048: Hey Leader! Your People Should Never Be Wondering About...
Release Date: 08/22/2024
099: Their Insecurity Isn’t Your Leadership Problem (4 of 6 Part Series)
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
In this powerful episode of the "Communication Lies Leaders Believe" series, Tammy tackles a hidden saboteur in every team: employee baggage. Your team members aren't just bringing their skills to the table; they're bringing their past fears, limiting beliefs, and insecurities. Tammy busts the myth that it's a leader's job to fix this. Instead, she provides a clear, three-step framework to name it, frame it, and lead through it. This isn't about being an "accidental therapist"; it's about setting strong boundaries and creating a culture of accountability where insecurity doesn't become the...
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098: The Listening Lie: "I'm a Good Listener" (3 of 6 Part Series)
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
In the third part of our "Communication Lies Leaders Believe" series, Tammy tackles one of the most common myths leaders tell themselves: "I'm a good listener." She powerfully argues that listening is not just about having an open-door policy. It's about seeking to understand from the other person’s perspective. Tammy breaks down the three levels of listening—transactional, active, and transformational—and challenges leaders to move beyond simply hearing words. The true measure of a leader's listening skills isn't their intention; it’s whether their team feels seen, heard, and...
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097: Dead Right: The Cracker Barrel Blunder and the Lie Leaders Tell Themselves
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
In this episode of The Leadership Sandbox, Tammy dives into the recent Cracker Barrel rebranding debacle. This corporate misstep, a $700 million gamble aimed at attracting a younger demographic, led to a 14% stock drop and a massive customer backlash. Tammy dissects the four major lies leaders told themselves that led to this catastrophic failure. You'll discover why a brand's most valuable asset lives in the memory and emotion of its customers—and what happens when you strip that away. This isn't just a story about a failed rebrand; it's a critical leadership lesson on the dangers of...
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096: You’re Not Mean—You’re Just Managing (2 of 6 Part Series)
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
In the second installment of the "Communication Lies Leaders Believe" series, Tammy J. Bond tackles a myth that keeps countless leaders "stuck": the lie that giving direct feedback makes you mean. Tammy powerfully argues that direct feedback doesn't make you mean—it makes you a manager. This episode is a call to courage for every leader who has let their discomfort drive silence. Tammy shares how this avoidance leads to resentment and underperformance and provides a practical framework, the SBIE model (Situation, Behavior, Impact, Expectation), for delivering feedback that is both direct and...
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095: Hey Leader! They're Not Overwhelmed - They're Underperforming (1 of 6)
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
Welcome to the start of our SIX PART SERIES, "Communication Lies Leaders Believe." In this episode, Tammy J. Bond tackles a common and costly workplace myth: the idea that an employee who says they're "overwhelmed" simply needs more support. Tammy reveals: when a direct report can't articulate their workload, they're not overwhelmed—they're underperforming and avoiding accountability. Tammy provides a practical, no-nonsense strategy to get to the root of the problem. She introduces the "Squeeze Technique," a method to transform excuses into ownership. It's about providing the clarity,...
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094: Stop Feeding The Beast
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
Are you struggling to build the vibrant culture you want because you're still clinging to old habits? In this episode of the Leadership Sandbox, Tammy J. Bond directly challenges leaders to stop "babysitting dysfunction" and confront the "pink elephant" in the room. Tammy argues that you can't build a bold new future by dragging around yesterday's playbook. Culture doesn't change by decree; it changes by disruption. This episode is a call to action for leaders to stop over-analyzing their culture like a crime scene and start renovating it for the future. Tammy provides a clear-eyed look at how...
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093: Mind the Gap - Own the Gain: Mid-Year Reboot
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
Are you constantly chasing perfection, or are you truly celebrating progress? In this insightful episode of the Leadership Sandbox podcast, Tammy J. Bond challenges leaders to shift their focus from the dreaded "gap" of what hasn't been accomplished to the powerful "gain" of what has. Tammy passionately advocates for a gain-driven mindset, urging leaders to move beyond self-sabotage by acknowledging every step forward, learning from failures, and fostering a truly positive team environment. Discover how conducting a "gain audit" can transform your perspective, enhance motivation, and...
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092: The Power of Pause
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
Ever feel your thoughts getting hijacked by tension in a tough conversation? In this transformative episode of the Leadership Sandbox, Tammy J. Bond explores the profound impact of simply taking a moment to pause in communication. Discover how this seemingly simple action can unlock clarity, deepen understanding, and lead to significantly more effective conversations, even in high-stakes situations. Tammy delves into how emotional awareness allows you to apply the power of pause to avoid being reactive and move toward solutions. Learn how a well-timed pause gives you the space to regulate your...
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091: The Flip Side - When You Call Out Negative Behaviors
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
Are toxic behaviors holding your organization back? In this impactful episode of the Leadership Sandbox, Tammy J. Bond reveals the crucial link between addressing workplace toxicity and cultivating a thriving, healthy culture. She highlights the astounding financial and productivity benefits of actively eliminating negativity – showing that eliminating toxic behaviors can save two to four times more than hiring a superstar! Tammy champions the power of a "call-out culture" (in the best sense!) where leaders proactively address issues, establish clear ground rules, and reclaim valuable time...
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090: The Cost of Unchecked Negative Behaviors
Leadership Sandbox: Strategies to Uplevel Workplace Communication, Team Collaboration, and Your Corporate Culture
Are toxic behaviors silently draining your organization's energy and budget? In this episode of the Leadership Sandbox, Tammy J. Bond passionately confronts the severe impact of toxic leadership on workplace culture and productivity. She highlights why leaders, particularly at the C-suite level, must address negative behaviors that can cost organizations billions annually in lost employee retention and plummeting team morale. Tammy dives into the startling financial implications of ignoring toxicity – from high turnover rates (54% of employees are likely to quit due to toxic leaders!) to...
info_outlineDid you know an engaged employee can be up to 21% more productive? However, many leaders overlook one of the simplest yet most crucial elements of employee engagement: transparent communication. Today, I'm taking you on a journey through ten essential things your team members should always be aware of in the workplace.
1. Clear Roles and Responsibilities
When we know exactly what is expected of us, it not only prevents overlap and confusion but also fosters a sense of purpose and efficiency. Well-defined roles act as our guiding light, reducing the risk of duplicated efforts and wasted resources. By regularly revisiting and refining these roles, we can ensure our team remains aligned, focused, and motivated, creating a harmonious and productive work environment.
2. Transparency in Company Goals and Vision
I always emphasize the importance of transparency in communicating the company’s goals and vision. When we understand the bigger picture, we feel a deeper connection to our work and a sense of purpose that drives our intrinsic motivation. This transparency reduces uncertainty and enhances our job performance.
3. Performance Expectations and Feedback Channels
Regular feedback helps us understand how our work is evaluated, what is expected of us, and the pathways to promotions and raises. Many leaders fall short of providing this clarity, which can lead to disengagement. Open communication channels allow us to voice our concerns, ask questions, and receive timely resolutions. This openness enhances trust and productivity, making us feel valued and heard.
4. Growth and Development Opportunities
We remain engaged and committed to the company when we are aware of our potential career pathways. This is crucial for retaining top talent. Actively discussing and creating a roadmap for development keeps our morale high and ensures the organization is always moving forward with a motivated and empowered team.
5. Recognition, Rewards, and Job Security
Effective recognition, reward systems, and transparent communication about job security are vital for maintaining high morale and loyalty. Being open about the company’s stability can alleviate unnecessary stress and build trust among team members. When we feel secure in our jobs and appreciated for our contributions, we are likelier to stay engaged and committed to the company’s success, fostering a culture of loyalty and dedication.
Go to https://www.tammyjbond.com/podcast to change your mindset and behaviors so you can elevate your communication and leadership! We’d love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Amazon Podcast, or Spotify and subscribe to our YouTube channel. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios."