Leader Fables: Recent Episodes
Fables LLC
Leader Fables is a podcast made by leaders for leaders. The show focuses on how middle managers can better navigate the perils of team leadership and achieve wild success.
In this second part of a two part topic on making ideas happen, Casey and Jacob discuss the art of project execution. But before they do they briefly recap the importance of capitalizing on inspiration and strategies for effective persuasion. They then share many tips for effective project execution, including what to do when it all goes to hell. Mentions in this episode: Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control (https://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Destiny-Power-Self-Control-Virtues/dp/0593191692?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1693273841&sr=8-1) by Ryan Holiday Leader Fables: Altitudes of Planning Overview (https://www.leaderfables.com/12)
In this next installment of Leader Fables, Jacob & Casey share their process for making ideas happen. They discuss the importance of capitalizing on fleeting inspiration, explore the art of persuasion, highlighting the use of leading questions and inclusive brainstorming to gain support for ideas. They conclude by sharing some tips for effective project execution strategies. Mentions in this episode: Drafts | Where Text Starts (https://getdrafts.com/) Mind Map & Brainstorm Ideas - MindNode (https://www.mindnode.com/) Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business (https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837?crid=1BKGRLX8XVBZG&qid=1691928871) Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't (https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Mastering-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019593?crid=1WXBQLO5X0AOL&qid=1691928964&s=books&sprefix=scaling+up%2Cstripbooks%2C136&sr=1-1) The Agile Samurai: How Agile Masters Deliver Great Software (https://www.amazon.com/Agile-Samurai-Software-Pragmatic-Programmers-ebook/dp/B00AYQNR5K?qid=1691929115&s=books&sprefix=agile+sam%2Cstripbooks%2C164&sr=1-1) David Tannen - The Inception Deck (http://davidtannen.com/project-managment/the-agile-samurai/102-the-inception-deck)
In this episode, Casey & Jacob explore helping your family love your job. They discuss the challenges leaders face in achieving work-life harmony and debunk the idea of work-life balance. They emphasize how your family's perception of your work impacts your success and well-being. They also share personal stories and provide practical strategies, such as loving your own work, setting boundaries, involving your family in your work life, and refraining from complaining. Ultimately, they stress the significance of cultivating a positive relationship between your family and your job for mutual support and fulfillment.
Travel, especially nowadays, is hectic. Join Jacob & Casey as they share their tried and true travel tips and tricks. They also discuss ways to stay focused, present, and maintain their routines while away from the comforts of home and office. Mentions in this episode include: Briggs & Riley ZDX-Expandable Luggage (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0873S4BV4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) Anker Portable Charger, USB-C Power Bank 20000mAh (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LG2X98F?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) Multi 5 in 1 Universal USB Fast Charging Cable (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09TBB4MFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20)
Listen to Jacob & Casey discuss the four elements of an extraordinary meeting: energizing, inviting, informative and celebratory. They deliver tips for making every meeting memorable, impactful, and fun. They also share how to incorporate these elements into in-person, virtual, and hybrid meetings. If you're struggling to make your meetings effective or if you could use some advice to spice up an impending meeting, this episode is for you. Mentions in this episode: - "The Feast (https://www.leaderfables.com/6)": the Leader Fable on celebration - slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations (https://www.amazon.com/slide-ology-Science-Creating-Presentations/dp/0596522347/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=slideology&qid=1668619423&sprefix=slideolo%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-3&tag=leaderfables-20) by Nancy Duarte - The secret to making Zoom meetings meaningful for you and your coworkers (https://ideas.ted.com/the-secret-to-making-zoom-meetings-meaningful-for-you-and-your-coworkers/) by Adam Grant Also, signup for the show's newsletter (https://www.leaderfables.com/newsletter) to receive exclusive, behind-the-scenes content.
Join Casey and Jacob for a special bonus episode of Leader Fables, discussing the manifold benefits of creating margin in our lives and work. They talk about strategies to own your calendar, live on the edge of financial well-being, and mind commitments. If you have little margin or lots, there's a tip in this episode that will help you maintain and create a lasting margin. Mentions in this episode: - Build an A-Team: Play to Their Strengths and Lead Them Up the Learning Curve (https://www.amazon.com/Build-Team-Their-Strengths-Learning/dp/1633693643/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1647907597&sr=1-1&tag=leaderfables-20) by Witney Johnson - Impractical Jokers - Grand Theft Shopping Cart (https://youtu.be/PoAS8taQBec) Also, signup for the show's newsletter (https://www.leaderfables.com/newsletter) to receive exclusive content, and enter to win a free copy of Free to Focus (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801075262/ref=ppxyodtbasintitleo09s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) and Deep Work (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/0349411905/ref=monarchsidesheet&tag=leaderfables-20).
Jacob & Casey finish talking about the Five Altitudes of Planning by taking two of their own life goals through each altitude. Along the way, they deliver lots of tips on developing a life plan, completing annual planning, ratifying quarterly goals, making weeks work, and doing daily planning. Also, signup for the show's newsletter (https://www.leaderfables.com/newsletter) to receive exclusive content, and enter to win a free copy of Free to Focus (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801075262/ref=ppxyodtbasintitleo09s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) and Deep Work (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/0349411905/ref=monarchsidesheet&tag=leaderfables-20).
Join Jacob & Casey as they deliver the final installment of the Five Altitudes of Planning: life planning. Learn how to envision your best future self, consider key relationships, identify life accounts, and assess your ideal and current state. Hear tips on how to use your life plan to inform your days, weeks, quarters, and years. Also, signup for the show's newsletter (https://www.leaderfables.com/newsletter) to receive exclusive content, and enter to win a free copy of Free to Focus (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801075262/ref=ppxyodtbasintitleo09s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) and Deep Work (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/0349411905/ref=monarchsidesheet&tag=leaderfables-20). Resources Mentioned in this Episode Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080101882X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) by Michael Hyatt Life Accounts spiral (https://dansilvestre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Living-Forward-e1616583668581.png)
Learn how to take a personal, quarterly retreat that empowers us to order our weeks and achieve our goals. Join Casey & Jacob as they discuss quarterly planning and conducting a personal retreat. They discuss the five steps to completing a quarterly review and best practices for ratifying quarterly goals. Also, signup for the show's newsletter (https://www.leaderfables.com/newsletter) to receive exclusive content, and enter to win a free copy of Free to Focus (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801075262/ref=ppxyodtbasintitleo09s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) and Deep Work (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/0349411905/ref=monarchsidesheet&tag=leaderfables-20).
Learn how to tame the chaos that inevitably occurs during even the most well-planned days. Join Casey & Jacob as they discuss daily routines that help ensure we get the most valuable work done that aligns with our weekly priorities. Learn how to build a startup and shutdown routine and tips to stay focused and productive throughout the day. Also, signup for the show's newsletter (https://www.leaderfables.com/newsletter) to receive exclusive content, and enter to win a free copy of Free to Focus (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801075262/ref=ppxyodtbasintitleo09s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) and Deep Work (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/0349411905/ref=monarchsidesheet&tag=leaderfables-20).
Ever wonder how to better ensure your week is a success? Join Casey & Jacob as they outline the five steps of weekly planning. Learn how to reflect, set goals, review & capture open loops, and organize tasks. Also, signup for the show's newsletter (https://www.leaderfables.com/newsletter) to receive exclusive content, and enter to win a free copy of Free to Focus (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801075262/ref=ppxyodtbasintitleo09s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) and Deep Work (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/0349411905/ref=monarchsidesheet&tag=leaderfables-20). Tools Mentioned in the Episode Full Focus Gray Linen Planner by Michael Hyatt (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1732189692/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) TextExpander, Shortcut to Efficient, Consistent Communication (https://textexpander.com/) Nozbe - best project management and collaboration tool (https://nozbe.com/) Task Management Software Built For Pros - OmniFocus (https://www.omnigroup.com/omnifocus)
Jacob & Casey kick off season 2 of the show—which is all about planning—by giving an overview of the Five Altitudes of Planning. They discuss the importance of organization and share tips for creating a project inventory, picking good focus areas and projects, and how to effectively use the "Focus Compass (https://freetofocus.com/makeover/resources/freedom-compass.pdf)" to eliminate tasks that cause misery. Also, signup for the show's newsletter (https://www.leaderfables.com/newsletter) to receive exclusive content, and enter to win a free copy of Free to Focus (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801075262/ref=ppxyodtbasintitleo09s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) and Deep Work (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/0349411905/ref=monarchsidesheet&tag=leaderfables-20).
Casey & Jacob put a cap on this season of Leader Fables by hosting an episode where they answer listener questions about reluctant leadership, strategic planning, professional development, The Great Resignation, and what they're reading. They conclude the episode by previewing the next season of Leader Fables which starts on July 12th, 2022. Thanks for listening!
Mary Jane Isaacs (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-jane-isaacs-6636872/) of Entrata (https://www.entrata.com/) joins Casey and Jacob to talk about her experience leading highly productive software development teams. During their conversation, Mary Jane gives some great tips for navigating seasons of painful change, tips for 1-on-1s, and how to add a little whimsy to team celebrations. Mary Jane loves to rock out to the Bleachers (https://www.bleachersmusic.com/) and is currently reading Super Pumped (https://www.amazon.com/Super-Pumped-Battle-Mike-Isaac/dp/0393358615/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1654531696&sr=8-2&tag=leaderfables-20) by Mike Isaac.
The most effective leaders take the time to reflect on what could go better and what's going well in their work and life. Join Casey and Jacob as they discuss the importance of reflection and listen to them demonstrate how to perform a retrospective. In this episode, Casey and Jacob consider what's going well with the podcast, what could be better, and what they should stop, start, and continue. Book Recommend Getting Things Done (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-free-Productivity/dp/0349408947/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1648225904&sr=1-1&tag=leaderfables-20) by David Allen
Margaret Simonis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-simonis-8758b3132/) of Western Governors University joins Jacob and Casey to talk about her leadership journey and some of the lessons she's learned along the way. During the course of their conversation, Margaret gives some great tips for conducting effective 1-on-1s, staying organized, establishing routines for recharging, and team celebration. This episode is packed with great advice from an experienced middle manager for middle managers.
What is a Mastermind group, and why should middle managers consider starting one? Listen to Jacob and Casey discuss how establishing a Mastermind group—also referred to as a Fable Circle—can help us become better leaders. They also deliver tips on how to run a group effectively and some ideas on how to start a Fable Circle from scratch. Book Recommend Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity (https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Revised-Kick-Ass-Humanity/dp/1250235375/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1652799497&sr=8-1&tag=leaderfables-20) by Kim Scott
High-performing teams celebrate. And in this episode, Jacob & Casey start by first discussing how to handle disappointing events. They then talk about strategies for performing effective micro and team celebrations. If you need some ideas for adding a little more celebration to your team's rhythms, this episode is for you. Book Recommend Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World (https://www.amazon.com/Love-Does-Discover-Secretly-Incredible/dp/1400203759/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1647907731&sr=1-1&tag=leaderfables-20) by Bob Goff
There is a tip in this episode for leaders of every stipe. Join Casey & Jacob as they discuss weekly planning, rhythms for reflection, setting weekly goals, and maintaining focus. This might be their most abitious, tip-filled episode yet. Book Recommend Deep Work (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/0349411905/ref=monarch_sidesheet&tag=leaderfables-20) by Cal Newport
Join Casey & Jacob as they discuss how middle managers can start, implement, and sustain collaborative strategic planning practices in their teams and organizations. Links What's in Jacob's day bag? (https://jacobevans.net/2020/07/whats-in-your-day-bag/) Book Recommend Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801075262/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=leaderfables-20) by Michael Hyatt
Have you ever wondered what steps leaders can take to promote lasting harmony, healthy conflict, and increased collaboration? Join Jacob & Casey as they discuss how to establish and maintain team norms that foster team unity. Book Recommend The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable (https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Fable/dp/0787960756/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1647907842&sr=1-1&tag=leaderfables-20) by Patrick Lencioni
Jacob & Casey discuss inheriting vs. building a team and effecting change in groups. They also give a few tips for leaders inheriting a team. They conclude the episode by discussing hiring and releasing team members. Book Recommend Build an A-Team: Play to Their Strengths and Lead Them Up the Learning Curve (https://www.amazon.com/Build-Team-Their-Strengths-Learning/dp/1633693643/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1647907597&sr=1-1&tag=leaderfables-20) by Witney Johnson
In this inaugural episode, Casey & Jacob introduce themselves and explain why middle managers are so important to well-functioning companies. They also share some advice they wish their younger selves knew before stepping into management. Jacob & Casey conclude the episode by highlighting what's stretching them as they work to become better leaders. This episode begins with a fable where we meet Ann, as she learns of her promotion to middle management. Book Recommend Managing Humans (https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Humans-Humorous-Software-Engineering/dp/1484221575/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3ZTZ33AO30EQ&keywords=managing+humans&qid=1648581102&sr=8-1&tag=leaderfables-20) by Michael Lopp
