The Modern Manager

In this discussion, Dr. Caroline Fleck, a licensed psychologist and corporate consultant, dives into the profound power of validation in the workplace. She clarifies that validation goes beyond praise, focusing on understanding and acceptance of individuals. Dr. Fleck shares practical techniques for managers to implement validation, especially during challenging conversations. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of intuition and psychological safety for enhancing team dynamics and fostering deeper connections among colleagues.

Have you ever left a virtual meeting thinking, “That could’ve been an email.”? Today’s guest used to feel the same.Meet Jill Molee. Jill is the Director of Counseling & College Advisor at College Prep 360. I’ve been lucky to have Jill as a client and I’m grateful she was willing to experiment with me for this on-air coaching call.As the director of a fully remote, client-facing team, her calendar was packed—but not productive. Her meetings lacked clarity, structure, and worst of all, real collaboration.In this special on-air coaching session, Jill shares how she restructured her meetings around open agendas, clear objectives, and authentic team participation.Learn how she used simple tools (like Google Docs and a consistent format) to shift her team meetings from chaos to clarity—creating a culture where team members engage, collaborate, and even look forward to meetings.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(01:35) Meet Jill Molee of College Prep 360 (03:31) Managing a fully virtual team(04:04) Jill’s meeting strategies that work(06:10) Tips on how to manage time and prioritize better(08:15) Encouraging participation in meetings(12:07) Building community in a virtual team(15:08) Types of meetings Jill runs(18:18) Knowing when to end meetings early(21:19) Encouraging attendance in optional meetings(24:07) Celebrating collaboration outside of meetings(25:08) Leadership lessons and takeaways(27:26) [Extended Episode] Bonus Tips for Improving MeetingsAdditional 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 Jill Molee - Visit College Prep 360 hereFREE PDF: 2 Strategies for Assessing and Improving Your Meetings This step-by-step workbook walks you through two simple strategies that any manager can immediately implement to improve their meetings.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!

Join Joel Zeff, a renowned speaker and humorist, as he unpacks the unexpected benefits of improvisation in the workplace. Dive into his lively discussion about how fun and spontaneity can ignite teamwork and enhance communication. He shares engaging activities like collaborative painting and appreciation rituals that can transform team dynamics. Joel emphasizes the critical role of mentorship in leadership, illustrating how nurturing relationships can empower teams to thrive. Tune in for insights that could redefine your work culture!

Join award-winning executive coach Cynthia Pong, who empowers women of color leaders, as she explores eight toxic thought patterns sabotaging professional success. Discover insights on overcoming the martyr complex and shifting from self-doubt to self-compassion. Learn how to let go of regretful thinking and develop a growth mindset. Cynthia shares actionable strategies for setting healthier boundaries and fostering collaboration, encouraging listeners to step into their power with confidence.

In this engaging conversation, Andrew Brodsky, CEO of Ping Group and an acclaimed professor at the McCombs School of Business, unravels the intricacies of virtual communication. He discusses the importance of adapting communication styles for authenticity and effectiveness, whether through video or messaging. Andrew introduces the PING framework, highlighting how purpose and nonverbal cues can enhance clarity. He also explores the impact of AI on communication, emphasizing the need to maintain human connection and navigate potential misunderstandings in the digital realm.

David Burkus, bestselling author and prominent business thought leader, shares insights on building high-performing teams. He argues that it’s not just talent that matters but a strong team culture. Exploring three critical elements for success, he highlights the transformational story of Alan Mulally at Ford. Burkus emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, empathy, and gratitude in fostering collaboration. Listeners gain practical strategies to enhance communication and cultivate a supportive team environment.

Jen Fox, an executive coach and leading expert in DiSC assessments, shares insights from her 25 years of experience in enhancing team dynamics. She breaks down the four DiSC styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and discusses how understanding these can improve collaboration and conflict resolution. Jen highlights the importance of self-awareness in navigating workplace relationships and emphasizes the role of effective communication styles in fostering a positive team environment.

Michael Horn, co-author of "Job Moves" and expert on job transitions, explores why employees truly leave jobs. He reveals insights beyond bad management, emphasizing the influence of workplace culture and personal goals. Horn identifies 14 'push' factors and 16 'pull' factors impacting turnover. He advocates for open communication and regular check-ins to maintain employee satisfaction. Additionally, he discusses how understanding individual aspirations fosters a stronger, more aligned team, stressing the vital role of empathy and transparency in management.

In this conversation, Michelle Gladieux, a consultant and author of "Communicate with Courage," shares her expertise on overcoming communication fears. She discusses four hidden challenges that often block our potential and emphasizes the power of stating intentions to foster open dialogue. Michelle highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in communication. Additionally, she introduces actionable strategies for providing and receiving constructive feedback, advocating for a culture of courage within teams for personal and professional growth.

Why do people often struggle to follow through on their responsibilities, even after they agree to do so in a meeting? Today’s guest is here to unpack this exact issue and offers practical solutions to help you and your team get things done.Meet Steven Blue. Steven is the CEO of Miller Ingenuity, which creates high technology products that save lives and preserve the environment. He is a keynote speaker and has addressed audiences at Harvard Business School, The United Nations, Carnegie Hall, The Safe America Foundation, and many more. Steven is also the CEO in residence at Winona State University and author of 5 best-selling books including Mastering the Art of Success, The $10 Million Dollar Employee and Metamorphosis. He works with executives, leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to learn how to maximize their company’s growth through fostering company culture and innovation.In this episode, Steven and I dive into why employees sometimes fail to follow through and what managers can do to address these challenges—from mentoring to clear delegation to creating a workplace culture that empowers employees.In the extended episode available to members of Podast+, you’ll also hear powerful examples of what happens when values are aligned and how intentional culture-building transforms organizations.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(02:24) Why people struggle to follow through on tasks(04:28) Giving employees the permission “not to know” (07:13) Two most powerful phrases every leader should use(08:57) Strategies to ensure team members fulfill their responsibilities(16:30) The 3 Cs of effective communication(22:46) Building a values-driven organizational culture(26:55) A great manager Steven has worked for(28:09) Keep up with Steven Blue(28:44) [Extended Episode Only] Understanding your organization’s culture(31:23) [Extended Episode Only] Transitioning to the cultural values you wantAdditional 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 hereKeep up with Steven Blue- Follow Steven on LinkedIn here- Visit Steven’s official website for more information hereFree Book or Coaching Session for 5 Members of Podcast+Steve is offering five members of Podcast+ either a Free copy of Unlocking Success: Inspiring Tales of Resilience, Innovation, and Growth or a private 1-hour coaching session with him.In Unlocking Success, Jack Canfield, the co-creator of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, joins forces with an exceptional group of professionals from around the globe to bring you a collection of stories that illuminate the power of resilience, creativity, and determination.Each chapter offers a unique glimpse into the journey of individuals who faced adversity, embraced innovation, and transformed obstacles into opportunities.To get this guest 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!