The De Hicks Podcast

Dealing with a Bad Boss Without Becoming One Podcast #90

In this episode De Hicks deals with the critical issue of bad bosses. Drawing from three decades of leadership research, De offers practical strategies tailored to help individuals handle unfavorable workplace conditions, brought on by bad bosses, with grace and resilience.

Using a blend of humor, engaging quips, complex insights, Dr. De paints a vivid image of the detrimental effects of poor leadership found in "bad-boss-ery" and discusses how some organizations unknowingly perpetuate this. From self-checks to establishing clear, mutual expectations, he presents actionable steps to break this toxic cycle.

The episode dissects various work environment frameworks, including result-oriented, process-oriented, and task-oriented cultures. Through this analysis, De identifies the structural factors that might foster or reinforce bad leadership patterns.

De explores the typical behaviors associated with 'bad bosses,' underscoring the importance of understanding the internal needs driving these behaviors. Highlighting effective communication strategies, he guides you on how to steer your relationship with a troublesome boss strategically without jeopardizing your professional standing.

Finally, De advises adopting a graceful and cordial approach when it becomes necessary to exit your position due to an untenable boss. Valuable tips offered include avoiding badmouthing your superiors during exit interviews, and taking ample time to appraise your next boss before accepting a new job offer. Empowering listeners with the belief that they control their trust, perspective, and behavior, this episode dispenses invaluable wisdom to anyone grappling with a difficult boss situation.

Need Some Listening Juice? How to Be Better at Listening When You Really Need it. Podcast #89

Need a Little Listening Juice? Dr. De shows you how to get a little better at being quick to listen and slow to speak, so that you become dramatically more effective as a Leader, Manager, and Supervisor. 

Get at Grip! Learn How to Take Care of Yourself AND Manage Your Work: Podcast #88

Get a Grip!  Learn how to take care of yourself AND manage your work at the same time.  Dr. De Hicks shares tips from the Pros and talks about the old sailing adage, "One hand for the ship and one hand for yourself." 

Don’t Quit! How to Create Momentum and Get Results as a Leader: Podcast #87

How to Get Results by Creating and Maintain Momentum.  Learn the two things you can do as a Leader to create and maintain momentum so that you get results.  

Leadership by Wire: How to Lead, Manage, and Supervise in a Virtual Workplace. Podcast #86

The virtual workplace is here to stay.  Some things are better and some things are worse because of it.  But one thing is for sure: Leaders, Managers, and Supervisors need new skills and competencies to thrive.  Dr. De talks about what he's learned from the best leaders of virtual and hybrid organizations. 

Don Q’s Secret Bar--Do You Have the Finish Strong Mindset? Podcast #85

Creamy peanut butter, jello, and Don Q's Secret Bar.  Dr. De talks about the Finish Strong Mindset.  Learn whether you have it.  

How Can I Help? How Asking this Simple Question Changes Everything: Podcast #84

Dr. De talks about how saying "Thank You," and asking, "How Can I Help?" significantly enhance your effectiveness as a Leader. 

Great Mental Models Make Great Leaders, Part 4: Leadership is a Creative Act--Podcast #83

In Part 4 of this Series, Dr. De discusses how all Great Leaders know they are creating the future.  Leadership is primarily a creative act.  Remember this and you'll think correctly and powerfully about your work.  

Great Mental Models Make Great Leaders, Part 3--Taking the Long View: Podcast #82

Bourbon, Cigars, and leaders who take the long view.  Dr. De talks about the next Great Mental Model that all Great Leaders use: Things take a long time.  Learn the difference between speed and velocity and how it applies to your work and life over the long haul.  

Great Mental Models Make Great Leaders Part 2: How You Think About Change, Momentum, and Resistance to Change-- Podcast #81

In part 2 of this series, Dr. De talks more about our frame of reference as a leader, and how it can be quite different from those we lead.  He also applies some of Isaac Newton's ideas to how we think about creating and managing change.