Do you really “know” your team? Effective leadership isn’t about issuing directives or setting goals—it’s about understanding the unique individuals who make up your team. In this episode, I reveal why knowing your people on a deeper level is the key to unlocking loyalty, creativity, and high performance.

Drawing from real-world examples, I share how tailoring your approach to each team member’s strengths and motivations can transform your leadership style. From crafting personalized feedback to leveraging individual talents for the greater good, these insights will help you create a company culture where every person feels seen and valued.

I also tackle the common mistakes leaders make, like treating teams as monoliths or overstepping personal boundaries. With actionable steps like one-on-one conversations and recognizing individual contributions, this episode equips you to build trust, respect, and collaboration across your team.

If you’re ready to lead in a way that truly resonates, this episode is your blueprint. Tune in now, and let’s make leadership personal—and powerful.

In this episode:

- The power of knowing your people

- Real-life examples of knowing your team

- Common leadership pitfalls to avoid

- Actionable steps to know your team

- Key leadership takeaways and action points

Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

What does it truly mean to "walk your talk" as a leader? Today, I’m exploring one of the most foundational principles of authentic leadership: aligning your actions with the values you preach. You’ll understand why consistency and authenticity are non-negotiable when building high-performing teams.

Drawing from neuroscientific and evolutionary insights, I’m sharing practical strategies to embody effective leadership in your everyday actions. From work-life balance to timely communication, I reveal how small, consistent behaviors create a culture of trust and respect.

You’ll learn how common pitfalls—like hypocrisy and inauthenticity—can quickly undermine your credibility. I’m also offering actionable advice to help you reflect on your core values, lead by example, and stay accountable even when challenges arise.

Join me for this insightful conversation and discover how to lead with authenticity and build trust that inspires your team to thrive.

In this episode:

- Why walking the talk matters in leadership

- Practical examples of modeling behavior

- Behaviors that undermine credibility and trustworthiness

- Actionable steps to become a trusted leader

Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences?sub_confirmation=1

Did you know that nearly 31% of U.S. adults will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime? That’s a significant portion of any workforce. Hence, as leaders, we must understand how fear and anxiety shape our teams and directly impact innovation, productivity, and trust.

In this episode, I explain the key differences between stress, fear, and anxiety—terms we often use interchangeably but that have very distinct roles. You’ll learn about the real-world consequences of unmanaged fear in the workplace. I’ll also share insights from the Great Resignation, where chronic stress pushed quit rates to a 20-year high.

Additionally, I introduce my “six plus one” framework, which includes practical strategies like creating a safe environment, embracing vulnerability, admitting mistakes, and fostering open communication. These steps can transform how your team works together and how you lead.

If you’re ready to manage emotions more effectively and build a stronger, more resilient team, this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s explore what it takes to lead with empathy and purpose.

In this episode:

- The rise of workplace anxiety

- Differentiating stress, fear, and anxiety

- Power dynamics in leadership

- Understanding the evolutionary roots of fear

- Risks of fear in the workplace

- 6 practical steps to manage workplace fear

- The bonus step: Authenticity

Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

French, J., & Raven, B. (1959). The bases of social power - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/215915730_The_bases_of_social_power

Goodwin RD, Weinberger AH, Kim JH, Wu M, Galea S. Trends in anxiety among adults in the United States, 2008-2018: Rapid increases among young adults. J Psychiatry Res. 2020 Nov; 130: 411-446. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.08.014. Epub 2020 Aug 21. PMID: 32905958; PMCID: PMC7441973 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32905958/

American Psychological Association (2017). Stress in America: The State of Our Nation. Stress in America TM Survey -

Fear is a powerful force that drives both individual and social behavior. Good leaders understand and manage fear effectively to foster optimal team performance. Today, we explore the science of fear and anxiety, exploring their evolutionary roots and the role they play in modern organizations.

We’ll discuss the neurobiology of fear, highlighting the dual pathways in the brain that govern our responses to both immediate and distant threats. You’ll understand how uncertainty amplifies fear and how chronic anxiety, prevalent in today’s competitive environments, impacts mental health and decision-making.

Listen in for science-backed insights on how you can create a work environment where fear is understood and mitigated to drive performance and collaboration.

In this episode:

- Introduction to fear and leadership

- The evolutionary role of fear in human survival

- The neurobiology of fear

- Proximal vs. distal threats

- The role of uncertainty in fear responses

- How fear drives action and shapes social behavior

- The impact of chronic fear in modern society

- Why leaders must understand and mitigate fear

Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/

Resource Mentioned in the Episode:

Mobbs, D., Hagan, C. C., Dalgleish, T., Silston, B., & Prévost, C. (2015). The ecology of human fear: survival optimization and the nervous system. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 9, 121062 -https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2015.00055/full

Adolphs R. The biology of fear. Curr Biol. 2013 Jan 21;23(2):R79-93. Doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.11.055 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23347946/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

Many companies struggle with employee motivation and job satisfaction despite their best efforts. Drawing on Frederic Herzberg's Motivation Hygiene Theory, we explore the critical difference between hygiene factors, like salary and working conditions, which prevent dissatisfaction, and true motivators, such as autonomy and recognition, which drive engagement and performance.

We’ll talk about how management often burdens employees with fixing systemic issues like bureaucracy, which only worsens the problem instead of addressing its root cause. We’ll also discuss why focusing on hygiene factors leads to frustrated employees and missed opportunities for meaningful change.

You’ll learn why, as a leader, you need to take ownership, foster trust, and prioritize intrinsic motivators to create a thriving workplace. Tune in now for valuable insights to boost employee engagement and leadership effectiveness.

In this episode:

- Frederick Herzberg's Motivation Hygiene Theory

- The bureaucracy reduction paradox

- Why leaders fail to motivate employees

- Why shifting focus to motivational factors is critical

- How building trust motivates employees

Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/

Resource Mentioned in the Episode:

Nickerson, C. (2023). Herzberg’s two-factor theory of motivation. Simply Psychology. Retrieved November 22, 2024, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/herzbergs-two-factor-theory.html#Frederick-Herzbergs-Approach

Get in Touch:

Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/

We continue our discussion on motivation and tackle one of the most persistent myths in leadership: the idea that leaders can directly motivate others. We’ll explore the science and psychology of motivation to understand why leaders can’t truly motivate others but instead must focus on creating environments where people motivate themselves.

We’ll explore the difference between intrinsic motivation—doing something because it’s personally fulfilling—and extrinsic motivation, which relies on rewards like bonuses or recognition. I’ll explain how connecting work to a greater purpose can inspire long-term motivation, engagement, and satisfaction.

I’ll also share practical tips for fostering autonomy, mastery, and a sense of community in the workplace. By creating an environment where people feel empowered and valued, you can build a motivated, creative, and engaged team.

If you’re ready to lead with impact and inspire true engagement, I’ll give you insights and strategies to rethink motivation in your organization. Tune in as we bust the motivation myth and discover what it takes to create a truly motivating environment for your team!

In this episode:

- Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation

- Why intrinsic motivation is critical

- Pros and cons of extrinsic motivation

- Balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

- The relationship between autonomy and motivation

- Practical tips for leaders to foster intrinsic motivation

- Key takeaway: the biggest myth in leadership

Resource Mentioned in the Episode:

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. New York: Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Self-Determination-Theory/Ryan-Deci/9781462538966

Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., & Ryan, R. M. (2016). A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 54-67. https://home.ubalt.edu/ntygmitc/642/Articles%20syllabus/Deci%20Koestner%20Ryan%20meta%20IM%20psy%20bull%2099.pdf

Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Self-determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331-362. https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2005_GagneDeci_JOB_SDTtheory.pdf

Vansteenkiste, M., et al. (2019). Autonomy-supportive leadership: Its role in enhancing motivation. Leadership Quarterly, 30(5), 781-795.

Grant, A. M., & Berry, J. W. (2018). The necessity of intrinsic motivation for creative problem-solving. Journal of Applied Psychology, 103(9), 945-956.

Amabile, T. M., & Pratt, M. G. (2016). The dynamic componential model of creativity and innovation in organizations: Making progress, making meaning. Academy of Management Journal, 39(2), 53-66. https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=51996

Mekler, E. D., et al. (2017).

Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/

Motivation strategies are essential for any leader looking to build a productive, engaged team—without depending on bonuses or promotions. In today’s episode, we will explore intrinsic motivation and how you, as a leader, can foster it within your team.

Drawing on research by Ayelet Fishbach and Kaitlin Woolley, we will discuss why intrinsic motivation—doing work for the sheer joy it brings rather than for external rewards—has the power to transform team dynamics. We will also explore the “means-ends fusion” concept, where the activity itself becomes rewarding.

The conversation highlights the value of immediate rewards and the three psychological needs that sustain intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence, and social connection. By finding the right balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, you can create a more engaged, motivated team.

Join the conversation now to learn how you can build a work environment where motivation comes from within.

In this episode:

- What is intrinsic motivation?

- The role of immediate rewards

- Meeting basic psychological needs

- Balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

- Practical motivation tips for leaders

Resource Mentioned in the Episode:

Fishbach, Ayelet, and Kaitlin Woolley. "The structure of intrinsic motivation." Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior 9, no. 1 (2022): 339-363. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356062770_The_Structure_of_Intrinsic_Motivation

Get in Touch:

Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/

Stepping into a new leadership role often means leading an inherited team, which brings its own unique set of challenges. Acceptance and respect isn’t instant. You need to foster trust, develop relationships, and understand your team’s development needs. Today’s episode will guide you on this journey.

We’ll cover seven essential steps to building a team that feels like your own. You’ll learn how to build on the initial trust you’ll be granted and gain genuine respect from your team. Start by bringing a trusted “lieutenant” by your side—someone who shares your values and has your back.

Trusting your gut is equally crucial, especially in hiring decisions, as intuition often reveals insights beyond resumes and interviews. Instead of letting employees go after mistakes, invest in their growth to help them learn and improve. Plus, consider appointing a “court jester” who can provide unfiltered feedback to keep you grounded.

Tune in to the full episode to learn how these and other strategies can help you create a high-performing team aligned with your leadership vision. For more insights, check out my book, The Mammoth in the Room.

In this episode:

- Tip 1: Bring a trusted individual to the team

- Tip 2: Trust your gut instinct

- Tip 3: Trust is given, not earned

- Tip 4: Don’t invest in your competition

- Tip 5: Appoint a ‘court jester’ for honest feedback

- Tip 6: Hire for your blind spots

- Tip 7: Avoid team complacency

Get in Touch:

Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences