The De Hicks Podcast: Recent Episodes
De Hicks
HQ School of Leadership is a podcast that captures the tools, tips, and perspectives shared in Dr. De Hicks' School of Leadership focusing on improving the effectiveness of high-impact, high-performance leaders. Learn how to make small changes that make a big difference right away.
Join me as I share 14 common "warning labels" that might apply to your job, shedding light on the psychological hurdles, interpersonal dynamics, and the relentless nature of leadership tasks. Whether you're new to a job or an experienced leader, these insights will help you navigate your role with greater awareness and preparedness.
We also take a moment to savor a delightful Spayburn Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, offering a brief respite amidst the discussion. And don't miss the introduction to "The 1201 Project," a comprehensive study on the habits of successful leaders versus those who burned out.
Check out Dr. De's newest book on Amazon: The 1201 Project: Habits of Successful Leaders
https://www.amazon.com/1201-Project-Depth-Leaders-Succeeded/dp/B0D4V6BNK6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RFIU0JT2TOUS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Kw_1Fk8QsJwia2g2hqw4B9EhASCn_dWhgSMgy_wwNc4QlfyuVPZK1ODgdqmQAo-_Ok1KGovBNQpKuyGGQD2_I3fLPuiVG6S-mHcdUIXy0qzvD-km_CG13u3NP0borYpqcqlpgfT7HhZnEBBGRt5W_5HmZboRe0Ivp1CVmrOrk7qOyQzn6DDPBNw7OuSP4dfoi7hLfkenITONYQW8rCkcGQ.FzkKbHLZJgExFR7XC34TcSQ9mLXPhAeDuUeGhOVMz24&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+1201+project+book&qid=1718829842&sprefix=The+1201+Pro%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1
Music Credits: Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License from FMA
Do you ever wonder why winning teams tend to keep on winning? In this episode, Dr. De Hicks delves into the dynamics that drive sustained success among high-performing teams.
From the positive impact of happiness on performance to the importance of celebrating small victories, De discusses the habits, mental models, and opportunities that set winning teams apart from losing ones. Whether you're leading a team or striving for personal success, this episode offers practical tips to help you achieve and sustain winning results.
Check out Dr. De's newest book on Amazon: The 1201 Project: Habits of Successful Leaders
https://www.amazon.com/1201-Project-Depth-Leaders-Succeeded/dp/B0D4V6BNK6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RFIU0JT2TOUS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Kw_1Fk8QsJwia2g2hqw4B9EhASCn_dWhgSMgy_wwNc4QlfyuVPZK1ODgdqmQAo-_Ok1KGovBNQpKuyGGQD2_I3fLPuiVG6S-mHcdUIXy0qzvD-km_CG13u3NP0borYpqcqlpgfT7HhZnEBBGRt5W_5HmZboRe0Ivp1CVmrOrk7qOyQzn6DDPBNw7OuSP4dfoi7hLfkenITONYQW8rCkcGQ.FzkKbHLZJgExFR7XC34TcSQ9mLXPhAeDuUeGhOVMz24&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+1201+project+book&qid=1718829842&sprefix=The+1201+Pro%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1
Music Credits: Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License from FMA
Welcome to the School of Leadership with De Hicks. In this episode, De finishes this short 5 part series about managing anxiety as leaders, managers, supervisors, and those with influence. De explains why courage, rather than calm, is the true antidote to anxiety in high-pressure environments.
Explore the dynamics of high-anxiety groups and the pressures they place on leaders. Learn about the differentiation scale, ranging from fused leaders who are highly reactive to those who maintain their principles and composure even under stress.
De provides practical insights into how leaders can develop a strong inner architecture to thrive amidst storms. By understanding where you fall on the differentiation scale, you can better navigate leadership challenges and foster a robust mindset.
Tune in for valuable lessons from over 2,000 high-impact leaders and discover tools to enhance your leadership journey. Don’t forget to check out the HILT Academy YouTube series on Managing Leadership Anxiety for more in-depth exploration.
In this episode, Dr. De Hicks walks through 10 common experiences all leaders eventually face and lays out what to do about them so that you're not swamped by the storm of anxiety they can create.
Music Credits: Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License from FMA
As a leader, manager, or supervisor, we all deal with anxiety. It's a byproduct of the times in which we live and of the work we do. In this podcast De Hicks will outline how to navigate through the special kind of anxiety leaders face. De walks you through practical steps to tackle anxiety, underscoring the significance of action, though small courageous steps.
Stay tuned until the end for an enjoyable review of Chambers Bay bourbon.
Music Credits: Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License from FMA
In this episode, Dr. De Hicks gets real about the prevalence of stress and anxiety in leadership roles. The episode unfolds as a heart-to-heart conversation about the exhaustion, overwhelm and pressure responsible leaders commonly experience. It also describes the 5 most common core beliefs leaders, managers, and supervisors have that set them up for chronic anxiety.
Music Credits: Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License from FMA
In our digital era, we find ourselves in the midst of heightened anxiety and stress, affecting both our personal and professional lives. The relentless pace of work and constant connectivity has left many of us with an on-going undercurrent of anxiety. Your first step to manage this challenge is to recognize it, and thereafter adopt effective methods to navigate it.
In our introductory episode, we delve into the physical sensations of anxiety. De Hicks encourages you to notice when anxiety hits and name it. Becoming aware of your own physical signals is a crucial starting point to managing leadership anxiety.
In this series of 5 Podcasts, Dr. De will show you how to transform your approach to leadership and work and overcome the ‘new normal’ of constant anxiety.
Music Credits: Two Step Daisy Duke by Mr. Smith is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License from FMA
In this episode, De Hicks describes 12 often ignored but flawed 'mental models' that are at least as hazardous as warning signs posted on dangerous stretches of mountain highways.
In this thought-provoking episode, join De Hicks as he talks about understanding the power of silence and its unexplored benefits in our fast-paced, noise-dominated society. Hear how silence can transform your leadership and personal life in ways you may have forgotten.
In this episode Dr. De Hicks talks about how to deal with difficult people at work (and at home). De puts the spotlight on the challenges of dealing with emotionally and behaviorally difficult people. Employing principles from psychology, sociology, and organizational leadership, this episode delves into effective ways to comprehend their behavioral patterns and cope with their influence.
De categorizes difficult individuals into two groups—the situationally difficult and the chronic pros, who have mastered the art of being troublesome. Drawing from his encounters with more than 2000 successful professionals and 30 years of research, he provides listeners with tools to decelerate negative interactions and foster a better understanding of oneself during such challenging times.
Diving deeper into power dynamics, he sheds light on how difficult people participate in a power game, gaining dominance from others' responses. This episode encourages a shift in perspective and provides guidance on altering our reactions in order to neutralize their influence. A five-step guide to successfully navigate these complexities is at the heart of this episode and is certain to provide the listener with a fresh and effective approach towards difficult people.
In the short conclusion, Dr. De introduces the listener to common archetypes of difficult individuals—the tank, the sniper, and the manipulator. Reasserting the importance of consistency and patience in adopting the discussed techniques, the episode conveys the critical message of shifting behavior dynamics through adapting our reactions.
Culminating on a soothing note, De anticipates savoring a new bottle of Macallan 12-year-old Double Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. So tune in and discover how to handle difficult individuals more effectively while savoring some good humor and perhaps a dram of your favorite whiskey!
In this episode De Hicks deals with the critical issue of bad bosses. Drawing from three decades of leadership research, De offers practical strategies tailored to help individuals handle unfavorable workplace conditions, brought on by bad bosses, with grace and resilience.
Using a blend of humor, engaging quips, complex insights, Dr. De paints a vivid image of the detrimental effects of poor leadership found in "bad-boss-ery" and discusses how some organizations unknowingly perpetuate this. From self-checks to establishing clear, mutual expectations, he presents actionable steps to break this toxic cycle.
The episode dissects various work environment frameworks, including result-oriented, process-oriented, and task-oriented cultures. Through this analysis, De identifies the structural factors that might foster or reinforce bad leadership patterns.
De explores the typical behaviors associated with 'bad bosses,' underscoring the importance of understanding the internal needs driving these behaviors. Highlighting effective communication strategies, he guides you on how to steer your relationship with a troublesome boss strategically without jeopardizing your professional standing.
Finally, De advises adopting a graceful and cordial approach when it becomes necessary to exit your position due to an untenable boss. Valuable tips offered include avoiding badmouthing your superiors during exit interviews, and taking ample time to appraise your next boss before accepting a new job offer. Empowering listeners with the belief that they control their trust, perspective, and behavior, this episode dispenses invaluable wisdom to anyone grappling with a difficult boss situation.
Need a Little Listening Juice? Dr. De shows you how to get a little better at being quick to listen and slow to speak, so that you become dramatically more effective as a Leader, Manager, and Supervisor.
Get a Grip! Learn how to take care of yourself AND manage your work at the same time. Dr. De Hicks shares tips from the Pros and talks about the old sailing adage, "One hand for the ship and one hand for yourself."
How to Get Results by Creating and Maintain Momentum. Learn the two things you can do as a Leader to create and maintain momentum so that you get results.
The virtual workplace is here to stay. Some things are better and some things are worse because of it. But one thing is for sure: Leaders, Managers, and Supervisors need new skills and competencies to thrive. Dr. De talks about what he's learned from the best leaders of virtual and hybrid organizations.
Creamy peanut butter, jello, and Don Q's Secret Bar. Dr. De talks about the Finish Strong Mindset. Learn whether you have it.
Dr. De talks about how saying "Thank You," and asking, "How Can I Help?" significantly enhance your effectiveness as a Leader.
In Part 4 of this Series, Dr. De discusses how all Great Leaders know they are creating the future. Leadership is primarily a creative act. Remember this and you'll think correctly and powerfully about your work.
Bourbon, Cigars, and leaders who take the long view. Dr. De talks about the next Great Mental Model that all Great Leaders use: Things take a long time. Learn the difference between speed and velocity and how it applies to your work and life over the long haul.
In part 2 of this series, Dr. De talks more about our frame of reference as a leader, and how it can be quite different from those we lead. He also applies some of Isaac Newton's ideas to how we think about creating and managing change.
Dr. De talks about some great bourbon from Florida, a good cigar from Nicaragua, and starts this series talking about the Great Mental Models that Make Great Leaders. This episode is all about Einstein's Theory of Relativity applied to you as a Leader, Manager, or Supervisor. It's more fun that it sounds.
Dr. De reviews King's Creek 9 year old Sour Mash Whiskey and talks about the hidden and high costs of having poor performers on your team and what to do about it. Whiskey and cigar review ends at about 11 minutes, in case you aren't interested in the finer things in life.
Maybe you need better friends. Dr De talks about the profound influence a few people have on the direction and quality of your life. Most people pay more attention to choosing a car than they do to choosing their closest relationships. They leave this most important choice up to circumstances. Learn how important it is to choose your relationships and become a better leader for it.
Just STOP it! I know you want more time, money, security, friendships, wisdom, opportunity... and on, and on. But, before you grow--before you GO--prune. Learn what to cut out before you add.
Learn the 9 disciplines practiced by everyone who is beyond resilient. They lean in and embrace the cold, harsh storms of life and are stronger for it.
Learn the secret to forgiveness and benefit from the freedom of developing a forgiving mind at work (and outside of work). You'll be glad you did.
Leaders, Managers, Supervisors, and especially Influencers (those people who are daring others do to something great) have only two jobs: Create Clarity and Create Alignment. Turns out, it's harder than it looks.
On a Board? Work with a Board? Learn about the 9 biggest mistakes Boards make and how to overcome them. Also learn about the 3 jobs healthy Boards have, the 6 questions to ask if you are considering Board membership, and the 6 Disciplines of healthy Boards.
Learn how to ask the 4 Great Questions that will dramatically improve your effectiveness as a leader, manager, supervisor or influencer of people.
Learn about the 7 ways leaders think that are completely BACKWARDS. Does this describe you? Leaders think backwards about time, and risk, and saying No, and more.
Learn the Art of the Long View: How to stay in the game when everyone else, and all that is within you, says QUIT!
The hallmarks of Leadership Depression can sneak up on you. A huge percentage of Leaders in our surveys report experiencing most of these but don't call it depression. Check yourself against this list and see if it is your experience. Then, learn 6 strategies that you can easily do right now that will make you depression-proof.
We hate incongruity. Every time we notice it, we hear a Monkey chattering on our shoulder. Learn why great leaders don't ignore incongruity. They also don't assume they know why it's there.
Leadership can be lonely, but it doesn't need to be. Learn how to spot and deal with the particular kind of loneliness brought on by success and the unique challenges of leadership.
What happens when a good idea encounters resistance? What happens when everyone agrees to change and grow and then nothing moves? Learn to understand and manage the tension between those who want to change and grow and those who want to slow down and maintain the status quo.
Complaining is a sign of commitment, althought it does not feel like it. Here's how to complain about the right thing, to the right person, at the right time and not get labeled as as Negatiave Ned or a Never-Work Nancy.
Leaders who cannot manage their strong emotions force their teams to manage their own behavior in order to avoid the YUK of the negative vibes coming out of their boss. Here's what you can do about it.
You know you want to delegate, but you haven't gotten good at it yet. Learn about the 5 roadblocks between you and effective delegation and how to overcome them.
Avoid these two things and you will be a much better leader. It's that simple. Sometimes we don't need a new tool, a new method, a new system. We just need to quit being lazy and selfish. And, DON'T drink Hamm's Beer!
Are you a Rare Breed? Learn how your purpose in life dramatically impacts your experience of pain.
In this 5th Podcast in the series, Dr. De talks about how to deal with other people's painful behaviors at work and at home. Listen for the 5 tips for dealing with people who hurt others because of their own pain.
High Country Backpackers have learned a thing or two about pain. Know where you're going, pack light, don't go it alone. Those lessons apply directly to how we manage the pain of life.
In this 3rd Podcast of a 6-part series, Dr. De talks about worry, overthinking, and getting a grip. The right "grip" makes all the difference when we are in pain.
Fear is it's own kind of pain. Stress is Fear. Learn to take the 4 Steps that transform fearful and stressful situations.
We all have pain and disappointment. What is your relationship with pain? In this episode, which is part 1 of 6, we explore the 3 Traps resilient people avoid when encountering pain and setbacks.
Is your drive nearly gone? Sick and tired of being tired? Passion gone? Just going through the motions? Here's a small change you can make that, if you have the courage to do it, will make a big difference right away.
There is a little-known dark side to great ideas and creativity. Saying YES to a great idea isn't enough. Saying NO to a thousand things after we say YES to the idea is the key to success.
Compassion Fatigue? I feel your pain... but, you're doing it wrong. If you are in a helping profession, and you're burned out and tired all the time, you're doing it wrong. In this podcast I'll show you what to do differently so that you can actually help people without hurting yourself.
Stress is Fear. So, what are you afraid of? We all know about the FIGHT or FLIGHT response. In this episode Dr. De talks about another option and identifies the 4 steps to take when we are stressed out.
Pay attention to your hunger. Pay attention to complaining. Our hunger points at our real appetites, most of which are good.
Some decisions we make end up making us. Dr. De talks about how to know when we are facing one of those decisions and how to avoid 5 decision traps.
So, what are you afraid of? In this podcast Dr. De talks about the 7 Fears all leaders face, and what to do with them.
Living in the gap between a compelling dream or vision and the sometimes harsh reality can be incredibly discouraging, even downright painful. In this podcast, Dr. De talks about three ways to thrive in the gap.
What is the Story of Your Life? In this Podcast Dr. De talks about the elements of a Life Story that all Transformational Leaders and Influencers, and ultimately all very happy people, have in common. Does your Life Story sound like this?
In this episode Dr. De talks about the 4 Keys to managing your time when you have bigger dreams that can fit into 24 hours. Do this every day and it will change your life.
Dr. De talks about the 3-D Approach to Highly Effective Meetings and Intentional Conversations.
In the final episode of this 6-part series, Dr. De Hicks puts it all together for you and shows you how you can become more resilient. Storms are the norm. Calm waters are rare. So to thrive in life and leadership you have to be Built for the Storm.
In this podcast Dr. De Hicks talks about the disciplines of the most resilient people; people who are Built for the Storm.
In Part 4 of the Built for the Storm series Dr. De Hicks describes the habits common to all people who are Built for the Storm.
In part 3 of this series, Dr. De talks about how the Super-Resilient think. Listen closely. You may hear descriptions of how you live.
In part 2 of this series, Dr. De talks about the values and mental models of highly resilient people.
In this first episode of Season 2, Dr. De Hicks talks about why some people are Built for the Storms of life and why others are swamped by them. Learn what some people think and do to become intentionally resilient no matter what comes their way.
Ever had an Idea that just won't leave you alone? De Hicks talks about what to do with it.
De Hicks talks about when it is the right time to share our deepest motivations behind or leadership.
So, you're still standing. After all that you've been through, you're still engaged, still in the fight, still standing. Why? Dr. De identifies the reason you're still standing.
Dr. De reminds us of a powerful tool for the adjustment of our mental models and assumptions. Use it when you suspect evil motives.
Are you too close to see the opportunity in the problem? De Hicks talks about the benefit of stepping back, literally, from a problem and turning it into a new way of thinking.
All High Performing Teams do this! They have fun, even when their work isn't fun. Dr. De talks about how crucial this is. It's part of why winning teams keep on winning.
If your team isn't getting results, it's failing. It's a cold, hard reality. Dr. De talks about the 4th Discipline practiced by all High-Performance Teams: They Get Results!
Dr. De talks about the 3rd Discipline of all High Performing Teams: Be Authentic. All great teams crave direct, authentic experience over talk about the experience.
Dr. De talks about the 2nd Disciplines practiced by all high performing teams: Pay Attention to Your Impact...Dare Each Other to Be Great!
After decades of research, Dr. De Hicks talks about the 5 Disciplines that are practiced by every high performing team. This podcast is all about the 1st Discipline: Fulfilling your promises and keeping your head in the game.
De Hicks talks about the dangers of comparing yourself to the wrong people, the wrong things, and the wrong time.
Dr. De talks about how you think about conflict and the surprising impact that has on your ability to lead.
Dr. De Hicks talks about the difference between being gently stirred and shaken by the Bartenter of Life.
Remember when someone told you that showing up is half the battle? Dr. De Hicks talks about the three steps to take when Showing Up is the Entire Battle.
De Hicks talks about his life-long love of speed and lessons learned when slowing down.
De Hicks tells a story that made him ask, "Will there be slapping allowed in heaven?" Listen as he receives some very good advice.
De Hicks shares a story about Jonas and his all-too-common reaction to a frightening text from the Boss.
Stress is fear and we have 4 common responses to it. In this Podcast, Dr. De talks about research that has uncovered a 5th response that, when practiced as a discipline, makes all the difference.
Everyone lives in different time zones in their minds. Some live in the past, some in the future. Some way out in the future. Knowing what time zone someone is in when we interact is one of the most important tools we can use, especially when we are in conflict or solving problems. De Hicks talks about a simple way to make sure we are thinking in the same time zones.
Leaders have two jobs: Create Clarity and Create Alignment. In this Podcast, De Hicks talks about how Leaders function as "meaning-making machines" as a way to create clarity.
Have you ever been given "feedback" or "constructive criticism" that made things worse? In this Podcast De Hicks talks about how to get the most valuable perspectives from the most helpful people and how to stop listening to the others.
Visionary people are usually perfectionists. Our "perfect" idea of how it "should be" can get in the way of starting and finishing. De talks about the antidote to perfect vision.
So many voices! So much information! So many opinions! How do we turn down the noise and listen carefully to the perspectives of a few people, about a few things that really matter?
You have the controls! Learn about the three areas of life and leadership over which we have complete control, and therefore, responsibility.
De Hicks talks about the surprising gifts of unexpected constraints in our personal and professional lives.
In this Podcast, Dr. De talks about how to deal with people who are obstinate obstacles. And, how to deal with obstacles of any sort.
In this podcast, Dr. De Hicks talks about the unintended psychological, neurological and social consequences of venting one's frustrations. Venting is actually rehearsing our frustration resulting in narrower thinking rather than problem-solving.
Culture is simply "how it really works around here." It's not complex. It is always behavioral. It always arises from the values of a group of individuals. And, it always has a group of people who are enforcers of the norms of the group. In this podcast, Dr. De Hicks talks about lessons learned in creating an intentional culture at work.
Managing conflict is an art. And as with all art forms, it requires a high degree of self-awareness, self-control, and skillful practice. Dr. De Hicks talks about lessons learned over nearly four decades of research into the impacts of conflict managed well, and not-so-well, in high impact organizations.
Dr. De Hicks and Donnie Quitugua talk about how to overcome one of the most toxic behaviors in the workplace: Triangulation.
Under pressure, even slight pressure, we often choose to triangulate rather than communicate directly. When we are in conflict most of the time, rather than communicating directly with the person or people involved, we talk to someone peripheral to the issue. From the time we are small, most of us wait until a small problem grows into a large one, dealing with the pressure along the way by venting.
This podcast identifies triangulation as the most destructive behavior in the workplace and shows how to overcome it. Whether you are the one starting the triangulation or the one to whom everyone comes to vent, these ideas will benefit you and your team.
Dr. De Hicks talks about the power of connectivity and the unintended consequences of outsourcing personal responsibility it can sometimes create.
Dr. De Hicks and Donnie Quitugua talk about what we’ve learned about hiring well. Join us as we sip on gin and tonic and talk about the difference between skills and competencies.
Dr. De Hicks and Donnie Quitugua of SCGI talk about the power of social contracts in shaping our lives. Join us for this wide-ranging, humorous look at the rules people live by and the cost to those who violate them.
SCGI is a human performance research firm specializing in uncovering habits of high impact leaders in high profile organizations.