The Intentional Leaders Podcast: Helping ambitious leaders gain clarity, communicate with confidence, and lead with intention.

In this episode of the Intentional Leaders Podcast, host Cyndi Wentland discusses the challenges and strategies involved in transitioning from being a peer to a managerial role within the same team. She emphasizes the importance of establishing clear boundaries, fostering open communication, and building trust to navigate this shift effectively. Cyndi also highlights the need for new managers to d...

In this episode of the Intentional Leaders Podcast, host Cyndi Wentland interviews Ryan Festerling, President of QPS Employment Group. Ryan shares insights from his leadership journey, discussing the challenges and successes he has encountered in the staffing and recruiting industry. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, fostering a positive organizational culture, and ada...

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into Tuckman's Team Development Model, focusing on the often misunderstood 'Storming' phase. Many teams view this stage with apprehension, associating it with conflict and discomfort. However, 'storming' doesn't always manifest as overt disputes; it can be subtle, characterized by unspoken disagreements and artificial harmony. R...

Not all groups are teams—and that’s okay. Understanding Bruce Tuckman’s Model of Team Development helps leaders navigate and accelerate their team’s journey from formation to high performance. In this episode, we explore the four predictable stages every team experiences: ✔ Forming – Setting goals, defining roles, and establishing purpose ✔ Storming – Navigating disagreements, resolving conflicts,...

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the profound impact of empathy on human connection, drawing inspiration from Brené Brown's "Atlas of the Heart." We explore the subtle cues of emotional pain that often go unnoticed in our daily interactions and discuss the importance of recognizing and responding to these signals with genuine empathy. Key Takeaways: Understanding Empathy...

In this episode of the Intentional Leaders Podcast, host Cyndi Wentland interviews Dr. Shenita Brokenburr, who shares her insights on leadership. Dr. Brokenburr discusses the importance of trust as a foundational element in leadership, emphasizing how it fosters authenticity and a shared commitment to success within teams. She also highlights strategies for building and maintaining trust, as well...

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the concept of Expert Power —the influence derived from possessing specialized knowledge or skills—and its pivotal role in effective leadership. We discuss how cultivating expertise not only enhances your ability to lead but also significantly impacts your organization's success. Key Takeaways: Identify Your Unique Strengths: Reflect on the combina...

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the concept of power in leadership, emphasizing its role in achieving results through influence. We explore the foundational work of social psychologists John French and Bertram Raven, who identified six bases of power: Legitimate Power Reward Power Coercive Power Expert Power Referent Power Informational Power Understanding these power bases is crucial...

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the pervasive issue of micromanagement in the workplace. A staggering 79% of employees have experienced micromanagement during their careers, leading to significant negative outcomes.  Key Discussion Points: Understanding Micromanagement: We define micromanagement as the excessive control over minor details of an employee's work, often resulting fr...

 In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the concept that "Feedback is a Gift" 🎁—a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth. However, receiving feedback can often trigger defensive reactions, hindering our development. Common Defensive Reactions: Flight: Denying or avoiding the feedback. Fight: Becoming aggressive or confrontational. Awkwardness: Using humor or inv...

In this episode of the Intentional Leaders Podcast, host Cyndi Wentland interviews Chad Melnick, Senior Vice President at Kohl's. Chad shares insights from his leadership journey, discussing the importance of adaptability, fostering a collaborative team culture, and the value of continuous learning. He emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships and maintaining open communica...

In this episode, we delve into the principles of effective time management, drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey's seminal works, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and "First Things First." Covey emphasizes the importance of consciously committing to what truly matters, warning that neglecting this leads to an unconscious focus on the trivial. A key tool discusse...

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the critical importance of assertiveness in the workplace. Being assertive means standing up for your values and expressing your needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully. This skill is essential for maintaining personal integrity and fostering healthy professional relationships.  We discuss how assertiveness enables you to advocate for yourself and...

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the complexities of workplace conflict—an inevitable aspect of professional life that many prefer to avoid. By understanding the six common types of conflict, leaders can navigate these challenges more effectively, fostering a healthier work environment. The Six Types of Workplace Conflict: Interpersonal Conflicts: These arise from personal differences...

Tired of monotonous meetings where engagement is low and ideas are scarce? It's time to revitalize your discussions with Dr. Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats technique. This innovative method assigns different perspectives—represented by six colored hats—to participants, fostering comprehensive analysis and creative problem-solving. By encouraging team members to explore issues from mu...

In this inagural podcast interview, host Cyndi Wentland interviews Andy Platz, President and CEO of Mead & Hunt, a national architecture and engineering firm. Andy shares insights from his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of fostering a collaborative culture, embracing innovation, and maintaining a people-centric approach. He discusses strategies for effective team building, navi...

In transitioning from an individual contributor to a managerial role presents several challenges. Common pitfalls for new managers include: Power Confusion : Over-reliance on formal authority can lead to a "do what I say" approach, which may alienate team members. Balancing different types of power—legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, and referent—is crucial for effective leadership.  I...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of forgiveness in the workplace. Holding onto grudges and resentment not only affects our mental and emotional well-being but also hampers our professional growth and relationships. Drawing insights from Dr. Fred Luskin's renowned work, "Forgive for Good," we explore practical steps to release past hurts and reclaim inner peace...

In this episode, we delve into the critical importance of soft skills in the workplace. Despite their 'soft' label, these skills—ranging from communication and teamwork to problem-solving and adaptability—are often the determining factors between success and failure in professional settings. The discussion highlights that while technical expertise is essential, it's the mastery of s...

Workplace drama—those energy-draining, morale-depleting, and soul-sucking behaviors—can disrupt even the most professional environments.ut why does it happen, and more importantly, how can we address it? Why Does Workplace Drama Occur? Attention Seeking : some individuals crave recognition and feel important when others focus on them. Status Enhancement : being "in the know" or sharing e...

In the podcast episode "Are You Leading with Intention? How to Make Better Leadership Decisions," we delve into the critical importance of intentional leadership. The discussion emphasizes that effective leadership requires deliberate actions aligned with core values and organizational goals. By leading with intention, leaders can foster trust, drive engagement, and achieve sustainable s...

Avoiding conflict in the workplace might seem like the path of least resistance, but it often leads to escalating tensions, decreased productivity, and eroded trust among team members. Addressing conflicts head-on fosters a culture of open communication and collaboration. Confronting issues directly, teams can transform disagreements into opportunities for growth and innovation. Embracing conflict...

In today's fast-paced work environment, empathy is more crucial than ever. It enhances communication, builds trust, and fosters effective collaboration. However, many of us feel emotionally drained, making it challenging to connect with others. Empathy isn't about agreeing or sympathizing; it's about understanding and valuing another's experience without judgment. Tips to Stren...

Embracing discomfort is a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth. By stepping out of our comfort zones, we open ourselves to new experiences, skills, and opportunities that can lead to significant development. Research indicates that leaning into uncomfortable situations can enhance motivation and progress toward our goals.  In the realm of leadership, this principle is particularl...

This episode explores the frustration that arises when we expect something to be easy, only to find it difficult—whether in leadership, managing people, or life’s personal challenges. Often, we assume that if something is hard, we must be doing it wrong, or that we’re inadequate. But what if difficulty is not a problem to be fixed, but a natural and necessary part of growth? Drawing from personal...