Analytical

46: Leadership

The Engineered Network — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Some Managers can manage. Some Leaders can lead. Some can do both...but what does it mean to truly be a Leader? More importantly, do you actually need to be hired and told you're a leader...or can you just step up...and Lead?
With John Chidgey.

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Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring, Ian Gallagher and Jamie Russell.

45: Fact

The Engineered Network — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +1000

With the advent of Machine Learning and Large Language Models, the temptation is to use existing search engines AI results to find facts to inform us about something. We dive into the differences between Truth and Fact and in this context, whether you should trust what the Search engines tell you.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Fact vs Truth AI Edition

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Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring, Ian Gallagher and Jamie Russell.

44: Value

The Engineered Network — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +1000

The concept of value has always struck me as odd. Let's pull apart what it actually means, how human it is, and what actually matters when thinking about value.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Value Definition

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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Steven Bridle.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Lesley, Jared Roman, Joel Maher, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring, Dave Jones and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.

43: Silence

The Engineered Network — Mon, 31 May 2021 06:00:00 +1000

When attempting to gather consensus, assuming that silence means consent might not be the best way to get the right outcome. We look at how to be open, respectful and what consensus really requires.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Silence is Golden

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Episode Gold Producers: 'r' and Chip Salzenberg.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Joseph Antonio, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele, Shane O'Neill and Bill.

42: Activity

The Engineered Network — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 20:25:00 +1000

Showing activity is considered by many to be THE critical pre-requisite to managing their teams productivity. What if they're wrong?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Analytical Episode 23: Metrics

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Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, John Whitlow, Joseph Antonio, Kevin Koch, Oliver Steele and Shane O'Neill.

41: Crisis

The Engineered Network — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 21:00:00 +1000

The Coronavirus, COVID19, SARS-CoV-2, is the biggest global crisis many generations have faced. Through our increasingly enforced social distancing and isolation, I've witnessed something unexpected that's not what you think.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Support Analytical on Patreon

Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: John Whitlow, Joseph Antonio, Kevin Koch and Oliver Steel.

40: Pivot

The Engineered Network — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 06:00:00 +1000

Whilst Pivot is a more recent terminology often used in the context of a startup, it applies equally to many aspects of our lives, our endeavours or our own groups within companies of all sizes. We look at when, how, why and importantly if you should pivot and what the cost might be if you do.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

The Truth About A Startup Pivot

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Episode sponsor:
Clubhouse:

Looking for an easy to use software development project management solution that everyone in an organisation can use? Clubhouse was built with Agile Development in mind with an intense focus on intuitiveness and responsiveness, supporting seamless integrations with standard version control and messaging systems and an extensible REST API to integrate anything else you might need.

Visit clubhouse.io/TENto learn more.

Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Carsten Hansen and John Whitlow.

39: Influence

The Engineered Network — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 06:00:00 +1000

When you're asked to direct a group of people sometimes you aren't their direct manager. In those cases you're expected to influence without authority. We look at how it's different, why it's hard and how you can go about it.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

5 Ways To Influence Without Authority

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Episode sponsor:
Clubhouse:

Visit clubhouse.io/TENto learn more.

Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Carsten Hansen and John Whitlow.

38: Ideas

The Engineered Network — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 06:00:00 +1000

Steve Jobs once said, the best ideas have to win. We unpack what that actually means in practice and ultimately look at how you can tell what the best idea actually can look like.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Support Analytical on Patreon
Episode sponsor:
Clubhouse:

Visit clubhouse.io/TENto learn more.

Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Carsten Hansen and John Whitlow.

37: Owner

The Engineered Network — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 06:00:00 +1000

When you're delivering a project understanding who the actual owner is or owners are is crucial. We look at how to figure that out, and how to tell projects that can't figure that out.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Project Owner Definition

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Episode sponsor:
Clubhouse:

Visit clubhouse.io/TENto learn more.

Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Carsten Hansen and John Whitlow.

36: Familiarity

The Engineered Network — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +1000

We dive into why familiarity seems to breed contempt, why first impressions are the most misleading and demonstrate my Latin is terrible.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Support Analytical on Patreon
Episode sponsor:
Clubhouse:

Visit clubhouse.io/TENto learn more.

Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Carsten Hansen and John Whitlow.

35: Competency

The Engineered Network — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 11:35:00 +1000

In every broad discipline it's become impossible for one person to be competent in all aspects. Organisationally speaking, we look at how we could ensure a collective competency is maintained.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Support Analytical on Patreon
Episode sponsor:
Clubhouse:

Visit clubhouse.io/TENto learn more.

Episode Gold Producer: 'r'.
Episode Silver Producers: Carsten Hansen and John Whitlow.

34: Care

The Engineered Network — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +1000

There's always something that someone expects you to care about, but the dimensions of care we put our energy into can make or break us.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Care

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Episode sponsor:
Many Tricks:

If you’re looking for some Mac software that can do Many Tricks remember to specifically visit the URL below for more information about their amazingly useful apps.

Visit manytricks.com/pragmatic and use the Coupon Code (listen to the episode to get the code) for 25% off the total price of your order. Hurry it's only for a limited time!

33: Sinking

The Engineered Network — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +1000

Looking at how maintenance teams function can reveal a lot about the system they're maintaining. We dive in the consequences of poor design and long term operational costs.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Support Analytical on Patreon
Episode sponsor:
Many Tricks:

If you’re looking for some Mac software that can do Many Tricks remember to specifically visit the URL below for more information about their amazingly useful apps.

Visit manytricks.com/pragmatic and use the Coupon Code (listen to the episode to get the code) for 25% off the total price of your order. Hurry it's only for a limited time!

32: Cloud

The Engineered Network — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +1000

With operational technology relying more and more on desktop computer platforms for control and monitoring, just how much can be put in the cloud safely?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Looking Down from the Clouds

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Episode sponsor:
Many Tricks:

If you’re looking for some Mac software that can do Many Tricks remember to specifically visit the URL below for more information about their amazingly useful apps.

Visit manytricks.com/pragmatic and use the Coupon Code (listen to the episode to get the code) for 25% off the total price of your order. Hurry it's only for a limited time!

31: Self

The Engineered Network — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +1000

Understanding yourself and self reflection can be good thing, but it can go too far. How far is far enough and how do you know when to stop?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Support Analytical on Patreon
Episode sponsor:
Many Tricks:

If you’re looking for some Mac software that can do Many Tricks remember to specifically visit the URL below for more information about their amazingly useful apps.

Visit manytricks.com/pragmatic and use the Coupon Code (listen to the episode to get the code) for 25% off the total price of your order. Hurry it's only for a limited time!

30: Lists

The Engineered Network — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 06:00:00 +1000

Lists can be a great way of tracking things to do and random thoughts and ideas. But if they're abused they can drag you down into list-hell.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

The Duchess of Padua

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29: Purpose

The Engineered Network — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 06:00:00 +1000

Purpose and Passion are inter-related but in ways that might not be obvious at first glance. We unpack why purpose is critical and how it changes everything.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Pragmatic Episode 10 Passion Over Academic Proof

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28: Tools

The Engineered Network — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 06:00:00 +1000

Some people are obsessed with the tools they use to get the job done. How much better is the best tool vs the right tool and how much time should be spend seeking out the perfect tool for the job?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Gear Acquisition Syndrome

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27: Creators

The Engineered Network — Fri, 18 May 2018 06:00:00 +1000

There are creators, consumers and regurgitators of knowledge and information. Which and you? And why I think you should spend at some of your time creating something.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Creativity Definition

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Episode sponsor:
Makers4Good:

Makers4Good are an innovative company based in Palo Alto, California and they’ve recently released the HELIO: A Solar Light, Torch and Powerbank that’s perfect for camping, hiking, emergencies, gazebos, use as a night light or wherever your adventures might happen to take you. All profits from the sale of the HELIO go to providing light and power for those in need.

Visit makers4good.com/engineered and use the Coupon Code ENGINEERED for 20% off the total price of your order.

26: Risk

The Engineered Network — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 06:00:00 +1000

Risk assessments are a critical part of engineering, but overly sensitive ones can paralyse an organisation. We look at how to make risk assessments useful and how to avoid some of the pitfalls.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Risk definition

Support Analytical on Patreon
Episode sponsor:
Makers4Good:

Visit makers4good.com/engineered and use the Coupon Code ENGINEERED for 20% off the total price of your order.

25: Nostalgia

The Engineered Network — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 06:00:00 +1000

What do Vinyl and CDs and Candles and LED Bulbs share in common? We explore the differences between better, and simple nostalgia.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Is the sound on vinyl records better than on CDs or DVDs?

Support Analytical on Patreon
Episode sponsor:
Makers4Good:

Visit makers4good.com/engineered and use the Coupon Code ENGINEERED for 20% off the total price of your order.

24: Feedback

The Engineered Network — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:00:00 +1000

Giving and accepting feedback to and from your manager or direct reports or even your peers is sometimes a missed opportunity. We explore how to make feedback useful again.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Ad nauseam

Support Analytical on Patreon
Episode sponsor:
Makers4Good:

Visit makers4good.com/engineered and use the Coupon Code ENGINEERED for 20% off the total price of your order.

23: Metrics

The Engineered Network — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 06:00:00 +1000

Metrics can be very useful if they are carefully chosen. Badly chosen metrics can do more harm than good, so how can you tell the difference?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Metrics Definition

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22: Teamwork

The Engineered Network — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +1000

Teamwork is often thrown around as a concept, but do we each really understand whether we're team players or not? What will you choose?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Teamwork Definition

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21: Rugs

The Engineered Network — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +1000

Have you ever heard the expression, to have the rug pulled out from under you? Life does that to us all and sometimes you can do it to others without realising.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Pull The Rug Out

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20: Music

The Engineered Network — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +1000

Music can connect us to the emotions of others and ourselves yet so many of us won't give all it has to offer a chance. We explore how it help and why it's amazing.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Music

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19: Effort

The Engineered Network — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 06:00:00 +1000

Effort put into a team effort can steer the end result. If it’s good, that’s great! But what if it’s not?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Effort Definition

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18: Meetings

The Engineered Network — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 06:00:00 +1000

Meetings can be valuable, but they can also be a huge waste of time. What kind of meetings will you hold?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Yes Prime Minister Meeting minutes: 1min 45sec into clip from Episode S02E01 Man Overboard

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17: Time

The Engineered Network — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 06:00:00 +1000

There never seems to be enough time to get through everything that needs to be done. Or is there actually enough time and you're just looking at it wrong?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Marty McFly - Movie Quotes

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16: Perspective

The Engineered Network — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 06:00:00 +1000

Getting perspective is one of those ideas that takes something quite complicated and condenses it into a singular expression. Let's unpack that and get some perspective on getting perspective.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Perspective Definition

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15: Downtime

The Engineered Network — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 06:00:00 +1000

What is downtime really? And just as importantly how about downspace?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

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14: Constraints

The Engineered Network — Mon, 29 May 2017 19:30:00 +1000

Constraints foster creativity apparently. Let's explore how if that's actually true and if the concept can help us.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Creative Definition

Support Analytical on Patreon
Episode sponsor:
Many Tricks:

If you’re looking for some Mac software that can do Many Tricks remember to specifically visit the URL below for more information about their amazingly useful apps.

Visit manytricks.com/pragmatic and use the Coupon Code (listen to the episode to get the code) for 25% off the total price of your order. Hurry it's only for a limited time!

13: Perfect

The Engineered Network — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 06:00:00 +1000

Is it possible to create something perfect with an unchallengeable criteria, or are you just wasting your time?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Perfect is the Enemy of Good

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12: Better

The Engineered Network — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 06:00:00 +1000

How people justify the idea that anything you can do, I can do better is questionable at best.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Anything You Can Do

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11: Inspiration

The Engineered Network — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 06:00:00 +1000

Are all people, events or places constructively inspirational or are they distractionally inspirational, and how we can tell which to explore.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

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10: Honesty

The Engineered Network — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 06:00:00 +1000

If someone says that they're about to be honest with you, beyond its overuse as an expression, does that actually mean they're being honest?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Honest Definition

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9: Focus

The Engineered Network — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 06:00:00 +1000

When you're trying to get something done, John's Hierarchy of Focus is how I shut out the noise and get things done.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

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8: Authority

The Engineered Network — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 06:00:00 +1000

When asked at a self improvement course what Authority meant, the answer they got wasn't what they bargained for.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Authority

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7: Winning

The Engineered Network — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 20:55:00 +1000

Winning or losing are concepts taken from games. When you think you've won or lost an opportunity, is it really winning or losing?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Winning

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6: Advancement

The Engineered Network — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 06:00:00 +1000

Advancement in an organisation isn't a straight-forward thing and there's no one easy answer, but if you want to give yourself the best chance, I have some suggestions.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Performance Appraisal

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5: Teachers

The Engineered Network — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 21:15:00 +1000

Teachers and teaching is an undervalued skill set and I try to correct a somewhat dismissive mangled old adage.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Man and Superman

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4: Jerks

The Engineered Network — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 06:00:00 +1000

Beyond the ad-hominem nature of dismissing another persons ideas because you think they're a jerk, what does this behaviour tell us about ourselves, and who's the actual jerk?
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Ad Hominem

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3: Give Them What They Want

The Engineered Network — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 06:00:00 +1000

When you're hired by a company the role we end up doing often changes. How do we balance what needs to be done with giving people what they want to do.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

007 Memorable Quotes

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2: Confpetence

The Engineered Network — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 21:30:00 +1000

Confidence and Competence have a similar outward appearance but there's one sure way to tell them apart.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

Confirmation Bias

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1: Goals

The Engineered Network — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 06:30:00 +1000

Analytical opens with a look at goals - personal goals, life goals and how to look at them.
With John Chidgey.

Links of potential interest:

S.M.A.R.T.

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0: Trailer

The Engineered Network — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 06:00:00 +1000

Everything can be improved, iterated and refined and if you don't think that's true...maybe you haven't analysed it enough? Calculated Choices. Carefully Considered. Absolutely Analytical.
With John Chidgey.

Analytical is where I talk about different ideas and concepts that I’ve come across over decades of Engineering relating to design, managing people, projects and so on. Also other topics of personal interest like Music, Nostalgia, Familiarity and Ideas just to name a few. Essentially anything that doesn’t really fit into my other shows but I still find interesting and worth discussing.

I try to be careful, considered and calculated in how I do business in my career. I may not have always succeeded, and if I felt like something went well or didn’t go well and I wasn’t sure why, I just hadn’t analysed it enough. Hence the premise of this show.

Everything can be improved, iterated and refined and if you don’t think that’s true…maybe you haven’t analysed it enough? Calculated Choices. Carefully Considered. Absolutely Analytical.

Support Analytical on Patreon