179. Leadership Pet Peeves: Mel Loy and Prina Shah's Sh*t List

Leadership Pet Peeves: Prina & Mel's Sh1t List

Sometimes the smallest workplace habits create the biggest headaches.

In this final episode of our five-part leadership series, I'm joined once again by my brilliant friend Mel Loy - communication strategist, behavioural science practitioner and host of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast.

This episode is exactly what the title suggests...

Our leadership sh1t list.

The workplace behaviours we've both seen (far too often), experienced ourselves, and frankly think it's time we stopped normalising.

We're talking about everything from removing phone numbers from email signatures, professional ghosting and meeting overload through to the urgency myth, late-night emails, jargon, passive language and leaders who simply don't walk the talk.

There are plenty of laughs along the way...

But underneath the humour is a serious message.

Culture isn't damaged by one big event.

It's shaped by the everyday behaviours leaders allow, encourage or ignore.

If you've ever walked out of a meeting thinking...

"That could have been an email."

...or wondered why someone forwarded you an email with absolutely zero context...

This episode is for you.

In this episode we explore

• Why taking phone numbers off email signatures might be sending the wrong message
• Communication versus broadcasting (they're definitely not the same thing)
• Professional ghosting—and why silence is still communication
• The Messenger Effect and why who delivers a message matters
• Why everything doesn't need to be urgent
• Respecting boundaries and the Right to Disconnect
• The real cost of late-night emails
• Why so many meetings are wasting everyone's time
• The importance of clear ownership and accountability
• Passive language, jargon and writing like a human
• Forwarding emails without context
• Leaders who say one thing and do another
• Practical ways to become a more intentional leader

One thought that really stayed with me...

Mel said something during this conversation that perfectly sums up leadership.

"Anything that sends a message is a form of communication."

Think about that.

The meetings you cancel.

The emails you ignore.

The language you use.

The urgency you create.

The behaviour you tolerate.

Even your silence.

It all communicates something.

And that's exactly how workplace culture is built.

Questions to reflect on

As you listen, ask yourself:

• What leadership behaviours have become normal in your workplace?
• Are you communicating—or simply broadcasting information?
• Do your actions match the culture you're trying to create?
• Where are you unintentionally creating unnecessary urgency?
• Which one leadership habit could you stop tomorrow that would immediately improve your workplace?

Connect with Mel

Website: https://cuttlefish.group/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieloy/

Podcast: Less Chatter, More Matter

Send Prina a text to let her know how you'd change the workplace

If you are seeking professional advice or would like to change your company culture through training, consulting, speaking and coaching, get in touch, email me.

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Prina (Helping you find GREAT ways to change your workplace) Shah