Ever found yourself in a meeting where ideas flow endlessly, but decisions seem impossible to make? Or worse—someone reopens a discussion just when you thought a decision was final? In this insightful webinar, hosts Jake Blocker and Rachael Grail introduce Open-Narrow-Close, a powerful framework that streamlines group discussions and decision-making.

They’ll break down how structuring conversations into three distinct phases—Opening (idea generation), Narrowing (organizing and prioritizing), and Closing (final decision-making)—can keep your team aligned, engaged, and productive. Whether you’re leading strategy sessions, brainstorming new initiatives, or just trying to avoid meeting fatigue, this tool will help you make discussions more efficient and less frustrating.

Brainstorm Like A Pro - Master Facilitation Skills

In this fun and thought-provoking episode of Water Cooler Wisdom, hosts Jake Blocker and Rachael Grail take on the role of workplace trend judges in their newest segment, “Is It In or Out?” From artificial intelligence revolutionizing our workflows to the return of office Christmas parties and the evolution of the hybrid workplace, they dive into whether these trends deserve a spot on the “in” list or are better left behind.

Along the way, Jake and Rachael share personal anecdotes, weigh the pros and cons, and reflect on the cultural shifts shaping modern work. Is AI really a tool for good, or does it signal darker implications? Are office holiday parties making a comeback, and do they help or hinder workplace dynamics? And is the hybrid workplace the best of both worlds, or just another compromise?

Join the conversation as they debate hot-button topics with humor, insight, and a healthy dose of reality. Whether you’re working from home, in the office, or somewhere in between, this episode is sure to spark a conversation around your (real or virtual) water cooler.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Water Cooler Wisdom and follow us for more workplace banter and insights. Let’s make work, work better—together!

Office Trends: In or Out Part 1

In this episode of Water Cooler Wisdom, hosts Jake Blocker and Rachael Grail explore the delicate art of authentic listening when tensions run high. With insights drawn from neuroscience and their own professional experiences, Jake and Rachael share practical strategies to help you stay present and collaborative, even in the most challenging discussions.

Learn how to manage your physiological responses, challenge your assumptions, and use mindfulness techniques like “rubbing your fingers together” to stay grounded. They also delve into the power of curiosity, the pitfalls of over-preparation, and how self-awareness can transform your workplace dynamics.

Whether you’re navigating tough conversations at work or striving to create a safe and inclusive team environment, this episode is packed with actionable tips and thought-provoking perspectives. Tune in for a conversation that will leave you better equipped to handle conflicts with clarity and care.

Facilitation Masterclass: Trust & Collaboration

In this IA Chat episode of Water Cooler Wisdom, Jake surprises Rachael with a lively conversation about the rise of LinkedIn influencers. Once a hub for job hunting and networking, LinkedIn has evolved into a content-driven platform. But is this shift for better or worse?

Jake dives into the good, the bad, and the downright quirky aspects of LinkedIn’s transformation—from valuable insights shared by industry experts to questionable clickbait posts. Together, Jake and Rachael explore how personal branding, authenticity, and algorithmic pressures are reshaping the way we interact on the platform.

Tune in to hear their candid thoughts and some lighthearted takes on everything from “hustle culture” to the bizarre posts that make you go, “What even is this?” It’s an honest, fun, and relatable chat about navigating the new LinkedIn landscape.

Are LinkedIn Influencers Taking Over? An IA Chat

In this episode of Water Cooler Wisdom, we’re kicking off a brand-new format: Tool Time! Hosts Jake Blocker and Rachael Grail break down one of Interaction Associates’ most effective tools—the Building Agreements framework.

Rachael guides us through this practical, four-step process designed to make collaboration seamless and agreements rock solid. Whether it’s presenting a proposal, checking for understanding, securing agreement, or documenting it all, this model has you covered. Plus, we dive into real-world examples (including why airline exit rows are a masterclass in agreement building) and even tackle advanced techniques for handling disagreements.

Get ready to walk away with actionable strategies that you can immediately apply at work, at home, or even at the taco stand. Tune in for your 10-minute crash course to elevate your collaboration game!

Making Sound Decisions in the Workplace

In this episode of Water Cooler Wisdom, we’re joined by leadership coach Susan DeGenring to explore how the ancient traditions of mindfulness and the Enneagram can be used to enhance leadership and personal development. Susan shares insights on how these tools help leaders and individuals better understand their personality patterns, improve self-awareness, and navigate challenges in the workplace. Tune in to discover practical strategies for integrating mindfulness and the Enneagram into your leadership toolkit.

Mindfulness and the Enneagram: Tools for Transforming Leadership

In this episode of Water Cooler Wisdom, hosts Jake Blocker and Rachael Grail explore the art of facilitation. Whether you’re leading a meeting or guiding a discussion, managing group dynamics can be challenging. Rachael, a seasoned facilitator, tackles common questions about handling dominant voices, managing senior leaders in meetings, and dealing with disruptive participants.

Rachael shares practical techniques to ensure every voice is heard and the discussion remains productive. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, setting clear participation guidelines, and staying curious about the group’s needs. Whether you’re new to facilitation or experienced, this episode offers tips to enhance your skills and create more effective meetings.

Facilitation Masterclass Q&A: Part 1

In this episode of “Water Cooler Wisdom,” we sit down with Stacy Ferratti, a seasoned coach from Interaction Associates, renowned for enhancing presentation skills. Stacy delves into the challenge of stage fright, explaining its roots in our evolutionary fear of rejection and offering practical tips to overcome it.

Discover why silence during presentations can feel daunting and how embracing pauses can enhance your message. Learn about the importance of body language, breathing techniques, and mental shifts that can transform your public speaking approach. Stacy shares effective strategies, such as engaging with the audience early and practicing with video feedback.

Join us for this insightful conversation and equip yourself with tools to boost your confidence and effectiveness on stage. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or looking to overcome your fear of public speaking, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to elevate your stage presence.

References:
Expensify [https://www.expensify.com/]

Public Speaking: Breaking Down this Common Fear

On this episode, Jake and Rachael dive into the world of corporate buzzwords, starting with the quintessential term: “Synergy.” Join us as we explore the origins of this powerful word, its journey through different contexts—from theological cooperation to medical marvels and finally to the business lexicon.

Jake and Rachel discuss how synergy has been both a beacon of collaborative potential and an overused crutch in corporate jargon. Through an insightful and humorous conversation, they shed light on its true meaning, its misuse, and whether it still holds relevance in today’s business environment.

Tune in for a refreshing take on synergy, complete with historical insights, real-world examples, and practical advice on using language more effectively in the workplace. Whether you’re a synergy skeptic or a true believer, this episode promises to offer valuable perspectives and a few laughs along the way.

Beyond the Buzzword: Synergy

In this enlightening episode of "Water Cooler Wisdom," we sit down with Anne Baker, a career and performance coach with over two decades of experience. Anne shares her invaluable insights on navigating the dynamic job market, leveraging your unique superpowers, and becoming the CEO of your career. Whether you're considering a career change, seeking new opportunities, or looking to enhance your professional journey, Anne's practical advice and strategic tips will empower you to take control and thrive. 

Tune in to discover how to identify your core values, build a resilient network, and effectively market yourself in today's competitive landscape. Plus, Anne discusses the impact of AI on job requirements and the hidden job market, offering a fresh perspective on finding meaningful work in an ever-evolving world.

References:
Getting to Yes - William Ury [https://www.williamury.com/getting-to-yes/]

Mastering the Modern Job Market: Tips for Success

Jake Blocker (@jakeblocker) · Zencastr

Jake Blocker (@jakeblocker)

Welcome to "Water Cooler Wisdom" – the bi-weekly podcast that brings the heart of the office to your ears, wherever you are! 🎧 Every other week, we dive into the buzz of the workplace, offering productivity hacks, team-building insights, and tales that resonate with anyone who's ever set foot in an office or logged in from home.

Hit 'Subscribe' to join our tribe and elevate your workdays. Together, let's turn the ordinary office banter into extraordinary insights and shared experiences. Join us and make every moment as enriching as those around the water cooler – no matter where you are! 

Water Cooler Wisdom

IA Videos

Jake Blocker's Show

At Interaction Associates, we're all about making work life better, because let's face it, we spend a lot of time at work. Our mission? To help folks work better together. We’re here to arm you with top-notch resources that genuinely make a difference in the work you do. From turning those endless meetings into productive power-sessions, to sharpening decision-making skills, and boosting team collaboration and leadership – we've got your back. Think of us as your co-pilot in navigating the sometimes choppy waters of workplace dynamics. We're here to inject a bit of ease and effectiveness into your daily grind. Let’s make work something we can all look forward to, together.