Can sharing personal stories at work really boost your well-being and productivity? In my latest solo episode, I explore the fascinating dynamics of self-disclosure in the workplace, drawing insights from recent research. Discover how sharing positive experiences can elevate emotional well-being, enhance work energy, and foster deeper connections with colleagues, while venting about negative experiences might have the opposite effect.

We also examine the motivations behind why we share, including connecting, venting, or seeking advice, and how they impact our well-being. To close, we consider the intriguing interplay of mismatched intentions, where what we are looking for is not returned and how Craig also unpacks the intriguing concept of response mismatches, where the intention to connect can be misaligned and strategies we can use, as both a sharer and listener, to avoid this unfortunate outcome.

Tune in as explore an issue that we all face and learn evidence-based practices that can deepen the quality of our communication and connection.

What You’ll Learn

- How sharing positive experiences can boost your energy and strengthen connections with colleagues

- The potential downsides of venting

- The crucial role of intentions in self-disclosure; why we share impacts what we receive in return

- The role of intention in improving the quality of our conversations

- How to avoid misalignment between our intentions and our impact

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Group Dynamics, Positive Communication, Self-Disclosure, Emotional Well-being, Mental Health, Managing Professional Relationships, Lead with Intention, High-Quality Conversations, Team Success, The Power of Vulnerability, Emotional Regulation, Support, CEO Success

RESOURCES

Do you have a minute? The cognitive and emotional consequences of self-disclosures at work - PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40424152/

Dr. Corinne Low, a renowned associate professor at the Wharton School, joins us this week on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast. Drawing from her latest book, "Having It All: What Data Tells Us About Women's Lives and Getting the Most Out of Yours," Dr. Low explores the unique challenges faced by working mothers today. She candidly shares her personal experiences and rigorous research findings to offer evidence-based strategies for managing time pressures and empowering working mothers.

Our conversation navigates through the shifting dynamics of parenting from the 1980s to today, underlining the significance of quality time with children against the backdrop of demanding societal standards. We dive into the nuanced topic of invisible labor, predominantly shouldered by mothers, and propose effective tools like data tracking for couples to evenly distribute household responsibilities. By encouraging open dialogue around these issues, the goal of her book is to foster a more equitable division of labor that enhances family dynamics and personal well-being.

The episode also emphasizes the critical role of self-care and intentionality in relationships, with a special focus on mothers striving to "have it all." Dr. Low provides practical exercises to help listeners reconnect with their values, prioritize their own needs, and achieve a fulfilling work-life balance. She challenges traditional notions of success, urging listeners to align their personal values with professional goals for a truly rewarding career and life. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion filled with strategies for personal growth and a more balanced approach to work and family life.

What You’ll Learn

- The evolving landscape of gender economics and the pressures on working mothers.

- Strategies to tackle invisible labor and foster equitable household responsibilities.

- The significance of self-care and intentionality for personal and parenting relationships.

- Aligning your values with your time; at work and at home.

- Insights into redefining success in the modern family context.

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) – What is the Meaning of “Having It All?”

(07:29) – High-Quality Time and the Costs of Invisible Labor

(19:30) – Asking the Right Questions of Ourselves and Our Partners

(23:35) – The Importance of Self-Care in Relationships

(35:28) – The Science and Practice of Work-Life Balance

(42:38) – Building A Values-Based Roadmap in Work and in Life

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Gender Economics, Work-Life Balance, Working Mothers, Gender Roles, Invisible Labor, Personal Well-being, Self-Care, Flexible Work Schedules, Career Goals, Personal Growth, Parenting, Leisure Time, Structural Dynamics, Reflection Questions, Personal and Professional Growth, CEO Success

On this episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with Dr. Todd Kashdan, a top expert in well-being, curiosity and resilience to dive right into an engaging discussion about what makes a great conversationalist. We cover a wide range of topics during our time together, including three of his exceptional books and his Substack – Provoked.

Dr. Kashdan’s insights will challenge your perceptions and assumptions and provide deeper and richer insights into how we approach our personal and professional lives. We start by exploring the science of Curiosity, which he outlined in an earlier book. He also sheds light on his previous book, the "Upside of your Dark Side," exploring how traditionally ‘negative’ emotions like anger can be powerful drivers of social change and effective leadership. This exploration extends to challenging the culture of toxic positivity and recognizing the indispensable role of negative emotions in personal and professional growth.

Finally, we unpack the complex terrain of principled dissent. Through personal stories and real-world applications, the conversation highlights the importance of social courage and independent decision-making. Dr. Kashdan discusses how integrating dissenters with supportive allies can create a productive environment, both online and offline, and underscores the necessity of authenticity beyond performative gestures. This episode offers valuable insights into navigating leadership challenges with principle, providing a compelling roadmap for fostering positive environments where we effectively leverage the diversity of the human experience to achieve extraordinary things together.

What You’ll Learn

- The essence of great conversationalists

- The importance of social sensitivity in fostering positive group dynamics

- Harnessing diverse perspectives to drive creativity and innovation.

- Exploring the "Upside of your Dark Side" and how traditionally negative emotions can fuel positive social change.

- The role of principled dissent in societal and individual growth

- The power of alignment between your Values X Actions

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) - Curiosity as a Vital Skill in Leadership and in Life

(13:59) - Navigating Diversity and Psychological Safety

(20:36) - Exploring the Upside of Your Dark Side

(38:50) - Challenging the Status Quo: Group Norms and Decision-Making

(48:16) – The True Power of Principled Dissent

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, The Art of Meaningful Conversation, Curiosity, Psychological Safety, Cognitive Diversity, Navigating Group Dynamics, Fostering Creativity and Innovation, The Benefits of a Wandering Mind, Facing the Shadow Self, The Upside of Anger, Power Dynamics, Principled Dissent, Exhibiting Social Courage, Creating Allyship, The Perils of Performative Versus Principled Leadership, CEO Success