The New Manager Podcast
The New Manager Podcast helps new managers develop essential leadership skills through simple, actionable ideas and frameworks. Host Kim Nicol, a coach and mindfulness teacher, draws on her experience teaching Essential Skills for New Managers since 2017. The podcast offers practical advice for human-centered leadership across diverse industries.
Episodes
270. What World Cup Soccer Taught Me About Communication
I just finished watching the Spain v Belgium match, and it gave me three ideas about communication that apply to the workplace:Data is not enough. You need to create meaning that other people can understand.For the most important moments: Slow Down. And then show me again.Energy is contagious!...After the EpisodeComing up July 15: free workshop on recognizing and celebrating your achievements:ht
269. "I've never done this before."
Managing people is a different job than whatever you did to get promoted. Now, instead of holding the work in your own hands, you are responsible for managing other people who are doing the work. You're still responsible for the end result -- and that can feel frustrating, or make you second-guess yourself. Here's a way to think about it that will help....After the EpisodeRecognize and cel
268. Building Your Personal Brand as a Manager
How do you want to be known? How do you want people to describe you when you're not in the room?...After the EpisodeSign up to be a guest on the pod! We'll work through one problem you want help with:https://calendly.com/kimnicol/podcast-guest~Join the next Communication Strategies for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Free download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttp
267. Learning, Change, and Psychological Safety
When you want to lead your team through change, it takes more than information and individual willpower. Take a look at the system around people -- the processes, incentives and metrics -- to ensure they're reinforcing the change you want. And: increase the psychological safety to learn and try new things...Microsoft's 2026 Work Trend Index Annual Reporthttps://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wo
266. How Managers Shape Culture
You have more power to shape culture than you realize -- no matter where you sit in the org chart. Start by paying attention to three things: 1) What happens consistently, 2) What's allowed, and 3) What's celebrated....Have a challenge you'd like to talk through?This June, I'm opening my calendar to meet with listeners. We'll talk through one problem you want help with.Find a t
265. Feedback Desert
The higher you go, the harder it is to get feedback. If you're not getting validation or guidance on your work, it's easy for anxiety to spike and insecurity to flare. It can feel like shouting into a void -- or plodding through a feedback desert. This episode will help. Let's discuss!...Do you have a challenge you'd like to talk through?This June, I'm opening my calendar to
264. Say It Out Loud
There's something powerful about saying things out loud. Notice where you feel free to speak your mind and organize your thoughts. . . And where you are more measured and cautious about how you speak. Do you have a work challenge you'd like the talk through? This June, I'm opening my calendar to meet with listeners. We'll talk through one problem you want help with. The conversa
263. Take Time Off
If you feel like there's too much to do and it's all on you. . . Plan a holiday or vacation this season. At the very least, take time off from worry and feeling anxious about all the things on your to-do list....After the EpisodeFree download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine~Strengthen your communication skills and strategic think
262. Add Calm to the System
First, a celebration and a story about how I got myself un-stalled on a project. Then, an observation about the value of adding calm to the system, and two approaches for how to do that....After the EpisodeFree download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine~Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:https://maven.com/kimnicol/
261. Slow Down
"Increase your power and influence with this one weird trick. . ." Seriously, though: make it a practice to pause and slow down. It seems counterintuitive when faced with outer urgency and an inner drive to work hard. But there are real advantages to taking a pause. It's true for athletes (rest builds strength, as does interval training), and it's true for managers at work....A
260. How to Ask for Help
If you're an "I can do it myself!" person, then you might not have much practice in asking for help. This episode is for you....After the EpisodeFree download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine~Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Learn to use The Gentl
259. What's your Leadership Philosophy?
Every leader has an underlying philosophy that shapes their decisions, actions, and approach to the work. Not sure where to start? Ask others about theirs...Resources mentioned in this episode:Dr. Frances Frei's Office Hours LIVE...After the EpisodeFree download: Make Feedback Meaningful~Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking.~Learn to use The Gentle No to say no without
258. Future Focused Feedback
The latest Global State of the Workplace Report by Gallup came out, and they're reporting lower levels of engagement worldwide. One thing that helps? Meaningful feedback. And one key part of that? Future focused feedback.Plus: you can now download your own copy of the Make Feedback meaningful zine!.Resources mentioned in this episode:Free download:https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-me
257. Savor the Wins
This week, take a breath and savor the wins. There will always be more work to be done. And even when things are going well, it can feel scary -- the feeling that there's more to lose, or that you'll let people down, can increase in the best of times.So make an intentional practice: savor the wins, whether they are small or clearly visible for all to see...Is there a topic you'd like
256. When Managing Feels Heavy
Being a manager isn't glamorous. If things are feeling heavy, like you're stuck in a thankless grind, have a listen....After the EpisodeJoin the upcoming class of Communication Strategies for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Develop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Find me on LinkedIn:https://www.link
255. Listen Without Trying to Fix Things
Today I share my biggest take-away from attending Transform. Plus, a reminder that you're human, you work with humans, and there's a lot going on....After the EpisodeDevelop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Strengthen the basics, and level up your leadership skills with Communication Strategies for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/c
254. Refilling Your Cup, Finding Inspiration, and Meaningful Feedback
In this week's episode we explore three interwoven themes: How to refill your cup when you feel exhausted,Where to find inspiration, and Making feedback meaningful.I make a commitment to share the zine I made. But in the meantime, check out Julia's zine: Help! I have a manager!https://wizardzines.com/zines/manager/...After the EpisodeDevelop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad
Bonus Friday: Beginner's Mind, Growing Pains, and Saying No
This originally aired in Aug. 2024 as Episode 182, Being a Hard Worker and Saying No. As you listen, notice for yourself: What's changed? What's new? What have you let go of?Choosing that state of Beginner's Mind, where you don't need to have all the answers, will keep you adaptive, curious, and ready to learn. And that includes: learning how (and when!) to say No....After the
253. Saying NO is a Leadership Skill
If you've been praised and rewarded for saying YES all the time, it can feel really uncomfortable to start saying NO.But part of your job as a manager and leader is to say No.Start seeing NO as a skill to learn, rather than a discomfort to avoid....After the EpisodeDevelop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Enroll in Communication Strategies
252. On Confidence - Part 3
Lessons learned about confidence from weight training. Create it somewhere outside of work -- get the feeling experience of it in your body. Then bring it with you into wherever you need it....After the EpisodeEnrollment is open for March and April:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~New course: The Gentle Nohttps://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no~Follow me on LinkedIn:https:
251. Communication Beyond Words
Your voice -- literally, the sound you create through your physical body -- has more power than you may realize. Communication is not just about the words you use, but the way you use sound (and silence) can convey your message and influence how others receive (and perceive!) you....After the EpisodeEnrollment is open for March and April! For a limited time, use promo code SPRING10 and save 10% of
250. Making Mistakes and the Skill of Repair
At some point your career, you (or someone on your team) will make a mistake. There will also come a time when you find yourself on the receiving end of someone else's mistake.The important thing in both cases is how you choose to handle it. How will you treat people -- how will you communicate? Listen to the story behind why this is top of mind, and what you can do when you find yourself in a
249. Three Shifts from IC to Manager and Leader
When you're an IC, your focus is on execution. But as you rise to manager and leader, this must shift.Three things managers and leaders focus on, instead of trying to be the best at executing tasks:Making decisions.Building relationships.Creating a vision -- and communicating it so that others can see how they fit into it....After the EpisodeEnrollment is open for March and April! For a limite
248. On Confidence - Part 2
Leadership can feel heavy. I've found that most of the time when people talk about wanting to feel more confident, they really mean they want to feel more certain. They want to know that they're making decisions that will lead to best outcomes, and ensure success.This episode explores two sources of confidence: External and Internal. Learn to recognize and work with both, and you'll
247. "Can I be direct with you?"
Being direct is a great tool to have in your communications toolbox. Whether you're using it effectively will have a lot to do on other factors, like: context, power, relationship, and goals. In this episode we'll explore how (and why!) to be more direct. You'll also get some suggestions for what to do if you find that your direct approach is not always well received....After the Epi
246. Trauma-Informed Care and Leadership
There are five aspects of trauma-informed care that make good sense for the workplace:Safety / Psychological SafetyTrustworthinessChoice / AutonomyCollaborationEmpowerment / Motivation + EngagementPeople are human. The experiences we have in life shape how we perceive risk, make decisions, communicate, and work with others. Learning a bit about trauma-informed care makes it easier to bring out the
245. Everyone Is Making It Up As They Go
When I was first promoted to a manager role, I thought that maybe there would be meetings with other people managers where we discussed how to be good managers, and address challenges in doing the job. Nope! I began to realize that everyone was just figuring it out along the way.Three things to keep in mind as you start the year:Everyone is making it up as they go.Be observant. Pay attention and
244. Vision, Reflection, and Intention
This is the last episode of 2025, so our focus will be VISION. First, we reflect on the year. Then, we set intentions for the year ahead. The heart of it all? You. Your vision of yourself -- as a leader, and as a person.I use Year Compass to help me reflect on my year, and set intentions for the year ahead. Get your own copy -- it's free, and probably offered in your preferred language:ht
243. How to get the most from Communication Strategies for Managers
Working with and leading a diverse team takes skill. Developing any skill takes intentional practice -- whether you're learning a new language, a new dance step, or honing your communication skills and leadership mindset. Communication Strategies for Managers starts in January. Here's what you need to know, to get the most out of it....After the EpisodeEnroll now to start the New Year st
242. Manage AI Like a Person
"Instead of thinking in terms of using AI, think about it as managing AI. Manage it like you would a person." This is one of the ideas shared at the Responsibly Human AI Summit last week, where leaders in HR, People Ops, and Employee Engagement gathered to discuss and learn about how to use AI at work.Here's my initial take....After the EpisodeEnroll now for Communication Strategies
Bonus Friday: The Two Essential Skills Every Manager Needs
Shout out to my fellow Swifties! According to Spotify Wrapped, Taylor Swift is the top artist you listened to in 2025 (same!). I also learned that you're listening to this show in 87 countries --wow! And, the top episode this year was Ep. 2: The Two Essential Skills Every New Manager Needs.So this week, we're revisiting that episode. Thank you for being here! And thank you for making The New Manag
240. Burnout at Work: 3 Components, and 3 Lenses
Burnout creeps up on you, and sometimes it's only when you reach the end of the year that you realize just how heavy the exhaustion has become. In this episode you'll learn the 3 components of burnout, so you can check for yourself how you're doing with each one. Then, I'll walk you through 3 lenses for how look at your situation, so you can see what's in your hands (and what&
239. Change, AI, and the New World of Work
Does it seem like things are changing faster? As the world of work changes with AI and different generational expectations, managers will need to adapt as well. This includes becoming good at change management, and strengthening foundational skills for structural change, and managing relationships throughout your organization....After the EpisodeEnroll in the upcoming cohort of Communication Strat
238. Five Reasons Why Managers Get Stuck in the Weeds
I've noticed a pattern with my clients when it comes to getting stuck in the weeds. It happens sometimes: losing sight of the big picture, not doing the strategic work, and getting sucked down into the details of the work your team is doing.In this episode I'll walk you through five common reasons why this happens, and point you towards a way out....After the EpisodeJoin the next cohort of
Bonus Friday: Speaking up
As a manager, part of your job is to speak up. But as a human, you might feel anxious or reluctant to do so. Here's what might hold you back from speaking up at work -- and how can you learn to have more authentic confidence to speak up. Let's discuss!This episode originally aired as Ep. 83: Speaking Up....After the EpisodeJoin the next cohort of Communication Strategies for Managers:h
237: Make Two Lists: Qualities of an Awful Manager, Qualities of a Great Manager
Being observant and adaptive are two skills that will serve you well as a leader. You'll become more present and capable in responding to the moment and any challenges that arise. In this episode, I walk you through a simple practice that I used to teach in my Essential Skills for Managers course. You'll gain more clarity of mind and action as you reflect and make a list of your observat
Bonus Friday: Executive Presence
As you rise into higher levels of responsibility and visibility, you may start to get feedback about "developing executive presence." If you've ever felt confused by what that means, you're not alone! It's rarely something we learn about early in our work life, and it's often not described in much detail. So it can seem elusive and ambiguous. In this episode, I break
236. Setting the Tone with Executive Presence
As you rise into higher levels of responsibility and visibility in your career, at some point you're likely to get feedback about your executive presence. Let's start with recognizing you already have a presence, and that it has an effect on those around you. In this episode you'll gain a better understanding of what presence is, and how to recognize it in others. It's the first s
Bonus Friday: Getting Past the Hero Mindset
Being a great manager doesn't require you to be a hero. But you might slip into that mindset. It can look like perfectionism, and anxiety about how others see you. It leads to overworking, isolating, and being overly responsible. It also creates a lot of pressure, feeling like everything is on your shoulders and it's up to you to keep everything together (no mistakes allowed!). In this episod
235. Reframe Your Problems to Find New Solutions
The way you define a problem will point you towards a certain set of solutions. When you reframe the problem, you will start to see new kinds of solutions. It can be kind of magical. Let's discuss!...After the EpisodeJoin the next cohort of Communication Strategies for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Reach out for private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:https:
Bonus Friday: Conflict Isn't Always Bad
If you're conflict avoidant, or grew up as the peace-maker in your family or friend group, then save this episode! You probably have a gut sense that conflict is bad, and must be prevented. But did you know that conflict can actually be an indicator of psychological safety?Conflict is a normal part of human relationships. What's important is what kind of conflict it is, and how you handle
234. On Confidence - Part 1
Confidence is not all or nothing -- it's not something you have or you don't. It's also not something that's rock solid or non-existent. Instead, see it as a dynamic quality inside you that can help keep you steady through uncertainty and change. Learn to identify it in yourself, so that you can access it when needed....After the Episode:Join the next cohort of Communication Str
Bonus Friday: Feedback as a Service
Every manager needs to learn now to give effective feedback.It's ok if it doesn't come naturally -- you can learn how to do it well. Thinking in terms of "Feedback as a Service" takes the pressure off, and helps you feel like you're on the same team. This episode will give you a useful way to think about how to give feedback, be human, and create a working relationship that
233. Feedback Skills Challenge
When you're more comfortable with the skill of feedback, your life becomes so much easier! In this episode you'll get some simple ways to build up your skills, so you're ready when the time comes.Practice pays off! When you feel more confident in your skillset, you're less likely to stress over or avoid important conversations....After the Episode:Join the next cohort of Communica
Bonus Friday: Opinion Tennis
It's frustrating when you don't feel heard. And: sometimes we forget that listening is NOT the same as agreement, compliance, or obedience. We can hear someone, and still have different priorities, or choose different trade-offs. Today, we're revisiting Episode 51, Opinion Tennis, which is when you have two or more people talking and no one feels like anyone is listening. You can u
232. Listening is part of your Manager Toolset
A big part of being a manager comes down to relational skills, and realizing that communication isn't just about what you convey. It's also about your ability to listen. This is a good practice, especially if you tend to jump into solution mode! Because sometimes your job as a manager is NOT to solve the problem -- but to listen deeply and understand the bigger context and what's real
Bonus Friday: Defining Success as a Manager
When you're clear on what success means as a manager, you will have an easier time focusing on what matters and letting the rest go. This can be tricky at first, especially when you care a lot and are a high-achiever. The uncertainty of what "success" means can be frustrating and anxiety provoking. This week, we revisit Ep. 175 - Defining Success as a Manager.After the Episode:Join t
231. The Confidence Lounge with Elyse Conroy: The Truth About Becoming a Manager
This special guest episode is from The Confidence Lounge, a podcast hosted by Elyse Conroy, Confidence Coach and Career Strategist for women in the beauty industry. Elyse invited me onto her show earlier this year, and we talked about what it actually takes to rise in your career and lead with confidence. Learn about The Beauty Career Lab LIVE:https://www.soulmakeup.com/beautycareerlabliveConnect
Bonus Friday: Working with Difficult People
Today we're taking another listen to Ep 188: Working with Difficult People. The goal is not to prevent or avoid all difficulty, or friction at work. Instead, it's to increase your capacity for discomfort AND gain confidence with some tools and a mindset that will enable you to respond in a useful way. This way, you step out of reactivity and feeling powerless -- and become a more respo
230. Managing Difficult People
There are a few reasons why people have chosen to study with me, or hire me as their coach -- and sometimes, it's because they want help managing difficult people. Today I share a story from my own career journey of managing a difficult person, and what I learned from it that can help you move forward, too.**After the Episode**Join the next cohort of Communication Strategies for Managers:https
229. How to Get Quality Feedback When You're a Manager
When it comes to feedback, most managers focus so much on how to give it to their team, that they completely forget to consider: How can I get quality feedback?And the truth is, the higher you go in your career the harder it is to get good feedback! Your boss will be busier than ever. You will be expected to take responsibility for your own professional development, and have the self-awareness n
Bonus Friday: Mindfulness, Connection, and Communication
Being a manager requires relational skills, because you're not just managing work you are managing people and relationships. That's why communication is so important.**After the Episode**Join the next cohort of Communication Strategies for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategiesReach out for private coaching to deepen your personal growth and accelerate your professional devel
228. Be Human First
Hey, you are a human first. (Sometimes that seems to get lost in all of the conversations about leadership and how to be a good manager.) So in today's episode, I'm sharing three prompts to shift the conversation -- to center you as a human person, first.Who you are as a person, and how you're doing in your life, will absolutely influence how you lead.**After the Episode**For private c
227. How Kind People Accidentally Start Micromanaging
Why would a kind person start micromanaging people, even when they care deeply and want to do a good job? It happens more often than you might think! And it's often by accident.Managing people is a different job than being an Individual Contributor (IC). It requires a different mindset and skills -- "what got you here won't get you there," as the saying goes. Anyone can drift
Bonus Friday: Before you get to work.
Today I'm sharing some audio from my new course on Insight Timer: Mindfulness for Managers at Work.Having the right mindset and clear intentions can steady you through change and uncertainty. It will help you feel grounded, calm, and authentically confident.Save this for anytime you need a reminder!See the full course here:https://insighttimer.com/meditation-courses/mindfulness-for-manage
226. Disengagement and the Number One Thing Employees Want from Leadership
Disengaged. Doing the bare minimum. Quietly looking to make a move. These are all signs of being disengaged. It happens, and if you notice it in your team (or in yourself!) this episode will give you some clarity, perspective, and ideas.A recent Gallup survey identified four areas that contribute to low employee engagement numbers. They also listened to what employees say they want most from lead
Bonus Friday: How your values inform your strategy
Did you know that your values inform your strategy and the way you make decisions? If you value harmony in relationships, you might decide to delay a tough conversation. If you value pitching in and helping, you might choose to be over-available and over work instead of establishing a boundary. Today we revisit Episode 57, taking a fresh look at how the way you do feedback is guided by your strate
225. Strategic Thinking for Manager-Level Decisions
When you're an IC, you're making decisions about your work. When you're a manager, you're making decisions about other people: communicating priorities, allocating work, and maybe even conveying how work needs to get done, and by when. This requires looking at problems strategically, so you can make decisions with a bigger picture in mind. Let's discuss!**After the Episode**For
Bonus Friday: People Pleasing
Today we revisit Ep. 89: People Pleasing. As a new manager, you might feel a tendency to people-please flare up. It can get in the way by causing you to overwork (by having no boundaries), communicate poorly (by avoiding conversations or not being direct), or creating more pressure and anxiety (by ruminating). In this episode, you'll see what creates the impulse to people-please, and what to
224. Empathy at Work
People are human. They have emotions. If you care how people feel, you might over-identify with their feelings (or how you think they will feel) -- and then try to manage their emotions with people-pleasing or avoidance. So today, we're going to clarify what empathy is, and where to start so you can work with emotions better at work.**After the Episode**For private coaching on your situation a
Bonus Friday: Managing People Who Are Older Than You
Remember: Title and Role are not the same thing.What if you're a new manager who is managing people who are older than you? Or has more experience than you do? That's the subject of Bonus Friday episode, which was first released as episode 88 on Sept. 12, 2022.**After the Episode**Enroll in Communication Skills for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategiesP
223. Gen Z, the Pandemic, and Workplace Dynamics
Workplace dynamics are multifaceted. In this episode, what starts as a question about communication skills with Gen Z becomes a more layered look at different factors that might be in play. **After the Episode**Enroll in Communication Skills for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategiesPrivate coaching:https://kimnicol.com/Follow me on LinkedIn:
Bonus Friday: Before You Start Managing
Today's Bonus Friday episode is about what you can do, before you start managing, that will prepare you for that role. Originally aired in 2022 as Episode 84, you'll get ideas you can use today that will develop your skills of observation, learning from those around you, and gaining clarity about your own manager philosophy and leadership style.**After the Episode**Enroll in Communication
222. Why new managers struggle to let go of IC work
Many managers struggle to let go of IC work. The thought might be, "It's easier if I just do it," or "It's faster if I do it -- plus, I know it will be done to my standards." If you'd rather do it yourself instead of explaining what needs to be done, coaching or training someone, or writing out SOPs. . . you're not alone!A recent study about how the brain learns
Bonus Friday: Identify the Real Problem
Being a manager means dealing with emotions: yours, your team, even your boss(es). Today's Bonus Friday reaches into the archives for another look at this topic: Identify the Real Problem. When emotions are in the mix, you want to be sure you're solving the right thing.What's Bonus Friday? It's where I share gems that you might have missed. **After the Episode**Enroll in Communic
221. Organize Facts and Feelings
Every manager makes decisions based on a combination of facts, feelings, and how they're interpreting things. Next time you're facing a problem at work, try this: separate out the facts and feelings. Then, identify the Interpretation Layer (what the facts mean).You'll get more clarity as to how you're viewing the situation and how you're defining the problem -- and possible sol
220. AI at Work: Clarify the Conversation
It's hard to keep track of all the conversations about AI in the workplace. So don't feel bad if you find yourself getting overwhelmed or lost in it all.I recently listened to an interview with Karen Hao, an award-winning journalist and author of the book Empire of AI. One thing she said that I wanted to share with you is:“AI is such an interesting word because it’s sort of like the word t
219. Mindfulness, Balance, and Work as a Venue for Being Human
Take a mindful lens to the question of work-life balance. Let's start with the idea that you are a human (first), and that work is one venue (place) where you do life. Then, consider three frames:Balance as an active relationship between dynamic forces (like breathing)Balance like cross-training for function (not every day is leg day)Ask: What part of this is personal vs cultural?Consider your
218. Feeling vs Reacting
Emotions are part of being human. So naturally, they are a big part of the workplace! Learn the difference between feeling an emotion and reacting to one. You'll become more effective at work -- more grounded and less reactive to the emotions of others. And, you'll get better at motivating and inspiring your team and colleagues.**After the Episode**Enroll in Communication Skills for Mana
217. Reviewing "Where Should We Begin? At Work"
This week I unbox and review "Where Should We Begin? At Work", a card deck with conversation prompts for relationships and culture at work. This deck is a collaboration between relationship expert Esther Perel and Culture Amp, an employee experience platform. I've been a fan of Esther's work for years, so I was super curious to see what she'd created for workplace relationshi
216. Manager Appreciation
Someone asked me how listeners find this show. I told them the truth: "I don't really know." My best guess is that you went looking for a podcast for new managers, because you had some questions about something happening at work. Or, maybe someone shared it with you after *they* stumbled upon it.In any case, you are here, listening, because you care about doing a good job. And so yo
Announcing: Leadership Orientation
Leadership Orientation is on June 18. If you feel anxious wondering "Am I doing a good job?", register for Leadership Orientation and let's clear that up.You will:Identify your strengths -- so you can work with them.Uncover your values -- so you can lead with them.Define success -- so you can feel more self-assured.Through this process you'll discover more of your personal leade
215. Mindfulness, Leadership, and Emotional Labor
Being an effective manager takes a lot of invisible work -- the emotional labor you do to help your team work well and get the work done. Mindfulness can help. Let's discuss!Read the original LinkedIn post mentioned in the episode.**After the Episode**Enroll in Communication Skills for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategiesPrivate coaching:https://kim
214. Emotional Labor at Work
Emotions are part of the human experience, including the workplace. New managers are often surprised by the amount of emotional labor required for the job -- managing different personalities, communication styles, and expectations. If you identify as a hero or a helper, then you may put a lot of pressure on yourself, and you might measure your success based on the emotional signals of those around
213. Embracing Uncertainty & Leadership Lessons from Disaster Response Training
You're going to face many unexpected challenges as a leader. One of the tricky things about that is the balance between having a good foundation (skills, plan), while *also* being adaptive and making new decisions as things change.I recently completed the Neighborhood Emergency Response Team training offered by the San Francisco Fire Department, and I learned some things that are helpful for m
212. The New Manager's Quick Guide to Feedback and Performance Reviews
Every manager is expected to give feedback and performance reviews, so it helps to have a clear idea of what they are and how they are different. Most managers won't get any training or guidance on how to do this well -- so don't feel bad if it seems like you're expected to know how to do this. You're in the right place! This episode is a great place to start.**After the Episode**E
211. Here's why AI might make you a better manager.
If you're not sure where to start when it comes to AI, this episode is for you. For starters, when you think about using a generative AI tool like Claude or ChatGPT, follow this rule:"Treat it like a person, but tell it what kind of person it is."Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI, by Ethan MollickRACE Prompt Framework:https://www.acronymat.com/2024/12/22/race-prompt-framewo
210. What does AI mean for managers?
Ok, it's time for us to start talking about AI. Are you an enthusiastic user? Or do you feel reluctant to learn about it? It might seem overwhelming, like one more thing to learn about when you already have a full plate. So today, let's start with something simple: the present moment. Do you currently use AI tools at work? And if so, how? Are you reluctant to use AI at work? And if s
209. What kind of team do you have?
Every team is different. Even if you have the same people, the team can change over time -- because people can change over time. Today's episode gives you a few reflection questions to help sharpen your thinking and highlight some existing learning skills you've honed over time. Let's discuss!**After the Episode**Enroll in Communication Skills for Managers:https://maven.com/kimn
208. Healthy Stress vs Unhealthy Stress
Being a manager is stressful. And hey, stress is normal when you're doing something new -- especially if you've had little to no training or guidance! The goal is not to eliminate all stress. Instead, you want to learn to distinguish between healthy stress, and unhealthy stress, and handle them differently.**After the Episode**Enroll in Communication Skills for Managers:https://mave
