The Power of the Break - Thoughts from Kevin
The Remarkable Leadership Podcast
Release Date: 06/12/2020
The Remarkable Leadership Podcast
What if the key to more effective leadership lies not in a new strategy, but in understanding your own biology? In this episode, Kevin speaks with Dr. Scott Hutcheson about an unconventional approach to leadership: biohacking. Dr. Hutcheson shares his behavioral leadership model, built around three biodynamic channels: warmth, competence, and gravitas. He identifies specific, observable behaviors within each channel that send powerful signals to teams, signals that either inspire connection and confidence or lead to disengagement. They also discuss how everyday actions like being punctual,...
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Do you want to be more productive—at work and at home? In this episode of Remarkable TV, I share the first and most important step to improving your productivity. It’s simple, powerful, and often overlooked: deciding what to say no to. We talk about: ✔ Why your to-do list will never be empty ✔ The difference between priority and “priorities” ✔ How clarity creates focus ✔ Why self-confidence matters when saying no ✔ How saying no to the good lets you say yes to the great If you’re overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or simply want to get better at choosing the work that matters...
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What does it take to build a team that consistently performs at a high level? In this episode, Kevin sits down with Dr. Vanessa Druskat to explore what emotionally intelligent teams look like and how leaders can foster them. Vanessa introduces the concept of "team emotional intelligence" and explains why team culture, not just individual skills or personalities, is often the key differentiator between average and high-performing teams. She shares her practical three-part model, based on nine team norms, that top teams use to create environments of trust, psychological safety, and...
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1-on-1 meetings are one of the most powerful tools leaders have—yet many leaders struggle to make them consistent, productive, or mutually valuable. In this episode, I’m sharing three practical steps to help you create better, more effective 1-on-1s with your team members. You’ll learn: • Why having a consistent rhythm matters more than you think • How to transform your 1-on-1s from reporting sessions into working meetings • Why letting your team member go first changes the quality of the conversation • The key mindset shift that makes these meetings valuable for both people...
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What if understanding group dynamics is the secret to building high-performing teams? In this episode, Kevin speaks with Dr. Colin Fisher about what makes successful teams work. They debunk the myth of the lone genius and explore why collaboration, not individual brilliance, drives real innovation. Dr. Fisher explains when team synergy happens and why so many teams underperform without realizing it. He also shares practical insights on optimal meeting sizes, how remote and hybrid work affects collaboration, and how to harness healthy competition without damaging team performance. Listen For...
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Have you ever felt like you're constantly putting out fires at work instead of making progress? Kevin welcomes Don Kieffer and Nelson Repenning to discuss why so many workplace processes feel frustrating and ineffective, and what leaders can do about it. Drawing on decades of experience in operations and organizational design, Don and Nelson reveal why quick-fix workarounds backfire, how firefighting becomes the default mode of operation, and the hidden costs of constantly reacting instead of leading. They introduce the concept of dynamic work design and explain why breaking down silos isn't...
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Too often, we measure our days by how much we get done—instead of by how much we contribute. In this episode, I’m sharing an idea that’s stuck with me since a conversation years ago with Lisa O’Dell. She asked a simple but powerful question: Are you thinking about the clock or your contribution? That question changed how I think about productivity, focus, and leadership. It’s not about racing the clock or checking off boxes—it’s about doing the few things that truly move the needle. Join me as I explore how to: Shift from busyness to meaningful accomplishment Focus on what...
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What if everything you believe about workplace wellness is only part of the story? In this episode, Kevin welcomes Dr. Katina Sawyer and Dr. Patricia Grabarek to discuss the real drivers of well-being at work and the critical role leaders play in shaping thriving environments. Drawing on their research, Katina and Patricia challenge the overreliance on surface-level wellness programs and demonstrate how authentic leadership, trust, and team connection have far greater impact. They introduce the concept of "generators", leaders who energize and empower their teams and contrast them with...
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What’s the most important thing you need to achieve your goals? It isn’t the target—it’s your why. In this episode, I share a story about The Biggest Loser (yes, the reality show!) and how I could often predict who would win before the competition even began. The secret? It all came down to their reasons—their why. Whether your goals are personal or professional, the same truth applies: the clearer and stronger your why, the greater your chance of success. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or unsure how to reach your goals, this episode will help you reconnect with your...
info_outlineRemember recess? Swinging happily on swings, monkeying around on the monkey bars, or zooming down slides...
As kids, this was an important part of the day. It gives children the chance to socialize, burn off some much needed energy and re-focus so they are better equipped to learn throughout the day.
Not surprisingly, these are all things that we need as adults as well. And it's why breaks are so powerful to our success.
When we make the time for breaks throughout the day, we will get more accomplished, have better ideas and generally less stress.
And when we're working remotely, we need these breaks even more. In today's episode, I'm laying out the case for breaks!
You can watch the video version of this episode at: https://blog.kevineikenberry.com/video/the-power-of-the-break/
From This Episode:
- Check out the articles and resources on The Remote Leadership Institute website and our COVID-19 Response website.