Episode Details

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In episode 256, Coffey talks with Leslie Speas about developing high-retention managers who improve employee engagement, accountability, trust, and workplace culture through intentional leadership habits. 

They discuss promoting high-performing employees into leadership roles without proper management training; emotional intelligence and self-awareness as foundational leadership competencies; connecting employees to organizational purpose and mission-driven work; building workplace trust through consistency, humility, and integrity; coaching employees through questions instead of problem-solving; accountability systems that improve performance and retention; effective communication strategies for managers and team leaders; employee recognition and appreciation practices that reinforce company values; empathy and flexibility in supporting employee wellbeing and mental health; leadership development frameworks that strengthen organizational culture and productivity; practical feedback models including the BEAN and BET communication methods; performance management processes that move beyond annual reviews; balancing individual contributor career growth with leadership readiness assessments. 

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About our Guest: 

Leslie Speas is a seasoned Human Resources and Organizational Development leader with over 30 years of experience. She serves as Founder and President of InfluenceHR Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping leaders and HR teams build workplaces where people will thrive and stay. 

Leslie holds a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology and possesses senior-level HR designations and certifications in coaching, the Working Genius, Enneagram assessment, and Talent Management/Succession Planning. Her leadership experience spans diverse sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, technology, financial services, and nonprofit organizations. In addition, she is the author of the book, 7 Habits of High-Retention Managers. 

Leslie is heavily involved in furthering the HR profession and serves as a District Director with the North Carolina Society for Human Resources Management. She and her husband, Tracy, reside in Winston-Salem, N.C. 

Leslie Speas can be reached at: 

https://www.influencehrconsulting.com  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-speas  

https://www.facebook.com/influencehrconsulting  

https://www.instagram.com/influencehrconsulting  

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdH17Da_dvt_UFpRNmUvqrQ  

About Mike Coffey: 

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher. 

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background