The Bosshole® Chronicles

Sara and John share an important perspective on how one decides to "show up".  Are you above the line, or below the line?  As you'll hear, it makes all the difference in our work lives and with our families.  And while not always easy, it is a choice and one that we can ask others to help hold us accountable.  A great way to stay out of The Bosshole Zone. Have a BOSSHOLE STORY of yo...

This week, Sara brings to light a terrific article from Harvard Business Review authored by Diane Gherson and Lynda Gratton entitled, "Managers Can't Do It All".  It addresses the pressures and challenges facing managers in these unprecedented times.  Be sure to access the article in the show notes! Click HERE to see the Harvard Business Review article Have a BOSSHOLE STORY of your...

Sara sits down with Rick and Amy Simmons - authors, speakers, consultants, and pioneers in the field of liminal space.  A fascinating look at how times of uncertainty can present very powerful opportunities to reshape who you are and how you approach the world around you. Click HERE to get a copy of Rick and Amy's book Unleashed Click HERE for the Unleashed podcast Click HERE for the Telos In...

Coaching is one of those skills that seems to be elusive for a lot of managers and without it, they struggle to fulfill their role as a people-developer and stay out of The Bosshole Zone.  Karen and John begin to explore this very broad topic by defining the role of coach from a few perspectives and walk through Karen's very own Four Quarters of Coaching.  The reinvented manager must develop...

There is never a dull moment when you have a chance to speak with Todd Cherches!  We had a wonderful opportunity to learn more about this remarkable person who draws on so many Bosshole experiences that he put them in his book, VisuaLeadership.  You will be entertained, informed, and restored by Todd's approach to the world of work. Click HERE to visit Todd's website and see Todd's...

We are joined by a true powerhouse in the area of human resources - Rodney Eason.  Rodney shares some of his "must-haves" that, together, offer up "the Great Differentiator" for leading and developing people.  For managers drifting into The Bosshole Zone, these are steps you can take right now and Rodney explains just how easy it is. Click HERE to connect with Rodney via Linked...

Day 2 of OPTIMA22 was as incredible as Day 1.  Sara, Karen, and John continue their download of takeaways and inspirations from this amazing conference! Have a BOSSHOLE STORY of your own?  Click HERE to inquire about being on the podcast! HERE ARE MORE RESOURCES FROM REAL GOOD VENTURES: Never miss a good opportunity to learn from a bad boss... Click HERE to get your very own Reference Profile .  W...

Sara, Karen, and John are back from Boston and OPTIMA22, the Talent Optimization conference hosted by The Predictive Index.  There were so many amazing speakers and takeaways that we had to split this into two episodes.  Enjoy! Have a BOSSHOLE STORY of your own?  Click HERE to inquire about being on the podcast! HERE ARE MORE RESOURCES FROM REAL GOOD VENTURES: Never miss a good opportunity to lear...

Part of Bosshole Prevention starts with surrounding managers with the right people. Getting back to one of our core principles of designing healthy teams, Karen and John discuss Team Types and what they actually mean.  Designing teams for optimized performance is absolutely within your power and helps keep managers out of The Bosshole Zone. Click HERE to download the Competing Values Matrix of Ref...

Drawing on Emma Goldberg's article featuring mining company Pete Lien and Sons, Sara and John explore how The 5 Languages of Appreciation can be a powerful way to keep managers out of The Bosshole Zone.   This is so easy to do when a manager understands what it means and how to apply them. Click HERE to read Emma Goldberg's article Click HERE to access the book The 5 Languages of Appreci...

Karen and John explore how self-doubt can contribute greatly to Bossole tendencies.  Whether they stem from nature or are nurtured, these tendencies need to be addressed before they become too severe and drive managers into The Bosshole Zone. Click HERE for a copy of the 2022 State of Talent Optimization Report Have a BOSSHOLE STORY of your own?  Click HERE to inquire about being on the podcast! H...

Karen and John introduce one of Real Good Ventures' newest tools, the Bosshole Zone Defense checklist.  A must-have tool for managers to help them navigate the difficulty of dealing with a direct report whose performance is in question.  Download your own version from the show notes and share it with your managers to keep them out of The Bosshole Zone. Click HERE for a PDF of the Bosshole Zon...

In this episode, John and Karen get to delve into the world of Introverts and Extroverts.  These are terms are tossed around quite often when discussing human behavior and most of the time incorrectly.  Understanding these characteristics more clearly will help us understand people at a more accurate level. Click HERE to see Susan Cain's TEDTalk Click HERE to order a copy of her book "Qu...

In this episode, we hear from Katie about how Bossholes just don't look beyond their own surroundings.   Major decisions have significant implications that managers need to think through and consider from the perspective of those experiencing the change.  Of course, poor execution and careless communication will cost you talent.  Katie is a perfect example. Click HERE to register for Optima22...

We welcome an absolute Trailblazer in the field of Emotional Intelligence, Dr. Rich Handley.  Rich takes us through his journey as one of the original full-on EI  practitioners who eventually developed a level of expertise that is beyond compare.  His discussion on Leadership Presence is a 'must hear' for everyone - not just managers. Click HERE to access Dr. Handley's course Click...

Sara and John sit down with the remarkable Leonora Williamson from Platinum Rule Advisors to discuss the key elements of trust and how critical they are to every relationship.  When a trust breakdown happens, Leonora provides a great framework to assess what has happened and why. Click HERE to visit Platinum Rule Advisors website Click HERE to see Leonora's LinkedIn profile Click HERE to orde...

A wonderful discussion with Sheila Eason from Elevate People Solutions!  An incredibly experienced professional who has worked in the world of Bossholes for many years.  Sheila shares more about her work as a coach and a genuine Boss Whisperer. Click HERE to see Sheila's site Elevate People Solutions Click HERE for Sheila's LinkedIn profile Click HERE to register for Optima22! Have a BOS...

Pack your bags and join us this April 12th through the 13th at OPTIMA22!   This is THE conference for talent optimization and it has no equal.   We are honored to have been asked to speak again at this transformational event and we will be bringing the Bosshole stories with us.  See details below! Click HERE to register for Optima22!  And use the code PARTERVIP or BOSSHOLECHRONICLES for $400.00 of...

Joined by the very accomplished Dr. Clinton Longenecker, Sara and John explore his groundbreaking work on leadership types and the foundational elements necessary to lead with purpose, passion, and conscience.  Check out the links to Dr. Longenecker's work especially his article on "Managing Your Boss". Click HERE for Clint's "Managing Your Boss in the 21st Century" a...

Our amazing friend Heather returns to share her latest Bosshole story!  Despite doing extensive homework and research on her eventual employer, she ran into another horrific Bosshole situation that goes to prove that the awards and notoriety companies may receive are no guarantee that Bossholes aren't lurking in the shadows.  This is a powerful lesson for us all. Click HERE to register for Op...

It's here!  PI's latest report on the State of Talent Optimization.  Sara and John focus on a few of the key findings and what organizations can do to fight off the effects of the Great Resignation. Click HERE for a copy of the 2022 State of Talent Optimization Report Click HERE to register for Optima22! Have a BOSSHOLE STORY of your own?  Click HERE to inquire about being on the podcast...

Have you ever known someone who seems to approach this world with such intensity and harshness that it overwhelms other people and shuts them down?  Have you also ever wondered, "What the heck is up with that person?"  Sara and John talk about how being "small" on the inside can show up as being "big" on the outside.  Bossholes are known for this. Click HERE to regist...

We welcome Rich Sheridan, Chief Storyteller for Menlo Innovations and author of "Chief Joy Officer" and "Joy, Inc.".  This is how transformation takes place.  When a leader learns from mistakes, gets out of the way, and empowers the amazing people that are part of their organization, that's when remarkable things happen.  Consider this a component of how to reinvent the wo...

We welcome Ben Snyder (Persuader), Lead Pastor at Cedar Creek Church in Toledo, Ohio.  Leading and shepherding people for several years, Ben shares his insights and the dynamics that have shaped who he is and how he views his responsibility as a leader working to stay out of the Bosshole Zone. Click HERE to see Ben's LinkedIn profile Click HERE to visit Cedar Creek Church's website Have...

In this episode, we meet Bob (Analyzer) who takes us through his own Bosshole experience and the events that lead to his confronting the Bosshole who was stifling not only himself but the entire team.  It takes courage (and sometimes sleep deprivation) to stand toe-to-toe with a Bosshole.  Listen in and think about what you would have done. Have a BOSSHOLE STORY of your own?  Click HERE to inquire...