255: How to Give Effective and Impactful Feedback at Work
Do you struggle to give feedback without feeling uncomfortable or worrying you'll offend someone?In this solo episode, Aoife O'Brien delves into the all-too-common challenges around giving effective feedback in the workplace. Drawing from personal experience, audience insights, and research, she looks at why feedback can feel daunting, why it's crucial for growth, and, most importantly, how to deliver feedback that actually drives positive change.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why so many people find giving feedback uncomfortable.The common mistakes to avoid when offering feedback.The difference between positive and developmental feedback, and why both matter.The SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) framework for structuring feedback.Related Topics Covered:Dealing with comparison, following up, shifting your mindset at work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:85: Why delivering effective and constructive feedback at work is so vital with Aoife O’Brien195: Workplace Culture Dynamics: Creating a Positive Work Environment with Caroline CollinsAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Mentioned in this episode:Private FeedPrivate Feed ad
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254: How to Progress Your Career with Purpose with Rumana Shaikh
Do you want to se ek out purpose at work so you can find true happiness?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I sat down with Rumana Shaikh, a senior customer success manager at HubSpot. With a rich background spanning statistical analysis, entrepreneurial ventures, and tech-driven roles, Rumana shared her fascinating career journey and delved into how intuition and a quest for learning have guided her professional path. She discussed the significance of challenging yourself, the art of job crafting, and the essential role of authenticity and collaboration in achieving happiness at work.Rumana emphasises that career growth is not merely about climbing the corporate ladder but about engaging in work that provides learning opportunities and aligns with personal values. By highlighting the importance of collaboration and appreciation, she underlines the power of community in professional growth and satisfaction. Whether it’s reshaping job roles to fit one’s strengths or embracing new challenges, Rumana's insights offer a refreshing perspective on navigating a fulfilling career.The main points include:The influence of intuition and continuous learning in career progression.The importance of job crafting and personalising roles to match your strengths and interests.The concept of authentic leadership and taking ownership of one’s career path.The role of collaboration and community in professional satisfaction.How appreciation and recognition contribute to a positive work environment.Thoughts on managing personal weaknesses by leveraging team strengths.Tune in to discover how you can craft a career that resonates with your personal values and ambitions while contributing positively to your work environment.Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with RumanaYouTubeLinkedInConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 222: How to Build Authentic Connections and Personal Branding with Alyssa JafferMentioned in this episode:Private FeedPrivate Feed ad
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253: The Limits of Workplace Wellbeing Programs with Aoife O’Brien
Are there limitations to the wellbeing at work ideology?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I take a deep dive into the concept of wellbeing in the workplace, challenging the idea that it’s merely a box-ticking exercise. I discuss the Happier at Work framework, which forms the foundation of my upcoming book, and explore how this comprehensive approach can be applied to truly enhance workplace wellbeing.I explore the common misconceptions surrounding wellbeing initiatives, emphasising the necessity of moving beyond superficial solutions. By addressing values, needs, strengths, and psychological safety, I provide actionable insights into creating a meaningful cultural shift. I want this episode to be an invitation for you to re-evaluate your approach to workplace wellbeing, ensuring that interventions are not just performative but genuinely impact employees' experience and satisfaction.The main points include:Recognition of wellbeing initiatives as often superficial and performative, lacking real impact.Examination of misconceptions about the wellbeing space and the importance of moving beyond just ticking boxes.Insight into the role of leadership in fostering a supportive work culture where wellbeing can thrive.Practical questions and actionable steps for leaders to better understand and meet employee needs.Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 203: National Workplace Wellbeing Day with Aoife O’BrienMentioned in this episode:Private FeedPrivate Feed ad
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Wondering Where the Bonus Episodes Have Gone?
Are you missing those behind-the-scenes insights that used to drop each week? Wondering where the Happier at Work®bonus episodes have disappeared to?In this short solo episode, Aoife shares an exciting update about how to access the exclusive bonus episodes going forward—and why they’ve moved to a private podcast feed. You’ll learn what to expect when you sign up, how the bonus content deepens your experience of the main episodes, and exactly how to access it in less than 30 seconds.Whether you’re a people leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about workplace culture and career growth, these private episodes are designed to help you reflect, take action, and feel more empowered at work.What’s Inside:Why the bonus episodes have movedWhat kind of content you’ll get each weekHow to sign up for the private podcast feedWhy it’s free—and how it helps you thrive at workGet access to the private bonus episodes: Private Feed ad Delivered straight to your favourite podcast app!Enjoying the podcast? Share it with a colleague or leave a review—it helps more people find Happier at Work® and build happier, more human workplaces.The Happier at Work® podcast regular covers topics relating to: career development, workplace culture, imposter syndrome, leadership, employee experience, personal growth, psychological safety, values at work, private podcast, career clarity, professional development.
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252: Transforming Old Leadership Styles for Modern Workplace Needs with Brandon Laws
Do you want to transform your workplace for greater productivity and wellbeing?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I sat down with Brandon Laws, Vice President of Marketing and Product at Xenium HR. We delve into the changing landscape of the HR profession and how businesses can adapt to the evolving needs of their employees. Brandon shares his journey from operations to leadership at Xenium, highlighting the importance of transforming workplaces to support both business goals and employee well being.Throughout the conversation, Brandon reflects on the dual challenges faced by HR professionals today: managing the increasing complexity of compliance and the simultaneous need to foster a supportive and engaging work environment. We explore actionable strategies to enhance employee wellbeing without being overwhelmed by administrative tasks and discuss the transformative power of psychological safety, gratitude, and intentional living in the workplace.Key takeaways include:Embracing a dual focus in HR roles to manage compliance complexities while fostering employee wellbeing.The importance of psychological safety and human connection in achieving higher productivity and engagement.Tips for outsourcing non-essential tasks to free up time for strategic, impactful work.The impact of shifting leadership philosophies and the role of millennials in driving workplace transformations.Strategies for overcoming the culture of busyness and promoting a healthier work-life balance.Tune in to discover how you can create a more fulfilling and effective workplace for yourself and your team!Here are the books mentioned during the episode:"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie"Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It" (author not mentioned)"Enough" (author not mentioned)"What's Going Well" (author not mentioned)"The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins"Fierce Self Compassion" (mentioned as being recently started by Aoife, author not specified)Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with BrandonInstagramLinkedInWebsiteConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 185: How to Prioritise Flexible Work to Thrive with Cali YostEpisode 195: Workplace Culture Dynamics Creating a Positive Work Environment with Caroline Collins
Happier at Work® is the go-to podcast for client-facing leaders who want to create thriving workplaces where people and businesses succeed. Hosted by career and workplace culture strategist Aoife O’Brien, each episode explores the psychology of work, tackling the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping today’s workplace—from leadership and career growth to workplace culture, imposter syndrome, and employee engagement.
Blending expert insights, psychological research, real-world stories, and actionable strategies, Happier at Work® helps you build a career and workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired. Guests include leading psychologists, bestselling authors, and professionals like you who are putting these ideas into practice.
Whether you’re a leader looking to create a high-performing team or an ambitious professional navigating career growth, this podcast gives you the tools to drive real change.
🎧 Subscribe now and join the movement!
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