Episode 5: Teamwork Takes Time: Navigating Tuckman's Stages of Group Development Model
Release Date: 04/25/2025
Episode 9: What's the Big Deal With the Big Five?
Mission 501: The Podcast
In this episode of Mission 501: The Podcast, Ryan explores the Big Five personality traits — what they are, why they matter, and how understanding them can strengthen nonprofit teams and leadership. You’ve probably heard of personality frameworks before, but this one’s the real deal. From collaboration to conflict and beyond, the Big Five quietly shape the way we work together. Listen in for practical examples, a bit of psychology, and nonprofit-relevant insights that just might change how you think about personality at work. 💡 Want to dig deeper on the Big Five? Whether you’re...
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Episode 8: Setting Growth Goals That Stick
Mission 501: The Podcast
Setting goals is easy — sticking to them is the hard part. In this episode of Mission 501: The Podcast, Ryan explores how growth-focused goals can create lasting motivation and effective personal and professional development in nonprofits. Learn why shifting your approach around growth goals makes all the difference when it comes to sustainable success. 📚 Resources for Further Exploration Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Carol Dweck's work on growth mindset is foundational for understanding how focusing on learning and improvement (rather than just...
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Episode 7: Goal Model Overview: SMART Goals | OKRs | HARD Goals
Mission 501: The Podcast
Setting the right kinds of goals can make or break success—especially in mission-driven work. In this episode of Mission 501: The Podcast, Ryan breaks down three major goal-setting models: SMART goals, OKRs, and HARD goals. Learn what each model offers, where they shine, where they can fall short, and how to choose the right approach for your nonprofit team or personal development. 📚Resources for Further Exploration 📌 SMART Goals 📖 Creating SMART Goals 📌 OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) 📘 “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr This site offers extensive OKR...
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Episode 0: Welcome to Mission 501: The Podcast!
Mission 501: The Podcast
Welcome to Mission 501: The Podcast — where psychology meets work, with a nonprofit twist! In this short intro episode, Ryan shares what the show is all about, what inspired it, and what you can expect in full episodes. If you're passionate about nonprofit organizations, leadership, teamwork, professional development, organizational psychology, or just looking to hear more about workplace dynamics, you're in the right place! 🔗 Learn more about Ryan and his work: 💼 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: 🎧 Make sure you hit follow and join the mission!
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Episode 6: How Goals Work: Unlocking Motivation with Goal Setting Theory
Mission 501: The Podcast
In this episode, Ryan dives into Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory—what makes goals work, and why “just do it” just doesn’t cut it. Whether you're managing teams or setting personal benchmarks, this theory has something to teach about motivation, clarity, and commitment. Listen in for goal-setting insights you can use in any mission-driven setting. 🎯 Goal Setting Theory Developed by Edwin Locke & Gary Latham 📖 Learn more: APA Article (1990): "Work Motivation and Satisfaction: Light at the End of the Tunnel" 👉 APA Article (2002): “Building a...
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Episode 5: Teamwork Takes Time: Navigating Tuckman's Stages of Group Development Model
Mission 501: The Podcast
Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development Model—forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning—might sound like corporate buzzwords, but it’s a powerful way to understand how teams evolve. In this episode, Ryan explores how this model plays out in nonprofit settings, with implications for leaders and team members. Whether you're managing a board, staff, or volunteers, knowing your group stage can help guide it forward. Listen in! 📚 Resources for Further Exploration 🔍 Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384–399. -...
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Episode 4: When Consensus Hurts: Understanding Groupthink
Mission 501: The Podcast
In this episode, Ryan breaks down the concept of Groupthink—what it is, how it creeps into decision-making, and why even smart teams can fall into its trap. From history books to meeting rooms, Ryan explores how to spot it and stop it before it derails your mission. 🧠 Groupthink Coined by Irving Janis in the 1970s 📖 Learn more: Overview on Verywell Mind: 👉 Bay of Pigs context from History.com: 👉 Bay of Pigs lesson on leadership (JFK Library): 👉
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Episode 3: Herzberg's Two-Factor (Motivation-Hygiene) Theory of Motivation
Mission 501: The Podcast
This episode is all about motivation! Ryan discusses Herzberg's (1959) Two-Factor, or Motivation-Hygiene, Theory of Motivation. This theory may be aging, but it's still very relevant in the workplace today. Ryan discusses the factors of the theory and how they contribute to motivating employees. Enjoy!
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Episode 2: Training and Motivation: What Works Best for Nonprofits?
Mission 501: The Podcast
Ryan explains a training domain model for nonprofit organizations to adopt. The 4-stage model is explained, and each stage is linked to motivation. Which stages are the most motivating for employees? Listen in!
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Episode 1: Pilot feat. Timothy James Consulting
Mission 501: The Podcast
The first official episode of the Mission 501 Podcast! Guest Tim Blonsky from and I discuss workforce development, apprenticeships, and their impact on the nonprofit employment world. Additional football banter!
info_outlineTuckman’s Stages of Group Development Model—forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning—might sound like corporate buzzwords, but it’s a powerful way to understand how teams evolve. In this episode, Ryan explores how this model plays out in nonprofit settings, with implications for leaders and team members. Whether you're managing a board, staff, or volunteers, knowing your group stage can help guide it forward. Listen in!
📚 Resources for Further Exploration
🔍 Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384–399.
- Seminal theory article
📄 Tuckman, B. W., & Jensen, M. A. C. (1977). Stages of small-group development revisited. Group & Organization Studies, 2(4), 419–427.
- Adds the adjourning stage
🛠️ MindTools: Tuckman’s Stages of Team Development
https://www.mindtools.com/ay49bon/tuckmans-forming-storming-norming-performing
- Model overview and application tips