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.

This episode explores the staggering statistics behind leadership mediocrity and discusses why so many managers fall short. We dive into actionable ways to align team goals, share a real story about the power of Teamangle Conversation Cards, and preview our upcoming free Teamangle webinar on December 12. Plus, we sprinkle some lighthearted banter about gym zombies and Brett’s Spotify Wrapped.The ReviewWe discuss Greg's post, Leadership’s legacy problem—and how to solve it, and unpack why 82% of managers struggle with leadership and discuss ways to address the legacy of poor leadership. From aligning team goals to creating accountability frameworks, we highlight how leaders can improve. Plus, we share a real-life example of how Teamangle Conversation Cards helped a team overcome misalignment and foster productive conversations.We also published two Teamangle articles this week:How to align goals for team successThe power of shared goals: how one team unified around a common purposeThe AskIf you’ve enjoyed the podcast, join us for our free Teamangle webinar on December 12 at noon ET. Here’s how you can help:Register now to gain practical strategies for better communication, collaboration, and culture.Share with a friend or colleague who could benefit from building stronger teams in 2025.Let’s make 2025 your team’s best year yet!The Hit ListBrett’s Picks:Listening: My embarrassing Spotify Wrapped.Reading: Pantone’s color of the year 2025Greg’s Picks:Listening: David Bowie’s 1. Outside.Watching: The PenguinReading: The General Intelligence Tsunami, Arena MagazineThe High FiveThis week’s high-five goes to our growing audience! Thanks to all who are signing up for the webinar, joining our email list, and connecting with us on LinkedIn. Your support keeps us inspired and excited to bring you even more great content!

From Thanksgiving vibes to the memories that make us smile, we’re diving into the holiday vibes, exploring how you can turn your family gathering into a fun team-building experience. team-building experience. Plus, we’re launching our free Thanksgiving Conversation Cards game—perfect for family bonding and keeping the peace at the dinner table. Oh, and we’ll be TikToking all about them this weekend, so stay tuned! Get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even download something your family will actually enjoy this year.The ReviewHere’s what’s on the table:Turning Thanksgiving into a fun family-building experienceDiscover our free Thanksgiving Conversation Cards game—a fun spin-off from the original set we designed to help teams align and thrive. This one’s for family bonding, not work emails.How we came up with the idea and how we're so excited about making stuff!What’s our favorite card?The AskDo us a favor—share our Thanksgiving Cards far and wide! Seriously, let everyone know. Put it on your Facebook, and don’t worry when your Aunt Sheila can’t find the download button. Just tell her to email us.The Hit ListBrett:Listening: The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess by Chappell Roan (plus, check out her NPR Tiny Desk Concert)Reading: Into the Wild by Jon KrakauerWatching: Game of Thrones (finally)Greg:Listening: Music from the 90s like Tribe Called QuestWatching: Bad MonkeyReading: Do HopeThe High FiveThis week, we’re high-fiving gratitude.The best teams—and families—offer gratitude to one another. It feels good, strengthens relationships, and builds trust. So this Thanksgiving, take a moment to say thanks. You’ll be surprised how far it goes.Happy Thanksgiving from Same Team Partners! 🦃 🍷 🥧

In this episode of The High Five, Greg dives into his new project, Unseen, exploring the growing issue of loneliness and how it affects us all. Meanwhile, Brett reacts to a thought-provoking Behavioral Scientist article on "bursty communication," sparking a lively discussion on remote work, collaboration rhythms, and why the “watercooler” metaphor needs a reboot. Plus, a look into this week’s Teamangle posts and exciting updates about the first-ever Teamangle webinar!The Review Here’s what we covered this week:Another take on remote work: burstiness is the new watercoolerBrett reacts to an article from Behavioral Scientist, challenging the idea of the "watercooler" and offering a fresh perspective on remote team dynamics:Why "the watercooler" was never where work happened.How "burstiness" fosters focus and collaboration in remote teams.Teamangle Blog Highlights:Feedback that fuels growth: How one team’s open dialogue changed everythingClarity through confirmation: how feedback loops improve team communicationThe Ask We’re hosting our first-ever Teamangle webinar on December 12 at noon ET! Join us to learn about aligning, adapting, and achieving with your team. Register now!The Hit ListBrettListening: Live Through This by HoleWatching: Nobody Wants This on NetflixGregReading: The Physicist and The Comedian: Finding Your 12 Feynman Problems & Leveraging Martin Short’s 9 Categories to Be More ProductiveReading: Designing DXThe High Five This week’s high-five goes to us—for sending out email campaigns about Teamangle to all our contacts. It felt a little weird, but hey, this is business. Hate the game, not the player!

This week’s episode is full of fun stories, big updates, and practical tips for improving communication for your team. We cover everything from fiery mishaps to the wild world of icebreakers, all while diving into how brevity's power can change how teams communicate.The ReviewThis week, we dive into the power of concise communication and why “less is more” can make all the difference. Key points include:Be Direct, Be Effective: Brett explains how being specific and clear—like setting deadlines and outlining outcomes—can prevent miscommunication.Examples: Avoid vague phrases like “as soon as possible.” Instead, say, “Please complete this by Friday at 3 PM.”When Icebreakers Attack: Inspired by Greg's conversation with a friend, we discuss how icebreakers can be awkward, even anxiety-inducing. Brett’s “Golden Girls guy” moment is a fun example of how icebreakers can sometimes backfire, but we also share a few favorites that actually work.This week, we published and are talking about:Why less is more: How brevity transformed communication in a busy teamBe direct, be effective: How specificity and conciseness improve communicationWhen icebreakers attackThe AskDownload our first playbook, Your Team Work, Reimagined. This guide introduces the Teamangle framework for diagnosing and enhancing team alignment in communication, collaboration, and culture. It’s packed with insights and a self-assessment tool to help leaders unlock their team’s full potential. Download, read, and share it! The Hit ListBrettListening: SABLE, by Bon IverReading: The Onion Just Bought Alex Jones’ Infowars—No, SeriouslyWatching: It’s Florida, ManGregListening: Low End Theory by Tribe Called QuestReading: The Freaks Came Out To Write by Tricia RomanoThe High FiveHigh five to Rhythm—we’re finally in sync, hitting our stride, and it feels great. Here’s to finding your rhythm and making it work!

This week’s episode is packed with insights, updates, and reflections on hybrid work, our Teamangle content strategy, and more.We start with Brett’s story of waiting 3.5 hours in line to vote, giving him plenty of time to fill out our Election Day Burrito Bingo card, a fun project we pulled together Monday night.The Review This week’s topic focuses on the practicalities of hybrid work and why it shouldn’t be considered revolutionary—it’s just common sense. Brett shares his thoughts on a recent HBR article about Trip.com’s A/B testing of hybrid work, questioning the ethics and practicality of treating work modes as experiments. The conversation also reflects on previous experiences with hybrid work, where flexibility was embraced long before today’s technology made it even easier.This week, we published and are talking about:Why hybrid work isn’t revolutionary—it’s just common senseClear goals, clear results: defining your communication purposeElection Day survival guide: 10 ways to actually stay focused (or fake it) at workThe Ask We need your help spreading the word about Teamangle! If you know people who could benefit from Teamangle or have connections in the podcast world, reach out. We’d love the chance to talk about our insights and impact on other platforms.The Hit ListBrettListening: The Cure, Songs Of A Lost WorldReading: Your Duty Remains The SameGregListening: Underworld, Strawberry HotelReading: Freak Kingdom: Hunter S. Thompson’s Manic Ten-Year Crusade Against American Fascism by Timothy DeneviThe High Five High fives all around this week for Teamangle! The platform is solid, our offerings are ready, and we’ve got our game faces on. Here’s to an exciting launch and helping teams achieve their best year ever. LET'S GO!

The 2024 Halloween episode is live (we recorded last night before the trick-or-treaters could come and ruin our recording).We start with a "scary" story from Brett's recent post, Work Horror Stories: The Spookiest (and Funniest) Scares From My Career 🎃👻, and then High Five on the first PM for Humans Book Club and the fact that we finally just ordered the Teamangle Conversation Cards so you can hopefully get yours soon!Then, we get to the critical stuff in The Review: Same Team Partners publish three new articles weekly, every week, starting now! This week, we published and are talking aboutHow knowing your audience will transform your teamMastering clarity in communication: How to know your audienceCreating space for connection: the key to a thriving team cultureThe AskSign your team up for the Teamangle Diagnostic!Teamangle equips you to lead your team to its best year ever. Our diagnostic tool goes beyond surface-level insights, pinpointing real issues with team alignment in communication, collaboration, and culture.We don’t just deliver a report—we give you practical playbooks, workshops, and action plans designed to tackle challenges head-on. It’s team alignment with purpose, helping you create a connected, unstoppable team. Get the insights you need to make 2025 your best year ever.Availability before end of year is limited, so book it now.The Hot List:Brett:Reading: Even Most Men Are Turned Off by Bro CulturesListening: Mk.Gee, Two Star & The Dream PoliceGreg:Reading: State of the Design Job Market 2024Listening: Hooverphonic: Blue Wonder Power MilkThe High FiveGo Dodgers! Go editorial calendar! Go Joshua Bullock! High Fives all around!Thanks for listening and we hope your Friday Halloween candy hangover subsides soon.

In this episode, we reflect on how the end of Happy Cog Austin eventually led to the creation of Same Team Partners and the launch of Teamangle. We each share our perspective on the emotional journey that began with the closure of the Austin office, eventually sparking a new chapter of helping teams thrive. Brett dives into his keynote at the 12th annual Digital PM Summit, where he introduced Teamangle—a framework built on communication, collaboration, and culture. Tune in to hear how the lessons from those early days shaped Teamangle and why the PM community resonated with tools like the Teamangle Conversation Cards.The AskRemember the Fyre Festival? It was supposed to be a luxury event, but it became a viral disaster due to a complete breakdown in communication and planning. Teams didn’t talk to each other, promises weren’t realistic, and the whole thing collapsed. The lesson? If your team’s communication, collaboration, and culture are off, it can all fall apart. That’s why there’s Teamangle—the tool to help spot and fix those cracks before it’s too late.Teamangle gives you a clear view of how your team functions, using data and insights to uncover problems in communication, collaboration, and culture before they become significant issues. With easy-to-use conversation tools and workshops, Teamangle helps teams work better together and ensures you don’t end up with your own disaster. Want to make 2025 your team's best year ever? Check out Teamangle today.The Hit ListBrett:Reading: Japan’s Jimi ‘Mundane’ Halloween Costumes of 2023Listening: Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat by Charli XCXPublished: How and When to Say No to a ProjectGreg:Reading: Alphabet in MotionWearing: Los Angeles Dodgers '47 Royal/White Trawler Clean Up Trucker Snapback HatListening: Cocteau Twins: Heaven or Las VegasHigh Five!This week, we're high-fiving about the completion of another Teamangle diagnostic. If you're interested in learning more, get in touch. We'd love to help.

This week on The High Five, we dive into the power of identifying team communication preferences for better collaboration through the lens of Brett's most recent Same Page post, Identifying team communication preferences for better collaboration. Every team member brings a unique style to the table, and understanding these differences can unlock trust, productivity, and alignment. Brett explores key takeaways from Mark Murphy’s four communication styles framework, with insights on how tailoring communication leads to smoother teamwork, fewer misunderstandings, and better results.But first, a quick look at recent happenings! Brett just returned from the Digital PM Summit, where he showcased Teamangle and handed out a “There is no AI in Team” shirt—right after an AI-themed presentation. Plus, the Teamangle cards are officially ready to order!The Ask Download Your Team Work, Reimagined, our free playbook, at our website. Discover the new Teamangle framework, tools, and insights to start transforming your team today.The Hit ListBrett:Listening: The Smiths playlist on Spotify Watching: Monsters on NetflixWatching: Simon Sinek & Trevor Noah on Friendship, Loneliness, Vulnerability, and MoreGreg:Reading: Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts by Oliver BurkemanSWatching: Slow Horses Season 4High Five!Project Management for Humans Book Club launches next week—only two seats left!Made progress on our next program, Open Practice.Tune in now to learn how identifying communication preferences can take your team to the next level—and don't forget to grab your free playbook! 🎧

It's no secret that these are tough times for creative teams. They're being pushed to do more with less. Many are operating under tighter budgets, fewer resources, and higher expectations. Yet, despite these pressures, few teams are evolving their practices or processes to match the demands of this new reality. We've been there, and this week, we're discussing Brett's most recent post on Same Page, Navigating challenges for creative teams in 2025.Brett is a storyteller this week. First is his experience at a haunted prison, followed by a scarier story about when the entire UX department was cut from Happy Cog, and they had to pick up the pieces. We tried to remember the details, which we probably got wrong, but the lesson was to take care of the team first and then worry about process changes.That's partly why we developed the Teamangle, a tool to diagnose and address the heart of team performance: communication, collaboration, and culture challenges.The AskDownload our new playbook, Your Team Work, Reimagined. The Hit ListBrettSpeaking, Oct 14: Digital PM SummitListening: Bakesale by Sebadoh (the song Skull)Work-related stress tops employers' health and wellbeing concernsGregListening: Blue States: Your GirlReading: State of Business Communication by GrammarlyHigh Five!We're so stoked about launching Teamangle. We hope you'll check it out and share it with your networks.

Big news this week on The High Five! We're preparing for the official launch of the Teamangle, a team diagnostic to help uncover, diagnose, and solve challenges in the areas of communication, collaboration, and culture. We're so excited about this launch, and while nothing is live yet, we've had tons of positive conversations with folks about the work we've done so far. Greg wrote Introducing our new team development and leadership framework, the Teamangle to start discussing the concept and dives into how and why we created Teamangle. Brett shares all of the upcoming Teamangle products and opportunities we have lined up for you. We hope you can feel the excitement!The AskSubscribe to our site at sameteampartners.com so you can receive content updates, and of course, the launch of the Teamangle next week!The Hit ListBrett:Speaking, Oct 14: Digital PM SummitReading: Why Gaming Is Good for the Workplace Greg:Listening: Junior Varsity - Cross the StreetWatching: Bad MonkeyThe High FiveWriting and content marketing! Get ready for all the Same Team Partners content coming your way!Have a wonderful week.

Starting this week, we're publishing two new articles per week on our blog, Same Page. Moving forward, we'll be discussing those articles on The High Five. To kick us off, Greg recaps his latest article, Teams have to communicate. In the article, Greg brings up two team personas who solve team problems but might cause more problems due to a lack of communication. We talk about giving individuals and teams authority and autonomy to solve problems, share information, and help everyone succeed.Anyway, we're excited to share more about what we're writing and welcome your perspective too. If you have a hot take on what we're discussing, email us at [email protected] ASKBuy a shirt at the Same Team Store. More designs and different products are coming soon!THE HIT LISTGreg:Listening: Duran Duran: New MoonReading: Turning conflict into collaborationBrett:Attending: Leadership Live Las VegasListening: RÜFÜS DU SOL - Break My LoveWatching: Werewolf Bar MitzvahHIGH FIVE!Our first playbook is ready to ship! What's the Teamangle anyway? You'll know soon enough. If you're on our mailing list, you'll get first access! Stay tuned.Have a great weekend.

This week, we discuss the Forbes article Why Self-Advocacy Can Help You Become An Invaluable Collaborator, Brett and Greg share their own experiences with self-advocacy and discuss how to encourage self-advocacy and alignment on goals within teams.The AskWe launched a Same Team Store! Go grab a tee and keep and eye out, because more is coming soon! The Hit List:Brett:Reading: The 3 kinds of intelligence workplaces need to succeedListening: Four Minute Mile by The Get Up KidsGreg:Reading: The Great Discontent: Brad Montague Listening: Yoyaku instore session with Tomoki TamuraHigh Five!

The Gods of business consulting and thought leadership have spoken, and the new team "operating system" is called "The Way We Work." Greg found it all in this HBR article, Build Better Teams.It's really good stuff! The exciting part about this is that the principles closely align with what we're doing (and releasing soon) at Same Team Partners. During the review, we discuss the fundamentals of teamwork and building trust. And guess what? We do that work, too! With that said...THE ASKThank you to everyone who followed us on LinkedIn! This week, please Subscribe to Same Team Partners to receive updates on new content, tools, templates, and products. Big things are going to happen in September!THE HIT LIST:Greg:Listening: Duran Duran - Dance Macabre and Psycho KillerWatching: KAOSBrett:Seeing: Waxahatchee this Saturday at The Fillmore in PhillyListening: Waxahatchee, Tigers BloodReading: Why Self-Advocacy Can Help You Become An Invaluable Collaborator

In last week's Hit List, Brett mentioned the Fast Company article Why we’re failing new managers and how we can set them up for success. That article got him thinking about his own experience, so he did what we do at Same Tem Partners. He wrote about it on Same Page. Check it out: Becoming a manager shouldn’t be as hard as becoming a parent. In discussing both articles, Greg and Brett share their experiences as new managers, and how to help new managers succeed,THE ASKConnect with Same Team Partners on LinkedIn. THE HIT LISTGreg:Reading: Running a CritiqueListening: TOPxMMBrett:Listening: brat by Charli XCX Reading: Colorado man left behind during office retreat survives night on mountain

Have you ever experienced the loneliness of being the solo designer or project manager (or insert other job here) in a company? We've been there, and we just found an article on Medium, 4 challenges solo design teams face and how to overcome them, that touches on some of what lone rangers go through and how to cope. We discuss some strategies that have worked for us.THE ASKWe just launched our new website! Visit and subscribe to receive updates on upcoming free content and other projects. No spam, pinky promise.THE HIT LISTGreg: Reading: Wardley MappingWriting: Anxiety Lives in the Past and the Future.Listening: Amon Tobin - PermutationBrett: Listening: Sit down and love again by SfvenReading: Why we’re failing new managers and how we can set them up for success

We've been thinking a lot about 1: 1 meetings at Same Team Partners. This week, while in a research rabbit hole, Brett found the article Don't cancel meetings to be productive, cancel one-on-ones written by Clickup CEO Zeb Evans. His take is that 1:1s for leaders are a waste of time. He offers some practical solutions for his business. We have a hot take on that. The Ask Subscribe to our forthcoming newsletter at sameteampartners.com (And watch for the launch of our new site!)The Hit ListAttending: The New Purpose of the PMO at thedigitalpmUsing: Threads! Follow us there!Writing: No shirt, no problemListening: Happy Again, PhantogramReading: The Art of Witty Banter: Be Clever, Quick, & Magnetic by Patrick KingWatching: Nick Cage interview on The Late Show

This week's Review is all about team-building activities, and centers on the HBR article 17 Team-Building Activities for In-Person, Remote, and Hybrid Teams. Greg and Brett share their experiences planning and facilitating team events, and discuss some basic best practices.The Ask:Whether you're a PM or PM-curious, we'd love for you to take this brief survey to help us shape future offerings for those who help others get stuff done. And while you're at it, check out what's coming with Project Management for Humans.The Hit List:Reading: Morgenmete JournalWatching: Damon Albarn: Studio TourReading: Kamala Harris's VP pick offers a lesson for hiring managers about 'perfect' candidatesListening: If i could make it go quiet by girl in red

Same Team has Olympic fever! This week, we're talking about The Olympics, and that Google Gemini ad that suggests little kids should use AI to write fan mail. We have opinions.For reference, here's the FastCompany article referenced in the show: Google’s new Gemini ad showcases Big Tech’s big AI misunderstandingThe Hit List:Following: Roz Duffy on LinkedInWatching: Easy Way to Market Yourself, Chris Do/FuturReading: Rugged old crossWatching: Olympic Highlights with Keven Hart and Kenan Thompson Read: Do HopeThe Hive Five:We launched Project Management for Humans on Same Page and would love for PMs or the PM=curious to take this survey so we can make more tailored PM content.

This week, we're discussing HBR's The Art of Asking Smarter Questions. Greg gets into the types of questions the guide recommends, then opens up a discussion with Brett about how phrasing questions, and even better follow=ups can help to build trust and get to better results.The Hit List:Listening: Lenny’s Podcast, 5 essential questions to craft a winning strategy with Roger MartinListening: Mexico by Goth BabeParticipating: Stream Team CommunityReading: Delayed GratificationListening: The Zolas

If you follow tech news, you saw last week that Intuit laid off 1,800 employees, with the subtext that they eliminated 1,050 jobs of "underperformers." Greg and Brett unpack that and the "best" ways to fire people.The Hit List:Listening: Chappell Roan, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest PrincessListening: How Agencies Can Get The Most From Their Freelance PMsLooking: 80000 hoursReading: Do interesting

Greg found an interesting and timely read: Research: New Hires’ Psychological Safety Erodes Quickly via Harvard Business Review. Discussion about onboading, toughened managers and leaders, and embracing soft skills ensues. The Hit List:Reading: Why write?Recommending: Relax & Remix: A 4-Week Journal to Get Unstuck and Evolve Your Life Riding: Trek FX+ 2Listening: Hold by Wild NothingReading: 3 Ways Your Soft Skills will Bring out the Best in Your People by Marcel Schwantes on LinkedIn

In this episode, Brett and Greg continue the conversation about decision-making, inspired by the CFO article Only 36% of Executives Say Their Decision-Making Style Aligns with the Organization’s. This conversation focuses on the lack of confidence in decision-making and impostor syndrome some leaders experience.The Hit List:Reading: The balance of tools and cultureProcessing: The META Trending Trends: 2024Watching: House of the Dragon (season one)Reading: The end of work spouses and office besties: Why, now more than ever, work is not your family

In this episode, Greg introduces The ineffable importance of corporate communication, an article he found on TidBITS about products losing trust with users over poorly communicated app updates. It inspired thoughts about building trust via communications and maybe a relevant story from the past,The Hit List:Reading: Find Hidden Cameras While TravelingWatching: How to make the juiciest steaks Watching: BratsReading: Surgeon General demands warning label on social media apps

In this episode, Brett and Greg discuss decision-making in leadership teams, which was prompted by the CFO article Only 36% of Executives Say Their Decison-Making Style Aligns with the Organization’s. The article is full of interesting statistics, but the conversation focuses on what to do when you disagree with a decision your leadership team is making. The Hit List:Reading: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah HarariListening: Tigers Blood by WaxahatcheeReading: How the Modern World Changed Your BodyReading: The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro KishimiUsing: BearWearing: ICC Team of the World

In this week's episode, Greg introduces The Purpose of a System is What It Does, a part of a new series that Anil Dash is publishing on Systems. The article considers a broader perspective and application of systems, but Same Team brings it back to what we know: organizations, teams, systems, and processes. The Hit List:Reading: Harnessing Scarcity: 7 Lessons From a Dry Well by Dan Rockwell “The Leadership Freak”Listening: A La Sala by KhruangbinReading: The Demon of Unrest by Erik LarsonListening: We by Arcade FireWatching: Gozilla Minus OneThe High Five: More Same Team Time for Brett and Week Four of The Dice for Greg!

This week's episode focuses on a topic that came up with Same Team Partners through an article Brett found called Is the Party Over for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches? The article touches on how Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches are being let go of organizations that went through agile transformation. Essentially, their job is done there, so now what? The Hit List:Listening: Alchemy by DisclosureReading Mountain Gazette Following: Jean Kang on LinkedinReading: The art of asking smarter questionsReading: What would Bowie DoThe High Five: Summer Fridays! Yay!

In the first installment of the new podcast, Brett and Greg dig in on the topic of "stack ranking employees," which Greg first heard about on the Hidden Brain podcast, Hot take: it's gross, and leaders should take more responsibility for low performers.Each week, Same Team Partners share "The Hit List," a quick hit on what they're reading, listening to, watching, following, and using. This week's Hit List includes:How I’m doing the Internet in 2024Shopkeeping: Stories, Advice, and Observations by Peter MilerOnly God Was Above Us by Vampire WeekendSleep with me podcastIs the party over for Scrum Masters and Agile CoachesSarasa Finepoint Zebra Clip Pen and Field Notes