Business Problems Solved Podcast

Lee delves into the art of coaching, specifically focusing on the role of an improvement coach. Host Lee Horton emphasises the importance of having a clear intent, using conversation starters, and defining expected outcomes before engaging in coaching sessions. He introduces the ICE model (Intent, Conversation Starter, Expected Outcome) as a mental framework for effective coaching. Lee shares pers...

Lee Horton delves into the concept that the best teams do not necessarily consist of the best thinkers, but rather create the best thinking environment. He emphasises the importance of leaders asking questions to empower and engage their teams, rather than providing all the answers. Lee discusses the significance of morning meetings or daily huddles in setting the tone for the day and encourages l...

Join Lee as he talks about the art of coaching and the importance of asking great questions. Lee Horton emphasises the significance of thought-provoking questions that are succinct, open, relevant, timely, and free from bias and emotion. By exploring what makes a great question, Lee highlights the role of coaching in supporting performance and development opportunities for individuals. KEY TAKEAWA...

This episode delves into the crucial aspect of leadership buy-in in successful change initiatives. Lee talks about the importance of senior leaders actively engaging and supporting change efforts beyond just financial investment. Using the analogy of a glass ceiling and floor, Lee highlights the disconnect between leaders and employees, stressing the need for transparent communication and genuine...

This episode delves into the crucial aspect of role modelling within change teams. Lee, drawing from his 18 years of experience in change management, highlights the common failure of change teams to effectively role model the behaviours and strategies they advocate for others. By emphasising the importance of role modelling, Lee underscores the significance of change teams embodying the principles...

Lee explores the concept of footprints leaving clues in our personal and professional journeys. Reflecting on his own diverse experiences, including DJing, owning a bouncy castle business, and self-publishing children's books, Lee highlights the valuable lessons learned from each endeavour. By exploring the footprints left behind by these experiences, Lee emphasises the importance of understanding...

Join Lee as he delves into the crucial role of rest in personal and professional growth. Drawing from his experience training for marathons, Lee highlights the necessity of rest periods for muscles to grow and strengthen. He parallels this concept with the workplace, emphasising the importance of downtime between meetings to allow for reflection, action, and progress. Through relatable analogies a...

Lee talks about the concept of looking at people through a deeper lens to truly understand and engage with them. He discusses the importance of considering individuals as a whole person, comprising their thoughts, feelings, actions, and beliefs. By breaking down the person into these four components, Lee explores how leaders can effectively engage with their teams and drive positive change. The ep...

In this episode, Lee discusses the importance of managing things, leading people, and coaching the gaps in a business setting. He stresses that while coaching is an effective way to develop employees, it is crucial to recognise when to manage situations and lead people instead. Lee highlights the need for clarity of vision, setting expectations, and role modelling when leading people. He also emph...

Lee explores the difference between organisational habits and personal habits. He reflects on his previous discussions about individual habits and how they influence culture. Lee defines organisational habits as routines that occur automatically within an organisation, independent of specific individuals. He emphasises the importance of understanding and influencing both personal and organisationa...

Lee explores the concept of instincts and habits. He delves into the idea of striving for perfection in human behaviour by encouraging individuals to do the right thing at the right time, every time. Lee discusses the differences between instincts and habits, highlighting that instincts are reactive and unconscious, while habits involve conscious awareness and practice. Overall, this thought-provo...

Lee explores the importance of effectively engaging the hearts and senses of people when leading and implementing change. He emphasises the power of words, pictures, and emotions in creating a strong connection with individuals. Lee highlights the significance of creating a vision that resonates with people and involves them in the process, as it increases their level of commitment and engagement....

Lee discusses the parallels between his marathon training journey and running a business. He shares his experiences and lessons learned from his training, emphasising the importance of paying attention to the small details and not sweating the unimportant stuff. Lee also talks about the value of seeking guidance and feedback from experienced individuals to understand what truly matters.  KEY TAKEA...

This episode explores the importance of conversation in today's technology-driven world. Lee highlights how distractions and short-form communication have led to a loss of the art of conversation. Lee emphasises the need for engaging and meaningful conversations to solve business problems and improve personal relationships. He shares his own experience of transitioning from scripted questions to o...

Join Lee as he reflects on the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on various industries over the past year. He draws a parallel between AI and artificial grass, highlighting the advantages and limitations of both. While AI offers predictability and efficiency, human intelligence possesses emotional depth and adaptability. Lee emphasises the importance of leveraging technology...

In this final episode of 2023, Lee reflects on the year and shares personal challenges, including his training for the London Marathon and an ultra marathon in 2024. He discusses the parallels between his training journey and the challenges faced in leadership. Lee emphasises the importance of having a compelling vision, making goals tangible and relatable, and creating accountability through publ...

Lee explores the concept of putting your body where your priorities are. He challenges the common practice of leaders simply sending emails or making phone calls about their priorities, and instead encourages leaders to physically show up and contribute to the work that aligns with their number one priority. By being present both physically and mentally, leaders can demonstrate their support and c...

In this episode, Lee Horton explores the complexities of communication and the challenges that arise when messages are not received as intended. Lee emphasises the importance of consistently and clearly communicating messages multiple times to ensure they are understood by different individuals. He shares the six key factors in any communication process into six key factors and talks about how ack...

Lee opens up in this episode, sharing a personal experience of feeling overwhelmed and struggling to manage his time effectively. He reflects on the importance of structure and prioritisation to avoid becoming overwhelmed and unproductive. Lee emphasises the need for clarity, conscious effort, and consistency in managing one's schedule and making time for important tasks. He also highlights the li...

Lee shares a personal story about his son's confidence and how it relates to building successful teams in business. Lee's son, Jack, plays for two football teams and has different levels of confidence and involvement with each team. Lee introduces the concept of the "Q for Confidence" formula, which includes comfort, understanding, and effort. Lee talks about the importance of creating a comfortab...

Join Lee as he discusses the importance of the four C's: Connect, Converse, Collaborate, and Celebrate. He challenges listeners to reflect on how effectively they are applying these principles within their teams. He also encourages listeners to have clarity in their understanding, be conscious in their actions, and remain consistent in their messaging and activities. By doing so, the four C's beco...

Lee discusses the concept of failure and how it is perceived differently in the gym versus in the workplace. Drawing parallels between failing to achieve fitness goals and failing to meet business targets, Lee challenges the negative connotation associated with failure and encourages listeners to reframe it as a stepping stone towards success. He emphasises the importance of intrinsic motivation,...

Join Lee as he explores the importance of trust in leading change. He introduces the concept of the trust equation, which includes reliability, credibility, intimacy, and self-orientation. Lee discusses three key aspects where trust is crucial: trust in the change facilitator, trust in the business, and trust in the solution. By building trust, leaders can successfully navigate organisations and a...

In this episode of Business Problems Solved, Lee Horton discusses the three non-negotiables for a high-performing leadership team. Drawing inspiration from a leadership team he has been working with, Lee emphasizes the importance of alignment, clear expectations, and role-modelling accountability. He explains that a high-performing team does not necessarily require all high-performing individuals,...

Join Lee as he explores the concept of "Measure Mountain" and the importance of recognising and enabling effective teams within an organisation. Lee talks about the need to not only focus on the team delivering the 'valuable' work but also on other teams such as the leadership team. He encourages leaders to consider the horizontal lines of communication and collaboration, in addition to the vertic...