The Modern Manager

Is there such a thing as a bad question? Asking questions is essential at work, and knowing how to ask better questions can help improve conversations with your team members.While it may sound like an easy concept, asking better questions is a craft that takes time and effort to master. Today’s guest is Deb Calvert. Deb is the author of DISCOVER Questions® for Connections, Clarity & Control, and two previous bestsellers. As the founder of People First Leadership Academy and president of People First Productivity Solutions, Deb’s work focuses on leadership development and team effectiveness. She’s a Certified Master of The Leadership Challenge® and a certified executive coach. Deb was named one of the "65 Most Influential Women in Business" and was formerly an HR Director with a Fortune 500 company. In addition, Deb’s research and methodologies have been published globally in academic journals.In this episode, Deb and I talk about the art of asking better questions. She shares the eight types of questions we should be asking, what happens when we ask sub-optimal questions, and provides alternatives to some common questions managers ask that really aren’t helpful. Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Intro(01:57) The problem with asking poorly-crafted questions(03:24) What a sub-optimal question looks like(06:29) 8 types of questions that managers should be asking(18:10) A better alternative to a why question(21:19) Alternatives to some common questions managers ask that aren’t helpful(27:57) A great manager Deb has worked with(29:21) Keep up with Deb(31:03) [Extended Episode Only] Benefits of asking good questions and why you should put more thought into it(34:55) [Extended Episode Only] How managers can help team members ask better questions(36:48) [Extended Episode Only] How to encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and ask questions(40:00) [Extended Episode Only] The best model for presenting information and asking questions to accommodate different personality typesAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereKeep up with Deb Calvert:- Follow Deb on LinkedIn here- Check out her company’s website here- Learn more about her training programs and courses here- Grab a copy of Deb’s book hereGuest Bonus: Discounted 3-Part Masterclass and Signed BookMembers can get an autographed copy of DISCOVER Questions® for Connections, Clarity & Control and access to a 3-part masterclass series to amp up your conversational skills for a total of $35. This is a savings of almost $100 compared to their individual list prices!Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join 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!

Key mindset shifts for individual contributors transitioning to management roles discussed by guest Ramona Shaw. Transition from self-centered to team-focused approach, empowering team members, coaching vs. providing answers, promoting team productivity, challenges of delegation, and developing tolerance for mistakes. Transitioning from directive leadership to coaching approach, promoting coaching mindset in advising team members, and transitioning from manager to friend emphasizing trust and advocacy.

"283: 7 Types of Rest and How to Practice Them to Avoid Burnout" is a podcast episode where Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith discusses the different types of rest and how to incorporate more restorative practices. The podcast explores the impact of rest on energy levels and work-life balance, and provides a rest assessment tool to determine areas of energy depletion. It also emphasizes the importance of thought partnership with colleagues and rest for managers.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, power is at play in the workplace. The key is to understand your own power and the power dynamics so you and your team can accomplish great things together. But how do you start a conversation on such a sensitive and often awkward topic? Today’s guest is Catherine Bell. Catherine is a Professional Certified Coach, facilitator, and nonprofit consultant who has spent two decades working collaboratively with people to unleash their power as change-makers. She specializes in coaching for antiracist leadership, as well as career development, navigating challenging interpersonal and team dynamics, and nonprofit leadership and management. Catherine and I talk about power in the workplace–what the sources of power are, where power dynamics show up and how we can navigate power differences, how we can own and expand our power while helping our team members own and grow theirs, and so much more.Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Intro(02:08) What is power, specifically power in the workplace?(07:33) Various types of informal power(11:31) Does power depend on context?(17:36) How to help your team understand the power they hold (23:29) How to reduce the risks of power differential(27:14) A great manager Catherine has worked for(28:27) Keep up with Catherine(29:22) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate the uncomfortable dynamics of unearned power(31:32) [Extended Episode Only] Catherine’s first-hand experience in acknowledging unearned power and how it played out(35:31) [Extended Episode Only] Navigating the power dynamics with unearned powerAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereConnect with Catherine:- Follow Catherine on LinkedIn here- Visit her website for more information hereFree 2-Pager PDF: “Resources for Understanding Power in the Workplace”Download a free PDF that has resources and tips for learning about and navigating power in the workplace. It also includes links to helpful articles to help you learn even more.Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join 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!

Internationally recognized curiosity expert Scott Shigeoka joins the podcast to discuss the importance of curiosity, deep curiosity vs. shallow curiosity, the barriers to curiosity, and how to cultivate curiosity in the workplace using the DIVE model. They explore the transformative nature of curiosity in building connections and navigating difficult times, emphasizing self-reflection and mindfulness.

95% of our choices every day are made by our autopilot. And your mindset is the remarkable force shaping your autopilot system. So, how do you make sure that your autopilot is actually serving you and your team–helping you run at your optimal potential? Our guest expert has a lot to say on this topic.Today’s guest is Susan Hobson. Susan is a High-Performance Leadership Coach, Founder/CEO of Elite High Performance Inc., host of “The Leadership Launchpad Project” podcast, author, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.Today, Susan and I talk about all things mindset–its importance and how it impacts everything you do as a manager. To dive deeper, Susan and I get into the different mindset beliefs and how they help or hinder us, how to engage your team in shifting mindsets, what leadership 2.0 is all about, plus so much more.Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Intro(01:47) What is mindset architecture?(05:38) Example of mindsets that are running on autopilot(09:47) Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset(13:34) How can managers help their teams embrace a growth mindset(16:36) How to shift to a growth mindset when you think you’re already good at something(19:14) The Leadership 2.0(23:28) How to introduce mindset and all its concepts to your team(26:05) A great manager Susan has worked for(27:58) Keep up with Susan(29:35) [Extended Episode Only] The connection between emotional intelligence and mindset(35:02) [Extended Episode Only] How to get to know your emotions(36:42) [Extended Episode Only] Effective technique on how to shift your mindsetAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereConnect with Susan:- Follow Susan on LinkedIn here- Connect with Susan on Instagram here- Become an Elite High Performance 2.0 Leader hereFree 30-minute Self-Awareness Awakening SessionSusan is offering 5 members of Podcast+ a free 30-minute self-awareness awakening session with one of the Elite High Performance coaches to help them turn up the high beams on their self-awareness. Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join 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!

Performance management enables employees to learn and grow in service of being and doing their best. It traditionally happens through one-on-ones, weekly meetings, and annual performance reviews. However, for many managers and direct reports, performance management feels like a chore. Thankfully, today's guest has figured out how to easily and effectively do performance reviews.Today’s guest is Projjal Ghatak. Projjal is the Co-Founder and CEO of OnLoop, a mobile-first platform that helps managers and teams build better feedback loops in the global, hybrid teams of the future.Projjal and I talk about performance management through their Collaborative Team Development framework. We get into how to do it effectively, how to make it easier on both you as the manager and your direct report, how to reduce the bias that is often embedded in the process, and so much more.Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Intro(01:44) The Collaborative Team Development framework explained (11:23) What data is needed for optimal performance feedback?(13:43) The role of AI in performance management/reviews(26:07) Alternative ways for managers to effectively do performance management(27:34) A great manager Projjal has worked for(29:37) Keep up with Projjal(30:41) [Extended Episode Only] How to connect the organization’s goals to individual goals(34:27) [Extended Episode Only] How to use the data you've gathered to have a thoughtful annual performance review conversation(37:03) [Extended Episode Only] The advantage of combining the power of AI with human observationsAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereConnect with Projjal:- Follow Projjal on LinkedIn here- Follow OnLoop on LinkedIn here- Check out OnLoop on Instagram here- Visit OnLoop’s official website hereFREE First Quarter of “Collaborative Team Development”OnLoop is a habit-forming, generative AI-powered goals and feedback platform for high-functioning teams. It uses a proprietary Collaborative Team Development framework to help leaders drive clarity around the 5 hierarchical layers for high performance. Projjal is generously offering the first quarter free for their annual contract of our Collaborative Team Development (CTD) platform if they sign up in 2023 for kickoff in January 2024. For a team of 50, that would mean US$1,500 off! 1 Hour of Free Executive Coaching For any CEOProjjal is happy to offer 1 hour of free executive coaching for any CEO in the Modern Manager community.Get all of these guest bonuses and many other member benefits when you join 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!

Antonio Garrido, an executive coach, discusses the power of journaling in improving leadership skills. Topics include the difference between leadership and management, developing self-awareness, making journaling a habit, and aligning manager and team goals.

When we think of iconic leaders in our history, many people think of impactful figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, or Susan B. Anthony. But defining what leadership is and what leaders really do can be challenging.So today, my guest will walk us through her definition of leadership to help us all thrive at work. Today’s guest is Teri Schmidt. Teri is the Director of Stronger to Serve Coaching & Teambuilding where she uses her 20+ years of experience in coaching, leadership, and performance improvement to seamlessly integrate teambuilding, leadership development, and community service. Her workshops and coaching cultivate empowered individuals, cohesive teams, and impactful contributions to society. Teri also hosts the Strong Leaders Serve podcast inspiring leaders to make their workplaces more compassionate and just through their leadership, without burning out.Teri and I talk about leadership in service of others, how to use your unique strengths and talents to avoid burnout, how to set your team up for success through servant leadership and creating shared values, and so much more.Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Intro(01:57) What is leadership?(04:28) An example of a talent-first approach leadership(06:28) How leaders can avoid burnout(07:42) Ways to identify your unique strengths and talents(12:44) What does it mean to be courageous?(14:05) A quick story about using courage to unleash leadership talents(15:21) On making way for others so they can use their talents(17:23) The neglecting yourself trap(19:39) Why do we need shared values?(22:51) Tips on how to identify your team’s shared values(24:23) What is servant leadership?(26:02) A great manager that Teri has worked for(27:38) Keep up with Teri(29:08) [Extended Episode Only] Burnout traps that managers need to avoid(33:26) [Extended Episode Only] How to shift from being nice and wanting to be liked to being kind(36:31) [Extended Episode Only] The one question you should be asking when you’re feeling overwhelmedAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereConnect with Teri:- Follow Teri on LinkedIn here- Subscribe to her Strong Leaders Serve podcast here- Check out her website for more information hereServe & Thrive Leadership Assessment (PLUS $100 discount code)This short self-assessment will give you insight into any of the three burnout traps that well-meaning, empathetic leaders are often at risk of falling into, together with resources for learning how to avoid those traps. In addition, the download includes a code for a $100 discount on Stronger to Serve's services, exclusive to members of The Modern Manager community and valid until Nov. 17, 2023.Get this free leadership assessment downloadable, discount coupon, book giveaways, and many other member benefits when you join 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!

Have you ever made a comment in a meeting that was met with silence? A silence that felt like hours, and you had no option but to wait for that awkward moment to be over? We’ve all been there. But having awkward moments at work doesn't have to be a bad thing. In fact, this week's guest says we can use those good awkward moments to make us more human and, therefore, more beloved as managers.Today’s guest is Henna Pryor. She is a highly sought-after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning two-time TEDx and global keynote speaker, author, and coach. Her clients call her their “secret weapon for impossible change,” an honor she wears proudly. She’s known for her science-backed approach to improving the performance, habits, and actions of hungry high achievers – in her fun, no-nonsense, no-jargon way – to move them from their first level of success to their next one. Her highly acclaimed book, Good Awkward, launched on September 26th and was a recipient of the prestigious Kirkus Star for excellence in writing.In this episode, Henna and I talk about all things awkward: what it is, why we should embrace it, and what to do in an awkward situation if you're embarrassed or because of someone else.She also shares some tips on how to get comfortable with awkwardness, how awkwardness isn’t the same as ineptitude, and so much more.Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Intro(02:27) What is awkwardness?(04:01) Where awkwardness shows up in workplaces(06:07) What is GOOD awkward?(08:39) The three ways we relate to awkwardness(10:27) How others perceive us when we have those awkward moments(12:43) An example of what happens when you let your guard down and get past that awkward moment(15:50) The difference between awkwardness and ineptitude(17:55) What do we do in awkward situations - if we’re the one who feels awkward or if we feel it for the other person?(21:21) A story on embracing good awkwardness(27:44) A great manager Henna has worked for(29:46) Keep up with Henna(31:37) [Extended Episode Only] What to do around awkward people(37:16) [Extended Episode Only] Tips on how to reduce awkwardness when meeting new people at an eventAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereConnect with Henna:- Follow Henna on LinkedIn here- Follow Henna on Instagram here- Check out her book hereGiveaway: 3 Signed Copies of “Good Awkward”Awkwardness isn’t a weakness to fix – it’s your greatest asset for professional and personal growth. Members of The Modern Manager community have a chance to win 1 of 3 copies of Henna Pryor’s book, “Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become the Bravest You.” We’ll even throw in some bonus stickers! Bulk Book Discount on “Good Awkward”Members of The Modern Manager community can get a bulk discount on orders of 25 or more of Henna Pryor’s book. The discount amount depends on the number of books you order.Get these amazing book giveaways, book discounts, and many other member benefits when you join 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!