Water Cooler Wisdom

Brainstorm Like A Pro - Master Facilitation Skills

Ever found yourself in a meeting where ideas flow endlessly, but decisions seem impossible to make? Or worse—someone reopens a discussion just when you thought a decision was final? In this insightful webinar, hosts Jake Blocker and Rachael Grail introduce Open-Narrow-Close, a powerful framework that streamlines group discussions and decision-making. They’ll break down how structuring conversations into three distinct phases—Opening (idea generation), Narrowing (organizing and prioritizing), and Closing (final decision-making)—can keep your team aligned, engaged, and productive. Whether you’re leading strategy sessions, brainstorming new initiatives, or just trying to avoid meeting fatigue, this tool will help you make discussions more efficient and less frustrating.

Office Trends: In or Out Part 1

In this fun and thought-provoking episode of Water Cooler Wisdom, hosts Jake Blocker and Rachael Grail take on the role of workplace trend judges in their newest segment, “Is It In or Out?” From artificial intelligence revolutionizing our workflows to the return of office Christmas parties and the evolution of the hybrid workplace, they dive into whether these trends deserve a spot on the “in” list or are better left behind. Along the way, Jake and Rachael share personal anecdotes, weigh the pros and cons, and reflect on the cultural shifts shaping modern work. Is AI really a tool for good, or does it signal darker implications? Are office holiday parties making a comeback, and do they help or hinder workplace dynamics? And is the hybrid workplace the best of both worlds, or just another compromise? Join the conversation as they debate hot-button topics with humor, insight, and a healthy dose of reality. Whether you’re working from home, in the office, or somewhere in between, this episode is sure to spark a conversation around your (real or virtual) water cooler. Don’t forget to subscribe to Water Cooler Wisdom and follow us for more workplace banter and insights. Let’s make work, work better—together!

Facilitation Masterclass: Trust & Collaboration

In this episode of Water Cooler Wisdom, hosts Jake Blocker and Rachael Grail explore the delicate art of authentic listening when tensions run high. With insights drawn from neuroscience and their own professional experiences, Jake and Rachael share practical strategies to help you stay present and collaborative, even in the most challenging discussions. Learn how to manage your physiological responses, challenge your assumptions, and use mindfulness techniques like “rubbing your fingers together” to stay grounded. They also delve into the power of curiosity, the pitfalls of over-preparation, and how self-awareness can transform your workplace dynamics. Whether you’re navigating tough conversations at work or striving to create a safe and inclusive team environment, this episode is packed with actionable tips and thought-provoking perspectives. Tune in for a conversation that will leave you better equipped to handle conflicts with clarity and care.

Are LinkedIn Influencers Taking Over? An IA Chat

In this IA Chat episode of Water Cooler Wisdom, Jake surprises Rachael with a lively conversation about the rise of LinkedIn influencers. Once a hub for job hunting and networking, LinkedIn has evolved into a content-driven platform. But is this shift for better or worse? Jake dives into the good, the bad, and the downright quirky aspects of LinkedIn’s transformation—from valuable insights shared by industry experts to questionable clickbait posts. Together, Jake and Rachael explore how personal branding, authenticity, and algorithmic pressures are reshaping the way we interact on the platform. Tune in to hear their candid thoughts and some lighthearted takes on everything from “hustle culture” to the bizarre posts that make you go, “What even is this?” It’s an honest, fun, and relatable chat about navigating the new LinkedIn landscape.

Making Sound Decisions in the Workplace

In this episode of Water Cooler Wisdom, we’re kicking off a brand-new format: Tool Time! Hosts Jake Blocker and Rachael Grail break down one of Interaction Associates’ most effective tools—the Building Agreements framework. Rachael guides us through this practical, four-step process designed to make collaboration seamless and agreements rock solid. Whether it’s presenting a proposal, checking for understanding, securing agreement, or documenting it all, this model has you covered. Plus, we dive into real-world examples (including why airline exit rows are a masterclass in agreement building) and even tackle advanced techniques for handling disagreements. Get ready to walk away with actionable strategies that you can immediately apply at work, at home, or even at the taco stand. Tune in for your 10-minute crash course to elevate your collaboration game!