WorkChat: a broader perspective on work starts here
Sep 1, 2023
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Guests include Ellen C Scott, Deputy Digital Editor at The Stylist, and Matthew Cook, founder of theSHIFT. Topics covered: AI in journalism, catchy trends, impact of physical workspaces, managing up, managing without training, dangers of radical candor.
Blurring emotional boundaries as a millennial momager can lead to burnout and professionalism issues.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the ideal number of office work days; designing a culture that prioritizes collaboration, productivity, and well-being is crucial.
Lack of training and support for managers can result in difficulties in giving feedback, managing relationships, and creating positive team culture.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Momager and Emotional Boundaries in Managerial Roles
The concept of the momager, where millennial women taking on managerial roles blur emotional boundaries with their team members, is discussed. This trend, while driven by a desire to show care and support, can lead to burnout and problems maintaining professionalism. Many millennial managers struggle with the challenges of managing their teams and dealing with responsibilities they may not have been trained for. Creating clear boundaries and finding a balance between caring for team members without sacrificing their own well-being is a complex task.
The Myth of the Ideal Number of Days to Work in the Office
The idea that there is an ideal number of days to work in the office is explored. Various studies and reports have touted different percentages of time spent in the office, but the reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Factors such as the nature of the work, team dynamics, and individual preferences all play a role in determining the most effective work environment. Designing a culture that prioritizes collaboration, productivity, and individual well-being is crucial in navigating the complexities of remote and hybrid work arrangements.
The Challenges and Responsibilities of Being a Manager
Being a manager often comes with challenges and responsibilities that may not be adequately addressed or trained for. Many managers feel the pressure of managing their teams, delivering results, and dealing with their own character flaws. Lack of training and support for managers can lead to difficulties in giving direct feedback, managing relationships, and creating a positive team culture. It is important for organizations to invest in comprehensive management training and provide ongoing support to ensure managers are equipped to succeed in their roles.
The Impact of AI and the Evolving Workplace Culture
The impact of AI in the workplace and the evolving culture is discussed. AI is often viewed with fear and uncertainty, particularly in industries such as journalism where it is perceived as a potential threat to jobs. However, there is also recognition of the potential benefits of incorporating AI as a tool for idea generation and productivity. The key lies in using AI as an additive tool rather than a replacement for human work, and finding ways to leverage its capabilities while maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Creating Effective Manager-Employee Relationships
The concept of managing up, which involves strategically managing the relationship with a manager, is examined. While it can be beneficial to navigate the nuances of a manager's moods and preferences, it can also add an additional burden to an employee's workload. The importance of clear communication, setting boundaries, and recognizing the challenges faced by both managers and employees is highlighted. Building strong manager-employee relationships requires a balance of understanding, support, and effective feedback.
A few months ago I put out a call asking for other voices to get involved in the podcast and I’m delighted today to add Ellen C Scott and Matthew Cook to Eat Sleep Work Repeat.
You may have read Ellen’s brilliant writing in The Stylist where she is the Deputy Digital Editor and previously in Metro. She writes and edits pieces on work, mental health, relationships, and more. Here’s her own Substack on work. She is also working on fiction and is represented by The Soho Agency.
Matt/Matthew is the founder of theSHIFT, an award-winning learning consultancy that specialises in cultural change inside organisations. He’s basically a people enthusiast who has turned it into his job.
I’ll be honest I love talking about work but I was worried that my own perspective might be a bit limiting. First and foremost I ended up as a boss and whether you intend it to or not that skews your perspective. Ellen and Matthew are here to help give a broader view. We loved recording the first episode and hopefully great things are to come.
