Work Should Feel Good with Diana Alt

Episode 18: Being a Great Boss Starts with Empathy with Eric Girard


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From new manager pitfalls to mastering people skills, this episode is packed with truth and tools for leadership success.

Are we setting new managers up to fail? In this conversation with Eric Girard, Principal Learning Consultant and CEO of Girard Training Solutions, we dig into why so many companies promote people based on technical skillsβ€”then leave them stranded with no real leadership training. Eric shares stories from his own rocky leadership start, insights from his book Lead Like a Pro, and actionable strategies to help both new and seasoned managers thrive.

We explore the nuances of coaching, coalition building vs. consensus building, and how asking good questions (not showing flashy slides) is key to landing clients and building trust. If you're in leadership, want to be, or are coaching others who are, this is a must-watch.

⏳ Timestamps: 01:21 Why woo-woo leadership training gave Eric the willies 04:00 What UN peacemaking taught him about managing conflict 06:50 Consensus vs. coalition building in corporate life 10:06 How Eric handled a high-stakes client pitch without a slide deck 13:00 The wrong (and right) way to promote new managers 16:20 What makes someone truly ready for leadership 20:30 Eric's personal leadership failureβ€”and how he recovered 24:00 Signs it's time to walk away from a toxic job 27:40 The power of coaching for new managers 30:10 Why customizing leadership training should never be free

πŸ’‘ Take action πŸ”₯ Subscribe for future episodes β†’ https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt πŸ“– Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide β†’ https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes β†’ https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com πŸšͺ Wondering if it's time to walk away? β†’ https://www.isittimetowalk.com πŸ’Ό Work with me β†’ https://www.dianaalt.com

πŸ“’ Connect with Eric Girard 🌐 Girard Training Solutions β†’ http://www.girardtrainingsolutions.com πŸ”— LinkedIn β†’ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericpgirard/ πŸ“² Follow Eric on Social Media: YouTube β†’ https://www.youtube.com/@GTS_Seattle Facebook β†’ https://www.facebook.com/people/Girard-Training-Solutions/61555550008035/ Instagram β†’ https://www.instagram.com/eric.p.girard/?hl=en

πŸ“² Follow me on social media: LinkedIn β†’ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube β†’ https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook β†’ https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok β†’ https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram β†’ https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

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Work Should Feel Good with Diana AltBy Diana Alt