Ever felt like you’re swimming against the tide at work, but can’t quite put your finger on why? Or maybe you’ve said “yes” to something only to regret it later, wondering why you ignored that gut feeling? Welcome to the world of values—the invisible compass that shapes your decisions, reactions, and even your stress levels. In this episode of A Job Done Well, James and Jimmy are joined by Dr. Jackie Le Fèvre, a values specialist with a PhD in the subject (yes, really), to peel back the layers on what values actually are, why they matter, and how understanding them can transform your work life.

Jackie, who started her career as a zoologist before diving into the psychology of human behaviour, breaks down how values act as emotional shortcuts—helping us navigate a world overflowing with information, demands, and corporate nonsense. They’re not just abstract ideas; they’re the lens through which we see the world, the filter that tells us what’s worth our energy and what’s not. And here’s the kicker: when we ignore them, we’re not just unhappy—we’re stressed, drained, and even physically unwell. Ever put off a simple task because it felt like scraping your nails on a chalkboard? That’s your values talking.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Jackie shares how becoming conscious of your values can turn conflict into clarity, self-doubt into self-compassion, and even help you reframe tasks you’d rather avoid (yes, James, that includes posting videos on LinkedIn). From journaling to noticing what makes your heart sing—or sink—she offers practical ways to uncover what truly matters to you.

So if you’re tired of feeling like a cog in someone else’s machine, or just want to understand why you react the way you do, this episode is your wake-up call. Values aren’t just for corporate mission statements—they’re your secret weapon for surviving (and thriving) in the workplace.

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Welcome to A Job Done Well, the podcast for managers who want to improve their performance—and enjoy their jobs. Hosted by Jimmy Barber and James Lawther, this episode tackles hybrid working, a topic that’s causing headaches, heartburn, and heated debates in boardrooms and Slack channels everywhere.

The pandemic proved that remote work could work. But now, as companies scramble to bring people back into the office, many are doing so in the clumsiest way possible: mandating days without considering the why or the how. The result? Frustrated employees, plummeting morale, and—ironically—often worse performance.

In this episode, Jimmy and James break down what’s working, what’s not, and why. They explore Microsoft’s enlightened approach (trust, autonomy, and a focus on collaboration), Apple’s misfired mandate (which sparked open letters and internal rebellion), and Goldman Sachs’ old-school presenteeism (which drove talent straight into the arms of competitors). They also dive into the research: why autonomy matters more than location, how proximity accelerates learning, and why one-size-fits-all policies are about as effective as a chocolate teapot.

But this isn’t just a rant. Jimmy and James offer practical advice for managers—whether you’re designing the policy or stuck implementing someone else’s. Learn how to create an "office menu" (what to do in the office vs. remotely), lead by example, and keep your ways of working under review. Because the goal isn’t just to fill seats; it’s to boost performance, wellbeing, and—dare we say it—happiness at work.

So if you’re tired of corporate nonsense and want to make hybrid working actually work, tune in. And remember: treat your team like adults, not children.

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In this week’s episode, we discuss effective decision-making. It is the cornerstone of good management, and makes up 80-90% of a manager’s role. While pressure and incomplete information are constants, improving this skill is the fastest route to better results.

First, we discuss four common mistakes.

1. Ignoring Stakeholders: Never forget the customer's view. Always consider how your decisions affect those you serve.
2. Falling into Groupthink: When teams agree without challenge, the outcome is often flawed.
3. Acting on Instinct: Over-reliance on gut feeling leads to missed opportunities.
4. Information Overload: Too much data causes ‘analysis paralysis’; you can be overwhelmed by too many metrics.

Then, to help you make solid choices, we discuss a simple, three-phase model:

1. Define: Clearly state the root problem and validate your essential data.
2. Challenge: Test the decision using a Devil's Advocate and ensure you don't let Sunk Costs influence future action.
3. Assess: Consider the risks and have a clear mitigation plan if things go wrong.

By moving from guesswork to a disciplined, reflective process, you can make better decisions and significantly improve your performance.

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