Bob 'n Joyce Talk HR 'n OD

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss CEO flaws and flubs they observed while working with them. CEO’s are human and therefore imperfect. The good news is that those we worked with possessed strengths that offset their shortcomings. Come listen and assess which flaws you may have. Some of the flaws they observed include: Failure to stay disciplined about messaging what matters most again and again.....

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce address the challenge of moving from personal or organizational lethargy to vitality. Good leaders can sense the pulse of an organization and find ways to move the needle on the cultural vibe. So the question becomes how do you engage employees in order to make the shift? Here are a couple of areas we mused on: Responding to, ‘Well, it is what it is.’ Combating the mala...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce muse on the merits and limitations of setting goals. Goal setting can both energize and move you to action but can also discourage and demotivate. It begs the question as to how you accomplish the former and avoid the latter. This topic is timely given the 2024 Paris Olympics and the stories athletes share about how they became the best in the world. The recurring theme...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce, go through a recent post where the author describes leadership attributes that makes a person worth following. While there are many leadership models, this one focuses on affinity, the ability to connect with others based on mutual respect and trust. The behaviors and attributes described in today’s podcast serves as a guide to assess how we are doing. Come listen to l...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce rift on the importance of an organization’s culture being seen and understood. Our definition of culture is the way that a group solves problems, make decisions, and gets the work done. When these norms or assumptions no longer work, making your culture tangible and seen, is the first step to cultural change. To do this, we share ideas on how you can lead a conversation...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce share a list of OD values created by a team Joyce worked with several years ago. The list resonated with them but what matters more is if they ring true to you. These values are not exclusive to OD practitioners and apply to all of us who lead and we all lead at something. You probably won’t find these values on the ODN website or in an academic leadership article. This...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce discuss the importance of HR/OD abandoning worn out approaches and rules that no longer cut it. In fact, past practices too often stifle creativity and employee engagement. The role of OD is to “supersize” the capacity and potential of their workforce. Sounds too idealistic and soft? We think not. Taking this on demands courage and patience. Warning: We get irritated an...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce speak out about stuff that irritates the heck out of them. Leaders too often fail to treat employees respectfully, especially at times that matter most. It is almost as if common sense and decency go out the window. Here is some of the stuff that irritates them: The arrogance of viewing employees as problems to be solved versus as the solution Letting people go without...

In this episode, our guest, Andrea Derler, shares how people analytics empowers HR and leaders to align HR strategy with business goals like never before. Organizations are increasing under greater pressure to increase employee engagement and performance outcomes. Join us today to learn how people analytics can unlock the untapped value of your employees. Come on in. Grab a snack. Welcome _About D...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce share thought-provoking question for leaders and HR/OD practitioners. Some questions come from Gallup consulting, and the rest from Joyce’s own writings. Asking a powerful question is a valuable tool for providing insights, shifting perspectives (in a good way), and revealing blind spots. They can also irritate the dickens out of you. Come join us as we rift on each and...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce rift on the merits and relevance of creating self-organizing communities. Whether it be in the fabric of an organization’s culture or a one-time intervention, taking a decentralized approach for problem solving, co-creation, and vitality works. In this episode we asks as many questions as we answers so buckle up because we need you on this topic. We touch on: How self-o...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce delve into the practice of setting norms of behavior for meetings. Norm setting is a game changer for effective engagement but too often doesn’t work. We provide tips and ideas on how to establish norms that work. Why is this an important topic? • Many meetings are waste of time and talent. • Meetings done well are where real work gets done. • Norms are a powerful inter...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce sit down with Terry Morgan, an accomplished executive known for his change leadership as a CEO, CIO, interim executive, and technology consultant. Terry has led large scale transformations at companies including Food Lion, Delhaize, and Lowe's Home Improvement. Terry shares insights for navigating significant change with a thoughtful approach resulting in successful, hi...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce share 12 principles or truths about organizational change. This list is based on the work of Margaret Wheatley, author, leadership guru, and management consultant. We time-test these truths using our experiences and invite you to do the same. Here is sample of some: Whatever the problem, community is the answer. Diversity is a blessing, not a problem. A leader is anyone...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce meet with Jon Rennie, author, podcaster, and business executive, who shares his unique perspective on what it means to be a good leader . Jon is a former U.S Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer with seven deployments during the Cold War. Today, Jon is President and CEO of Peak Demands, a premier manufacturer of critical components for electrical companies. Jon also hosts his...

In this 150th episode, Bob’nJoyce riff on the conditions necessary for an organization to avert decline and irrelevance. All companies, at some point, confront internal and external forces that put their success at risk. Today we lean into Jim Collins’s work on the disciplines required to ‘right the ship’ and get back on track. These ideas are so practical and basic that they are often overlooked...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce take on the merits of taking risk in life and work. The problem is that most of us are risk adverse and prefer to play it safe. Our risk-taking premise is that saying yes and getting out on the skinny branches leads to a life filled with possibility and breakthroughs. If true, how does a leader cultivate a company culture that embrace taking risk and yes, making mistake...

In this episodes, Bob’nJoyce explore the dynamic of how a big challenge can bring out our best and accelerate people development. Joyce interviews Bob about his going south (North Carolina) from Maine to help create a division of stores in a new market. Taking on work with unknowns and challenges, expected and unexpected, is both terrifying and thrilling. In this episode, we share interventions an...

In today’s episodes, Bob’nJoyce get real about why they are committed to doing this podcast. They share their ‘Why’ to give context to the topics they choose and their unique perspectives on everything HR/OD. As a regular listener, it is important that you know where the passion for this work comes from. Today, more than ever, OD is an island of sanity in a world in profound disarray. Spending tim...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce riffs on pervasive workplace exhaustion and what to do about it. The pressure on organizations for high performance has never been greater despite workers being less engaged and motivated. Bob’nJoyce provide 25 practical ideas that gets us moving and out of the doldrums. A couple of them include: • Eating a meal with people that energize you. • Time out lounges and quie...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce riff on ways to build resilience in the midst of significant workplace disruption. This includes everything from a major organizational overhaul to the sudden departure of a popular leader. The question is what practical steps can leaders and HR/OD practitioners do to ground employees and maintain business focus. Disruptive change paralyses an organization and its emplo...

In this episode, Bob and Joyce take on the discomfort, sometimes embarrassment, of learning something new. There is a period where we often go backwards, stumble and fall when learning something new. The expectation of most people is that once the learning process begins, improvement quickly follows. When it doesn't go this way, disappointment and resignation often follows. As coaches, OD and HR p...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce speak to the importance and challenge of third-party facilitation. As HR/OD practitioners, we are often called upon to facilitate open and productive conversations between two parties. This is an important and often underappreciated role that we play. In this episode, you will get: What it looks like when done well The perils of not getting it right Skills necessary to...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce rift on creating a healthy work culture in a world where cynicism about institutions has become the norm. Many workers today are tired, bored, and disillusioned. Given this current reality, what can leaders and HR/OD practitioners to turn the ship around? Bob’nJoyce would offer those cosmetic solutions like flexible hours, ping pong tables, and pizza parties are nice bu...

In this episode, Bob’nJoyce share OD principles that foster true collaborative workplaces where dignity and meaning prevail. They highlight an approach, STS (Socio Technical Systems), a collaborative change process introduced by Bernard Mohr some 30 years ago at a new Hannaford warehouse. A team of people doing the work (receivers, packers, selectors) partnered with leadership to transform their w...