Organizationally Speaking

Everyone groans when they hear the word "teams," and honestly, the research backs up some of that frustration. In this episode, Nicole cuts through the idealism to give a clear-eyed look at when teams actually work, why they so often don't, and what separates a team that produces something genuinely better from a group of people just sharing a label. We cover the difference between work groups and work teams, the five types of team...

Leadership isn't a title, it's influence. And the research says it can be developed, not just discovered. In this episode, Nicole walks through the major leadership theories, from trait and behavioral theories to contingency models, LMX, and transformational leadership's four I's. Plus the dark side of charisma, why laissez-faire leadership is more damaging than it sounds, what virtual leadership actually requires, and why trust, o...

Diversity isn't just a buzzword, it's one of the most researched topics in organizational behavior, and the findings are consistent: inclusive organizations perform better. In this episode, Nicole breaks down what diversity actually means, how bias operates (including the kind we don't realize we have), and what the research says about prejudice, discrimination, microaggressions, and stereotype threat. Plus Hofstede's cultural fram...

Communication isn't just what you say;  it's whether the meaning you intended is actually the meaning received. In this episode, Nicole breaks down everything from oral and written communication to nonverbal cues, meeting culture, and information overload. Plus: why virtual communication is more draining than it should be, what social media means for organizations and employees, cybersecurity basics, and how to navigate cross-...

Why do some people thrive in chaos while others need structure? Why does your most agreeable teammate struggle to advocate for themselves? This episode breaks down the science of personality in the workplace, the Big Five, the Dark Triad, core self-evaluations, and why the MBTI is everywhere but the research support is thin. We also cover ability, values, and what it actually means to find the right fit between who you are and wher...

Why do we try hard at some things and barely show up for others? This episode breaks down the science of motivation, from Maslow and McClelland to Self-Determination Theory, goal-setting, expectancy theory, and organizational justice. We look at what actually drives performance, why fairness matters more than most managers realize, and how to apply all of it to your work and group projects right now. Oh yeah, and we answer the ques...