The Modern Manager

Margaret Moore, founder of Wellcoaches Corporation, and Jeffrey Hull, executive director at the Institute of Coaching, dive into the nine science-backed traits of effective leadership. They discuss how small changes can lead to significant impacts in management. Topics include the vital role of positive psychology, the need for flexibility in leadership, and the importance of intentional pauses to boost team morale. They also share personal anecdotes about early mentors who shaped their leadership philosophies, highlighting empathy and inclusivity as essential qualities.

Dallas Burnett, founder and CEO of Perforam and author of several insightful books, shares his expertise on delegation. He emphasizes the common fears that hinder managers, like fear of failure and time constraints. With his innovative 'Caveman Delegation' model, he provides a clear four-step process for confident task delegation. Additionally, he discusses how tools like the Enneagram can enhance understanding of team dynamics, empowering managers to delegate more effectively and boost overall team productivity.

Rich Horwath, CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute and New York Times bestselling author, shares profound insights into strategic thinking. He clarifies the difference between strategy and tactics, introducing the 'rule of touch' as a practical tool. Rich emphasizes that strategic thinking is essential at all levels, presenting the 'three A's' framework—acumen, allocation, and action. He discusses common pitfalls in planning, stressing the importance of risk-taking for innovation. Finally, he offers tools to enhance strategic skills and optimize team efficiency.

Ruth Milligan, a communication veteran and author of 'Motivated Speaker,' discusses the art of effective verbal communication learned through practice. She emphasizes that speaking is a skill, not a gift. Ruth highlights common pitfalls like filler words and disorganization that can sabotage your message. She shares practical strategies for mastering communication habits and the importance of supportive leadership in fostering growth. Tune in for insights on overcoming public speaking anxiety and enhancing team dynamics!

David Homan, founder of Orchestrated Connecting and host of the Orchestrated Relationships podcast, dives into the art of building meaningful relationships. He emphasizes that true success stems from cultivating intentional communities rather than merely expanding networks. Homan highlights the importance of self-awareness, trust, and vulnerability as vital components of impactful connections. He also shares insights from his upcoming book, discussing how personal passions, like playing Dungeons & Dragons, can foster camaraderie, and how leaders can embrace humility to enhance team dynamics.

Dana L. Cox, a global executive-turned-coach and author, shares her journey from burnout to empowerment. She introduces the concept of the 'success tax'—the hidden costs of high achievement like missed family moments and exhaustion. Dana emphasizes the need for boundaries and self-care to foster well-being at work. She discusses empathetic leadership and practical strategies for supporting team dynamics. With insights from her book, she provides actionable tools to combat burnout and achieve a balanced work-life, encouraging managers to cultivate healthier environments.

James Turk, an executive coach and CEO of The Turk Group, shares invaluable insights on stepping into a management role. He outlines a strategic approach for new managers to earn trust and set clear expectations in their first 45 days. Key topics include building team alignment, fostering psychological safety, and the importance of consistent rituals like one-on-ones. He also navigates the complexities of managing former peers and aligning team goals, making this discussion a must-listen for anyone looking to lead effectively.

Marcey Rader, a renowned speaker and coach, empowers individuals and companies to enhance productivity while prioritizing health. In this conversation, she explores the reasons behind our increasing distractions at work and debunks the myth of multitasking. Marcey shares practical strategies for effective team communication using project management systems and emphasizes the importance of structured office hours. She also offers tips for mastering email efficiency, enabling listeners to reclaim their workdays and focus on what truly matters.

Stacey Hanke, a renowned expert in communication and influence, empowers leaders and teams to enhance their impact. In this discussion, she emphasizes the importance of influence over mere authority, sharing how strong communication skills can foster trust and motivate action. Hanke explores the significance of self-awareness and feedback in leadership, and introduces different influence styles for effective management. She also discusses the necessity of visual engagement in virtual settings, providing practical strategies to enhance influence in all interactions.

Are you overwhelmed by the rapid rise of AI in the workplace?AI tools are already being used by managers and teams in various forms. But what are the risks that come with using them? Today’s guest believes that clear guidelines and educational training can help everyone use AI wisely without feeling restricted.Meet Theresa Fesinstine. Theresa is a 25-year HR executive turned AI educator. She has been certified for AI and Business Strategy through MIT in 2023, and has been focused on flattening the AI learning curve for HR and other non-technical functions for almost 3 years. In addition to her company, peoplepower.ai, she is an adjunct professor of both AI in Business and HR Management for City College of NY - a CUNY institution, and volunteers as a mentor through All Tech is Human.Today, Theresa shares smart, actionable ways to use AI without risking company data or personal privacy.From educating your team to building clear, adaptable AI guidelines, she breaks down how to make AI a powerful tool for managers and their teams.Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction(01:52) The truth about AI in the workplace(08:58) How to set AI policies that actually work(11:16) Using AI to enhance your management skills(21:30) How to avoid biases when using AI tools for team management(23:26) A great manager Theresa has worked for(25:35) Keep up with Theresa (26:28) [Extended Episode Only] How to talk to your team about what AI tools they’re already using(32:03) [Extended Episode Only] Is using AI at work considered cheating?Additional Resources:- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more here- Upskill your team here- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Theresa Fesinstine- Follow Theresa on LinkedIn here- Visit People Power AI for more information here FREE PDF People Powered by AI: A Playbook for HR Leaders Ready to Shape the New World of WorkTheresa is giving members of Podcast+ a copy of her People Powered by AI: A Playbook for HR Leaders Ready to Shape the New World of Work for free.In this practical and forward-thinking guide, Theresa draws on decades of People & Culture expertise to help HR leaders confidently integrate AI into their everyday work. With real-world use cases, accessible frameworks, and a human-first lens, this book empowers HR professionals to unlock the potential of AI while staying grounded in empathy, ethics, and strategy.To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.---------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!