Leadership deep dive: Recent Episodes
Ant Williams
Get beneath the surface on all things leadership with Psychologist and world record breaking Free Diver Ant Williams.
Ant & Terry discuss how to reduce distractions, find your focus, and do your best work. We explore the idea of focusing on one big thing to boost your personal productivity. It's an idea that comes from the book by Phil Cooke titled "The One Thing."
Filled with tips and tricks, this podcast will help you find better ways to stay on task and focused on the things that matter most to your productivity.
In this episode of the Leadership Deep Dive, Ant discusses the flexible work revolution with Belinda Morgan author of "Solving the Part Time Puzzle".
In this episode:
- Why part-time work is rarely part-time.
- What we really mean by flexible work.
- What leaders can do to keep a team connected.
- Maintaining a great team culture when we aren't getting the normal amount of face time.
In this episode, Ant and Terry explore the different mistakes new leaders make and how to avoid them, they share the best ways to transition into a leadership role and be successful.
Also in this episode:
- Ant shares his first leadership experience and the challenges he encountered.
- Building an Operating Rhythm around your team.
- How to use the leadership pipeline to change the way you think about how you lead.
- The warning signs of a misplaced manager.
In this episode, Ant and Terry explore the different types of performance conversations that exist within a performance culture. They also talk about how to maximise engagement by learning to match your message to others level of performance.
Also in this episode:
- Ant confession about his own performance reviews, and Terry's response
- The shocking stat that describes how many of your people are likely to be underperforming
- How to be deliberate, but not forced and unnatural with your conversations about performance.
- The three levels of performance, and the appropriate message for each level.
In the third of their three-part series on coaching, Ant and Terry explore the anatomy of an effective coaching conversation. You'll learn the proven four-part framework for that will help you help others gain clarity, direction and confidence to achieve their ambitious goals.
Also in this episode:
- Why coaching is a competitive advantage in the corporate world.
- The most important part of goal setting most people miss.
- How to coach someone who's ambitions outweigh their current capability.
- A live example of a seasoned manager coaching a direct report.
In this episode Ant and Terry discuss the ins and outs of using performance conversations to build a performance culture in your team.
You'll also learn:
- The number one obstacle that prevents performance cultures.
- Why just getting talented people doesn't guarantee groups reach their potential.
- How 'positive tension' can drive progress and success.
- The difference between performing and being productive.
In this episode, Ant and Terry dive into their top tools, tips and tricks for giving effective feedback as a leader to improve performance without triggering defensiveness.
Also in this episode:
- The optimal ratio of positive to constructive feedback for building a high performing team.
- The simple 3 part framework for structuring feedback that creates commitment and change.
- A live example of a seasoned manager giving both constructive and positive feedback to a direct report.
- How to use 'wise criticism' to frame your feedback in a way that enhances relationships and instantly amplifies effort.
In this episode Ant and Terry explore how coaching can help leaders improve their productivity and presence, while reducing stress and enhacing their reputation among direct reports.
Also in this episode:
- The signs of a misplaced leader
- Why focusing on your own productivity as a leader can hurt productivity
- Why coaching is an essential skill every leader needs to master
- How Terry used coaching to help an athlete achieve his goal
- The key principles of coaching
In this episode, Ant brings in renowned Aussie parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson. Together they explore the challenges that working from home presents for parents and couples - and some evidence backed tools and tips for thriving in the chaos.
Also in this episode:
- How the way 'cognitive load' is carried among couples impacts outcomes for relationships and productivity.
- The emotion contagion and how to protect yourself and others.
- How to coopt a powerful strategy used by military leaders to improve your work life and home life simultaneously.
- The three E's model for dealing with unruly children
- A simple way to instantly improve your resilience and wellbeing.
Show notes
In the final part of the series on dealing with difficult conversations, Ant and Terry a proven 5 step model for structuring the content of a difficult conversation. This simple, but profound framework makes it possible to tell your truth and actually improv working relationships at the same time. If you've ever found it difficult to talk through a tough topic with others, this episode will give you a tried and tested formula for success.
Also in this episode:
- The similarities between people who are good at having difficult conversations and people who are good at standup comedy.
- The three telltale signs a conversation might be about to 'turn'.
- How to use the 'Matching' strategy for talking people down when they are upset.
- How specific language patterns can dramatically improve your comfort and results.
- Ant and Terry critique a simulated conversation between a manager and direct report.
Show notes:https://content.modusleadership.com.au/difficultconversationsep3/
In the second part of the difficult conversations series, Ant and Terry explore the often overlooked elements that trip leaders up when having difficult conversations. If you've ever gone into a conversation with the best of intentions and wondered why it's all gone wrong, this episode has the answer and the antidote.
Also in this episode:
- Why context is often more important than content (and the difference between the two)
- How and why Ant's high stakes conversation with his team bombed when attempting the world ice dive.
- The four points of failure that derail difficult conversations.
- How to prepare for difficult conversations to avoid common mistakes and dramatically improve your outcomes.
Show notes:
in the first of three episodes on difficult conversations, Ant and Terry delve into the causes of our resistance, and the ways in which we tend to react when conversations 'turn'.
Also in this episode:
- The one language pattern to avoid when forecasting a difficult conversation
- The three paths we can take when things turn.
- Six simple questions that can help you overcome your avoidance.
- A three-step exercise to help you reprogram your response and remain centred in crucial conversations.
Show notes:
In this episode Ant and Terry discuss Ant's experience in becoming a world record freediver and lessons on building grit and resilience.
Also in this episode:
- The little known science of grit and how it impacts our lives.
- The four building blocks of mental toughness. What they are and how to master them.
- How to reframe your challenges and succeed.
Show notes:
Breathing techniques for centering yourself
In This episode, Ant shares a foundational change model that explains why we find change so difficult, where we get stuck and what to do about it.
If you're a leader tasked with managing your team through any organisational transformation, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and know-how to help others change.
HBR article: decoding resistance to change
Modus leadership website