Welcome to the final day of our '7 Days of Sanity' series, aligned with election day. In this episode, Shawna reflects on the journey over the past week, emphasizing the importance of embodying the change we wish to see. After practicing values, setting boundaries, fostering commonality, engaging in deep listening, and self-care, today's focus is on leading by example. Key Points: 1. Lead by Example : Today, we focus on modeling positive behavior. Think about what you want to embody post-election and how you can share that with others. 2. Diversity of Thought : Embrace and celebrate different perspectives as they fuel innovation and prevent groupthink. 3. Actions that Inspire : If you value education, find ways to contribute—whether through volunteering, supporting teachers, or attending PTA meetings. Live your values authentically. 4. Ripple Effect of Small Actions : Start with one behavior you want to model and practice it today. Remember Stephen Covey's advice: "Start with the end in mind." Whether it’s listening or curiosity, choose what will improve your environment, community, and relationships. 5. Final Sale Day : Today marks the last day of the sale for Shawna’s book Meet Me in the Middle . Resources to facilitate dialogues for teams and families are available to promote psychological safety and meaningful conversations. Call to Action : Reflect on how you can inspire and lead by living your values. Reach out to Shawna at shaunacordon.com for more support. Don’t miss the upcoming episode summarizing all seven lessons! Connect : Leave comments on YouTube or contact Shawna for any inquiries or feedback. Closing : Thank you for joining this week's series. Until next time, take good care. 👉 Link to the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/e4jCJ1W…

Today’s episode in our "7 Days of Sanity" series is about self-care during stressful times. Shawna Corden emphasizes that essential self-care practices like sleep, nutrition, and brief restorative breaks often get overlooked when chaos surrounds us. Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Key Takeaway: Schedule at least 15 minutes of self-care today—whether it’s a walk, deep breathing, or a favorite activity—and treat it as a vital appointment. Even a small pause can significantly improve your resilience and clarity. Join us for the final episode tomorrow, and don’t forget to share your self-care tips in the comments! Shawna’s book, on sale this week, offers deeper insights and practical discussion tips to foster psychological safety and effective communication. It is available on Audible and other platforms. 👉 Link to the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/e4jCJ1W…

Welcome to Day 5 of our special '7 Days of Sanity' series, where we navigate the emotional landscape of election season with practical strategies for maintaining peace and connection. Today’s episode focuses on finding common ground to build bridges rather than walls. Building on yesterday’s lesson about deep listening, Shawna Corden discusses how to identify and emphasize shared values and interests, even in the most challenging conversations. Highlights: 1. Connect on Shared Values : Identify common interests, such as family, community, or shared experiences, to create a foundation for conversation. 2. Approach with Intention : Seek to connect, not win. Express the value you place on the relationship. 3. Use Collaborative Language : To foster connection, use phrases like “I agree” or “I also find this important.” Homework for Today: Engage in one conversation where you consciously seek and build on shared values. Notice the shift this approach brings to the interaction. Join us tomorrow for Day 6 as we continue our journey to stay grounded during this intense time. Until then, take care of yourself and those around you. Shawna’s book, on sale this week, offers deeper insights and practical discussion tips to foster psychological safety and effective communication. It is available on Audible and other platforms. 👉 Link to the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/e4jCJ1W…

This episode explores the importance of listening and seeking to understand, especially during divisive times. Key Points: 1. Listen Without Agenda: Approach conversations with curiosity, not judgment, to foster understanding. 2. Psychological Safety: Everyone deserves to express their opinions without fear of retribution or humiliation. 3. Find Common Ground: Even if perspectives differ, shared values may be expressed uniquely. 4. Deep Listening Tips: - Paraphrase what you hear to show understanding. - Use silence to encourage deeper expression. - Practice by observing conversations, even with the TV muted. Join us tomorrow for Day 5 of this series! Explore deep listening in Shawna’s book Meet Me in the Middle, which is on sale this week and now available on Audible. 👉 Link to the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/e4jCJ1W…

Today’s episode of the "7 Days of Sanity" series focuses on the importance of setting healthy boundaries, especially during stressful times like election season. Protecting your energy is essential to maintaining peace and well-being. Key Points: 1. Understanding Boundaries : Boundaries are not about excluding others but about choosing what you allow into your space, like a fence or gate. 2. Practical Examples : Limit your exposure to potentially draining content (e.g., opt for movies instead of cable TV or restrict phone use). 3. Scripts for Communication : Inform others of your choices without criticizing them (e.g., “I won’t watch the news until after the election to protect my sanity”). 4. Protecting Your Space : Fill your personal space with activities that recharge you, such as cooking or reading. 5. Try This : Set a timer for social media or news consumption and leave the environment when the time is up. Homework: Set a new boundary today and observe how it impacts your peace. Repeat it if it works for you. Join us tomorrow for Day 4 of this series! Explore more about boundaries in Shawna’s book Meet Me in the Middle , which is on sale this week and now available on Audible. 👉 Link to the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/e4jCJ1W…

In today’s episode of Seven Days of Sanity , we explore managing emotional triggers and the power of responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. Shawna shares practical strategies to stay grounded during emotionally charged moments—especially in the lead-up to the election. Key takeaways: 1. Understand the difference between responding vs. reacting . 2. Use breathing techniques and tactile objects (like keys or coins) to discharge emotional energy. 3. Anticipate triggers —prepare responses to maintain your peace in challenging conversations. 4. Align your responses with your personal values and the brand you want to project. Homework: Identify your common triggers and plan how to respond next time they arise. Take deep breaths, walk away if needed, and maintain your inner calm. Join us tomorrow for Day 3 of this series! If you'd like to dive deeper into managing emotions, check out Shawna’s book, Meet Me in the Middle , which is on sale this week and is now available on Audible. 👉 Link to the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/e4jCJ1W…

In today’s episode of Seven Days of Sanity , we focus on values as the key to staying grounded amidst the chaos of the upcoming U.S. election. Drawing from tools in my book Meet Me in the Middle , we explore how values serve as your personal compass, helping you make decisions and behave in alignment with what matters most. Tune in to discover practical ways to identify your values: 1. What do you do with unexpected free time? 2. How would you spend money found in an old coat? 3. How do your actions align with your personal rules for behavior? Daily Homework: List your top three values and reflect on what makes you feel alive and authentic. This exercise will help you navigate the next seven days—and beyond—with clarity and purpose. The book Meet Me in the Middle is on sale this week and available on Audible. Join us tomorrow for the next step in this sanity-saving series! 👉 Link to the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/e4jCJ1W…

In this episode, we explore the different ways people make decisions and the pros and cons of each style. Whether you make decisions quickly, seek input from others, prioritize harmony, or rely on detailed research, it’s essential to recognize your tendencies and how they affect your outcomes. We also dive into the concept of the sunk cost fallacy —when investments of time, money, or effort keep us stuck in situations we should leave behind. Using examples from the business world, such as Jeff Bezos’s pivot from Amazon’s failed phone project to Alexa, we discuss how to let go and open up new opportunities. Key takeaways: 1. The four decision-making styles: Quick Deciders, Socializers, People Pleasers, and Evidence Weighers. 2. How to avoid "analysis paralysis" by setting boundaries. 3. Understanding the sunk cost fallacy and its impact on personal and professional decisions. 4. Creative ways to explore new paths, like trial runs and decision criteria tools. If you're struggling with a tough choice or want help navigating change, we’re here to support you! Tune in next time for a discussion on remote team management best practices. Connect with Shawna: Website: shawnacorden.com https://www.youtube.com/@shawnacorden Email: podcast@shawnacorden.com Instagram: @playbookforperformance DON'T FORGET: If you found this episode helpful, leave a 5-star review or give us a thumbs-up on YouTube to help others find us!…

In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked topic of strengths and how they can shape our personal and professional lives. We discuss the importance of recognizing and leveraging your natural abilities rather than striving for perfection. We also explore practical ways to identify your strengths using tools like Gallup's StrengthsFinder and learn how to maximize them to enhance individual and team performance. Key takeaways: 1. Understanding what constitutes a true strength and why it’s crucial to focus on what comes naturally to you. 2. Tips for leaders to encourage and develop their team's strengths. 3. How to delegate tasks that drain your energy and focus on those that put you in a state of flow. 4. Building a personal "board of directors" to support your growth in various areas of life. 5. Strategies for expanding your strengths and reducing tasks that don’t align with them. Tune in to discover how to make strengths the majority of your "life pie" and foster a more engaged, productive, and fulfilled team or personal life. Connect with Shawna: Website: shawnacorden.com https://www.youtube.com/@shawnacorden Email: podcast@shawnacorden.com Instagram: @playbookforperformance Next Episode Preview: Remote Team Management – Tips and strategies for leading teams in a hybrid or fully remote work environment. Want More? Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments or reach out via www.shawnacorden.com. We'd love to hear what topics you'd like to explore next!…

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked but crucial topic of team building. Shawna discusses the various aspects of team building, including communication, trust, problem-solving, and decision-making. She outlines the benefits of team building, such as improved collaboration, innovation, and trust within teams. Shawna also shares practical tips on how to incorporate team-building activities into your routine, the importance of psychological safety, and how to measure the effectiveness of these activities. Key takeaways: 1. Types of Team Building: Understanding different communication styles, trust-building exercises, problem-solving challenges, and decision-making activities. 2. Benefits of Team Building: Enhanced team communication, collaboration, innovation, and trust. 3. Implementation Tips: Start small with regular, brief activities before investing in larger events. Ensure psychological safety and consider using a facilitator to maximize the effectiveness of team-building efforts. 4. Measuring Success: Look for signs of increased trust, better role understanding, and more efficient task handoffs among team members. Connect with Shawna: Website: shawnacorden.com https://www.youtube.com/@shawnacorden Email: podcast@shawnacorden.com Instagram: @playbookforperformance Next Episode Preview: Shawna will explore leveraging individual strengths within a team to create a group of all-stars rather than a homogenous unit. Call to action: Interested in testing our new Resilience app? Email us at podcast@shawnacorden.com with "Beta Tester" in the subject line. If you need coaching support for your team, don’t hesitate to reach out!…

In this episode of the Playbook for Performance podcast, host Shawna Corden dives into the vital topic of diversity and inclusion within teams. While this subject may seem over-discussed, Shawna brings a fresh perspective, sharing why diversity isn't just a buzzword but a critical driver for innovation, creativity, and effective decision-making. Key takeaways: 1. Diversity in Teams: The importance of having diverse backgrounds and experiences in teams to foster innovative problem-solving. 2. Mastermind Groups: How diversity within mastermind groups can enhance personal and professional development. 3. Inclusion: Inclusion goes beyond just inviting someone to the table; it’s about ensuring they are prepared, confident, and able to contribute meaningfully. 4. Practical Tips: Role-playing, forming a personal board of directors, and engaging in "immersion therapy" to broaden perspectives. 5. Bias Awareness: The value of understanding personal biases and how they can impact decision-making. 6. Supporting Diversity: How to prepare and support diverse candidates for success within your organization. Connect with Shawna: Website: shawnacorden.com https://www.youtube.com/@shawnacorden Email: podcast@shawnacorden.com Instagram: @playbookforperformance Next Episode Preview: Tune in next week as we explore team-building strategies that strengthen cohesion and upgrade team skills. Special Announcement: Shawna is developing an app to improve resilience and is seeking beta testers. If you’re interested, email podcast@shawnacorden.com with "beta tester" in the subject line.…

In this episode of "Playbook for Performance," Shawna Corden dives into the intricacies of performance management. Far from being a dreaded task, Shawna explains how setting clear expectations can transform this process into a seamless part of leadership. Episode Highlights 1. Understanding Performance Management: - Setting clear expectations for your team. - Differentiating between job descriptions and position plans. 2. The Importance of Expectations: - Aligning work with how it should be done and deadlines. - Ensuring mutual understanding of tasks using metaphors like "paint the shed." 3. Managing Time and Projects: - Balancing workload throughout the year with pie charts and forecasting. - Addressing busy seasons and planning for personal and professional time. 4. Development Opportunities: - Focusing on strengths over weaknesses. - Utilizing mentoring and setting SMART goals for clarity and success. 5. Tracking Progress: - Regular check-ins and feedback. - Keeping detailed notes on individual progress. 6. Handling Underperformance: - Assuming positive intent and offering support. - Identifying capacity versus capability issues and providing necessary resources. Resources: Contact Shawna Corden: shawna@shawnacorden.com Shawna’s book on conflict resolution and teamwork strategies Next Episode Preview: 1. Topic: Diversity and Inclusion 2. Focus: The importance of diversity of thought in enriching teams and improving business outcomes. Takeaway: Performance management is about setting clear expectations, fostering growth, and maintaining regular communication to ensure team success.…

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, we'll explore the intricacies of navigating change within teams. Key Points Discussed: 1. The Brain and Change : Understand why the brain equates change to pain and how developing new neural pathways can be challenging. 2. Research Insights : Learn from the ICF and HCI report on building a coaching culture for change, highlighting common organizational struggles such as poor leadership, communication issues, and burnout. 3. Effective Communication : Tips for over-communicating the reasons for change, the path forward, and timelines. 4. Leadership Role : How leaders can articulate vision, connect individual roles to the bigger picture, and manage the change process with compassion and clarity. 5. Change Intelligence : Introduction to Dr. Barbara Troutline’s Change Intelligence concept and the importance of recognizing different change styles within your team. 6. Support Systems : The importance of providing moral and practical support, including additional staffing, automation, and self-care initiatives. 7. Monitoring Progress : Strategies for tracking and communicating the progress of change initiatives, making necessary adjustments, and leading by example. Additional Resources: Employee Resilience App : Announcing our upcoming app focused on building employee resilience. We're looking for beta testers! Email us at podcast@shawnacorden.com with "beta tester" in the subject line. CQ Assessment : Learn more about the Change Intelligence (CQ) assessment and how it can benefit your team. Homework: - Develop a Clear Communication Plan : Include strategies, key messages, and channels to keep everyone informed and engaged. - Seek Input and Feedback : Engage your team through surveys, workshops, and team meetings. - Provide Support Systems : Offer training, coaching, and EAP services to help your team manage change. - Monitor Progress : Regularly track and communicate the progress of your change initiatives. Stay Connected: - Next Episode : We’ll discuss performance management and how to maintain changes for lasting success. - Feedback and Reviews : If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and send a screenshot to podcast@shawnacorden.com for a chance to receive a signed copy of Shawna’s book. Join us next time for more insights and strategies on how to effectively lead your team through change. Until then, take good care!…

In this episode of the Playbook for Performance Podcast, Shawna Corden dives into the crucial topic of enhancing team engagement. With only 21% of employees actively engaged at work, Shawna explores strategies leaders can use to boost their teams' motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction. Key Points Discussed: 1. Defining Engagement: - Engagement is measured by productivity, profitability, and retention. - Only 21% of employees are actively engaged, making it essential to focus on improving this metric. 2. Measuring Engagement: - Utilize Gallup's Q12 questions to assess engagement. - Four key categories: What do I give? What do I get? Can I grow? Do I belong? 3. Strategies for Enhancing Engagement: - Create a Sense of Purpose: Connect daily tasks to the overall vision and goals of the organization. - Recognize and Reward Efforts: Appreciate and reward employees' efforts in various ways, not just financially. - Foster a Positive Work Environment: Encourage teamwork, assume positive intent, and provide constructive feedback privately. - Encourage Work-Life Balance: Model healthy work-life balance practices and respect employees' time outside of work. 4. Actionable Tips: - Conduct anonymous surveys to gauge current engagement levels. - Implement a recognition plan with a set budget and frequency. - Schedule professional development opportunities. - Hold feedback sessions to enhance the work environment. 5. Homework: - Leaders are encouraged to assess their teams' engagement, create recognition plans, and promote professional development. Resources: Contact Shawna Corden: shawna@shawnacorden.com Shawna’s book on conflict resolution and teamwork strategies Next Episode Preview: The next topic will cover navigating change within organizations and making the process less painful. Listen to the full episode for more insights and practical tips on enhancing team engagement!…

In this episode, Shawna Corden explores the often misunderstood topic of conflict within teams. She explains how conflict, when managed correctly, can be a powerful tool for innovation and growth. She also highlights the difference between productive and unproductive conflict and offers practical tips and strategies for fostering healthy competition and resolving disagreements. Key Points Discussed: 1. Importance of Conflict: Conflict can be a catalyst for improvement and innovation, similar to healthy competition. 2. Types of Conflict: - Task Conflict: Disagreements about responsibilities and task completion. - Relationship Conflict: Personal differences and triggers. - Process Conflict: Conflicting objectives within matrixed organizations. - Goal Conflict: Internal conflicts between personal and organizational goals. 3. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Conflict: Productive conflict focuses on issues, while unproductive conflict targets individuals. 4. Conflict Resolution Strategies: -Use of RACI charts for clarity in responsibilities. - Active listening and paraphrasing to ensure understanding. - Encouraging team collaboration to solve problems. - Role-playing and mediation exercises to build conflict resolution skills. 5. The Role of Leaders: Leaders should facilitate conflict resolution rather than imposing solutions. 6. Maintaining Harmony: Too much harmony can hinder accountability and performance. Balanced conflict can enhance team effectiveness. 7. Practical Exercises: Teams can benefit from conflict resolution exercises, including reviewing past conflicts or using hypothetical case studies. Resources: Contact Shawna Corden: shawna@shawnacorden.com Shawna’s book on conflict resolution and teamwork strategies Next Episode Preview: Join us next time as we discuss enhancing team engagement. We'll explore what makes people feel engaged and what drives team disengagement. Thank you for tuning in. Remember, when managed well, conflict can lead to greater team success. Until next time, take good care!…