My Circus, My Monkeys

Hosted by Anne Brackett

Management Education

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Episodes

180

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

My Circus, My Monkeys supports supervisors on every level working in education or any field focused on growth and development. Discover how to manage the chaos by learning essential supervisor skills, increasing employee engagement, and using the CliftonStrengths framework to empower you and your team. We’ll dive into the latest research in fields like psychology, sociology, neuroscience, education, and beyond to help you maximize yourself and your team to make an even bigger impact on your students and clients lives. Just as importantly, you’ll improve your own sense of well being as you decrease the chaos and stress and increase the balance in your life.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 18113 min

The ONE Thing You Need to Know About Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is vital for the success of your team and organization. Engaged employees are connected to their work, their team, and the wider mission of the organization. Unfortunately, most organizations don't actively invest in creating a culture focused on developing engaged teams. This is an expensive mistake both financially and in terms of lost potential, missed opportunities, and retention of your best team members. In this episode, you'll learn why employee engagement is so vital to the success of your organization and one way you can take action to develop an environment that increases engagement and thus your overall success. Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageReady to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you’re listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you’re ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/

May 27, 2026Episode 18021 min

Leading in Times of Economic Uncertainty

As leaders, especially in higher education, non-profits, and small businesses, you’re no strangers to tight budgets and difficult decisions. But economic uncertainty can magnify these challenges. So, how do you lead effectively when resources are limited? More importantly, how do you make sure we’re still supporting our teams and driving long-term success? In this episode, we’ll explore the unique challenges leaders face during uncertain times, why professional development is more important than ever, and how to prioritize your limited budget. Keep listening to get practical tips on how to navigate the storm while preparing your organization for the future.Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you’re listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you’re ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/

May 13, 2026Episode 17914 min

Making the Most of Your Current Job When You Can’t Leave

Sometimes finding a new job isn't an option. But that doesn't mean you need to be stuck in the status quo and be forced to just stick it out. In this episode, we discuss three strategies for making the most of your current job while you're waiting for your next great opportunity.Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you’re listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you’re ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/

April 29, 2026Episode 17821 min

Are Your Patterns Holding You Back?

The patterns you have dictate the results you get in life, both professionally and personally. Yes, there are also external forces at play, but it's your underlying patterns - the things you do everyday that lead you one way versus another. In this episode, we discuss how important it is to identify the patterns in your life that that weaken your confidence and progress. Once you do, you can redirect your efforts and stories to be more aligned with your values and goals. Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you’re listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you’re ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/

April 15, 2026Episode 17711 min

Spring Pruning Creates Space for Better Productivity & Success

It's spring! If you look outside, you see trees, flowers, and grass full of lush green growth. While this growth is beautiful to watch, not all growth is healthy. If you don't take the time to prune your garden AND your department, it can easily become overwhelmed and switch into survival mode. In this episode, we discuss how the same principles that keep your garden thriving apply to your team. Strategic pruning now, means better productivity and success in the future. Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you’re listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you’re ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/

April 1, 2026Episode 17629 min

A Case for Using a Strengths-Based Approach to Achieve Better Outcomes

Do you want better communication, understanding, and productivity for yourself and your team? A Strengths-based approach can help you, your team, and your organization do all of that and more. In this episode, I give listeners several personal and professional that illustrate how understanding one's own and others' talent themes can lead to better self-regulation, improved delegation, and more effective collaboration. If you want to learn more about how CliftonStrengths can help you manage performance, resolve conflicts, and enhance well-being, be sure to listen. If you're ready to start (or resume) your Strengths journey, here's three great ways to dive in...CliftonStrengths Basics Online Course https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/strengths101courseStrengths Accelerator Academy https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/acceleratoracademySupervisor Strengths Institute https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/Institute Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you’re listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you’re ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/

March 18, 2026Episode 17523 min

Avoiding Leadership Turbulence: Lessons from Aviation’s CRM

Leadership is about collaboration, not control. In aviation, Crew Resource Management (CRM) training helps keep planes and passengers safe by improving communication and teamwork. But this powerful tool can also be applied to leadership and team management in the workplace. In this episode, we discuss five key components of CRM: respect, managing mistakes constructively, creating a supportive culture, preparation and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and handling rank differences and power dynamics. These components matter because whether you’re leading a team of three or thirty, your ability to manage resources, communicate effectively, and handle mistakes is critical for your team’s productivity and success. Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you’re listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you’re ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/

February 25, 20269 min

Self Care or Basic Needs?

We've talked a lot about stress management and self care on previous episodes, but maybe I've been calling it the wrong thing. Is it self care or is it really your basic needs. In this episode, we'll explore whether you've been thinking about self care backwards and how to change your mindset so you can start showing up at your best. Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you’re listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you’re ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/

February 11, 2026Episode 17321 min

Are You in a Rut? Let’s Find Out...

In this episode, we discuss how to identify and escape from ruts, which are patterns that no longer serve us effectively. I use the example of Sally, an employee who continues to perform a task incorrectly despite understanding the correct way, to illustrate how our conscious mind understands a change but our subconscious mind continues the old pattern due to deeply ingrained habits. Ruts are not necessarily about boredom but rather about ineffective patterns that can be challenging to break because our subconscious mind views these patterns as vital for our survival. You'll learn the importance of making small, consistent changes to create new pathways in your brain and gradually shift your identity to align with your desired behaviors. Listen and you'll be better able to identify your own ruts, outline new habits to replace them, and how to be patient and persistent in making these changes.Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you’re listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you’re ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/

January 28, 2026Episode 17232 min

How to Get Better Outcomes with 80% Less Effort

You know too much stress decreases your productivity and your ability to effectively solve problems. Yes, you can focus on stress management to help curb its effect, but what do you do about all the things on your plate? Afterall, it's that increased workload that's contributing to your stress problem. In this episode, you'll learn about a tool that can help you better prioritize, achieve goals, manage your energy, and focus on the right habits, so you can use up to 80% less effort to get even better outcomes. Ready to jump into action and create an engaged workplace? Join us for our newest program, Empower & Engage: The Path to Workplace Excellence. Our summer session starts on June 24, 2026. Get more information and register here: https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/empowerengageIf you’re listening to this podcast, you take your role as a leader seriously. You want to be more effective. You want to lead your team to greater success. And you probably want less stress. This podcast has great information and tips to get you started. But if you’re ready for the next step – one that will give you the guidance and structure to take you to the next level of success – Strengths University has you covered. Have questions? Email Anne at anne@strengthsuniversity.org or set up a meeting with her HERE. Want more information about Strengths University? Check out our website at https://www.strengthsuniversity.org/