The Modern Manager

Davina Stanley, founder of the Clarity First Program, helps C-suite executives master communication. In this discussion, she highlights common pitfalls in written communication and emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking before drafting. Davina shares frameworks for clear, impactful messages, tailored to different recipients, from team emails to formal reports. She also offers simple tips to boost writing skills and reveals how AI can enhance communication efficiency. Tune in to transform the way you convey ideas!

When it comes to leadership, emotional intelligence often gets overlooked. For years, the American work culture has emphasized suppressing emotions in the workplace. But times are changing.Today, emotional intelligence is as crucial as any leadership skill–if not the most essential. Our guest is here to show us why it matters and how to manage our emotions effectively.Meet Roberta Fernandez. Roberta is a professional development consultant specializing in emotional intelligence and organizational cultural change. She holds a Master Practitioner certification in NLP and is a Board-certified Hypnotherapist, making her uniquely skilled in understanding human behavior. Roberta’s past clients form a diverse portfolio, including Kemps, Sam’s Club, Target, Optum, Pentair, governments, academic institutions, and private small businesses.In this episode, Roberta and I explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence in the workplace. Roberta shares how emotions influence behavior and introduces practical tools for managing team dynamics effectively.With practical tips on staying calm in heated situations, navigating tough conversations, and recognizing workplace emotions, this episode is packed with insights to improve your leadership and collaboration skills.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(01:56) What is emotional intelligence?(04:06) Understanding and addressing your emotions(07:28) Why emotional awareness is critical for managers(11:32) The FARE framework (Focus, Associate, Repeat, and Expect) explained(16:45) Tips for navigating the emotions that come with change(19:21) How to manage emotions during heated conversations(25:19) Why do people act based on their beliefs(30:19) A great manager Roberta has worked for(31:16) Keep up with Roberta(31:22) [Extended Episode Only] How to proactively prevent a conversation from getting emotional(34:28) [Extended Episode Only] Using the Frame Tool for taking emotions out of team problem-solvingAdditional 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 Roberta Fernandez- Follow Roberta on LinkedIn and Instagram- Visit her website for more information hereFREE Emotional Intelligence Assessment and the Frame ToolRoberta is providing members of Podcast+ with access to her emotional intelligence assessment as well as “the frame” tool, which she explains in the extended episode.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!

Michel Falcon, an experienced entrepreneur and author of "People-First Culture," shares insights on cultivating a strong people-first culture in organizations. He emphasizes starting every decision with the question, "How will this affect our people?" Michel introduces his 3P framework—Purpose, Process, and Profit—showing how prioritizing employee well-being enhances customer experiences. He also discusses memorable onboarding experiences and the impact of mentorship and gratitude in leadership, providing practical strategies for building high-performing teams.

Alison Coward, founder of Bracket and author of 'Workshop Culture,' shares her expertise on building high-performing team cultures. She discusses the concept of workshop culture and how it contrasts with traditional workplaces. Alison highlights practical strategies for enhancing creativity and collaboration in daily meetings. She also explains the importance of facilitation skills and the behavioral changes needed for successful team dynamics. Listeners will discover how to foster open communication and trust to transform team performance.

Carissa Reiniger, Founder and CEO of Silver Lining, champions economic justice through innovative small business support. In this conversation, she unveils the Silver Belt Action Plan, a transformative feedback system focused on continuous professional growth. Carissa emphasizes the importance of personalized goals and open discussions about promotions. The podcast dives into fostering a diverse workplace and enhancing accountability in feedback processes, equipping managers with strategies to nurture talent and drive organizational success.

In this enlightening discussion, Davey Shlasko, founder of Think Again Training & Consulting, brings over two decades of experience in fostering gender inclusivity. He breaks down essential gender terminology and explains why workplaces often overlook trans and non-binary individuals. Davey shares actionable strategies for recognizing and respecting pronouns, navigating gender expressions, and creating respectful policies. His insights challenge conventional assumptions, emphasizing the importance of inclusive communication and building authentic workplace relationships.

Dr. Tiffany E. Slater, Founder & CEO of HR TailorMade with over 25 years of HR experience, shares invaluable insights on onboarding new hires. She emphasizes the importance of starting the onboarding process well before the first day, including logistical preparations and personalized touches like swag boxes. Tiffany highlights effective strategies such as delivering engaging orientation materials and fostering proactive communication. She also underscores the need for articulating team culture to ensure new employees feel welcomed and integrated from day one.

Kristel Bauer, a corporate wellness and performance expert, shares her insights on enhancing workday well-being. She argues that the traditional work-life balance is outdated and introduces the concept of 'Work-Life Tango' for better integration. Kristel emphasizes the impact of intentional morning routines, micro-breaks, and building trust within teams. She discusses how small changes in habits can significantly boost happiness and productivity, while also highlighting the value of peer relationships for a more supportive workplace.

Brian Irwin, an author and strategic simplifier, shares his insights on empowering teams with simplicity and effectiveness. He discusses the challenges managers face in delegation and how to overcome them with practical tools. Irwin's framework includes defining decision-making roles and using a skill competency grid to unlock hidden team potential. He also emphasizes the importance of aligning internal and external strategies for growth, advocating for a participative management approach that fosters collaboration and enhances overall performance.

Have you read your company handbook? As a manager, a simple decision at work could land you in hot water, so reading your company handbook is essential, especially for new managers. You must know not only how to lead effectively but also how to lead legally. That’s where our workplace legal expert comes in.Meet Peter Rahbar. Peter is a workplace legal expert who guides clients through the most important decisions of their professional lives. After almost twenty years of representing major international corporate clients in high-profile matters, including over a decade as the chief employment attorney for a major global media company, Peter founded The Rahbar Group, a boutique employment law practice based in New York City. Peter specializes in representing individuals, including C-Suite executives, media personalities, and other professionals working in finance, media, sports, real estate, fashion, and tech.In this episode, Peter shares essential legal tips for managers: understanding company policies, maintaining professional boundaries, and handling complaints properly.He discusses why managers should avoid treating their teams like a family, how to respond to health disclosures and accommodations, and more.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(05:05) What does every new manager need to know(04:32) Common pitfalls that managers usually fall into(08:01) How to support company policies, even when you disagree(10:20) Why managers should avoid calling their team a family(12:59) What managers can (and can’t) do when a team member requests a medical accommodation(21:29) Should managers tell their team when accommodations are made?(23:03) A great manager Peter has worked for(26:43) Keep up with Peter(27:04) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when someone brings a complaint against you (32:10) [Extended Episode Only] Adjusting communication styles for different team membersAdditional 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 Peter Rahbar- Connect with Peter on LinkedIn and Instagram- Visit the Rahbar Group’s official website hereFREE 30-minute Consultation with PeterPeter is offering a free 30-minute consultation for one member of Podcast+. To enter the drawing, you must be a member and submit your name by Wednesday, November 27th. 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!