Managing Made Simple
Managing Made Simple is a weekly leadership and management podcast for people managers, business owners, and founders. Host Lia Garvin, a former team operations leader at Google, Apple, and Microsoft, breaks down everyday challenges of leading teams, giving feedback, delegating, and creating accountability. The podcast offers practical strategies for building high-performing teams and improving team culture. Lia's work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, and Fortune.
Episodes
Where AI fits on your team today
The headlines said AI would be cheaper than your team. The receipts say otherwise. If you jumped in fast and are feeling the cost, or you've been holding back wondering if you're already behind, this one is your reset. Lia breaks down how to figure out where AI actually fits on your team — without an arms race, a Chief AI Officer, or a plan to replace the people who make your business ru
How to make managing former peers easier
You got promoted. Your closest work friend is now your direct report. And what felt like it would be easy is now the most uncomfortable relationship in your professional life. This episode is for you. Lia shares her own worst management experience -- managing someone who was her best friend at work -- and the 30-minute conversation she wishes she'd had from day one.In this episode you will le
How to fix it when delegating fails - 5 min feedback script
Host Lia Garvin breaks down exactly what to do in the first five minutes after delegated work comes back wrong. Learn why taking work back stalls team growth, a practical 5‑minute feedback script to correct the task without micromanaging, and clear steps to restore accountability and prevent repeat mistakes — phrasing you can use immediately.In this episode you will learn:Why taking work back with
3 Non-negotiables to hand-off work without lowering your standards
Part 2 of a 3-part delegation series. You handed something off, it came back wrong, and you took it back — the problem wasn’t your team. Lia breaks down the three non‑negotiables every leader must set before delegating: clear outcomes, decision boundaries, and verification rhythms. Practical handoff language, a quick checklist, and scripts to delegate effectively without lowering standards.In this
A 10-min exercise to figure out what to delegate
Use a simple 10-minute monthly exercise to discover exactly what to delegate. Lia Garvin shows how to audit your calendar and task list to identify repetitive, low-impact, or handoff-ready work — without handing off your whole job or dumping busywork on your team. Learn a step-by-step method to spot delegation candidates, prioritize what to offload, and create clear handoffs managers trust. Ideal
4 actions to break the micromanagement cycle
Follow-up to last week’s 'The Accidental Micromanager' — Lia Garvin explains four concrete actions to stop micromanaging and get your team owning the work again. Learn practical steps to exit micromanagement without chaos, plus how to rebuild clarity, set boundaries, and restore accountability. Episode length: 15m44s. Ideal for founders, people managers, and leaders who need clear delega
3 signs you're accidentally a micromanager - and how to stop
Lia Garvin explains how capable managers slip into micromanaging and the three concrete tells to watch for: teams double-checking work, you attending every meeting, and high performers asking for more. Drawing on her experience being micromanaged at Google, Lia gives practical actions managers can use immediately to delegate, build ownership, and stop micromanagement in your team.In this episode y
How to respond when an employee says they're thinking of leaving
When a top performer tells you they may leave in 6–12 months, don’t stop investing—use advance notice as a strategic opportunity. Lia Garvin explains why notice can be a gift, what to say in the moment, and practical steps to protect team performance, plan a smooth transition, and assess retention options. Actionable phrases, timelines, and manager actions you can use immediately to reduce disrupt
New hire not working out? 2 gaps leaders miss
Most new-hire problems are process problems, not people problems. Host Lia Garvin pinpoints the two hiring-process gaps leaders commonly skip — both happen before a new hire can hit their stride — and offers practical fixes managers can use in the first weeks to improve onboarding, role clarity, and accountability. For founders, people managers, and business owners who want faster ramp-up and bett
Change management - getting your team onboard
Struggling with team adoption of new processes or tools? In this episode Lia Garvin explains a framing framework for change management that shifts focus from individual benefits to organizational needs to increase process and tool adoption. Learn simple, actionable steps to reframe communication, reduce resistance, and get your team onboard—based on frameworks Lia has used at Microsoft and Apple.I
Delegation blockers - 3 reasons you're still the point person
Why are you still the final sign-off, stuck in too many meetings, and making decisions you shouldn't? Host Lia Garvin explains why delegation itself is rarely the blocker and outlines the three conditions leaders must create to stop being the point person. Practical, manager-focused steps to shift decision-making, reduce meeting load, and build team accountability—useful for founders, busines
Talking to your team about AI - what to say and NOT to say
Managers: your team is hearing the headlines about AI. In this episode Lia Garvin breaks down how to have the AI conversation your team needs — what triggers fear, how to build trust, and how to lead through uncertainty without pretending you have all the answers. Practical leadership language, steps to reduce anxiety, and next actions you can use in team meetings to align on responsible AI use at
How to delegate, remove bottlenecks, and stop micromanaging
Host Lia Garvin explains why delegation stalls and gives a simple, actionable 3-step framework to shift from ‘dispatching’ to true delegation. Learn how to set clear outcomes, assign ownership, check minimal milestones, and stop re-doing work so tasks stop coming back to you. Practical tactics you can use this week to remove bottlenecks and build team accountability.In this episode I'm gettin
Team systems - how they drive results and accountability
Many owners say “I don’t want to feel corporate,” yet they make every decision and lack visibility into day-to-day work. In this episode Lia Garvin breaks down why the right team systems remove bottlenecks, create accountability, and free founders from constant decision-making. Practical takeaways: how to get visibility into work, reduce micromanagement, and implement simple systems that scale you
229: What are you willing to tolerate... and what is that actually costing you?
Yesterday in a client session, something came up that I had to bring straight to the show. A business owner with multiple thriving locations told me her approach to underperformance: she has the conversation right away. No waiting, no managing around it, no hoping it fixes itself.That conversation led me straight to the question at the center of this episode: what are you willing to tolerate? Beca
228: The tough realities of being a leader... that make you so much better at it
When is the last time you looked at a situation on your team and thought "I shouldn't have to deal with this"? Earlier today? Then this episode is for you.On the show I break down why this phrase is so common, especially for business owners and founders who didn't set out to be people leaders, why it makes the situation worse, and the mindset shift that actually moves things fo
227: Getting your team to care about customer service
After a pretty rough experience at Lenscrafters, Lia gets into one of the most common challenges small business owners face: how do you get your team to actually show up for customers when you can't force anyone to care?This episode is for anyone with customer-facing team members — or honestly any team member whose attitude and engagement reflects on your brand.In this episode you will learn:
226: Giving feedback without it being a laundry list
You've got feedback to give. A lot of it. But every time you try, it either comes out as a running list of corrections or it never comes out at all because you don't know where to start.In this episode, Lia answers a real listener question about how to manage feedback when there's a lot to address, without losing your team's trust or making them feel like nothing is ever good e
225: How to stop being the bottleneck on decisions
You hired talented people, asked them to lead, and yet they're still coming to you for final approval on *everything*. It feels like you're micromanaging, even though you desperately want to be hands-off. You don't want to reject their need for support, but this constant stream of decisions, big and small, is keeping you buried in the day-to-day.This isn't just annoying; it&apo
224: Dealing with team members that bug us
You know the feeling.Their name pops up on your calendar and your stomach drops just a little.They are not low performers. They are actually delivering.But something about the dynamic makes leading them harder than it needs to be.In this episode of Real Talk: Leading Small Teams, we break down three common archetypes that trigger leaders and how to handle each one without avoiding hard conversatio
223: What should I be paying people to attract top talent?
You find the perfect senior hire. They have the résumé. The experience. The track record. But the salary makes your stomach drop.Do you stretch and hope it pays off? Or walk away and risk staying stuck?In this episode, we unpack the real tension leaders face when hiring senior talent in a small business and how to think about compensation without blowing up your risk tolerance.We talk about:Why ov
222: What investing in your team could cost you OR earn you
What’s the cost of waiting too long to address a problem on your team?In this episode, we’re breaking down the key actions that separate leadership disasters from record-breaking success.You'll learn:How waiting too long to address team challenges can lead to massive lossesThe $250,000 mistake from one of my clients and the turnaround that followedThe positive impact of setting clear expectat
221: I want to hand off work to my team, but the clients want ME, what do I do?
You built a reputation for being the best. So why does it feel like your success is the very thing keeping you stuck?If clients keep asking for you by name and you cannot seem to step out of the weeds without everything pulling you back in, this episode will show you how to scale without losing trust, quality, or revenue.In this episode of Real Talk: Leading Small Teams, you’ll learn:Why believing
220: I hired managers- why am I still in the details?
You finally hired managers… so why are you still stuck in every decision, every issue, every fire?If you feel like promoting managers was supposed to free you up and somehow did the opposite, this episode breaks down exactly why that happens and how to fix it.In this episode, we talk about:How leaders accidentally train managers to defer decisionsThe simple way to teach decision-making without mor
219: Did I make a bad hire? How do I know? What do I do?
Hiring is exhausting, and nothing messes with your confidence faster than wondering, “Did I just make a really expensive mistake?”In this episode, we take a clear-eyed, practical look at how to assess a new hire without panic, resentment, or dragging things out way too long. Plus we’ll talk about what to do when the answer isn’t obvious.In this episode of Real Talk: Leading Small Teams, you’ll lea
218: How to get out of the friend-zone with your team members?
You didn’t mean to become the “cool boss.”But now feedback feels awkward, boundaries are blurry and accountability keeps slipping.In this episode of Real Talk: Leading Small Teams, we break down what to do when you’ve been friend-zoned by your team, and how to reset the dynamic without becoming cold or rigid.In this episode, we cover:The subtle signs you’ve crossed from friendly leader into the f
217: This question will 10x your impact as a leader and grow your revenue
You know that thing on your team you keep meaning to deal with… but haven’t?The underperformer. The role you should hire for. The expectations conversation you keep postponing.Avoidance feels easier in the moment — but it quietly turns leaders into bottlenecks.In this episode, we break down how avoiding hard moves is slowing your team down and what to do instead.You’ll learn:How to spot what you’r
216: Why your team isn't following through... and how to fix it
You’re full of ideas in meetings.You explain the plan. Your team nods. And then somehow… nothing changes.If that sounds familiar, you don’t have an accountability problem — you have a follow-up problem.In this episode, I break down the leadership shift that turns passive agreement into real ownership.You’ll learn:Why giving solutions can accidentally kill accountabilityWhat to say instead of answe
215: Why your team seems entitled (and what’s really causing it)
Your team is asking for more.More flexibility. More pay. More exceptions. More say in decisions.And you’re sitting there thinking, when did this turn into entitlement?In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening when requests feel unreasonable — and why the root cause is usually a leadership clarity issue, not an attitude problem.You’ll learn:Why “entitlement” is often a signal, not the prob
214: How to give the feedback after you've waited too long
You were going to say something.About the missed deadline. The behavior in the meeting. The way they handled the client.But you waited… and now it feels awkward, overdue, or impossible to bring up.Here’s the truth: it’s not too late. And avoiding it will cost you more than having the conversation.In this episode, I walk you through how to give feedback after the moment has passed and still strengt
213: What to say in compensation conversations without over or underpromising | Part 3 of 3
You have a compensation conversation coming up.You want to reward good work. You want to be fair. You also know you can’t open the floodgates or promise something you can’t sustain.And one wrong sentence can create months of resentment.In this episode, I walk you through how to talk about pay in a way that reinforces performance, protects expectations, and keeps trust intact.You’ll learn:Why mixin
212: Avoiding the biggest pitfalls with tough feedback | Part 2 of 3
You know you should say something.About the missed deadline. The behavior in meetings. The drop in quality.But the conversation feels uncomfortable, so you wait.And that’s how small issues turn into big surprises.In this episode, I break down the most common mistakes leaders make with feedback — and how to handle tough conversations in a way that actually improves performance.You’ll learn:Why feed
211: How to communicate vision so your team buys-in | Part 1 of 3
You’ve explained the direction.The priorities. The goals. Where the company is headed.And yet your team still seems misaligned, disengaged, or focused on the wrong things.If that sounds familiar, the problem isn’t your strategy — it’s how the message is landing.In this episode, I break down how to communicate vision so people actually understand it, remember it, and act on it.You’ll learn:The bigg
210: How to lead when you are already stretched thin
Most people become managers with zero training.No reps.No practice.No preparation for feedback, conflict, or decision-making.They’re told to lead anyway.In this episode, I use my experience training for a HYROX endurance race to explain what leadership actually requires — and why so many managers feel behind from day one.You’ll learn:Why lack of training makes leadership feel overwhelmingWhat “tra
209: Why your team feels lost even when you are communicating
Your team keeps asking the same questions.They seem unsure.Morale feels shaky.People want clarity you cannot fully give.And you are wondering, I already explained this. Why does everyone still feel lost?In times of constant change, the problem is often not the facts. It is how those facts are being interpreted.In this episode, I break down how leaders can shift perception, create stability, and co
208: What AI should replace on your team and what it should not
AI can schedule meetings, draft emails, take notes, build slide decks.And it does a pretty darn good job at it.So it is fair to ask, do I still need all these roles on my team?But when we reduce a job to the tasks we can automate, we often miss the real value people provide.In this episode, I walk through how to evaluate what should be automated, what should stay human, and how leaders can avoid c
207: The simple action that keeps your best people from leaving
People say employees leave managers, not companies.If that is true, then managers are also the biggest reason people stay.So what does it actually take to become someone your team wants to work for, especially when pressure is high and patience is low?In this episode, I break down the daily behaviors that build trust, resilience, and psychological safety, and what consistency really looks like whe
206: How to motivate your team when you cannot give raises
Your best performer didn't get the raise.Promotions are on hold.Budgets are tighter than ever.And people are starting to wonder what their future looks like.So how do you keep motivation high when the traditional rewards are not available?In this episode, I walk through how leaders can maintain engagement, show value, and build momentum even when compensation flexibility is limited.You’ll lea
205: Your team is watching how you react. Here is why it matters
You get the email, the meeting invite, or the change in direction.And you feel your stomach drop.But as a leader, your reaction does not stay private. Your team is watching, interpreting, and modeling what they see.In this episode, I break down how leaders can acknowledge difficulty without spreading panic and how small shifts in behavior create steadier teams.You’ll learn:Why teams mirror a leade
204: Decoding your team’s requests- what you’re missing and how to respond
Your employee wants to be in more meetings.Or you inherit a team and have to give feedback on work you never saw.Or maybe, you say your calendar is open, but people still feel left out.And you are thinking, why are these requests so complicated?In this episode, I break down real questions managers are asking and show you how to uncover what your team actually needs underneath the surface.You’ll le
203: Why top performers leave and the conversation that keeps them
Your top performer quits.And the reason sounds reasonable enough, "I wanted something different.”But what they often mean is they could not see a future on your team.In this episode, I walk through the career conversation that helps people picture growth, feel invested, and choose to stay.You’ll learn:Why strong performers disengage before they leaveWhat managers misunderstand about engagemen
202: How to manage up when your team needs more support
Your team is stretched. People are tired. Work keeps piling up. And you know they need more support.But when you ask for more resources, the answer is not always yes.In this episode, I break down how to advocate upward in a way that gets traction and protects your team at the same time.You’ll learn:Why burnout alone rarely unlocks resourcesWhat leaders above you actually respond toThe shift that h
201: What most leaders get wrong when talking about change (and how to get it right)
Change is happening.Priorities are shifting and plans are evolving; and your team, they're getting nervous. And many leaders get so worries about saying the wrong thing that they either stay silent or reach for empty reassurance.Both approaches backfire.In this episode, I break down the most common traps managers fall into when talking about change and a simple way to communicate so your team
200: The three skills that make managing easier
Managing people is complicated.Priorities continually shift. Expectations evolve every day. And it can feel like everything still comes back to you.After 200 episodes of working through real leadership challenges with managers, founders, and operators, three skills consistently separate leaders who feel stuck from those who feel in control.In this episode, I break down the core practices that make
199: Why no one likes being a manager- and how to fix that
Let’s talk about the thing no one wants to admit: most people hate being managers. And not because they don’t care, but because they weren’t set up to succeed.In this episode, I dig into:Why most people become managers without any trainingWhat makes managing feel so hard, especially when you’re learning in front of your teamWhy burnout is off the charts right now (and what to do if you’re in it)Ho
198: How to get team members to show up to trainings
You spent time building an interactive, funny, team-building training—but when the start time arrived… no one showed up. Heartbreak, frustration, and a bit of panic set in.In this episode, I share:Why your team can’t attend, even if they asked for the trainingThe three critical elements that make attendance possible and compellingHow Gen Z’s desire for growth is real, but still gets derailed by bu
197: The Gen Z vs Gen AI battle every manager needs to win
There's a battle brewing in the workplace between Gen Z and Gen AI, and if we don't get ahead of it, we might end up with a workforce that can't actually think.In this episode, I break down how this collision is creating three specific challenges for managers and business owners - and why the solution isn't what you think.In This Episode:The real reason entry-level jobs are dis
196: How to get your team members to Lock In
September is here, and with it comes what Gen Z has dubbed “The Great Lock-In”, a post-summer push to refocus, reenergize, and finish the year strong. But this moment isn’t just a trend, it’s a powerful opportunity for leaders.In this episode of The New Manager Playbook podcast, I share how to use this time to reconnect your team to purpose and progress, without pushing them to burnout.You’ll lear
195: What GenZ wants from their jobs - and how to get them to stick around
What if your team isn’t burned out, they’re just over it?In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, I sit down with Grace Lee, our new GenZ brand manager, for a raw, honest conversation about what’s really going on inside today’s workplace. Grace shares what it's like to be a 20-something navigating a job market that’s flooded, unstable, and full of uncertainty, and how that shapes engageme
194: Your team member isn't *bad*, they just haven't gotten feedback
Feeling like your team member is dropping the ball? Before you rewrite the job description or mentally fire them, hit play on this episode.This week on The New Manager Playbook, we dive into why most performance issues don’t start with a “bad hire”, they start with a feedback vacuum. If your team member doesn’t know what’s expected, how can they meet the mark?In this episode:Why assuming “it shoul
193: Quiet Cracking- Why Your A-Players Are Pulling Back (and What to Do)
Quiet quitting made headlines, but it’s time to talk about a deeper threat: Quiet Cracking.This episode is all about what happens when your most reliable, engaged, high-performing team members start slowly disengaging- not because they want to slack off, but because they’re burned out, spread thin, and overwhelmed. The kicker? They’re still showing up. Still doing the work. But the spark is fading
192: The consequence of team members feeling UNDERUTILIZED
A LinkedIn report says 58% of employees feel underutilized. That’s more than half of your team wondering if they could be doing more somewhere else.In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, I breaks down:Why underutilization is a hidden driver of burnout and turnoverThe signs your high performers are already feeling itHow to address it without overloading your teamYou’ll also hear my own storie
191: Avoid the Biggest Onboarding Mistakes That Derail New Hires
Onboarding can make, or break, a new hire’s success. In this episode of The New Manager Playbook Podcast, I reveal the two biggest onboarding mistakes managers make, and how to avoid them.You’ll learn how to set clear expectations, keep new-hire enthusiasm high, and integrate them smoothly into the team. Whether you lead a small business or a corporate team, these tips will help you turn hiring wi
190: Three Simple Mistakes That Wreak Havok on Hiring
Hiring mistakes are expensive—and avoidable. Learn how to hire well and protect your team. Subscribe for weekly manager tips!In this episode of the New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin unpacks the three most common hiring mistakes that derail teams and cost businesses time, money, and high-performing talent. You’ll learn why moving too fast, underpaying, or hiring "divas" can wreck your team
189: The Hidden Cost of AI Leadership- Why Shortcuts Hurt Your Team
Are you using AI in leadership or just hiding behind it? Discover how shortcuts like AI video clones and ChatGPT strategies are killing trust. Subscribe for more real-talk on leadership!What You’ll Learn:Why overusing AI as a leader can damage team trust and engagementReal-world stories about AI video clones, copy-pasted strategies, and feedback gone wrongHow to use AI to elevate—not replace—your
188: Three Keys to Manage Contractors Without the Headache
Your freelancer blew the deadline—now what? Learn how to manage freelancers the right way. Subscribe for more leadership tips!What You’ll Learn:Why fractional talent often fails to meet expectations—and how to fix it3 proven freelancer management tips that actually workHow to set expectations and onboard freelancers effectivelyWhat to do when a freelancer misses a deadline or underdeliversManaging
187: Feel Like Your Team Doesn't Care Anymore? Here's How to Solve It.
In this episode of the New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin tackles the growing frustration managers face—disengaged teams, missed deadlines, and a lack of accountability. Discover how to shift from confirmation bias to clarity, set powerful expectations, and blend AI with your leadership skills to reignite ownership. Learn how to integrate AI into people management, drive performance with empathy, an
186: Your Team’s Overdoing it With AI- Here's What to Do
AI tools can help—but what happens when your team leans on them too much? Discover how new managers can regain control, set clear expectations, and lead with purpose in an AI-driven workplace. Subscribe now for real-world leadership tools!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to manage AI usage in the workplace with intentionSigns your team may be overrelying on AI—and how to respondHow to lead wi
185: AI Isn’t the Solution Unless You Know the Problem First
Too many leaders are jumping into AI hoping it’ll fix their workflows—but without clarity on what needs fixing, it might just make things worse.What You’ll Learn:How to identify the real problems AI should solve in your team.The biggest AI misuse traps managers fall into.A decision-making framework for evaluating automation tools.When AI helps—and when human leadership is irreplaceable.In this epi
184: Are Managers the Easiest Role to Automate? Think Again
In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin takes on a bold claim made by Sergey Brin — that managers are the easiest roles to automate. Drawing from her experience at tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, Lia argues that great managers are far from obsolete — they're essential. Learn why leadership, empathy, and cross-functional communication remain irreplaceable in the
183: How to Build a Culture of Accountability Without Micromanaging
Missed deadlines, unclear expectations, and endless meetings? These aren’t random problems—they’re symptoms of a deeper issue: lack of accountability. In this episode, discover how to fix that. Subscribe now!In this powerful episode, Lia Garvin breaks down what accountability really means (spoiler: it’s not blame or punishment) and how to create a team culture rooted in ownership. Learn practical
182: Still Drowning in Meetings? Here’s How Smart Managers Reclaim Their Time
Still Drowning in Meetings? Here’s How Smart Managers Reclaim Their TimeFeeling overwhelmed? Here's how managers can reclaim 5+ hours every week. Subscribe now!In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin tackles a challenge every leader faces: not having enough time. If you're a manager drowning in meetings, tasks, and pressure from above, this episode is your wake-up call. L
181: The #1 Reason Teams Get Burned Out That No One Talks About
Is constant change in your team leaving everyone confused, frustrated, or burned out? In this Ask Me Anything episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin dives into the hidden reason so many teams lose steam: unclear expectations in constantly shifting roles.Responding to a powerful question from Stephanie, a rapidly scaling business owner, Lia shares how to maintain engagement while restructu
180: How to Lead Through Uncertainty Without Losing Your Team
Stressed about layoffs, burnout, or quiet quitting? Learn how to lead with clarity when everything feels chaotic. Subscribe for weekly manager tips!In this episode of the New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin tackles one of today’s most pressing leadership challenges: navigating uncertainty without burning out—or losing your best people. From AI disruptions to economic shifts and employee burnout, lead
179: The Secret to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Leader
Every new manager faces it—that creeping feeling of "Am I really cut out for this?" If you've recently stepped into a leadership role or have ever doubted your capabilities as a manager, this episode is for you. In this empowering edition of The New Manager Playbook, host and leadership coach Lia Garvin tackles imposter syndrome head-on and offers real strategies to overcome it and
178: Stop Sugarcoating- How Real Leaders Give Feedback That Actually Works
In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, leadership expert Lia Garvin tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in the workplace: giving feedback that actually helps your team grow—even if it makes them uncomfortable.Many new (and experienced) managers avoid feedback because they fear how it will be received. But here's the truth: growth doesn't happen in the comfort zone. If you&
177: Stop Waking Up at 3AM Worried About Your Team- Do This Instead
Ever wake up at 3AM worrying if your team is on track? You're not alone—and better yet, you don't have to live like that anymore.In this game-changing episode of the New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin introduces the ultimate management hack: the Snippets Template—a simple but powerful weekly update system designed to give you total clarity without micromanaging. Whether you manage a remote
176: This ONE Mistake Is Costing Your Team Thousands Every Week
When budgets tighten, what’s the first thing to go? Training, coaching, and team support. But as leadership expert Lia Garvin reveals in this episode of The New Manager Playbook, that’s one of the most expensive mistakes a business can make.Lia breaks down the true cost of inaction—from poor delegation and team inefficiencies to low morale, preventable turnover, and lost revenue. Drawing on real s
175: You Got Promoted—How to Manage Former Peers Without Losing Control
Feeling awkward or unsure about managing friends or former teammates? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out the hard way. In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin breaks down one of the toughest leadership transitions—going from peer to boss—and shares real stories, hard lessons, and actionable strategies to help you lead with confidence, authority, and empathy.Whethe
174: How to Keep Your Best Team Members During Uncertain Times
Are you constantly losing top talent and left wondering why? You're not alone—but you can prevent it. In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin uncovers the hard truth about preventable employee turnover and shows managers exactly how to stop being blindsided when team members quit.With research-backed insights and real-world strategies, you'll learn how to recognize the ea
173: Still Doing Everything Yourself? Here’s the Real Reason You Can’t Let Go
Think your team isn’t ready or you just don’t have time to delegate? Think again.In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, leadership coach and author Lia Garvin reveals the surprising truth behind why delegation is so hard—and spoiler: it’s not a workload problem, it’s a trust issue.If you're a new or overwhelmed manager feeling like you have to do everything yourself, this is your wake-u
172: You Got Promoted… Now What? The Truth About Leading for the First Time
Think becoming a manager is just doing your old job—with people? Think again.In the very first episode of The New Manager Playbook, author and leadership coach Lia Garvin breaks down the biggest misconception new managers face: believing it’s the same job with extra meetings. Spoiler alert—it’s not.Whether you were just promoted, leading peers for the first time, or feeling like you're “fakin
171: The RIGHT WAY to use AI as a leader to get out of the weeds
"ChatGPT gave me the PERFECT step-by step plan to fix my team! I'll be out of the weeds by tomorrow!" We've said it, we've hoped for it, we've wanted it to be true. And... without these critical human steps, this approach is destined to fail.In this episode, I share the tale of an agency leader who thought AI would instantly solve his team management challenge that so
170: Why thinking you HAVE to micromanage is keeping you stuck
"But if I don't micromanage, nothing gets done correctly!" Yeah, no.... we've got to leave that myth in the past right now, because the truth is, it's only keeping you stuck and your team feeling disempowered. In this episode, I talk about why micromanagement is NEVER the answer (even when it feels like your only option). Learn the two powerful alternatives that transform
169: Positive feedback isn't just being nice - it's they key to high performance
"Where do I even stand on this team?" This simple question is what every team member secretly wonders - and yet... 78% of leaders wait until big milestones to provide recognition. In this week's episode, I share why "pouring gas on what's going well" transforms average performers into team champions, how to avoid the ole' "compliment sandwich," and the
168: Dealing with the worst case situations of giving feedback
"I'm going to HR!" - the four words that strike fear into every manager's heart... four words that might lead us to avoiding giving feedback altogether. Hey, I've been there too. In this week's episode of Managing Made Simple, I share a story of feedback gone wrong and break down exactly how to handle defensive responses, people threatening to quit, and the worst of a
167: Don’t give your team member feedback until you’ve done THIS
We've prepared a clear message, we've blocked out ample time for the conversation, and then our feedback conversation still goes sideways? We can wonder what the heck went wrong.That's why in today's episode, I'm breaking down the most important step to do BEFORE giving feedback: emotional regulation. When we have to give feedback about something we're frustrated abou
How the "Let Them Theory” helps you be a better manager
Two sentences into Mel Robbins' new book "The Let Them Theory" and I was hooked - not just because it applied immediately to my life, but also to all of my teachings for teams and managers. In this week's episode, I break down how to apply this game-changing practice of non-attachment to managing your team, which will not only help you make more of an impact as a leader, it wil
How to combat resistance to working in the office
Not a week goes by where a company isn't announcing new return to office plans. Whether you are in favor of it or not, as a manager, if your company is enforcing it, it is part of your job to get your team onboard. But I get that is easier said than done ;)In this episode, I share a pitfall to avoid when talking about return to office and how to get your teams excited about the potential of i
Holding a high standard without micromanaging
We've all been there... we want to hold a high bar for our teams, but we're also worried we're coming across too nitpicky. What do you do?In this episode, I share how to strike the balance between holding a high standard and still letting your teams bring their own ideas to the table.00:00 Details matter when creating a high-end experience; high standards shouldn't be seen as p
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