The High Five!

It’s been a month! We hit pause to reassess Same Team’s direction—and we’re feeling good about the shift. In this episode, we unpack why we made that move and what’s been on our minds: AI, project management, burnout, and how remote teams really communicate.The ReviewInspired by Brett’s article, When Silence Isn’t a Red Flag: Leading Quiet Remote Teams, we unpack why quiet doesn’t always mean disengaged. Brett shares his own experience leading a remote team where silence was just part of the culture. We explore how to spot the difference between healthy quiet and emotional withdrawal, how your communication style shapes remote teams, and how leaders can create safety and connection, especially for quieter folks.And don’t stop there—check out everything else we’ve published on Same Page this past month!Hybrid isn’t the problem. Performative leadership is.When AI replaces us, what’s left?From firefighters to forest rangers: rethinking how we prevent burnout on teamsEveryone wants to quit. But what are we really running from?The myth of the unicorn employee is hurting real humansThe AskBuy our new 1:1 playbook and immediately improve your leadership!https://sameteampartners.com/1-on-1-playbook/The Hit ListCheck out the full list on our website: https://sameteampartners.com/thehighfive/episode-47-leading-quiet-remote-teamsThe High FiveThis month’s high five goes to… us. For taking a step back, reading the room, and having the wisdom (and courage) to take a new path. Sometimes the best move is knowing when to make one.

It started with a text on a day off and turned into a whole conversation about burnout, boundaries, and why everyone seems one notification away from snapping. This week, Brett and Greg dig into the limits of "mental load," share a few real-world stress responses, and then turn their attention to a new workplace trend that's doing more harm than good: personal user manuals.If your onboarding doc reads like a dating profile, we’ve got some thoughts.The HuddleThe 1:1 Playbook is live! We finally launched the thing—and it's better than we imagined. It’s our most complete guide yet for making 1:1s less awkward and more impactful.The ReviewGreg’s latest opinion column, Enough with the personal user manuals, critiques the growing trend of workplace "user guides." Sure, they’re well-intentioned. But when they replace actual conversation, they can short-circuit trust, reinforce power dynamics, and turn human connection into a checklist.This week, we unpack:What actually makes people feel seen and understood at workHow trust gets built (and broken) in remote teamsThe hidden cost of replacing relationships with documentationWhat leaders can do insteadThe AskBuy our new 1:1 playbook and immediately improve your leadership! Seriously—if you run 1:1s, this is the manual you wish you had.Buy the 1:1 PlaybookThe Hit ListWhat we’re reading, writing, watching, and listening to this week:Listening: The Logical Song (cover by The Greystones) — A bunch of talented kids bring fresh magic to this Supertramp classic. Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves — Grammy gold, and the emotional balm we needed this week.Watching: My Darling Clementine — Greg went full Criterion cowboy and he’s not wrong. A slow burn that hits. The Long Way Round — Ewan McGregor + motorcycles + aging adventure = Brett’s current comfort TV.Reading: Abundance by Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson — Smart, hopeful, grounded. This one’s sneaky good.Writing: Project management is a leadership role. Start acting like it.The Deep Cut 003: Adventure on The High FiveThis week’s high five goes to: the sweet, sweet thrill of launching a digital product. We made a thing. We put a price on it. We hit publish. That’s worth celebrating.

This week, we’re talking about vulnerability at work—when it builds trust, and when it just gets awkward. From Foo Fighters to Figma to Greg’s latest Same Page column, we dig into reinvention, recognition, and the fine art of not oversharing.The HuddleBrett’s launching DPM Summer SchoolGreg’s geeking out in Figma and following the latest product drops from ConfigThe ReviewWhen vulnerability backfires We all want to work on teams where people can be real—but sometimes vulnerability lands wrong and creates distance instead of connection. This week, we unpack how to spot the line between honesty and oversharing, what leaders can do when the energy shifts, and why timing, tone, and trust make all the difference.Also on Same Page this week:Celebrating small wins: how recognition builds resilient teamsBuilding stronger teams through consistent recognitionThe AskThe AskAre you in survival mode or living your best life? If you had to rate yourself from 1 (barely making it) to 10 (living the dream), where are you today? Write to us: [email protected] — we’re listening.The Hit ListWhat we’re reading, writing, watching, and listening to this week:Listening:Foo Fighters (self-titled debut) Writing:It's time we stopped asking for vases. Thinking about going out on your own? Read this first. Project management isn’t dead. AI just made it more human. Watching:Sinners Warfare Reading:Abundance by Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson The High FiveThe next playbook is in the works. Stay tuned for the drop!

This week, we talk about burnout: how it builds, how it breaks teams, and how we (as leaders and humans) need to get way better at spotting it. Also, shoutout to Pope Francis for sending a senator to empathy training. If he’s tired of the bullshit, so are we.The HuddleBrett’s prepping for a new panel on explosive career moments, while Greg is mentally checking out under blue skies. Spring is here, but burnout is still top of mind.The ReviewBurnout isn’t just yours to manage—it’s yours to notice Burnout doesn’t show up with warning lights—it simmers quietly, undermining energy, trust, and momentum. This article outlines the phases of team burnout and makes the case for leaders to notice it early (especially in themselves). We talk through where burnout starts, how we’ve missed the signs, and which phase is the hardest to lead through. Spoiler: it’s not the one you think.Also on Same Page this week:Why continuous learning builds resilient teamsHow to build resilient teams through continuous learning and developmentThe AskJoin us for our first-ever live event: The Huddle 🗓 Wednesday, May 7, 2025 🕧 12:30–1:00pm ET Register now—it’s free!The Hit ListWhat we’re reading, writing, watching, and listening to this week:Listening:Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions by Taylor Swift INXS Listen Like Thieves Writing:Open to work is the new tip of the sword When “do what you love” stops loving you back Make no mistake, employees will always be just a line item Leadership lessons from Taylor Swift Watching:Your Friends & Neighbors on Apple TV+ The High FiveHigh five to everyone choosing empathy and compassion over control and burnout. The world needs more of it—especially at work.

This week, we're talking about what happens when we stop pretending everything’s fine—and why that’s harder than it sounds. If you're feeling a little fried but still showing up, this one’s for you.The HuddleWe kick things off with a moment of awe (and side-eye and plenty of giggles) for Katy Perry’s Blue Origin space launch. Then we get into what’s actually on our minds: the growing sense of solidarity amid burnout. The ReviewWhat if it’s not work that’s burning us out?This episode centers around Brett’s Same Page article, which explores the more profound, more existential exhaustion many of us carry. It’s not just about jobs—it’s about the systems we live in, the instability we feel, and the pressure to perform wellness while quietly falling apart.Brett and Greg dig into the emotional weight of this moment. How burnout shows up in remote work, the disconnect between leadership and lived experience, and why we’re probably mislabeling a cultural crisis as a workplace problem. It’s a raw, reflective conversation—and the beginning of something we plan to keep talking about.Also on Same Page this week:Why psychological safety fuels creativity and problem solvingCreating psychological safety for innovation and trustThe AskJoin us for our first-ever live event: The Huddle 🗓 Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 12:30–1:00pm ET Register now—it’s free!The Hit ListWhat we’re reading, writing, watching, and listening to this week:Listening:Northport by Bonobo Spike Island by Pulp Writing:Burnout but make it existentialKindness feels radical Reading:Harriett Tubman: Live in Concert: A Notel by Bob the Drag Queen Watching:Lazarus Adolescence on Netflix The High FiveThis week’s high five goes to not hiding. We’re lucky we can talk about this stuff. We know not everyone can. If you're navigating this moment quietly, we see you. High five.

The HuddleWhat’s top of mind for us this week? Honestly… burnout. Between news cycles, messy calendars, and rising stress levels, we’re seeing a lot of leaders in the proverbial burn unit—emotionally fried, physically drained, and still trying to show up with a smile. That came through loud and clear in our last Huddle, where even the head nods felt tired.The ReviewHold the weight, not the blame.This week on Same Page, Greg wrote a post called Hold the weight, not the blame.—a callout to leaders who absorb the emotional mess of misalignment, even when it’s not theirs to carry. We’ve both been there: internalizing failures, over-owning dysfunction, and quietly cleaning up after others while pretending it’s just part of the job. But the truth? That guilt doesn’t serve you—or your team.This one’s for everyone trying to lead through hard times with empathy, but forgetting to offer themselves any in return.Also on Same Page this week:Encouraging open dialogueHow open dialogue brought one team closer togetherThe AskJoin us for our first-ever live event: The Huddle: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 12:30–1:00pm ET.Register now—it’s free!The Hit ListWhat we’re reading, writing, watching, and listening to this week:Listening:Giver/Taker by FINNEAS and Kacey MusgravesU2 - UV Achtung Baby Ambient MixesWriting:Tuned in, worn out We've built a society on bullshit and emojis. Connection isn’t just personal. It’s political. This is your brain on nostalgia. Reading:THE GEN X CAREER MELTDOWN (NYT) The High FiveThis week’s high five goes to saying the quiet parts out loud—because it’s time for real talk.

The HuddleBrett kicks things off with a (minor!) fender bender and a Lady Gaga-fueled beef with Greg about new music. Then we get into the real talk: Everyone’s in a rough spot—burned out, overworked, and just trying to keep up. The ReviewForced efficiency: the myth of cutting your way to greatnessBrett breaks down what happens when leaders slash people, processes, and budgets—without a real plan—and still expect things to keep running magically. Inspired by Musk-level mayhem and personal experience, this conversation explores how panic is often disguised as "efficiency."Here’s the truth: You can’t cut your way to greatness. Real efficiency isn’t about trimming fat—it’s about building muscle memory.Spoiler: It’s not pizza or “thoughts and prayers.” It’s presence, purpose, and follow-through.Also on Same Page this week:The hidden cost of missed documentationHow documentation became a pillar for team transparencyThe AskJoin us for our first-ever live event: The Huddle 🗓 Wednesday, April 9, 2025 🕧 12:30–1:00pm ET 🎯 30 minutes of insights, conversation, resource sharing, a few laughs, and a high five to close.Register nowThe Hit ListWhat we’re reading, writing, watching, and listening to this week:Reading'Heat' and 'Top Gun' Actor Val Kilmer Dead: Michael Mann, Francis Ford Coppola, and More Pay TributeHow Well-Meaning Systems Stifle Business GrowthListeningRomance by Fontaines D.C.Forever is a feeling by Lucy DacusWritingEject disk. A manifesto for everyone stuck in the system that keeps crashing you.WatchingSeveranceThe High FiveTo those who are going through it, we see you going to work and dealing with chaos.

The Huddle What’s top of mind this week? Brett’s in presentation mode, while Greg’s prepping for our first Same Team Huddle. One’s on the mic, the other’s setting the stage—both focused on better conversations.The Review: This Week’s Topic Deloitte made it official–Build your own damn cultureThis week, we unpack Greg’s latest Same Page column, inspired by Deloitte’s 2024 Human Capital Trends report. It challenges the myth that culture should cascade from the top, calling out how rigid systems like SAFe, EOS, and “Agile” often stifle trust and autonomy.Culture doesn’t scale—it fragments. And that’s a good thing. Microcultures drive real engagement and innovation, even if they make execs a little nervous.We explore why top-down culture fails, what default culture looks like, what real leadership requires, and how Teamangle supports culture from the inside out.Also on Same Page this week:Navigating collaborative conflict: how to turn tension into progressEmbracing conflict for stronger collaboration The Ask 🚨 If you’re not reading The Field Report, what are you even doing? 🚨 Sign up now at sameteampartners.com/subscribe and get on the ground floor—we’re only a few issues in.The Hit List What we’re reading, listening to, and watching this week: Listeningten days by Fred again.. Yoyaku in-store session with Tomoki Tamura ReadingLiminal Thinking by Dave Gray FDA staff left ‘scrambling’ to complete product reviews after DOGE layoffsWatchingPayback (1999) The Studio The High Five This week’s high five goes to the culture champions—the folks who actively build, shape, and nurture the teams they’re on. Whether you’re a leader or the new hire with great vibes, culture doesn’t come from the top, it grows from everywhere. Keep planting seeds. High five!That’s it for this week. See you next time!

The HuddleGreg’s busy figuring out how to scale the Teamangle Diagnostic so teams can stop flying blind, while Brett’s out there making connections and bringing new people into the fold. The Review: Leadership advice is broken: it’s not about you, it’s about them.Somewhere along the way, leadership advice got a little too self-centered—confidence, command, control. But great leadership isn’t about the leader; it’s about the team.The conversation hit on something big: leadership needs a perspective shift. It’s not about looking in the mirror and asking, How do I become a great leader?—it’s about looking at your team and asking, What do they need to succeed? We also posted two Teamangle articles on Same Page this week:Why innovation thrives in flexible culturesWhy creativity thrives on collaborationThe Ask🚨 If you’re not reading The Field Report, what are you even doing? 🚨Our weekly newsletter is packed with straight-shooting leadership insights, fresh takes on team dynamics, and the kind of advice that helps—not just corporate fluff. Sign up now and get in on the good stuff.The Hit ListListening:Relationships by HAIM Colors by Beck Reading:Rotman Management Magazine Watching:White Lotus Episode 4 Memes! Thief–Writing:We need better assholes – Greg’s latest piece inspired by John Gruber.The High FiveThis week’s high five goes to listening to experts—specifically those helping us with marketing! We may resist, we may grumble, but at the end of the day, we’re learning from people who know their stuff. High five to letting go and trusting the process.

The HuddleWhat’s top of mind for us this week? Expanding our reach. Brett joined The Agile Network as an expert, diving into conversations on Teamangle, communication, collaboration, and digital project management. It’s a whole new audience, and we’re excited to see where it leads. Meanwhile, Greg is celebrating the launch of The Field Report, our new newsletter—and the response has been better than expected! The Review: This Week’s TopicYou have 8 seconds—make them count.We’re drowning in information, but attention is in short supply. Studies say our attention spans have dropped from 12 seconds to 8 seconds in just over a decade. Whether that’s accurate or not, one thing is clear: if your team is confused about priorities, direction, or expectations, it’s not their fault—it’s on you.We break down five key questions and discussion that leads to a laugh or two and some insights on what makes Same Team tick.We also published two new Teamangle articles this week:How diversity in planning and teamwork leads to breakthrough successThe power of inclusive planning: how to involve diverse perspectivesThe AskWe launched The Field Report, our new weekly newsletter! If you want real talk on leadership, team dynamics, and communication delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe now at sameteampartners.com/subscribe.The Hit ListListening:MAYHEM by Lady Gaga Superdream by Big Wild Writing:The Hardest Project of My Career (and What It Taught Me)Reading:5 Pandemic-Era Lessons on Leading Through Drastic ChangeWatching:French ConnectionNo Way Out The High FiveThis week’s high five goes to The Field Report! We launched it, people read it, and we only had one broken link (so far).

The HuddleWhat’s top of mind for us this week? Rebuilding. Between career shifts, layoffs, and leadership changes, Greg wrote about the importance of rebuilding professional connections, and Brett reconnected with an old colleague through Chicago Camps’ Tent Talk—proving that sometimes, the right conversations happen at the right time.The Review: This Week’s TopicThe middle management trap: why it’s failing and how to fix itMiddle management used to be the stepping stone to leadership. Now? It’s a high-stress, low-reward role that no one wants. Companies are piling impossible expectations onto managers while stripping away the resources and training they need to succeed.We break down three key questions:What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before stepping into management? .Why are future leaders avoiding management roles? How do we fix it? We also published two new Teamangle articles this week:How shared language enhances team cohesionAvoid misinterpretations: developing a shared language for your teamThe AskWe’re launching our Same Team Partners newsletter—subscribe now at sameteampartners.com/subscribe. Our first issue drops on Tuesday!The Hit ListReading:Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future by Reid Hoffman Writing:DOGE isn’t making government more efficient—it’s just destroying people’s lives Your network is broken. Fix it like a human. Watching:Yellowstone Pivoting in Life: How to Use Your Transferable Skills with Betty Chan & Sean Murphy Listening:Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones by Madonna The High FiveThis week’s high five goes to Kris Fulton, who has been a game-changer in helping us refine our marketing strategy. We’re makers, not marketers—but she is showing us the way. Huge high-five for the impact Kris has already made! Thank you!

The Review: This Week’s TopicThere is no ‘AI’ in team: Why leaders shouldn’t panic about job takeoverYou’ve seen the headlines: “AI is coming for your job.” But is it, though? We dive into Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s recent comments on AI’s actual impact—and why it’s still far from replacing human teams. AI may be great at crunching data, but it still struggles with judgment, creativity, emotional intelligence, and, you know, basic context.We break down three key questions:Do you see AI as an asset or a threat for teams? Where do you see AI helping vs. hurting team collaboration? How should leaders talk about AI with their teams? Also, fun fact: We have a There Is No AI in Team T-shirt. Because why not?We also published two Teamangle articles (...from our forthcoming book):Start strong: defining roles at project kickoff for team alignmentWhy clear role definitions boost productivityThe AskWe’ve got two events for you:The Huddle: Drive Meaningful 1:1s – March 12 at 12 PM ET (FREE). A 30-minute interactive session to help you make 1:1s more productive and meaningful.Power Play: Elevating Your 1:1s for Impact – March 26 at 12 PM ET (PAID). A hands-on workshop packed with strategies and exercises to turn check-ins into game-changers.The Hit ListWhat we’re reading, listening to, and watching this week:Reading:Right Leader, Right Time by Robert Jordan and Olivia WagnerAI Will Replace You: Leaders Who Refuse to Evolve Will Be Left Behind by Lolly Daskal – Listening:Severance: ODESZA Alligator Bites Never Heal by DoechiiWatching:The White Lotus season 3The High FiveThis week’s high five goes to The Huddle and Power Play. We’re launching a new playbook and two events to help leaders improve their 1:1s. It feels great to get this out into the world—high five to that!

In this conversation, we discuss the concept of resilience in leadership, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics over individual endurance. We explore the challenges leaders face in maintaining resilience, the pitfalls of the hero mindset, and strategies for fostering collective resilience within teams. The HuddleWe're busy making more!We've got our next playbook ready to launch. Get ready to make your 1:1s better!Greg is working on our first "Huddle," which will be a free workshop session on 1:1sBrett is talking Teamangle at Chicago Tent Talks on March 4The ReviewWe dig into Brett's recent Same Page post, Resilience is not enough: leadership in 2025 requires more. This conversation explores how leaders can foster collective resilience by shifting away from the hero mindset and embracing shared responsibility. Key topics include:The challenges leaders face in maintaining resilienceThe pitfalls of the hero mindset in leadershipStrategies for building resilience within teamsThe importance of adaptability in uncertain environmentsWe also published two new Teamangle articles this week:Building bridges: practical steps for effective cross-functional collaborationHow the right tools drive team alignment and efficiencyThe AskOur first shipment of Teamangle Conversation Cards is out in the wild. Grab your deck today!The Hit ListBrett:Reading: Language: Why We Hear More Than WordsListening: Songs About You Specifically - Album by MICHELLEWatching: SNL 50 Concert - The Culps do Kendrick LamarEating: Post Malone OreosGreg:Reading: The Experience Economy By B. Joseph Pine II & James H. Gilmore Reading: The New Yorker 100The High Five!High five to resilience for keeping us moving, keeping us connected, and reminding us that we’re stronger together!

The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here—Teamangle Conversation Cards are officially live! We dive into the origin story of the cards, why they’re a game-changer for team discussions, and how they help leaders facilitate conversations that actually matter. The HuddleBig things happening this week:Teamangle Conversation Cards are live! Brett joined The Agile Network as an expert! Use the promo code SAMETEAMPMC33 for a 33% discount on membership.The ReviewThe Teamangle Conversation Cards nare live and we are so excited to share them with you! In this conversation, we break down:Why we created the cards.How they help teams uncover alignment (or misalignment).Why the right questions drive meaningful conversations.Bonus: We reveal our favorite cards and why they matter.Plus, we published two new Teamangle articles this week:Creating consistency: how a clear cadence enhances team communicationWhy rhythm in communication builds trust and dependabilityThe AskGrab your Teamangle Conversation Cards! Try them in your next meeting, use them in your one-on-ones, or set aside time to explore just one or two questions with your team.The Hit ListBrett:Reading: Council Post: Resilience: The Most Coveted Leadership Skill For 2025Listening: Hostile Government Takeover - EDM Mix by AGiftFromToddThe original TikTokGreg:Listening: Future Past, Duran Duran Watching: The GriftersThe High FiveWe did it—the Teamangle Conversation Cards are officially launched! Also, we’ve got fresh Same Team hats and tees in the store—so grab some swag while you’re at it!

This episode dives into the biggest shake-up in project management in years—the PMI and Agile Alliance merger—and why digital project management (DPM) might be the missing piece in this new landscape. But not before Brett relives the glory days of the Eagles’ Super Bowl win, hoping for a win this weekend at Super Bowl LIX.The HuddleWe’re hitting the road—join us in person for some hands-on learning!Brett is set to facilitate a workshop at the Digital PM Summit this October in Portland, OR.Greg will be leading a workshop at Agile 2025, July 28-30 in Denver, CO.The ReviewThe recent merger between PMI and the Agile Alliance marks a pivotal moment for the project management industry, bringing together two historically opposing methodologies under one roof. This moment presents an opportunity for DPM to take its rightful place at the table—bridging the gap between Agile’s flexibility and PMI’s structured approach to create a more effective, people-first approach to project leadership.We explore:What does this merger mean for the future of project management?How this shift could impact teams.What we’d say to PMI and Agile Alliance leaders.We also published two new Teamangle articles this week:Unlocking team creativity through structured brainstormingWhy structured brainstorming creates innovative solutionsThe AskWant to hear more about fixing dysfunctional teams? Check out our Digital Project Management podcast episode with Galen Low: How To Identify & Fix Project Team Dysfunction Using Teamangle. Let’s make project teams stronger—one conversation at a time!The Hit ListBrett:Reading: When the mentor feels like an imposterListening: It’s a Mirror by Perfume GeniusWatching: Super Bowl LIXGreg:Reading: Unreasonable HospitalityListening: We, Arcade FireWatching: Night AgentThe High FiveWe sent our first proposal of the year! Get in touch if you want to work with Same Team!

This week on The High Five, we dive into the PMI and Agile Alliance merger, and share a bit about our involvement in the upcoming Agile 2025 conference—Brett will be curating a track, and Greg will be speaking. This week's conversation centers around Greg's Same Page article, Only Teams Can Drive Real Transformation, where we break down why so many top-down transformations fail and why real change has to start at the team level. We also tackle some big questions: How can you tell when a transformation effort is doomed? What actually makes change stick? And how can organizations better equip team leaders for success? If you’ve ever been stuck in a never-ending “transformation” initiative, this one’s for you.The ReviewWe break down Greg’s article, Only Teams Can Drive Real Transformation, which explores why top-down change efforts fail and why true transformation must start at the team level. We discuss the biggest pitfalls in transformation initiatives and what organizations can do to better support team leaders in driving real change.Plus, this week's Teamangle topics:How documentation became a pillar for team transparencyKeeping Everyone Informed: Documenting Decisions and Next StepsThe AskFollow us on Linkedin. Engage with us on Linkedin! We'll be posting more video and content updates, and we value your feedback, hot takes, likes, or whatever you want to contribute.The Hit ListBrett:Reading: Town Hall Meeting: Agile Alliance + PMIListening: Big Ideas by Remi WolfWatching: A Real PainGreg:Reading: Manifesto for World RevolutionListening: Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi! - EnigmaWatching: SiloThe High FiveWe're wrapping up work on our second playbook, which is all about conducting valuable one-on-one meetings. We can't wait til you get it!

While recapping his whirlwind day as a tourist in Dubai—where he presented Teamangle at the Dubai International Project Management Forum—Brett reflects on the value of meaningful connections. This ties into a critique of Airbnb’s CEO dismissing one-on-one meetings as a waste of time and comparing listening to employees to playing therapist—a mindset Brett sees as toxic bro culture masking as innovation.The discussion highlights the value of one-on-ones, the harm of toxic leadership rhetoric, and how leaders can create inclusive workplaces by fostering trust, empathy, and psychological safety. Balancing ambitious goals with supportive environments is key to better leadership.The ReviewThis week, we discuss Brett's Same Page article, Avoiding one-on-ones? That’s not leadership, that’s toxicity and the themes of the article surrounding the need for one-on-one meetings and how toxic bro culture has no place at work, no matter the industry.Plus, this week's Teamangle topics:Encouraging every voice: making team meetings inclusiveThe transformative effect of inclusivity on team morale and successThe AskWe want to hear from our listeners! What's on your mind? What topics resonate for you? Drop us a note at [email protected]. We'd love to connect and hear what's top-of-mind for you. Who knows, maybe we'll bring it up on the show!The Hit ListBrett:Reading: How tech billionaires screwed us allListening: Stampede, Orville PeckWatching: RÜFÜS DU SOL - Live from Joshua TreeGreg:Reading: Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated CultureListening: Splinter - Sneaker PimpsWatching: American PrimevalThe High FiveBelieve it or not, the Teamangle Conversation Cards are shipping! Check out our shop next week to grab yours. And maybe grab a t-shirt too!

This week, we’re diving into Greg’s latest article: Teams are still struggling with energy, purpose, and morale: Here’s how to help. If your team’s feeling the strain lately, you’re not alone—and we’re unpacking why it’s happening and what leaders can actually do about it. We also break down some hard truths about today’s workplace climate:Plus, we dig into a Teamangle hot topic: Why knowing when a task is truly ‘done’ can boost team satisfaction. Turns out, clear definitions of completion = happier, more efficient teams.And speaking of global insights—Brett’s heading to Dubai for the DIPMF Conference to talk all things Teamangle! Big shoutout to our listeners tuning in from around the world—hello out there! 🌍It’s a packed episode full of insights, real talk, and global adventures. Don’t miss it!The ReviewThis week we talk about today's workplace climate, and how some leaders may be struggling to motivate teams. Greg reviews advice for how leaders can help teams and themselves in his article, Teams are still struggling with energy, purpose, and morale: Here's how to help.Plus, this week's Teamangle topics:Why knowing when a task is ‘done’ boosts team satisfactionHow clear definitions of completion improve team efficiencyThe AskJoin our next Teamangle webinar on January 23 at noon ET. Register now!The Hit ListBrett: Reading: 'Career Catfishing': 1 in 3 Gen Zers Accepted a New Job and Didn't Show Up on Day OneListening: The Smiths , Live Aus Der Markthalle Hamburg 1984Watching: PenelopeGreg:Reading: Project Hail Mary by Andy WeirListening: Grizzly Bear VeckatimestWatching: Squid GameThe High FiveThis week, we're high-fiving the kick-off to a great year and our Replay and Reset activity, which we've received great feedback on. Check it out and get your year off on the right foot.

In this festive holiday edition of The High Five, we explore the Replay and Reset activity—a reflection and action-planning tool designed to help individuals and teams set clear, actionable goals for 2025. With the end of the year fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset for the year ahead. We’ll discuss why this framework is effective, share our personal experiences, and offer practical tips for integrating it into your team’s end-of-year planning.As a quick note, we’re taking next week off to enjoy the holidays, but we’ll be back in the new year with fresh ideas and insights to help you kick off 2025 on the right foot. So, grab some eggnog (or your festive beverage of choice), settle in, and let's dive into this year-end tradition together!The ReviewReplay and Reset — Reflect, refocus, and recharge for 2025 isn't just another blog article! It's an activity designed to help you start your year with focus. We talk about how we've used the exercise and maybe we should do this quarterly.The AskHave a happy holiday. Reach out to us in the new year to learn more about what we’re working on or to work with us. We are ready!Also, we have a webinar on January 23 at noon ET. Register now.The Hit ListGreg:Listening: Domi & JD BeckWatching: Stranger Things — Season 4Reading: A Producer Attempts to Pitch The NutcrackerBrett: Listening: It’s a Holiday Soul Party by Sharon Jones & The Dap KingsReading: Holidays on Ice by David SedarisWatching: National Lampoon's Christmas VacationThe High FiveThis week's high five is for breaks! Rest. Relaxation. Resetting. We hope you get some downtime over the holidays. We'll see you in 2025. Thanks so much for being a part of Same Team.

This episode builds on Brett’s blog about leadership’s tough lessons from 2024’s failures. We’re tacking on our thoughts to the article and putting our “lessons learned” spin on things. We break down what went wrong in 2024 and how leaders can turn failure into growth. We also preview our upcoming free Teamangle webinar on January 23, share this week’s Teamangle articles, and dive into actionable ways to make 2025 your team’s best year yet.The ReviewThis week, we reflect on failure stories and the key lessons they offer, inspired by Brett’s blog post, Turning 2024’s business failures into lessons learned. Key takeaways include:The Fine Line Between Bold and Confusing: What teams can do to balance boldness with clarity.Trust and Testing: We highlight how leaders can rebuild trust and prepare teams for the unexpected.Turning Mistakes into Momentum: Learn actionable ways to reframe mistakes into growth opportunities for your team.We also recap two new Teamangle articles:Start strong: defining roles at project kickoff for team alignmentWhy clear role definitions boost productivityThe AskFollow us on TikTok for Brett’s snarky leadership tips, guaranteed to make you laugh and rethink how you lead your team.The Hit ListBrett’s PicksListening: XO by Elliott SmithReading: YesMadam HR blunder - is it even real? Watching: The PenguinGreg’s PicksListening: Tony Thriller Chill Beats Co. Presents: A Lofi Christmas Story, Vol. 1Watching: Stranger ThingsWatching: Pro Chefs Blind Taste Test Every Instant RamenThe High FiveThis week’s high-five goes to our webinar attendees who helped make it a success! Thanks for your enthusiasm and commitment to building better teams. Join us for a repeat performance on January 23 at noon ET.