Episode 28

full
Published on:

25th May 2026

Quick Spoon: I always had an eye looking in

In this Quick Spoon, Ross explores the second skill in the McIntosh Leadership Framework: Awareness.

Inspired by a reflection from Gabriella Braun, this episode looks at the leadership power of noticing what’s happening beneath the surface — in ourselves, in teams, and in the wider system around us.

So often, leaders feel pressure to speak quickly, solve problems, and drive action.

But what if better leadership sometimes starts with noticing more… and saying less?

Ross shares a practical experiment to help leaders develop awareness in meetings, conversations, and everyday workplace dynamics.

In this Quick Spoon

🥄 Why awareness is a core leadership skill

🥄 The hidden dynamics we often miss in meetings

🥄 How curiosity can change a room

🥄 A practical experiment to try this week

Key reflection

“You can’t lead beyond what you notice.”

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

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Visit Ross' Website.

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

People Soup on Instagram which also features plenty of Ross' photos of the Andalusian life

He's now also on Bluesky

The People Soup Website on CAPTIVATE

Transcript

QS02 I always had an eye looking in

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[00:00:18] Speaker: Hi there, and welcome to [00:00:20] People Soup Quick Spoon. Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human. I'm Ross McIntosh, and here's your quick spoon.

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[00:00:43] So here's something to try in your next meeting. Say less, notice more. Who's [00:00:50] speaking? Who's holding back? Who gets interrupted? And what's happening inside of you as it unfolds? Because awareness [00:01:00] often changes a room even before you've said a word.

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About the Podcast

People Soup
Real conversations about work, leadership and being human
A podcast exploring work, leadership, and being human through real conversations — grounded in behavioural science and full of practical ideas you can apply straight away.

About your host

Profile picture for Ross McIntosh

Ross McIntosh

I'm a work psychologist. I want to help you navigate the daily challenges of work by sharing behavioural science in a way that's accessible, useful and fun.
I'm originally from Northumberland in the UK and I now live near Seville in Spain with my husband.