This website or its third-party tools use cookies which are necessary to its functioning and required to improve your experience. By clicking the consent button, you agree to allow the site to use, collect and/or store cookies.
I accept

BrightHill Group

Helping Teams Communicate With & Influence Others

Helping Teams Communicate 240-668-4799

Login to "My Courses"
  • Home
  • CFA operators
  • Training
  • Coaching
  • Speaking
  • Podcast
  • About
  • Contact
  • My Courses
  • Resources
You are here: Home / Archives for Becoming a Geek Leader

Why "Becoming a Geek Leader?"

The problem
Most of us geeks tend to be really great at the technical stuff, but not so great at the "people" stuff. As a result, we struggle to communicate clearly, delegate effectively, manage conflict productively and plan well.

After years of frustration and struggle, I discovered that these critical skills are not magic - they are LEARNABLE, and when I learned them, my team got healthier. My projects got done faster and better. My customers were happier, and my boss gave me more team members and more work.

Why "Becoming a Geek Leader?"
When I moved from being the smartest technical person to being the leader of smart technical people, I struggled. I never learned these skills! In school I studied memory management, compilers, abstract math and data communications theory. I didn't learn about dealing with people.

As a geek, I'm on a mission to figure out better ways to lead others at work and at home. This podcast is all about lessons I learned, lessons I'm learning, and experiences that my clients are wrestling with in the real world.

Who is Tom?
My name is Tom Cooper and I spent more than 20 years working as a hands on technologist and leader in companies from startups to Fortune 500. I'm a geek who personally wrote code, installed equipment, managed development teams and oversaw new product design and launch leading to millions of dollars in sales.

Today I am an executive coach, public speaker and trainer who works with leaders and teams of highly technical experts to help them do a better job leading others.

April 15, 2020 by Tom Leave a Comment

What do you mean “It’s Better”?

What do you mean “It’s Better”?

Your #customer may mean something #different when they ask which #product is #better. What are they looking for? http://TomCooper.us

Share
Share47
Tweet
Pin
47 Shares

Filed Under: Becoming a Geek Leader

April 14, 2020 by Tom Leave a Comment

But I HATE emojis!

But I HATE emojis!

Text-based and “virtual communication” cuts out a ton of useful communication cues that we use to interpret what others mean. People fill in the blanks with negativity. While I’m not generally a fan of emoticons, experts say we should use these 7 emojis to help convey your emotions. Want more like this?  Http://TomCooper.us/workfromhome

Share
Share1
Tweet
Pin
1 Shares

Filed Under: Becoming a Geek Leader Tagged with: workingremote

April 13, 2020 by Tom Leave a Comment

Creating connection in a virtual world

Creating connection in a virtual world

I was blown away to learn of some great research by Dr. Nick Morgan who has written a book called “Can you Hear Me?  How to Connect With People in a Virtual World.” In this episode I share a few of the great ideas that Dr. Morgan has studied. Want more info on working from […]

Share
Share1
Tweet
Pin
1 Shares

Filed Under: Becoming a Geek Leader Tagged with: workingremote

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 33
  • Next Page »

Get in on the action

Get notified when a new podcast is released!
Sign up now and get a free download: Two Keys to Becoming a Geek Leader

Click here to stay in the loop!

Podcast

Becoming a Geek Leader

What do you mean “It’s Better”?

Duration: 1:00

But I HATE emojis!

Duration: 0:56

Creating connection in a virtual world

Duration: 13:18

Will you be the next success story?

Duration: 1:47

What caterpillars can teach us about coronavirus

Duration: 1:58

Are you tired? Want to find your footing?

Duration: 2:27

How to Work From Home Without Hurting Your Career – An Interview with Bobby Dewrell

Duration: 28:36

Do people matter?

Duration: 0:52

Remote Meeting Tips

Duration: 15:22

How adaptable are you?

Duration: 10:55

Managing stress and fear as we navigate the new normal

Duration: 12:35

Tips for working from home

Duration: 12:27

How my family is responding to the Coronavirus

Duration: 17:11

Clean up your workshop!

Duration: 0:52

Do you need a “back brief”?

Duration: 0:56

Is COVID-19 a crisis, or an opportunity?

Duration: 0:50

What do you really value?

Duration: 0:56

I *needed* a mentor – free guide

Duration: 0:59

What if you’re wrong?

Duration: 0:53

I messed up – and was lucky

Duration: 0:53

Do you feel overwhelmed by busy-ness?

Duration: 0:38

Problems? Nothing a re-org won’t fix, right?

Duration: 0:58

I didn’t mean it like that!

Duration: 0:55

A great coaching option

Duration: 0:59

You’re doing it wrong!

Duration: 0:54

As simple as possible, but no simpler

Duration: 0:58

Who knows about your plan?

Duration: 0:50

Where to find peace & hope in uncertain times.

Duration: 0:56

Don’t waste it!

Duration: 0:34

They just could not settle their argument!

Duration: 0:56

Is he a sexist or is he rude toward everyone?

Duration: 0:56

Is family/social pressure holding you back?

Duration: 0:58

He smelled bad, and I had to talk to him about it!

Duration: 0:59

How to recover from a dumb move

Duration: 0:57

Why do we care about justice?

Duration: 0:47

People take “risks” when they feel safe to fail

Duration: 0:46

Do you control your temper?

Duration: 0:54

Get out of the house!

Duration: 0:56

You need some P.I.E. to speed up your career

Duration: 0:50

Give quick negative feedback

Duration: 0:54

If you need to say “no” – just say it!

Duration: 0:35

Why can’t we hit our numbers?

Duration: 0:41

Adulting means showing up when you’re sick

Duration: 0:55

Bonus Episode – A New Kind of Responsibility

Duration: 22:25

The key to personal finance

Duration: 1:29

Will you be ready when opportunity comes?

Duration: 2:04

What about your character?

Duration: 1:28

What if you had a mentor?

Duration: 1:31

What about jerks?

Duration: 0:46

Are you curious about this mini lesson?

Duration: 1:52

The one question to ask when you want a raise

Duration: 1:54

The next tool you need in your leadership toolkit

Duration: 1:37

Finding a fault – thinking about thinking

Duration: 1:28

Two kinds of men

Duration: 1:34

Land on your back?

Duration: 0:58

What about YOUR dream?

Duration: 2:03

Challenged to change ourselves

Optimist? Pessimist? Leader?

Duration: 1:33

Special message for subscribers to the Becoming a Geek Leader Podcast

Duration: 3:01

Using Meeting Minutes and a Boss who Manages by Text Messages – Sea:3Ep:10

Duration: 26:09

What is Product Management? – Sea:3Ep9.5 Bonus

Duration: 27:19

Dr. Kim Ruyle – True Experts and the Law of Respect – Sea:3Ep:9

Duration: 37:15

Outsourcing – Career Planning – and the Law of Addition – Sea:3Ep:8

Duration: 33:46

BGLS3E7 – Resolving an Old Conflict – Your Big Play of the Day – Law of Solid Ground – Sea:3Ep:7

Setting Expectations, Nonverbal Communcation, and the Law of Navigation – Sea:3Ep:6

Who is in Charge, Law of Process, and Better Hiring – Sea:3Ep:5

Bonus: Your “2017 Personal Offsite Planning” tool Sea:3Ep4.5

Duration: 20:01

Burning Bridges and Team Meetings – Sea:3Ep:4

How to Get More Recognition and 3 Hats You Need to Wear – Sea:3Ep:3

Duration: 30:03

Yellow Lights and Getting Buy-In for Your Ideas – Sea:3Ep:2

Duration: 32:52

Getting Consensus – Great Teams and Paula Paul on Diversity in Tech – Sea:3Ep:1

Duration: 51:53

Powerfully Simple Meetings – Thought Leader Interview with Bryan Field – Sea:2Ep:10.6

Duration: 31:42

3 Lessons I Learned from almost cutting my thumb off – Sea:2Ep:10.5

Duration: 17:44

Employee Performance Problems and How to Have Effective 1-1 Meetings – Sea:2Ep:10

Duration: 41:34

Bonus: “Sully” – leadership lessons from the movie – Sea:2Ep:9.5

Duration: 24:03

Team Culture and the One Email Reply Rule – Sea:2Ep:9

Duration: 29:48

11 Steps to Resolving That Conflict at Work- Sea:2Ep:8

Duration: 28:44

Performance reviews & crazy product owners – Sea:2Ep:7

Duration: 29:54

When is Done “Done?” When to Share Bad News & Office Politics Sea:2:Ep6

Duration: 28:23

Stupid Customers and Setting Priorities Sea:2Ep:5

Duration: 23:59

Dealing with a disrespectful team member Sea:2Ep:4

Duration: 35:14

Living Clearly in a Blurry World – Sea:2Ep:3

Duration: 27:06

How to Recover From a Mistake – Sea:2Ep:2

Duration: 19:53

Team Culture and Self-Awareness – Sea:2Ep1

Duration: 33:19

Finale and Season Recap – Sea:1Ep:10

Duration: 30:51

Charles Rutstein Interview – Sea:1Ep:9.5

Duration: 49:44

How to Resolve Conflicts at Work (& How to Delegate Effectively) – Sea1Ep:9

Duration: 32:40

Who Do You Know – Who Knows You – and Why That Matters – Sea:1Ep:8

Duration: 25:10

Career Planning – Strategy and Development Plans – Sea:1Ep:7

Duration: 30:06

The One Simple Change to be a Better Leader – Sea:1Ep:6

Duration: 36:56

Getting the Most from Remote Team Members – Sea:1Ep:5

Duration: 29:26

Dealing with Difficult People – Sea:1Ep4

Duration: 27:15

Christmas Bonus episode: Who wants some Pi? Sea:1Ep:3.5

Duration: 15:44

About That Promotion You’d Like… – Sea:1Ep:3

Duration: 22:35

The 4 Levels of Listening AND How to Write Better Emails – Sea:1Ep:2

Duration: 22:12

How to get people to want to help you – Sea:1Ep:1

Duration: 14:18

What is Becoming a Geek Leader All About? – Episode 0

Duration: 15:36

About Me

I’m Tom Cooper.
I work with leaders and teams, helping them communicate clearly, delegate effectively, manage conflict in a healthy way and plan well. I speak, coach and publish a podcast focused on helping solve key problems faced by smart people who want to excel.

Are you ready to take action?

Don’t delay, get started today!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Phone
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Contact Me

BrightHill Group
240-668-4799

PO Box 1561
Harrisburg NC 28075

info@BrightHillGroup.com

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Archives
  • Send Me A Message

© 2021 BrightHill Group · Rainmaker Platform

Privacy Policy