The Unlearning Work Podcast

32. When It’s Not You… Now What?

When It’s Not You… Now What? Last week, we talked about something that’s easy to miss when you’re in it. Sometimes your role stops working. And it’s not you. It’s how the work is set up. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin breaks down what to do once you realize that. Because knowing it’s not you doesn’t fix the problem. You still have to show up, do the work, and figure out how to move forward inside the same system. Most people respond by doing more. They try to be helpful, build better relationships, and prove their value. But effort doesn’t fix a setup issue. This episode focuses on a different approach. Instead of doing more, you shift how you define, align, and deliver your work so it actually lands. You’ll learn: Why doing more work doesn’t create more opportunity The difference between completing tasks and delivering value How to define what success actually looks like before you start Why promotions go to people already showing the next level How to handle relationships that don’t improve, no matter how much effort you put in A simple way to make your work clearer and more visible without changing roles Reflection: Where am I doing more… instead of making the work clearer? If this episode gave you something to think about, try it in one moment this week and share this podcast with someone who feels stuck at work.     📲 SUBSCRIBE & STAY CONNECTED 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform ⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work 📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks 📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights

31. When It’s Not You: What to Do When Your Role Stops Working

When It’s Not You: What to Do When Your Role Stops Working Most people think if they keep doing good work, things will move. But at work, effort doesn’t always convert into opportunity. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin breaks down what’s actually happening when you feel stuck in a role that used to work for you. The issue isn’t always your performance. It’s how work is set up around you. When you focus only on doing more, you can miss what actually creates movement. And that’s where frustration builds. You’ll learn: Why strong performance doesn’t always lead to opportunity How internal movement is really driven by relationships and sponsorship What it means when your work isn’t getting traction The difference between a stretch role and a misaligned setup A simple way to start creating movement without making a big change Reflection: Where am I putting in more effort… instead of looking at whether this setup can actually move my work?   📲 SUBSCRIBE & STAY CONNECTED 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform ⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work 📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks 📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights

30. Stop Trying to Be Right: How Strategic Thinking Actually Works at Work

Stop Trying to Be Right: The Strategic Shift That Gets Your Work to Move Most people think being strategic means having the best idea. But at work, the best idea doesn’t always win. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin breaks down why smart, capable people often get labeled as “not strategic” and what’s actually going on underneath it. The issue isn’t your thinking. It’s how decisions really get made. When you focus only on what’s right, you can miss what will actually move. And that’s where frustration starts. You’ll learn: * Why “not strategic” feedback usually means your ideas aren’t landing * The difference between having the right idea and getting buy-in * How to identify what success actually looks like in a meeting * Why leaders respond to constraints and metrics, not just good thinking * A simple way to shift your approach so your work gets traction Reflection: Where am I focused on being right… instead of understanding what will actually move in this room?   📲 SUBSCRIBE & STAY CONNECTED 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform ⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work 📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks 📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights

29. Why Your Team Isn’t Moving at the Same Speed (And What to Do About It)

WHY YOUR TEAM ISN’T MOVING AT THE SAME SPEED (AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT) Most leaders think misalignment comes from people not trying hard enough—but what’s actually happening is much simpler. People process, decide, and act at different speeds. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin breaks down cognitive agility in real terms—why some people move too fast, others move too slow, and how both create friction. When you understand the behavioral patterns underneath it, you stop getting frustrated and start designing how work actually flows. You’ll learn: * What cognitive agility is and how it shows up in your team * The patterns behind fast action, hesitation, and repeated questions * Why rework and delays are often created by the same problem * How to adjust your leadership without lowering your standards * A simple way to reduce friction and improve execution this week Reflection: Where am I expecting everyone to move at my speed—and what would change if I adjusted how I lead instead?   📲 SUBSCRIBE & STAY CONNECTED 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform ⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work 📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks 📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights

28. Stop Solving Everything: The Leadership Skill That Changes Conversations

Stop Solving Everything: The Leadership Skill That Changes Conversations Most people think they’re good listeners—but often, they’re just fast problem-solvers. In this episode of Unlearning Work, Erin breaks down a simple but powerful shift: knowing when to listen, when to give advice, and when to solve. When you respond too quickly, you take over the thinking. When you slow down and match what’s actually needed, conversations get clearer—and people become more capable. You’ll learn: * The 3 types of conversations (listen, advise, solve) * Why solving too early creates dependency * How to ask the one question that changes everything * Simple ways to build more ownership and better thinking on your team Reflection: Where am I stepping in too early… and what would change if I listened just a little longer?  📲 SUBSCRIBE & STAY CONNECTED 📥 Download the Unlearning Work App for exclusive tools and behavior design resources 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform ⭐ Leave a review if this episode resonated—it helps others discover the work 📬 Join the Work Reimagined Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights and free behavior frameworks 📱 Follow Erin Merideth on Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook for weekly leadership and behavioral science insights