The podcast for GPs, hospital doctors and other professionals in high-stakes, high-stress jobs who want to thrive rather than just survive. You studied for years, you’re really good at what you do but you’ve noticed that you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, overworked and under-resourced. You may be comparing yourself to a frog in boiling water - the heat has built up so slowly that you haven’t noticed the extra-long days becoming the norm. You may feel on the edge and trapped in the very job that you’ve spent years working towards. Here’s the problem, frogs only have two choices; stay and be boiled alive, or jump out of the pan. The good news is that you are not a frog. You have many more choices than you think you do. You don’t have to quit, and nor should stress and burnout be inevitable. It is possible to be master of your own destiny, to craft your work life and career so that you can thrive even in the most difficult of situations. There are simple changes you can make which will make a huge difference to your stress levels and help you enjoy life again...
https://youarenotafrog.com
episode 97: What to Do When Your Strengths Have Side Effects with Dr Joanna Bircher
Dr Joanna Bircher talks about essential leadership skills and the impact of our personalities, motivations, and strengths on our teams. She explains why you need to act like a leader even if you think you are not one, and gives brilliant advice on becoming more self-aware.
Episode Highlights
[05:54] You Are a Leader, Even if You Don’t Think You Are
- Even if you're a trainee in a company, you have an impact on your team.
[08:56] Joanna’s Leadership Journey
- Leadership is not about knowing everything. It’s about exploring new ideas together with your team.
- A leader listens, collaborates, and makes good decisions.
[14:00] How to Recognise Collaboration
- As a leader, it is your job to bring out others' opinions during discussions.
[15:21] How to Develop Self-Awareness
- You can build a much better team if you focus on your strengths and those of your members.
- We must develop our strengths rather than our weaknesses.
[22:26] Finding Your Strengths
- Being self-aware means that you recognise the good and bad effects of your strengths.
- Remember that the brighter you shine, the more shadow you cast.
[26:41] The Dilemma of Hierarchy
- No matter what kind of leader you are, power imbalance will always be there.
- When people are silent in meetings, the problem is often with your method, not with the people in the room.
[35:51] The Importance of Knowing Your Team’s Personality Profile
- Your team’s strengths and motivations affect their job satisfaction and joy in work.
[38:41] Developing Active Listening
- Real listening isn’t just about waiting for your turn to talk.
[40:58] Being Genuinely Curious
- It’s better if you actively engage with people and help them come up with an answer on their own.
[42:35] Joanna’s Top 3 Tips to Be a Better Leader
- Genuinely believe that you're not the person with the best idea.
- Learn how to listen and continue to practise it.
- Everybody in the room with you has their own ideas.
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