The Better Workplace Podcast
Practical leadership lessons with Dr. Paul Gerhardt on communication, trust, teamwork, and workplace culture.
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Latest Episode
November 6, 2026
When the Numbers Look Good but the Workplace Isn't
Impressive productivity metrics can conceal declining quality, customer frustration, and employee strain. Explore how systems thinking, the Balanced Scorecard, and continuous improvement help managers measure meaningful organizational performance.
Listen to the Latest Episode on Spotify | Read episode notes
Episode Library
Episode 9: The Leadership Habit That Makes Quality Everyone’s Job
Explore how everyday leadership habits and better workplace systems make quality everyone’s responsibility.
Listen to Episode 9 on Spotify
Episode 8: Why Hiring Only People Like You Hurts Teamwork
Practical insights for building stronger teams through better hiring and different perspectives.
Listen to Episode 8 | Read episode notes
Episode 7: What Managers Get Wrong About Team Conflict
Hear different perspectives, find common ground, and agree on clear next steps for turning workplace tension into better teamwork.
Listen to Episode 7 | Read episode notes
Episode 6: Why Growth Can Break a Good Organization
Growth brings opportunity. It can also strain communication, trust, and the systems your team depends on. Learn what needs to grow along with the business.
Episode 5: When the Solution Becomes the Problem
A quick fix can create tomorrow’s challenge. Learn to notice unintended consequences and choose a more thoughtful response.
Episode 4: Why Good Managers Keep Solving the Same Problem
See the patterns behind recurring problems and use systems thinking to look beyond the quick fix.
Listen to Episode 4 | Weekly Team Check-In worksheet (PDF)
Episode 3: Why Good Employees Stop Speaking Up
Encourage honest communication and psychological safety so useful ideas and concerns can be heard.
Listen to Episode 3 | A Guide to Difficult Conversations (PDF)
Episode 2: Give Credit to the People Doing the Work
Use meaningful recognition to help people feel seen and build trust.
Listen to Episode 2 | The Better Workplace Checklist (PDF)
Episode 1: The AI Revolution Has a Leadership Problem
Consider why trust, communication, and the way we treat people matter as technology changes work.
Listen to Episode 1 | Leadership Lessons Discussion Guide (PDF)
Choose one idea to try this week. Explore leadership articles or explore a workshop for your team.
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