Why do new year's resolutions fail?

Most people watch their New Year’s resolutions collapse by February and quietly decide they are the problem, not the approach they used. In this episode of Leadership Dissected, Dr. D and Dr. C unpack why traditional resolutions fail, using behavioral science to trace how all-or-nothing thinking, unrealistic timelines, and social comparison drain motivation. They walk through the four factors that drive real behavioral change motivation, social support, self-efficacy, and environment and show how small, consistent actions beat grand January promises. You will hear how to connect goals to a larger purpose, set dynamic milestones, and treat missteps as part of the process instead of proof that you failed.

The conversation then shifts from personal growth to organizational evolution. Dr. D and Dr. C connect New Year’s “resolutions” to annual strategic goals at work, explaining why leaders derail progress when they overload people, ignore capacity, or frame stretch targets as rigid pass/fail tests. You will learn how to set purpose-driven goals, build time and systems around them, and create a culture that celebrates progress over perfection so teams can actually move forward instead of burning out by March.

New year resolution or evolution? Finding Purpose Driven Behavioral Change

Episode Description for Podcast Services

Title: Finding Inspiration at Work: Motivation, Burnout, and Purpose

In this episode of The Executive Realm, Dr. D and Dr. K unpack what it really means to stay inspired at work, especially when the routines get repetitive or burnout starts creeping in. They explore where inspiration comes from, how to reignite it when it's fading, and why it’s essential for leaders to model it. From the "50/50 rule" of workplace motivation to the role of purpose, learning, and even the Dunning-Kruger curve, this conversation blends business psychology with real-life leadership practices. You’ll hear strategies to reconnect with your why, support others through inspiration, and use feedback, mentorship, and coaching as tools to revive energy on your team. Whether you’re a leader looking to energize your culture or an employee in need of a spark, this episode delivers actionable insights for finding meaning and motivation at work.

Finding Inspiration at Work: Motivation, Burnout, and Purpose

Explore the psychology behind micromanagement with Dr. C and Dr. D as they dissect why leaders micromanage, the impact on teams, and how organizational culture shapes these behaviors. Hear real examples and practical advice for leaders, employees, and those struggling with their own micromanagement tendencies. Discover strategies for building trust, creating clarity, and moving from control to collaboration in your workplace.

Leadership Dissected | Micromanagement

We tackle the critical issue of burnout and how leaders can identify, prevent, and manage it effectively within their teams. We begin by exploring the difference between good stress, which can be motivating, and bad stress, which can lead to burnout. The conversation delves into how stress can sometimes drive individuals to be more diligent and focused, often without realizing they're running low on energy until it’s too late.

We discuss the importance of managing stress not only for yourself but also for your team, emphasizing the need to respect the sanctity of time away from work. The episode also covers practical approaches for leaders who are concerned about an employee's well-being and how to address those concerns thoughtfully and effectively.

Finally, we highlight the importance of having a solid plan in place for stress management, including regular check-ins with your team, being candid about the need for breaks, and ensuring that both you and your team remain energized and engaged. Remember, what’s good for your team is also good for your mission and your customers.

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Burnout

We dive into the crucial role of leadership at the front lines and how effective coaching can elevate performance and impact. Front-line leaders often serve as the bridge between senior leadership and individually contributing employees, making their development essential for organizational success.

 Too often, coaching is limited to senior leadership, and front-line leaders don't receive the same level of leadership development support. This episode explores the importance of providing targeted coaching to front-line leaders, addressing common challenges they face, and offering practical strategies to enhance their leadership skills. We’ll answer the question, How can we affordably, consistently, and effectively provide sustained coaching to front-line leaders?




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Frontline Leadership Coaching

We explore the complexities behind why employees leave their jobs and offer practical solutions to improve retention through seven essential questions. We begin by discussing the challenges leaders face in predicting employee turnover, supported by insights from recent research. Next, we delve into common reasons people quit, including burnout, poor management, boredom, and lack of belonging.

We discuss the importance of building connections through meaningful conversations and how asking the right questions can reveal critical insights into an employee's state of mind and engagement. Finally, we share our seven essential questions designed to foster open communication, gather valuable feedback, and support employees, ultimately helping to reduce turnover and enhance job satisfaction.

Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2375561/open_sms]

7 Questions

In this episode of "The Executive Realm," Dr. D and Dr. K explore the transformative impact of friendships in the workplace. Friendships at work can dramatically enhance our professional lives, blending personal bonds with professional interactions. These relationships bring numerous benefits, from boosting morale and fostering collaboration to enhancing overall job satisfaction, higher productivity, and increased profitability. 

We also delve into the potential risks and challenges. Failed friendships can lead to workplace tension and conflict, while friendships between leaders and employees introduce complex dynamics of favoritism and blurred boundaries.

Join us as we navigate the delicate balance of maintaining professional integrity while fostering meaningful connections. Can we harness the power of workplace friendships without falling into the pitfalls?

Work Friendships

Dr. D and Dr. C discuss the importance of trust in the workplace, highlighting different approaches to cultivating and maintaining it. They explore the relationship between trust and integrity, accountability, and cultural norms. They also discuss challenges such as trust erosion and the need for leaders to model vulnerable behavior to build trust.

Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2375561/open_sms]

Trust at Work

 Welcome to the Leadership Dissected Podcast, where we dig deep into the world of work and leadership. Join our hosts, two PhD Business Psychologists, as they explore the latest research, trends, and practical strategies for effective leadership. Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or simply passionate about understanding leadership dynamics in the workplace, this podcast offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Tune in to uncover the secrets to successful leadership, enhance your skills, and elevate your career. 

Leadership Dissected

Often, business and psychology are viewed as different and distinct ideas, but we believe business is driven almost exclusively by the psychology of people. Breaking the barrier into a new realm where the strategic business lens is focused on the behavior of your team, your customers, and your competitors can open a world of possibilities for growth. Join two Business Psychologists, from very different backgrounds, explore the complex intersection of business strategy and clinical psychology in today's rapidly-changing business world. Welcome to the Executive Realm with Dr. D and Dr. K.

Dale Werner

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