The Dirty Side of Leadership

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the concept of resumé padding and the repercussions of such actions. They delve into childhood programming and other motivations that influence someone to pad their resumé. They also discuss the recent allegations of "Stolen Valor," regarding Vice Presidential pick, Tim Walz, and his overstating his military status. As always, you...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin ask difficult questions such as, "Have you ever been terminated? Got passed over for a job promotion? Or, passed over for a job that you worked hard to acquire? Have you suffered personal loss? Divorce? Sickness?" They discuss the fact that almost everyone has experienced one or more of these losses. They provide impactful and interesting...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin examine the recent decisions made by the leadership of the Olympic Committee for the Paris Olympics. They use this event to explore the complex and often controversial decisions made by leaders and the many aspects of making sound decisions to benefit a group. They also discuss the "backlash" from the ceremony and provide anecdotes to pre...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss accountability and responsibility and breakdown the testimony of Secret Service Director, Kimberly Cheatle, and the lack of clear and actionable information. The point that transparency is a must for leaders of any industry is explored in detail with takeaways to assist leaders if they are ever in the "hot seat" is included. The r...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is based in part from a presentation provided by 4Ward Operations' staff. It emphasizes the fact that most every problem in companies, agencies, churches, etc., can be traced back to communication failures. Ron and Kristin discuss various styles of communication and some remedies to improve. They also talk about the recent assassination attempt on former Presiden...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the fact that good communication is essential for success in today’s competitive landscape. Effective communication can boost productivity, satisfaction, and even close new business deals. But poor communication? It can make your brand look like it’s run by amateurs." Learn when and how to communicate to get the best results in life an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss three areas of boundaries: Physical, Emotional, and Mental. This episode reveals how your personality and childhood can impact your inability to set boundaries. You will also learn hedger words, such as "possible", "probable", "likely", "assume" and others that can minimize your influence and boundari...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin choose some of their favorite dirty lessons (DL) from the 100 DLs in Ron’s book, The Dirty Side of Leadership. The book that inspired the podcast's namesake. These lessons are a must for any leader, manager or entrepreneur, so don't miss this important episode. Ron also announced that his book is now on Audible. Check it out here: https:/...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin explore a modern term called "Scrappy." The term used to be used to describe a lean, muscular street fighter, but in recent years, it is being used in business.  You will learn what it takes to be scrappy and its importance, particularly for entrepreneurs. As always, Ron and Kristin use many personal stories and relatable events to make t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss Birth Order and Does it Matter? They dissect the truth behind the following stereotypes: Firstborn children are spoiled, middle kids get ignored, and the youngest kids act out because they crave attention. Well, new research shows that birth order really does matter and this episode will unpack some of the research and discuss how these cha...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss "Stress Bragging".  For some people in the United States, long work hours are a status symbol and many like to brag about their hard work and long hours.  This could be perpetuated by the fact that the average worker in the U.S. works more hours than most of their European counterparts. As a matter of fact, the U.S. works approxim...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin explore a topic that many of us have encountered throughout our careers: Cliques in the Workplace.  Workplace cliques are defined as informal groups or circles of individuals who share common interests, backgrounds, or social dynamics within an organization. While it's natural for people to form connections, cliques can sometimes create an exc...

Send us Fan Mail In this important episode, Ron and Kristin discuss insecurities and the methods people use to project their own insecurities onto others.  This episode also provides ways to recognize projections and provides proven strategies to help deflect the projection and assertively address the "root" of the problem. Sources:   ChatGPT https://happinessclinic.substack.com/p/how-to...

Send us Fan Mail Ron and Kristin discuss 12 groundbreaking steps to staying motivated. They explain that while consistency is a popular phrase, it's nothing without motivation. Motivation gets us out of bed in the morning. Motivation is the key to innovation and it is also the key to attaining those atomic habits.  The habits that will make you healthy, wealthy and wise. Don't miss this...

Send us Fan Mail In this important episode, Ron and Kristin unpack some alarming statistics regarding cell phone use and its impact on relationships and other social situations.  They also discuss some underlying issues that might need to be addressed to help individuals become more engaged and collaborative with others.  Finally, as always, this episode provides steps to help individuals reclaim...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the fact that most everyone has ups and downs in life, but instead of coming up with a plan to overcome, we simply succumb to the hardships and challenges and live in a rut.  This not only affects our wellbeing, it affects everything we do. It can even hurt the people we love the most. This episode will explore the problem with most wellnes...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the origin, effects and the potentially destructive qualities of cancel culture, both in and out of the workplace. They discuss the ultra politically divided and social media driven age and the mob mentality. The basis of the episode is to address free speech protected in the First Amendment regarding ideas, which differs greatly from the c...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin provide 25 jobs that do not require any college. The student loan debt balance in the U.S. has increased by 66% over the past decade, and it now totals more than $1.77 trillion. As a result, college-age Americans are beginning to wonder if college is right for them. Not only will this episode provide 25 good jobs but this episode includes 5 tips to...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the idea of managing up. This might suggest notions of an incompetent manager with whom you can’t stand to work with. Basically, the type of manager that is constantly micromanaging, giving vague feedback, and forcing you to work overtime. However, at its core, managing up isn’t about trying to “fix” a bad manager or manipulating a manager...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Dirty Side of Leadership Podcast, Ron and Kristin discuss the topic of gossip in the workplace.  They delve into the dynamics as it pertains to the gossiper and the gossipie.  They discuss psychological terms such as  “self-serving bias,” which is the tendency we all have to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt and to view ourselves more positively than a...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the latest buzz on TikTok known as, “Loud Budgeting”, a trend that has caught the attention of many seeking financial advice. The world of personal finance is constantly changing. New trends and methods to manage money emerge regularly. If you have financial problems, have an interest in money, or want to explore some strategies to gain wea...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin delve into the complexities of leadership amidst the loss of a loved one, and the  potential of turmoil regarding family disputes over inheritance and heirlooms. There are jaw dropping statistics surrounding the topic, and they discuss vital role of forgiveness. People may wonder what leadership has to do with death, but the truth is someone in the...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss the Success and Failure of Rock and Roll Bands (and the lessons we can learn). They explore the breakup of Guns and Roses, and the longevity of the Rolling Stones. This episode has many twists and turns that you don't want to miss. Sources: https://greatresultsteambuilding.net/5-powerful-team-leadership-lessons-from-musicians/ https://...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ron and Kristin discuss reasons why the wrong people get promoted. They explain how toxic people manipulate the process, undermine their competitors and simply take on projects just to be seen. Also, in this episode, you will also learn steps to help you stand out and position yourself to get promoted. Podcast Co Hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin Sokolof Producer: Steph...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to another insightful episode of The Dirty Side of Leadership Podcast with your hosts, Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff. In this episode, Ron and Kristin dive into the nuances of leadership in an unconventional yet crucial setting: airports and aircrafts. They explore how true leaders set the tone for their team, whether it's navigating through airport security or patien...