– Topic Discussion #5A: Reflect on the podcasts: As you think about your work team, whether you are a formal leader or not, identify three ways in which you will alter your practice of leadership as a result of your reading and other media and discuss why it is necessary to do so for the strength of your team. If you do not change your practice, what is the likely result of your inaction?

– Topic Discussion #5B: What does trust mean to you in the workplace? Discuss someone in your professional life with whom you have developed a strong sense of trust. How did that affect both of your respective job performances?

Reading Assignment Required: – The Neuroscience of Trust (HBR February 2017) – Podcast: Teams that Lead, Innovate, and Succeed (14:39) https://hbr.org/podcast/2007/08/harvard-business-i… – Podcast: Why “Connector” Managers Build Better Talent (29:45) https://hbr.org/podcast/2019/11/why-connector-mana… Recommended: – Onboarding Isn’t Enough (HBR May-June 2017) Topic Discussion Due (due Sunday night at midnight) – Topic Discussion #5A: Reflect on the podcasts: As you think about your work team, whether you are a formal leader or not, identify three ways in which you will alter your practice of leadership as a result of your reading and other media and discuss why it is necessary to do so for the strength of your team. If you do not change your practice, what is the likely result of your inaction? – Topic Discussion #5B: What does trust mean to you in the workplace? Discuss someone in your professional life with whom you have developed a strong sense of trust. How did that affect both of your respective job performances?

Topic Discussion #5A: Reflect on the podcasts

Prioritize building relationships: After listening to the podcast “Teams that Lead, Innovate, and Succeed,” I realized the importance of building strong relationships with team members. As a leader, I need to make an effort to get to know my team members, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. By building relationships, I can foster collaboration and trust, which will ultimately lead to better team performance.

Encourage diverse perspectives: In the podcast “Why ‘Connector’ Managers Build Better Talent,” the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace was emphasized. As a leader, I need to actively encourage and welcome diverse perspectives and ideas from my team members. This will not only help us to make better decisions but will also promote a culture of inclusion and respect.

Foster a growth mindset: In both podcasts, the concept of a growth mindset was mentioned as a key factor in team success. I believe that it is essential to encourage and support my team members in their professional development and to promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By doing so, I can help to create a team of high performers who are motivated to learn and grow together.

If I do not change my practice, the likely result of my inaction will be a team that is stagnant and unproductive. Without strong relationships, diverse perspectives, and a growth mindset, my team members may become disengaged and disinterested in their work, leading to lower performance and morale.

Topic Discussion #5B: What does trust mean to you in the workplace?

Trust in the workplace means having confidence in my colleagues and their abilities, as well as feeling comfortable sharing my thoughts and ideas with them. Trust is essential for effective collaboration, communication, and teamwork, and it is the foundation of a healthy work environment.

I have developed a strong sense of trust with one of my colleagues, who I have worked with for several years. We have built a strong relationship based on mutual respect, honesty, and transparency. We know that we can rely on each other to get the job done and to provide support when needed. This trust has allowed us to work together more efficiently and effectively, and it has also led to increased job satisfaction and a positive work environment.

Trust is a crucial element in building a strong and successful team. Without trust, team members may be hesitant to collaborate, take risks, or share their ideas, leading to lower performance and morale. By fostering a culture of trust and respect, I believe that teams can achieve greater success and overcome challenges more effectively.