The Weekly Workplace

Hosted by Missouri Training Institute

Business Education

Website RSS feed YouTube

Episodes

100

Latest episode

Apr 2026

Language

About the show

Welcome to The Weekly Workplace—a podcast for anyone who wants work to feel a little more human and a lot more doable. Brought to you by the Missouri Training Institute, we’re digging into the everyday stuff that makes (or breaks) a great workday—from leadership habits and communication wins to navigating change and building better teams. Whether you’re leading others or just leading yourself, you’ll find honest conversations, helpful tools, and a little laughter to help you work smarter—and lead with more heart.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

April 14, 2026Episode 15922 min

Episode #159: No Time or No Support? What’s Really Blocking Development?

About This Episode We heard it again and again in our survey responses: “I don’t have time.” But when leaders and professionals say development is being pushed aside, what’s really behind that answer? In this episode, we dig into the top barriers to professional development and explore what they may be signaling beneath the surface. Is development truly competing with the workday, or is it being crowded out by overload, burnout, and a lack of organizational support? This conversation looks beyond the data to examine the systems, signals, and cultural norms shaping how learning shows up—or doesn’t—in today’s workplace. See the Data Snapshot Curious what professionals across Missouri are experiencing right now? 👉 View the Training Needs Report Snapshot Want to Be Part of What Comes Next? As we’ve been reviewing this data, one theme keeps coming up: A lot of leaders and professionals are navigating these challenges on their own, and they don’t have to. We’re beginning to explore building a network of training, HR, and people development professionals across Missouri to share ideas, learn from each other, and tackle real workplace challenges together. Nothing formal yet, we’re just starting to shape it. If you’d like to be part of that conversation (or help build it), we’d love your input: 👉 Share your interest in the MTI Network Interest Form We Want to Hear From You! 🎙️Where is development getting squeezed out in your organization? ➡️ Drop your responses in the comments, DM us, or share it on Facebook or LinkedIn and tag us. We’ll feature a few next week! Resources 📄 Transcript – Read the full transcript. 🎁 Freebie – Grab your free download for this episode. 📬 Stay Connected – Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. 📚 Explore Our Training – Learn more about our customized workplace training programs. 📞 Contact Us – Got questions or ideas? Email us at mti@missouri.edu. References Clark, Dorie. (2018 June 21). If Strategy Is So Important, Why Don't We Make Time For It? Harvard Business Review. Creedy, Verity. (2024 August 16). 3 Reasons Your Organization Needs to Invest in Leadership Development. Association for Talent Development. Smart, Bradford. (2012). Topgrading: The Proven Hiring and Promoting Method That Turbocharges Company Performance. Portfolio/Penguin Publishing.

March 31, 2026Episode 15823 min

Episode #158: What Today’s Workforce Is Really Asking For: Confidence, Clarity, and Leadership

About This Episode We recently asked leaders and professionals what training they need most right now. The answers weren’t random — they told a story. In this episode, we unpack the top themes from our training needs survey, including the overwhelming demand for leadership development, coaching skills, communication, and change management. What does this say about today’s workplace? And what does it reveal about the emotional climate leaders are navigating? This is more than data — it’s a snapshot of where the workforce is right now. See the Data Snapshot Curious what professionals across Missouri are experiencing right now? 👉 View the Training Needs Report Snapshot Want to Be Part of What Comes Next? As we’ve been reviewing this data, one theme keeps coming up: A lot of leaders and professionals are navigating these challenges on their own, and they don’t have to. We’re beginning to explore building a network of training, HR, and people development professionals across Missouri to share ideas, learn from each other, and tackle real workplace challenges together. Nothing formal yet, we’re just starting to shape it. If you’d like to be part of that conversation (or help build it), we’d love your input: 👉 Share your interest in the MTI Network Interest Form We Want to Hear From You! 🎙️Have you ever found yourself in a leadership role and thought, "I should know how to do this… but I don’t?" What helped you figure it out? ➡️ Drop your responses in the comments, DM us, or share it on Facebook or LinkedIn and tag us. We’ll feature a few next week! Resources 📄 Transcript – Read the full transcript. 🎁 Freebie – Grab your free download for this episode. 📬 Stay Connected – Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. 📚 Explore Our Training – Learn more about our customized workplace training programs. 📞 Contact Us – Got questions or ideas? Email us at mti@missouri.edu. References Beck, R. & Harter, J. (2015 April 21). Managers Account for 70% of Variance in Employee Engagement. Gallup Business Journal. Wharton@Work. (2024). Managing to Fail? Why New Leaders Need Training. Wharton Arestry Institute of Executive Education, University of Pennsylvania.

March 26, 2026Episode 15723 min

Episode #157: From Knee‑Jerk to Clear‑Headed When Things Go Wrong

About This Episode When something goes wrong at work, your first 30 seconds say more than you think. In this episode, we explore how leaders unintentionally set the tone in high‑pressure moments — through reactions, silence, energy, and even breathing. We break down what emotional hijacking looks like, why your team may start creating stories when your responses aren’t clear, and how a simple pause can shift everything. With honest examples and practical strategies, this conversation helps you move from reacting to responding — building trust in small, steady moments. Want to Go Deeper? Understanding emotional intelligence is one thing—measuring and developing it is where real growth happens. We offer EQ-i 2.0® assessment bundles designed to help individuals and leaders better understand how emotional intelligence shows up in their work. Each assessment bundle includes a 1:1 coaching session with a certified EQ-i coach to help interpret results and create a development plan. Available options include: EQ-i 2.0 Workplace Assessment – Understand your emotional intelligence and how it affects everyday work interactions. EQ-i 2.0 Leadership Report – Explore how emotional intelligence impacts leadership effectiveness. EQ 360 Assessment – Gain insight from colleagues, direct reports, and supervisors to see how others experience your leadership. 📩 Interested in learning more or scheduling an assessment? Contact us at mti@missouri.edu. We Want to Hear From You! 🎙️Have you ever wished you could redo your ‘first 30 seconds’? Tell us the story. ➡️ Drop your responses in the comments, DM us, or share it on Facebook or LinkedIn and tag us. We’ll feature a few next week! Resources 📄 Transcript – Read the full transcript. 🎁 Freebie – Grab your free download for this episode. 📬 Stay Connected – Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. 📚 Explore Our Training – Learn more about our customized workplace training programs. 📞 Contact Us – Got questions or ideas? Email us at mti@missouri.edu. References Frankl, Viktor. (1959). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.

March 18, 2026Episode 15620 min

Episode #156: The Mood of the Crew Starts With You

About This Episode You don’t have to say a word to influence your team—you're already doing it. In this episode, we dig into the subtle (and often unintentional) ways leaders shape the energy of their workplace. From rushed responses to silence, from consistency to emotional spillover; your daily behaviors are setting the tone more than you think. We talk through real examples of how quickly a “vibe shift” can spread, why your team may be making up stories when communication is unclear, and how small habits, like how you greet people or handle stress, can either build trust or quietly erode it. Want to Go Deeper? Understanding emotional intelligence is one thing—measuring and developing it is where real growth happens. We offer EQ-i 2.0® assessment bundles designed to help individuals and leaders better understand how emotional intelligence shows up in their work. Each assessment bundle includes a 1:1 coaching session with a certified EQ-i coach to help interpret results and create a development plan. Available options include: EQ-i 2.0 Workplace Assessment – Understand your emotional intelligence and how it affects everyday work interactions. EQ-i 2.0 Leadership Report – Explore how emotional intelligence impacts leadership effectiveness. EQ 360 Assessment – Gain insight from colleagues, direct reports, and supervisors to see how others experience your leadership. 📩 Interested in learning more or scheduling an assessment? Contact us at mti@missouri.edu. We Want to Hear From You! 🎙️ What’s one small habit you use to set a positive tone for your team? ➡️ Drop your responses in the comments, DM us, or share it on Facebook or LinkedIn and tag us. We’ll feature a few next week! Resources 📄 Transcript – Read the full transcript. 🎁 Freebie – Grab your free download for this episode. 📬 Stay Connected – Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. 📚 Explore Our Training – Learn more about our customized workplace training programs. 📞 Contact Us – Got questions or ideas? Email us at mti@missouri.edu.

March 10, 2026Episode 15519 min

Episode #155: The Moment That Defines a Leader

About This Episode What happens when something goes wrong on the job? A leader’s reaction in that moment can shape how the entire team responds. In this episode of The Weekly Workplace, we kick off a new series on emotional intelligence and why it matters far beyond the buzzword. From job sites to offices, the ability to recognize and regulate emotions affects communication, trust, and team performance. Join us as we explore why emotional intelligence isn’t about “soft” feelings—it’s about the people skills that drive real workplace results. Want to Go Deeper? Understanding emotional intelligence is one thing—measuring and developing it is where real growth happens. We offer EQ-i 2.0® assessment bundles designed to help individuals and leaders better understand how emotional intelligence shows up in their work. Each assessment bundle includes a 1:1 coaching session with a certified EQ-i coach to help interpret results and create a development plan. Available options include: EQ-i 2.0 Workplace Assessment – Understand your emotional intelligence and how it affects everyday work interactions. EQ-i 2.0 Leadership Report – Explore how emotional intelligence impacts leadership effectiveness. EQ 360 Assessment – Gain insight from colleagues, direct reports, and supervisors to see how others experience your leadership. 📩 Interested in learning more or scheduling an assessment? Contact us at mti@missouri.edu. We Want to Hear From You! 🎙️ What signals tell you that your emotions are starting to take over in a stressful situation? ➡️ Drop your responses in the comments, DM us, or share it on Facebook or LinkedIn and tag us. We’ll feature a few next week! Resources 📄 Transcript – Read the full transcript. 🎁 Freebie – Grab your free download for this episode. 📬 Stay Connected – Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. 📚 Explore Our Training – Learn more about our customized workplace training programs. 📞 Contact Us – Got questions or ideas? Email us at mti@missouri.edu.

March 2, 2026Episode 15419 min

Episode #154: Leadership Behaviors That Steady Teams During Change

About This Episode During times of change, leadership behaviors send powerful signals. This episode explores how consistent, steady actions help teams feel supported and confident—even when uncertainty is part of the workplace. We Want to Hear From You! 🎙️ What behaviors do people count on me for? ➡️ Drop your responses in the comments, DM us, or share it on Facebook or LinkedIn and tag us. We’ll feature a few next week! Resources 📄 Transcript – Read the full transcript. 🎁 Freebie – Grab your free download for this episode. 📬 Stay Connected – Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. 📚 Explore Our Training – Learn more about our customized workplace training programs. 📞 Contact Us – Got questions or ideas? Email us at mti@missouri.edu.

February 2, 2026Episode 15323 min

Episode #153 - Sensemaking: How Leaders Create Meaning During Change

About This Episode Change often brings more questions than answers. In this episode, we explore how leaders make sense of change themselves—and how that internal process shapes communication that builds confidence rather than angst. We Want to Hear From You! 🎙️ What are you still trying to make sense of at work right now? ➡️ Drop your responses in the comments, DM us, or share it on Facebook or LinkedIn and tag us. We’ll feature a few next week! Resources 📄 Transcript – Read the full transcript. 🎁 Freebie – Grab your free download for this episode. 📬 Stay Connected – Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. 📚 Explore Our Training – Learn more about our customized workplace training programs. 📞 Contact Us – Got questions or ideas? Email us at mti@missouri.edu. References Covey, Stephen M.R. (2008). The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything. Free Press.

February 2, 2026Episode 15223 min

Episode #152 - Leading Well When the Path Isn't Clear

About This Episode Leadership today often means moving forward without a clear roadmap. In this episode, we explore what leading well looks like when certainty is unavailable—and how presence, consistency, and honesty help leaders create stability even in unclear times. We Want to Hear From You! 🎙️ When things feel uncertain at work, what do you find hardest about leading? ➡️ Drop your responses in the comments, DM us, or share it on Facebook or LinkedIn and tag us. We’ll feature a few next week! Resources 📄 Transcript – Read the full transcript. 🎁 Freebie – Grab your free download for this episode. 📬 Stay Connected – Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. 📚 Explore Our Training – Learn more about our customized workplace training programs. 📞 Contact Us – Got questions or ideas? Email us at mti@missouri.edu.

October 15, 2025Episode 15124 min

Episode #151 - Do Leaders Keep Learning?

About This Episode Leadership isn’t about knowing it all—it’s about staying curious. Yet only 30% of employees strongly agree they have opportunities to learn and grow at work, according to Gallup. In this kickoff episode, we explore why leaders can’t afford to stop learning, how modeling curiosity boosts engagement, and what it takes to make growth a visible, daily habit. From the 70-20-10 model of development to real-world stories of learning in progress, this episode is a call to lead by example—because when leaders learn, everyone rises. We Want to Hear From You! 🎙️ What’s the last thing you learned that made you a better leader? ➡️ Drop your responses in the comments, DM us, or share it on Facebook or LinkedIn and tag us. We’ll feature a few next week! Resources 📄 Transcript – Read the full transcript. 🎁 Freebie – Grab your free download for this episode. 📬 Stay Connected – Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. 📚 Explore Our Training – Learn more about our customized workplace training programs. 📞 Contact Us – Got questions or ideas? Email us at mti@missouri.edu. References Gallup. (2025 January 13). U.S. Employee Engagement Sinks to 10-Year Low. Gallup Workplace. LinkedIn. (2024). Workplace Learning Report 2024. LinkedIn Learning.

September 17, 2025Episode 15025 min

Episode #150: Real Talk - Are You the Leader People Need Right Now?

About This Episode Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored Gallup’s four essentials of leadership: hope, trust, compassion, and stability. We’ve looked at why they matter, how to practice them, and where leaders often stumble. But in this episode, we turn the mirror on ourselves. We share the wins, the misses, and the lessons we’re still learning when it comes to leading with these four needs. From moments where we got it right to times we wish we could redo, this is a candid look at what it really takes to grow as a leader. Because leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about being present, self-aware, and willing to keep getting better. We Want to Hear From You! 🎙️ Which of the four needs—hope, trust, compassion, or stability—are you working on most right now? ➡️ Drop your responses in the comments, DM us, or share it on Facebook or LinkedIn and tag us. We’ll feature a few next week! Resources 📄 Transcript – Read the full transcript. 🎁 Freebie – Grab your free download for this episode. 📬 Stay Connected – Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. 📚 Explore Our Training – Learn more about our customized workplace training programs. 📞 Contact Us – Got questions or ideas? Email us at mti@missouri.edu. References Gallup. (2025). Global Leadership Report: What Followers Want. World Governments Summit 2025. Covey, Stephen M.R. (2008). The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything. Free Press.