Anyone who's worked on a team knows that communication can be a challenge. Sometimes, common problems require creative solutions. Improv is a powerful tool that brings out the best in any group or team. It’s not just for comedians; it can be used to create new ideas, solve problems, explore feelings, and connect with each other.
Today’s guest is Brian Rolnick-Fox, the Founder, CEO, and Chief Evangelist of Nimble Learning Strategies. Brian has been using improvisation as a channel for individual growth, group development, and organizational success since 1999. He has delivered communication and leadership programs for a diverse set of organizations from Fortune 100 companies to educational institutions some of which include Citibank, Goodyear, Dartmouth College, and Harvard Business School.
 
Brian and I talk about what we can learn from the field of comedic improv to help us be better communicators. We get into specific behaviors, mindsets, principles and tactics that can help us connect and collaborate better, plus we have a whole lot of fun.
Members of the Modern Manager community get a free Communication and Collaboration document from Nimble Learning Strategies. This document describes the three As of communication and how you can implement them to communicate more effectively in your daily life. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.
 
Subscribe to my newsletter to get episodes, articles and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox. 
 
Read the related blog article: How Managers Can Use Improv Strategies to Improve Communications
 
KEEP UP WITH BRIAN
Website: https://www.nimblelearningstrategies.com
Company LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nimblelearningstrategies
Personal LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brianrolnickfox
 
Key Takeaways:

We are always naturally improvising; we take in stimuli and respond to them in the moment. 
Improv strategies can help us collaborate better by providing an opportunity to explicitly talk about how we communicate and collaborate.
We often forget that people or departments have different perspectives and assume we’re all seeing the situation the same.
Being specific in our language is essential to ensuring everyone is on the same page.

223: Insights From Improv to Improve Communication with Brian Rolnick-Fox

Host Mamie Kanfer Stewart shares practical approaches to help you be a great manager. Learn more at: https://themodernmanager.com/

Solo episodes are like mini-courses, providing actionable tips based on experience and research. Guest episodes are engaging conversations that elicit insights and suggestions for how to apply the ideas.

Learn more about effective meeting practices, communication skills, managing conflict, team building, time management, group dynamics, goal setting and accountability, team competencies, productivity and collaboration technologies, organizational culture, and more.

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Management

Entrepreneurship

One of the most crucial yet often overlooked tasks for managers is hiring. While it may seem straightforward, hiring is an intricate process filled with challenges that can shake even the most seasoned manager.  
 In today’s competitive job market, where job postings can receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications, distinguishing top candidates from the rest requires more than just reviewing resumes.  
 Thankfully, our guest will fill us in on what to do (and not do) to make your hiring process successful. 
 Today’s guest is Vicky Brown. After two decades of leadership roles in the corporate world, Vicky founded her own HR consultancy, Idomeneo Enterprises, in 2001. Her Leaders Journey Experience is an education program specifically designed to equip entrepreneurs and business professionals with the tools, guidance, and confidence to navigate the sometimes complex world of HR. 
 Vicky shares invaluable insights on the ins and outs of a hiring process. She shares tips and tricks on writing effective job descriptions, evaluating a resume, what questions to ask during the interview to uncover deeper insights into a candidate, the recommended interview format and processes, 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) Intro(02:05) Why hiring feels increasingly difficult(04:40) How to write effective job descriptions(09:13) Interviewing techniques to uncover deeper insights into candidates(22:29) Recommended number of interviews and interview format(25:57) How to read and evaluate resumes(28:18) A great manager Vicky has worked for(31:16) Is there anything a candidate should or shouldn’t ask in an interview?(33:36) Keep up with Vicky(34:25) [Extended Episode Only] What should you do when you’re undecided about a candidate?(39:08) [Extended Episode Only] The truth about reference checks
 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 - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here - use code CELEBRATE300 for 30% off when you join before May 1, 2024 
 To get guest bonuses and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community. 
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 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! 


302: How to Avoid Hiring the Wrong Person with Vicky Brown

Do you feel overwhelmed with your role as a manager? What exactly is your job?  
 Managers are key to organizational success. They act as a vital link between leaders' strategic vision and individual contributors' execution. 
 This means we need to guarantee clarity during handoffs and cultivate a culture of accountability within our teams. Feel like a tall order? It doesn't need to be. 
 Today’s guest is Matt Ley. Matt is the author of Manage Your Gaps: Reclaiming The Awesomeness of Management. His work focuses on helping organizations and individuals get management right. 
 Matt discusses the unique roles and responsibilities that managers play using his EP!C Framework. He also shares some practical tips on how to be a great manager, overcome the most challenging responsibility of a manager, strategically leverage individual contributors on a team, and much 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) Intro(01:38) What does it mean to be a manager?(04:00) The EP!C framework for management success (12:32) The most challenging responsibility of a manager(17:09) What happens when there’s a lack of clarity around processes and expectations during handoff(23:32) The importance of an optimized handoff process(27:43) Tips for managers on how to be great with their roles(30:00) A great manager Matt has worked for(31:35) Keep up with Matt(32:29) [Extended Episode Only] How managers can help their team members evolve(39:23) [Extended Episode Only] Advice on how to better leverage your team’s rising stars and rock stars
 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 - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here - use code CELEBRATE300 for 30% off when you join before May 1, 2024 
 Keep up with Matt Ley 
 - Follow Matt on LinkedIn here - Visit his website for more information here 
 50-Page Workbook for EP!C Management Program 
 Matt is providing the workbook that accompanies his 12-week EP!C Management Training Program. At 50 pages, the goal of this workbook is to help you understand how to set up your environment, measure performance to drive success, understand your identity, and get clear on the role of communication. 
 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! 


301: The Unique Roles and Responsibilities of Managers with Matt Ley

Do you ever wish there was a straightforward way to figure out how to be and do your best as a manager? Fortunately, there is.  
 Introducing the Modern Manager Framework. Whether you're trying to improve your time management, navigate conflict, or lead better team meetings, the Modern Manager Framework can help you achieve your goals. 
 In this week's episode, we'll explore this framework in depth and discuss how it can help you be intentional in your managerial approach. 
 We'll break down the essential components of the Modern Manager Framework, guide you on activating the right mindset, habits, and behaviors to leverage this framework effectively, its practical applications in real-life work scenarios, and much more.  
 Join me for this insightful discussion 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) Intro(02:25) 3 basic components of the Modern Manager Framework(02:57) How your mindset can help or hinder you(03:57) Questions to reflect on to activate your ideal mindset(04:46) Forming the right behaviors and habits as a manager(05:42) The three circles of the Modern Manager Framework (09:20) How I use the Modern Manager Framework(15:12) [Extended Episode Only] 3 simple approaches to changing your behaviors(16:59) [Extended Episode Only] The framework in action - How to show appreciation
 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 
 30% Off The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator 
 The Skills Accelerator is my signature program for managers to help you build your skills in a supportive community. Each month, we focus on one skill or responsibility, and this month is accountability. If you want to master this skill and other modern manager skills, join our Skills Accelerator program and use the code CELEBRATE300 to get 30% off when you join before May 1st. Join the Skills Accelerator Program here. 
 The Modern Manager Framework Workbook 
 Apply the Modern Manager Framework to help develop your managerial skills. This workbook provides an overview of the framework, questions for reflection, and examples of frameworks for various skills/areas of focus.  
 To get this workbook and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community or join the Skills Accelerator. 
 --------------------- 
 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! 


300: Unleashing Potential Using The Modern Manager Framework

What exactly is strategic thinking? Many of us often confuse strategic thinking with strategic planning and implementation. We know strategy is crucial in the business world and that strategic thinking skills are valued by senior executives. This week’s podcast guest says anyone can be a strategic thinker and explains how! 
 Today’s guest is Dr. Julia Sloan. Julia is the author of the definitive book, Learning to Think Strategically, and is recognized for her pioneering work on the application of complex cognitive theory to everyday strategic thinking practice. A Fulbright fellow, she teaches strategic thinking at her alma mater, Columbia Univand, and has worked globally with corporate & public policy leaders, start-ups, refugees, & military leaders. 
 Julia and I talk about everything strategic thinking–what it is, how it differs from strategic planning and implementation, how we can develop strategic thinking skill sets, the foundation of strategic thinking, and so much 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) Intro(01:22) Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning vs. Strategic Implementation(07:23) How managers can use strategic thinking with their team members(10:20) Does strategic thinking always precede strategic planning?(13:06) Example of putting strategic thinking into action and in place(16:53) How we can develop our strategic thinking skill sets(22:28) The value of slowing down and pressing the pause button(25:35) The four Cs of strategic thinking and how it helps keep your team on track(30:55) A great manager Julia has worked for(31:50) Keep up with Julia(33:34) [Extended Episode Only] How to still think strategically amidst constant changes
 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 - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here 
 Keep up with Dr. Julia Sloan 
 - Follow Julia on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of Julia’s book Learn to Think Strategically here - Visit Learn Strategic Thinking for more details here 
 FREE PDF Download: 40 Leadership Tips to Strengthen Strategic Thinking 
 Dr. Julia-Sloan is happy to offer a four-page PDF outlining 40 leadership tips you can implement to strengthen your strategic thinking. The tips are organized into three categories—before, during, and after a strategy session—and lined up chronologically to help you build your strategic thinking muscles.  
 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! 


299: How to Think Strategically with Julia Sloan

Most people think that change at work is great. It has become the defining characteristic of successful organizations, teams, and individuals. But psychologically, change is HARD on humans–it’s a common source of stress for many of us.  
 When there’s change or uncertainty at work, it creates a degree of fear and anxiety. However, work rituals can help team members feel that sense of continuity amidst changes. So, how can leaders (and team members) effectively leverage rituals to foster stability? 
 Today’s guest is Ashley Goodall. Ashley is a leadership expert who has spent his career exploring large organizations from the inside, most recently as an executive at Cisco. He is the co-author of Nine Lies About Work, which was selected as the best management book of 2019 by Strategy + Business and as one of Amazon’s best business and leadership books of 2019. Prior to Cisco, he spent fourteen years at Deloitte as a consultant and as the Chief Learning Officer for Leadership and Professional development. His book, The Problem with Change, publishes in May. 
 During our conversation, Ashley and I discussed the challenges of constant change and its impact on us and our team members. He also shared how managers and team members can use rituals to create a sense of certainty, predictability, and stability amidst changes, how to support team members during these changes, the important role of language, 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) Intro(02:32) Why are there constant changes in today’s workplace?(04:48) Is change always a good thing?(10:36) Challenges that come with being in a constant state of change(16:06) The role of a team in creating stability and a sense of continuity amidst changes(18:08) How to support your team members when going through changes(20:32) The power of rituals and “ritualization”(28:04) A great manager Ashley has worked for(31:57) Keep up with Ashley(33:07) [Extended Episode Only] Surprising insight on how leaders can foster stability, consistency, and predictability (39:52) [Extended Episode Only] The role of language in creating certainty in times of change
 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 - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here 
 Keep up with Ashley Goodall 
 - Grab a copy of Ashley’s book The Problem with Change here - Visit Ashley’s website for more information here 
 10% Discount on The Problem With Change 
 Drawing on two decades spent leading HR organizations at Deloitte and Cisco, in this book, Ashley Goodall reveals the truth about human performance and offers a radical new alternative to the constant turbulence that defines corporate life. Members can get 10% off a pre-order of The Problem With Change - valid through May 6. 
 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! 


223: Insights From Improv to Improve Communication with Brian Rolnick-Fox

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