Just Saying - The BRIEF Lab

Most instruction is long, tedious and boring. Teachers drone on, students tune out. Crafting a story can create a spark that fires them up. The post Episode 131 – Storytelling as a valuable tool for teaching appeared first on Just Saying .

If meetings are a source of noise, what can we do in advance to lower the volume and have better discussions and make faster decisions? The post Episode 130 – Creating momentum before a meeting appeared first on Just Saying .

Lessons learned from my team after taking time away for a brief offsite. The post Episode 129 – A semi-silent retreat debrief appeared first on Just Saying .

The role of every leader is to tirelessly communicate key messages clearly, concisely and consistently over time. Learn how to keep it fresh. The post Episode 128 – Giving into message fatigue appeared first on Just Saying .

There are serious risks if we don’t manage these critical moments well – and some enticing rewards if we do. The post Episode 127 – Voicing a frustration appeared first on Just Saying .

Preparing what we think at the start and end our day not only serves as a powerful bookends to manage the noise but also sets the tone for us to be more intentional. The post Episode 126 – NOISE Filter: Our 1st and last thought of the day appeared first on Just Saying .

Call back episode #17 recorded October 27, 2017 In a world that’s always on, we feel drained. Ironically, we need to unplug to recharge. Finding critical moments for quiet in our day will help us gain peace, perspective and rest from the noise. The post Call Back Episode – Quiet time appeared first on Just Saying .

Call back episode #54 recorded Aug 27, 2018 Learn the basics of awareness management, a vital skill to direct the most precious commodity we have: our attention. The post Call Back Episode – Tune into AM 101 appeared first on Just Saying .

Call back episode #52 recorded Aug 13, 2018 Learn to get others around you to dial in quickly with a few basics of focus management (FM), an important skill set in our daily lives. The post Call Back Episode – Tune into FM 101 appeared first on Just Saying .

Microsoft executive Jim Lee shares his perspectives on managing the noise by being more disciplined, intentional and positive. The post Episode 122 – Be my guest: Microsoft’s Jim Lee with Charley Thornton appeared first on Just Saying .

We all need a rest from pervasive technology to recharge our minds and reset our focus. The post Episode 121 – You need a nap, not another app appeared first on Just Saying .

Sharing stories is a powerful way to connect generations and ensure important lessons learned are told and retold. The post Episode 120 – Putting up with old people’s stories (ok, boomer!) appeared first on Just Saying .

It’s part of our lives to critique and criticize, and also to compliment and acknowledge. Learn how these are two sides of the same coin. The post Episode 119 – Managing tough (and great) conversations appeared first on Just Saying .

Call back episode #31 recorded May 13, 2018 With way too much competing for our attention, we need to start focusing on our focus. It’s time to invest in awareness management. The post Call Back Episode – Focus, people! appeared first on Just Saying .

Call back episode #71 recorded January 07, 2019 Gratitude is the engine that drives people forward when everyone else gets stuck spinning their wheels. The post Call Back Episode – It’s a good time to say thanks appeared first on Just Saying .

Call back episode #68 recorded Dec 10, 2018 After-action reviews (AARs) are feedback sessions meant for groups to make important adjustments and improvements after meetings, training or missions. They are often a waste of time and need to be fixed. Links: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After-action_review The post Call Back Episode – Why do AAR’s frequently fail? appeared first on Just S...

In a 24-hour news cycle, endless opinions parade as facts and useless chatter masquerades as meaningful updates. How can we find some filters to lower some of that noise? The post Episode 115 – Noise filters: media consumption appeared first on Just Saying .

Filling the void just adds to the volume. Resist the urge, once and for all. The post Episode 114 – Talk-to-talk temptation appeared first on Just Saying .

Introducing a new periodic podcast installment: building your reading list. These suggestions focus on a deadly hurricane and the battery of options. Links: “Isaac’s Storm”: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=issacs+storm+erik+larson&crid=3R0GUB58YSWKZ&sprefix=issac%2Caps%2C154&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_5   “The Paradox of Choice”: https://www.amazon.com/Paradox-Choice-More-Less-Revised/dp/0062449...

A law of physics provides us with an insightful way to know how and why tone matters. The post Episode 112 – Does that resonate with you? appeared first on Just Saying .

Lean communicators know how and where to cut the fat. This short podcast provides the tools to remove what’s irrelevant. The post Episode 111 – The basics of trimming appeared first on Just Saying .

Moving from one profession to a completely different one can be daunting. Learn how telling others about yourself (not selling them) makes it smoother.   Links: Episode 1 – Job interviews: no time for an interrogation The post Episode 110 – Interviews to transition to your next reality appeared first on Just Saying .

Is a divided mind a distinct advantage or a recipe for disaster? Our personal and professional experiences may confirm a certain bias. Links: https://www.apa.org/research/action/multitask https://appliedpsychologydegree.usc.edu/blog/to-multitask-or-not-to-multitask/ The post Episode 109 – Is multitasking a mistake or management skill? appeared first on Just Saying .

Leading a group of military chaplains through a listening exercise felt like I was preaching to the choir, yet it was music to their ears. The post Episode 108 – Present listening and preaching to the choir appeared first on Just Saying .

There’s a strong bond between what’s funny and what’s clear. Take a closer look at two distinct crafts that share a lot in common. Links: Bill Burr – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWuFQGrWda8 Jim Gaffigan – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoTS0hvWDW8 Abbott and Costello – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTcRRaXV-fg The post Episode 107 – The connection between comedy and clarit...