." We also provide insights on leveraging individual talents to find, foster, and nurture such friendships, and offer guidance for managers seeking to build supportive environments for workplace friendships.KEY MOMENTS00:29 The Importance of Having a Best Friend at Work00:54 Defining 'Best' in Best Friend02:17 Personal Experiences and Benefits of Work Besties05:04 Gallup's Research on Workplace Friendships15:25 The Role of Managers and Workplace Culture18:24 Balancing Personal and Professional Boundaries22:28 Leveraging Talents to Build Trust and Support29:51 The Four Needs of Followers33:14 Being an Advocate36:38 Encouraging Team Success39:33 Avoiding Managerial Bias47:35 Building Shared Understanding and Moments52:04 Final Thoughts on Workplace FriendshipsRESOURCES:Patrick Lencioni - Personal Histories exerciseGallupOriginal Employee Engagement research - "Best Friend at Work" (1999)2019 Employee Engagement research update - "Best Friend at Work" (2019)2014 Employee Engagement research update - "Best Friend at Work" (2024)Q10 - "Best Friend at Work" PDF resourceYOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteJen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | WebsiteChad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.

Feedback, similar to recognition, plays an essential role in encouraging improved employee performance. When delivered effectively, feedback works to unlock an employee's full potential. Unfortunately, many leaders and team members are using outdated approaches, and offering feedback too infrequently to make a difference.In this episode, we share data-informed approaches that can drastically improve your feedback -- and your results. We explore the importance of normalizing frequent feedback, the role our talents & strengths play, and why building a culture of peer-to-peer feedback is under-estimated but becoming more important into today's workplace. Feedback should go beyond simply resolving issues. Instead, feedback should foster an environment of continuous improvement.[00:00] Introduction and Feedback Sandwich[00:30] The Importance of Feedback[01:35] Challenges with the Feedback Sandwich[03:23] Effective Feedback Strategies[05:03] Planning and Intent in Feedback[07:33] Strengths-Based Feedback[14:42] Using Strengths to Improve Feedback[25:13] Strategic Thinking and Feedback[27:45] The Role of Influencing Themes[36:14] Effective Feedback Strategies[41:25] The Importance of Peer Feedback[43:46] Creating a Culture of Growth[48:25] Conclusion and Key TakeawaysRESOURCES:Pew Research Center -- on feedbackAdam Grant's adviceGallup - Feedback and RecognitionGallup - Give feedback like a coachYOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteJen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | WebsiteChad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.

Creating Meaningful Employee RecognitionRecognition plays an important role in engagement in the workplace. Getting recognition right will boost morale, while generic or incorrect recognition can lead to demotivation and disengagement. It is key to acknowledge individuals for their unique efforts. This personalized and specific recognition makes employees feel valued and appreciated. In this episode we draw on extensive research by Gallup, explore the analogous "5 Love Languages" model, and define the differences between feedback, praise, and recognition. This episode is ideal if you are a leader -- or teammate -- who wants to make your recognition frequent, specific, genuine, personalized, and strengths-driven. 00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Traditional Recognition00:35 The Importance of Recognition: Stats and Insights02:24 Personal and Meaningful Recognition04:15 Feedback vs. Recognition: Key Differences07:26 Implementing Effective Recognition Strategies15:15 Generational Differences in Recognition15:42 The Five Pillars of Recognition17:24 Personalizing Recognition: Tips and Examples21:42 The Role of Strengths in Recognition36:10 Practical Tips for Managers40:49 Conclusion: Moving Beyond Gold WatchesRESOURCES:5 Clues to TalentThe 5 Love LanguagesEmployee retention depends on Recognition (Gallup)Recognition and Generational similarities (Gallup)Redefining feedback w/ Recognition (Gallup)YOUR HOSTS: Jen Werner @ Jen Werner Coaching Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteJen’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Responsibility | Achiever | Belief | Deliberative | Activator Chad Ahern @ Talent and Teams Consulting LinkedIn | WebsiteChad’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Learner | Deliberative | Responsibility | Harmony | Analytical The opinions and insights we share on each CliftonStrengths theme are our own and are based on our understanding of Gallup’s Strengths-based development research. They are also informed by our unique work with our clients. Even though we are both Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches, the insights we share here are not formally vetted, approved, or endorsed by Gallup, Inc. Gallup®, CliftonStrengths®, and the 34 theme names of CliftonStrengths® are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.