Episode 243: Embracing Healthy Disagreement for Stronger Teams and Sharper Decisions

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explores the strategic benefits of healthy disagreement in teams. Drawing on research and real-world examples from leaders like Jeff Bezos and experts in psychological safety, she highlights how thoughtfully managed disagreement leads to better decisions, sharper thinking, and stronger collaboration. Dr. Janel shares practical approaches for designing disagreement into team culture, from establishing norms to structuring debate and modeling calm dissent. Whether you’re a manager or a team member, you’ll learn actionable principles for turning conflict into a catalyst for innovation and building high-performing teams that thrive on constructive debate and diverse perspectives.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/243

Episode 242: Master Microshifting: How Flexible Work Bursts Are Shaping the Workday

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explores the concept of microshifting—breaking the traditional workday into flexible bursts tailored to individual energy cycles and life demands. She explains how microshifting emerged from post-pandemic work trends and highlights its benefits, such as improved well-being, autonomy, and global collaboration. However, she warns that without intentional design, clear communication, and trust, microshifting can fragment focus, create coordination chaos, and erode boundaries. Drawing on research and practical examples, Dr. Janel offers actionable principles for organizations to successfully implement microshifting, providing valuable insights for leaders, teams, and anyone seeking greater work-life balance.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/242

Episode 241: Adapting to Unannounced Change

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explores how rapid, unannounced changes in technology—like unexpected software redesigns—can create frustration even among those who embrace innovation. Drawing on her own volatile experiences with changes in her bookkeeping and email software, she highlights the importance of key design heuristics: visibility, consistency, and user control. Dr. Janel connects these principles to leadership, noting that the way change is introduced makes all the difference in whether people adopt or resist it. Whether you’re a leader or a product designer, you’ll find actionable advice for rolling out changes that respect users’ needs and foster smoother transitions.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/241