Accelerate Your Performance
530 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 29 ratingsAccelerate Your Performance is a weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Janet Pilcher, Managing Director of Studer Education and author of Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Every week, Janet highlights tactical and actionable strategies that leaders in educational organizations can hardwire to meet successful student, service, and people outcomes. Listen now, and you’ll see why it’s ranked by ListenNotes in the top 5% of podcasts worldwide.
As she introduces a variety of pivotal leadership practices from the Nine Principles ® Framework, Janet underscores the importance of seamlessly integrating each practice to deliver positive and impactful results. For each leadership practice she introduces, Janet provides a solid foundation and then collaborates with coaching experts to dig deeper and demonstrate its practical application. Janet also interviews leaders and partners who excel at the tactics to hear about their implementation journeys, hurdles they’ve faced, and their notable achievements. To bring it all together, she offers a broader perspective on leadership, interviewing guests about a diverse array of topics on their paths to achieving organizational excellence.
Follow for weekly insights and actionable strategies to accelerate your performance and become your best at work!
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Episodes
58: Inspire Others to Achieve
January 27, 2020 10:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBJohn Maxwell’s Law of the Lid explains that leadership ability is the lid that determines a person’s level of effectiveness. Today’s guest, Nannette Johnston, believes it’s true; people can only rise as high as the lid of their leader. Not only does she recognize the importance of professional development for herself, she knows the importance of building leadership in others. Nannette is an award-winning, retired Superintendent from Hardin County Schools in Kentucky. She was awarded Superint...
Don't Keep Your Customers in the Dark
January 20, 2020 10:00 - 13 minutes - 9.31 MBWe all have our favorite brands, but what makes them our favorite? Is it because we place value in the organization? Is it the way we are treated by the company? How do we know if the company is accountable? More and more organizations have been making it a priority to increase connection and invite customers to take an inside look. Why? Because increasing transparency between an organization and its customers build trust and credibility increasing customer loyalty. This episode addresses ...
57: Don't Keep Your Customers in the Dark
January 20, 2020 10:00 - 13 minutes - 9.31 MBWe all have our favorite brands, but what makes them our favorite? Is it because we place value in the organization? Is it the way we are treated by the company? How do we know if the company is accountable? More and more organizations have been making it a priority to increase connection and invite customers to take an inside look. Why? Because increasing transparency between an organization and its customers build trust and credibility increasing customer loyalty. This episode addresses ...
Don't Keep Your Customers in the Dark
January 20, 2020 10:00 - 13 minutes - 9.31 MBWe all have our favorite brands, but what makes them our favorite? Is it because we place value in the organization? Is it the way we are treated by the company? How do we know if the company is accountable? More and more organizations have been making it a priority to increase connection and invite customers to take an inside look. Why? Because increasing transparency between an organization and its customers build trust and credibility increasing customer loyalty. This episode addresses ...
56: Working with the School Board
January 13, 2020 10:00 - 13 minutes - 9.62 MBHow can school districts and school boards work together to achieve the goals of the schools and the surrounding community? Faith VanderHorst, School Board President from the School District of Menomonee Falls, joins Janet on this episode to talk about how the relationship between the superintendent and the board significantly contributes to the success of the district. This episode addresses questions, such as: What’s most important for superintendents to understand when working with the...
Working with the School Board
January 13, 2020 10:00 - 13 minutes - 9.62 MBHow can school districts and school boards work together to achieve the goals of the schools and the surrounding community? Faith VanderHorst, School Board President from the School District of Menomonee Falls, joins Janet on this episode to talk about how the relationship between the superintendent and the board significantly contributes to the success of the district. This episode addresses questions, such as: What’s most important for superintendents to understand when working with the...
Bringing an Executive Team Together
January 06, 2020 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBSabrina Hebeler, Michigan native, and Chief of Staff at Michigan State University for the division of Infrastructure Planning and Facilities joins Janet Pilcher to discuss one of the key tenets of Sabrina’s role; to help everyone understand and follow the strategic direction of IPF. This comes from her passion for helping people feel successful, feel valued and love their job. Using specific tactics Sabrina supported the breaking down of silos on the executive team to help MSU do the most im...
55: Bringing an Executive Team Together
January 06, 2020 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBSabrina Hebeler, Michigan native, and Chief of Staff at Michigan State University for the division of Infrastructure Planning and Facilities joins Janet Pilcher to discuss one of the key tenets of Sabrina’s role; to help everyone understand and follow the strategic direction of IPF. This comes from her passion for helping people feel successful, feel valued and love their job. Using specific tactics Sabrina supported the breaking down of silos on the executive team to help MSU do the most im...
Eight Things Dogs Teach Us
December 16, 2019 10:00 - 6 minutes - 4.8 MBAs you get ready to put 2019 to rest and welcome in 2020, Dr. Janet Pilcher reminds you to reflect on the moments of joy, and the moments of sorrow over the last year. It’s during those difficult times you can often learn the most about yourselves. This holiday season take a moment to appreciate and celebrate life and start the new year with great strength. If you don’t know where to start, you can’t go wrong with these 8 things dogs teach us! This episode addresses questions, such as: H...
54: Eight Things Dogs Teach Us
December 16, 2019 10:00 - 6 minutes - 4.8 MBAs you get ready to put 2019 to rest and welcome in 2020, Dr. Janet Pilcher reminds you to reflect on the moments of joy, and the moments of sorrow over the last year. It’s during those difficult times you can often learn the most about yourselves. This holiday season take a moment to appreciate and celebrate life and start the new year with great strength. If you don’t know where to start, you can’t go wrong with these 8 things dogs teach us! This episode addresses questions, such as: H...
53: Building Strong Leadership Teams
December 09, 2019 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBExecutive leaders are the role-models of an organization, responsible for establishing the culture and leading teams to be successful. During this episode, Dr. Natalie Harder, Chancellor of South Louisiana Community College joins Dr. Janet Pilcher to share her story and her secret for building kick-ass leadership teams. Dr. Harder has led her team through a historic merger with multiple campuses, successfully blended cultures, systems, processes, programs, and students all while maintaining ...
Building Strong Leadership Teams
December 09, 2019 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBExecutive leaders are the role-models of an organization, responsible for establishing the culture and leading teams to be successful. During this episode, Dr. Natalie Harder, Chancellor of South Louisiana Community College joins Dr. Janet Pilcher to share her story and her secret for building kick-ass leadership teams. Dr. Harder has led her team through a historic merger with multiple campuses, successfully blended cultures, systems, processes, programs, and students all while maintaining ...
Phases of Individual Change
December 02, 2019 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.95 MBAs individuals strive for growth in their professional and personal lives, there is often a gap between where people are and where they want to be. While individuals are excited for growth and opportunities, this excitement can lead to anxiety and tension. These feelings can cause people to give up and ignore opportunities to grow, or instead for motivation to work through the personal discomfort to achieve their goals. In this episode, Janet discusses how to do this difficult improvement wo...
52: Phases of Individual Change
December 02, 2019 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.95 MBAs individuals strive for growth in their professional and personal lives, there is often a gap between where people are and where they want to be. While individuals are excited for growth and opportunities, this excitement can lead to anxiety and tension. These feelings can cause people to give up and ignore opportunities to grow, or instead for motivation to work through the personal discomfort to achieve their goals. In this episode, Janet discusses how to do this difficult improvement wo...
Make Recognition a Habit
November 25, 2019 10:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBWhen we establish recognition systems in our organizations or on our teams, we focus on employees by understanding what makes them shine and what keeps them engaged. Focusing on expressing appreciation for the contributions people make to our organizations motivates individuals to continue their hard work. Sincere appreciation changes the culture of the organization. It takes little time and has a tremendous impact on others. A culture of recognition is powerful and contagious. This episod...
51: Make Recognition a Habit
November 25, 2019 10:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBWhen we establish recognition systems in our organizations or on our teams, we focus on employees by understanding what makes them shine and what keeps them engaged. Focusing on expressing appreciation for the contributions people make to our organizations motivates individuals to continue their hard work. Sincere appreciation changes the culture of the organization. It takes little time and has a tremendous impact on others. A culture of recognition is powerful and contagious. This episod...
50: Increase Employee Engagement with Recognition
November 18, 2019 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBRewarding and recognizing the right behaviors and excellent performance isn’t just a nice thing to do. Lack of employee recognition is a top reason for employees leaving an organization. With recognition we are able to engage, retain, and motivate most employees to sustain high performance. Recognition is so important to an organization’s success, it’s our ninth principle and the glue that holds all of our principles together. Recognizing others takes little time and pays great dividends. ...
Increase Employee Engagement with Recognition
November 18, 2019 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBRewarding and recognizing the right behaviors and excellent performance isn’t just a nice thing to do. Lack of employee recognition is a top reason for employees leaving an organization. With recognition we are able to engage, retain, and motivate most employees to sustain high performance. Recognition is so important to an organization’s success, it’s our ninth principle and the glue that holds all of our principles together. Recognizing others takes little time and pays great dividends. ...
Transforming TeacherReady
November 11, 2019 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBSeveral years ago, the decision was made to transform TeacherReady, a Studer Education online self-paced teacher certification program, to meet students where they are today. Transforming TeacherReady wasn’t something the organization took lightly, Dr. Julie Kunselman was instrumental in helping to review significant data and research to revolutionize this program for the future. As with any organization, they had to work through barriers to change to realize this incredible opportunity to s...
49: Transforming TeacherReady
November 11, 2019 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBSeveral years ago, the decision was made to transform TeacherReady, a Studer Education online self-paced teacher certification program, to meet students where they are today. Transforming TeacherReady wasn’t something the organization took lightly, Dr. Julie Kunselman was instrumental in helping to review significant data and research to revolutionize this program for the future. As with any organization, they had to work through barriers to change to realize this incredible opportunity to s...
Identify Barriers to Change
November 04, 2019 10:00 - 13 minutes - 9.47 MBOrganizations are facing more pressure than ever to transform their practices in order to improve their outcomes. Competition is fierce. The speed of information and higher demands from consumers forces leaders to shift the way change is approached. Commonly, there is much anxiety attached to change, people like to do things, “the way they’ve always done it,” but that’s not the attitude that will achieve success in today OR tomorrow’s world. Individuals, leaders, and organizations need to vi...
48: Identify Barriers to Change
November 04, 2019 10:00 - 13 minutes - 9.47 MBOrganizations are facing more pressure than ever to transform their practices in order to improve their outcomes. Competition is fierce. The speed of information and higher demands from consumers forces leaders to shift the way change is approached. Commonly, there is much anxiety attached to change, people like to do things, “the way they’ve always done it,” but that’s not the attitude that will achieve success in today OR tomorrow’s world. Individuals, leaders, and organizations need to vi...
Not Another Empty Promise
October 28, 2019 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.43 MBAt some time in your professional or personal life, you have probably experienced the let down of an empty promise. It’s also likely you’ve promised a friend or a colleague something you’ve let slip through the cracks at least once or twice. These empty promises, no matter how small, erode trust and jeopardize relationships with others. In this episode, Dr. Pilcher digs deep into what causes us to make these empty promises and how we can choose our words and commitments carefully in the futu...
47: Not Another Empty Promise
October 28, 2019 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.43 MBAt some time in your professional or personal life, you have probably experienced the let down of an empty promise. It’s also likely you’ve promised a friend or a colleague something you’ve let slip through the cracks at least once or twice. These empty promises, no matter how small, erode trust and jeopardize relationships with others. In this episode, Dr. Pilcher digs deep into what causes us to make these empty promises and how we can choose our words and commitments carefully in the futu...
Creating Cultures of Improvement
October 21, 2019 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.84 MBHow do you turn passionate employees and leaders into people who have the ability to make a difference not only in their work, but in their communities? Janet is joined by Dr. Pat Greco today to talk about continuous improvement. Pat is an award-winning retired superintendent who served 38 years in public education and has been a champion of Evidence-Based Leadership℠. She shares her advice and experience on executing the process of improvement within organizations. This episode addresses q...
46: Creating Cultures of Improvement
October 21, 2019 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.84 MBHow do you turn passionate employees and leaders into people who have the ability to make a difference not only in their work, but in their communities? Janet is joined by Dr. Pat Greco today to talk about continuous improvement. Pat is an award-winning retired superintendent who served 38 years in public education and has been a champion of Evidence-Based Leadership℠. She shares her advice and experience on executing the process of improvement within organizations. This episode addresses q...
Positioning Problems as Opportunities
October 14, 2019 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MBAs a leader do you tell your teams, “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions.”? Or maybe as an employee you’ve worked for a leader who believes in this philosophy. While presenting solutions to problems is ideal, it’s not always possible. So, what can leaders do to create safe environments for teams to bring problems forward, while avoiding being bombarded by complaints? In this episode, Dr. Pilcher encourages team members use key words, take ownership, and bring complex problems to thei...
45: Positioning Problems as Opportunities
October 14, 2019 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MBAs a leader do you tell your teams, “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions.”? Or maybe as an employee you’ve worked for a leader who believes in this philosophy. While presenting solutions to problems is ideal, it’s not always possible. So, what can leaders do to create safe environments for teams to bring problems forward, while avoiding being bombarded by complaints? In this episode, Dr. Pilcher encourages team members use key words, take ownership, and bring complex problems to thei...
Positioning Problems as Opportunities
October 14, 2019 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MBAs a leader do you tell your teams, “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions.”? Or maybe as an employee you’ve worked for a leader who believes in this philosophy. While presenting solutions to problems is ideal, it’s not always possible. So, what can leaders do to create safe environments for teams to bring problems forward, while avoiding being bombarded by complaints? In this episode, Dr. Pilcher encourages team members use key words, take ownership, and bring complex problems to thei...
44: From Problem to Solution
October 07, 2019 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBChanges in an organization can occur that team leaders may have little control over. What we can control is how we adapt and react to the change in our daily business. When we utilize team meetings with structured, thoughtful discussions, and analysis, someone will propose a winning solution or solutions for the team to agree on. Using a problem-solving agenda, conversations stay focused and teams can avoid falling into a pit of negativity and conflict. This episode addresses questions, su...
From Problem to Solution
October 07, 2019 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBChanges in an organization can occur that team leaders may have little control over. What we can control is how we adapt and react to the change in our daily business. When we utilize team meetings with structured, thoughtful discussions, and analysis, someone will propose a winning solution or solutions for the team to agree on. Using a problem-solving agenda, conversations stay focused and teams can avoid falling into a pit of negativity and conflict. This episode addresses questions, su...
43: Connecting with Young Professionals
September 30, 2019 09:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBFor the first time in history we are operating with five generations co-existing in the workforce, and there are more young professionals joining every day. Dr. Pilcher talks with Ruthie Speight, the Executive Director of Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) about their mission and impact in our community. PYP provides young professionals with a community where they can make a difference, connect with like-minded individuals, and learn new skills. Ruthie also reveals the top three skills youn...
Connecting with Young Professionals
September 30, 2019 09:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBFor the first time in history we are operating with five generations co-existing in the workforce, and there are more young professionals joining every day. Dr. Pilcher talks with Ruthie Speight, the Executive Director of Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) about their mission and impact in our community. PYP provides young professionals with a community where they can make a difference, connect with like-minded individuals, and learn new skills. Ruthie also reveals the top three skills youn...
42: Focus on Service Excellence
September 23, 2019 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBService excellence is more than just being polite or being ready to offer the unsatisfied customer a discount. Join Donna Kirby and Janet Pilcher this week as they conclude their conversation about the value of service excellence. Donna Kirby reveals her top 3 tactics for applying customer service excellence within your organization and how to treat your organization like a living room. This episode addresses questions, such as: How can leaders build a culture around service? What 3 tact...
Focus on Service Excellence
September 23, 2019 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBService excellence is more than just being polite or being ready to offer the unsatisfied customer a discount. Join Donna Kirby and Janet Pilcher this week as they conclude their conversation about the value of service excellence. Donna Kirby reveals her top 3 tactics for applying customer service excellence within your organization and how to treat your organization like a living room. This episode addresses questions, such as: How can leaders build a culture around service? What 3 tact...
41: The Value of Great Service
September 16, 2019 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.08 MBService Excellence differentiates your organization from others in your industry. Great leaders place importance on how to become the best service provider for what they do. Donna Kirby returns this week to discuss why prioritizing service excellence is necessary for success and what core drivers keep her focused on service excellence. This episode addresses questions, such as: Why is it important to focus on service excellence? How does customer experience drive finance? What keeps 96...
The Value of Great Service
September 16, 2019 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.08 MBService Excellence differentiates your organization from others in your industry. Great leaders place importance on how to become the best service provider for what they do. Donna Kirby returns this week to discuss why prioritizing service excellence is necessary for success and what core drivers keep her focused on service excellence. This episode addresses questions, such as: Why is it important to focus on service excellence? How does customer experience drive finance? What keeps 96...
40: Turn Customers into Loyal Fans
September 09, 2019 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.42 MBDonna Kirby, the Vice President of Operations at the Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s AA Baseball team, joins Janet Pilcher this week to talk about Donna’s journey to becoming a leader of best practices in minor league baseball. Donna and her team at the Blue Wahoo’s stadium are sought after as an example for creating the ultimate fan experience. This episode addresses questions, such as: What is the passion behind Donna Kirby’s work? How can a focus on customer service improve life in your commun...
Turn Customers into Loyal Fans
September 09, 2019 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.42 MBDonna Kirby, the Vice President of Operations at the Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s AA Baseball team, joins Janet Pilcher this week to talk about Donna’s journey to becoming a leader of best practices in minor league baseball. Donna and her team at the Blue Wahoo’s stadium are sought after as an example for creating the ultimate fan experience. This episode addresses questions, such as: What is the passion behind Donna Kirby’s work? How can a focus on customer service improve life in your commun...
Stressed From Stress?
September 02, 2019 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBMany successful, hardworking Americans experience burnout more than once during their careers, even people who are passionate about what they do. High performers can be obsessed with achieving excellence and exceeding results to the point of exhaustion. And when the candles are burning at both ends for too long, we do ourselves, our clients, and our team a disservice. Begin reducing stress by taking small steps to prevent overload burnout. This episode addresses questions, such as: What is...
39: Stressed From Stress?
September 02, 2019 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBMany successful, hardworking Americans experience burnout more than once during their careers, even people who are passionate about what they do. High performers can be obsessed with achieving excellence and exceeding results to the point of exhaustion. And when the candles are burning at both ends for too long, we do ourselves, our clients, and our team a disservice. Begin reducing stress by taking small steps to prevent overload burnout. This episode addresses questions, such as: What is...
Stressed From Stress?
September 02, 2019 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBMany successful, hardworking Americans experience burnout more than once during their careers, even people who are passionate about what they do. High performers can be obsessed with achieving excellence and exceeding results to the point of exhaustion. And when the candles are burning at both ends for too long, we do ourselves, our clients, and our team a disservice. Begin reducing stress by taking small steps to prevent overload burnout. This episode addresses questions, such as: What is...
Deliver Productive Feedback
August 26, 2019 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.89 MBThe way we provide feedback makes a difference in how people receive and act on the feedback. If our goal is to provide feedback to change behavior for the right reasons, we need to message our feedback in the right way. Dr. Pilcher dissects real-life situations where feedback was given that wasn’t asked for, or that hurts the receiver, and offers solutions and tips to improve the interaction. This episode addresses questions, such as: How can we provide feedback that changes behavior? ...
38: Deliver Productive Feedback
August 26, 2019 09:00 - 14 minutes - 9.89 MBThe way we provide feedback makes a difference in how people receive and act on the feedback. If our goal is to provide feedback to change behavior for the right reasons, we need to message our feedback in the right way. Dr. Pilcher dissects real-life situations where feedback was given that wasn’t asked for, or that hurts the receiver, and offers solutions and tips to improve the interaction. This episode addresses questions, such as: How can we provide feedback that changes behavior? ...
Do People Really Want Feedback?
August 19, 2019 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBThere’s a fine line between giving feedback for improvements and leaving an employee feeling criticized and deflated. Few of us respond well to someone telling us what to do or how to fix ourselves. Yet when feedback is provided in the right way, individuals are motivated to learn and improve. To create excellent organizations providing others with feedback is necessary. Reshape your feedback conversations to focus on achieving a positive outcome. This episode addresses questions, such as: ...
37: Do People Really Want Feedback?
August 19, 2019 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBThere’s a fine line between giving feedback for improvements and leaving an employee feeling criticized and deflated. Few of us respond well to someone telling us what to do or how to fix ourselves. Yet when feedback is provided in the right way, individuals are motivated to learn and improve. To create excellent organizations providing others with feedback is necessary. Reshape your feedback conversations to focus on achieving a positive outcome. This episode addresses questions, such as: ...
Retain New Hires with 30- & 90-Day Conversations
August 12, 2019 09:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBMaking intentional connections with employees is especially important when the employee is within the first 30 and 90 days. Research shows that up to 22% of turnover takes place within an employee’s first 45 days of employment. 30-day conversations reinforce that leaders are committed to retaining the new employee and provide leaders with a fresh perception of the organization. This week Dr. Pilcher dives into what a 30-day conversation is and then provides a real-life example with Studer Ed...
36: Retain New Hires with 30- & 90-Day Conversations
August 12, 2019 09:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBMaking intentional connections with employees is especially important when the employee is within the first 30 and 90 days. Research shows that up to 22% of turnover takes place within an employee’s first 45 days of employment. 30-day conversations reinforce that leaders are committed to retaining the new employee and provide leaders with a fresh perception of the organization. This week Dr. Pilcher dives into what a 30-day conversation is and then provides a real-life example with Studer Ed...
Pursue Performance Excellence
August 05, 2019 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBWhy is a commitment to excellence important as a leader and as an organization? Dr. Janet Pilcher interviews Harry S. Hertz Leadership Award recipient, Dr. JoAnn Sternke, to get her perspective on what it takes to pursue performance excellence. As a superintendent of Pewaukee School District, JoAnn led the organization to receive a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. In this episode, she reveals the key to seeing results and getting the entire group of leaders moving forward. This epi...
Pursue Performance Excellence
August 05, 2019 09:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBWhy is a commitment to excellence important as a leader and as an organization? Dr. Janet Pilcher interviews Harry S. Hertz Leadership Award recipient, Dr. JoAnn Sternke, to get her perspective on what it takes to pursue performance excellence. As a superintendent of Pewaukee School District, JoAnn led the organization to receive a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. In this episode, she reveals the key to seeing results and getting the entire group of leaders moving forward. This epi...