Navigating Feedback Across Generations in Leadership

In this episode, we tackle the complexities of delivering effective feedback across different generations within a team. We focus on Mei, a young project manager in Singapore, who faces the challenge of addressing performance issues with Raj, a seasoned software developer with over two decades of experience.

We discuss the unique challenges young leaders may encounter when managing older or more experienced team members. The conversation includes strategies for tailoring feedback that respects their expertise while still addressing current performance concerns. Key points cover the importance of having the right mindset before giving feedback, clarifying intent, fostering a growth mindset, and steps to follow when feedback reveals deeper performance issues. The episode highlights the leader's role in leveraging individual talents for team success, avoiding competition on expertise, and how to approach sensitive feedback conversations with respect and mutual understanding.

00:00 Introduction to Cross-Generational Feedback

00:12 Understanding the Challenge: Mei's Dilemma

00:54 Preparing for Feedback: Strategies and Mindset

05:04 Navigating the Feedback Conversation with Raj

09:05 Listening and Problem Solving: Engaging Raj

17:19 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

+++

Before you go:

• Case examples for LEAD NEXT Podcast - Submit your case example! In each podcast episode we discuss one leadership situation. I'd love to hear from you if you have any challenging situations that you would like me to address in an episode. Submit your suggestions through this form!

Mentioned in this episode:

I created a free cheat sheet packed with scripts, words and sentences to use in the most tricky feedback situations, like giving feedback to a new hire or to someone who thinks they are the best performer ever, but actually have some serious things to work on. Make sure you grab this right away through this link, so you can keep it at hand whenever you face any of these situations.

Say It Right

Navigating High Potential Employees and the Challenge of Overpromising

In this episode, we explore how to manage high potential employees who may risk overpromising and underdelivering. We delve into the case of Viet, who works at a digital marketing agency in Hanoi. His senior manager, Tran, plans to discuss managing expectations and promoting sustainable growth during a one-on-one meeting with Viet.

We cover strategies for recognizing Viet's contributions while guiding him to manage the risks of his overeagerness. The discussion emphasizes the importance of exploring underlying beliefs and mindsets, providing fact-based feedback, and creating a supportive environment that builds trust and fosters growth.

00:00 Introduction to Belief Systems and Their Impact

00:29 The Rising Star: A Case Study on Managing Expectations

01:04 Strategies for Effective Feedback and Growth

02:44 Understanding and Rewiring Mindsets for Success

05:04 Practical Steps for Constructive Feedback and Support

12:09 Concluding Thoughts on Leadership and Feedback

+++

Before you go:

• Case examples for LEAD NEXT Podcast - Submit your case example! In each podcast episode we discuss one leadership situation. I'd love to hear from you if you have any challenging situations that you would like me to address in an episode. Submit your suggestions through this form!

Mentioned in this episode:

I made a free checklist that lays out all the steps in how to prepare well if you’re giving feedback to someone. I don’t have to tell you that being well prepared makes all the difference. So go ahead and download this simple one-pager for free from this link.

Prep Like A Pro

Managing Remote Teams: Strategies for Effective Communication and Performance

In this episode, we explore the challenges and strategies for managing remote teams effectively. We spotlight Devi, a project manager in Jakarta, who strives to maintain unity within her team and ensure that Nat, a team member based in Bangkok, remains integrated and meets his deadlines.

We provide actionable advice for managing remote work. This includes being explicit in all communications, consistently checking in with team members, effectively utilizing online collaboration tools, and fostering personal connections to build trust. Additionally, we recommend organizing virtual or in-person gatherings to strengthen team bonds and improve collaboration, ultimately aimed at boosting team performance and project success in remote settings.

00:00 Introduction to Remote Team Feedback

00:33 Devi's Challenge with Remote Team Management

00:56 Strategies for Enhancing Team Cohesion Remotely

01:43 The Importance of Clear Communication in Remote Work

02:42 Setting Expectations and Providing Feedback

05:39 Regular Check-ins and Utilizing Collaboration Tools

10:45 Creating Personal Connections in Remote Teams

12:03 Conclusion and Call for Feedback

+++

Before you go:

• Case examples for LEAD NEXT Podcast - Submit your case example! In each podcast episode we discuss one leadership situation. I'd love to hear from you if you have any challenging situations that you would like me to address in an episode. Submit your suggestions through this form!

Mentioned in this episode:

I created a free cheat sheet packed with scripts, words and sentences to use in the most tricky feedback situations, like giving feedback to a new hire or to someone who thinks they are the best performer ever, but actually have some serious things to work on. Make sure you grab this right away through this link, so you can keep it at hand whenever you face any of these situations.

Say It Right

Improving Communication Skills in Tech Teams

In this episode, we tackle the issue of poor communication skills within a tech team, focusing on how to address these challenges without making team members feel uncomfortable or discouraged. We share the story of Carlo, a leader at a tech startup in Manila, who notices that his developer, Anh from Vietnam, is great at coding but struggles with expressing her ideas clearly during meetings.

We discuss strategies that Carlo can use to help Anh improve her communication. This includes giving direct yet sensitive feedback, pairing her with a communication buddy, using online tools to enhance skills, and incorporating practical exercises during meetings. We also emphasize the importance of providing support and constructive feedback to encourage personal development and better teamwork.

00:00 Navigating Communication Challenges in Tech Teams

01:18 Constructive Feedback: A Delicate Balance

02:41 Practical Solutions for Enhancing Communication Skills

05:04 The Power of Preparation and Practice

06:35 Fostering a Supportive Team Environment

09:00 Key Takeaways for Effective Communication

+++

Before you go:

• Case examples for LEAD NEXT Podcast - Submit your case example! In each podcast episode we discuss one leadership situation. I'd love to hear from you if you have any challenging situations that you would like me to address in an episode. Submit your suggestions through this form!

Mentioned in this episode:

I made a free checklist that lays out all the steps in how to prepare well if you’re giving feedback to someone. I don’t have to tell you that being well prepared makes all the difference. So go ahead and download this simple one-pager for free from this link.

Prep Like A Pro

Navigating Cultural Miscommunication in Global Teams

In this episode, we address the challenge of cultural miscommunication within a diverse software development team in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We look at a situation involving Siti, the team leader, and Wei Ling, a new team member from Beijing. Despite Wei Ling’s valuable input, her feedback is often misinterpreted due to differences in communication styles rooted in personal backgrounds.

We explore strategies for Siti to manage these issues effectively. We stress the importance of assuming positive intent and understanding the cultural nuances that influence individual communication styles. We also discuss fostering an environment where team members feel encouraged to express their communication preferences.

Further, we talk about practical methods like creating personal communication preference plans, using multiple communication forms beyond verbal exchanges, and considering tools like translators and interpreters to enhance understanding and teamwork in multicultural settings.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges

00:24 The Case of Cultural Miscommunication

01:02 Exploring Solutions for Effective Communication

01:33 Understanding Cultural and Personal Differences

02:19 Strategies for Building a Thriving Multicultural Team

03:36 The Importance of Assuming Positive Intent

04:48 Creating a Personal Communication Preference Plan

05:49 Leadership Mindset for Multicultural Teams

06:52 Innovative Communication Methods in Multicultural Settings

08:26 Leveraging Technology for Better Communication

09:19 Feedback and Experimentation for Improvement

+++

Before you go:

• Case examples for LEAD NEXT Podcast - Submit your case example! In each podcast episode we discuss one leadership situation. I'd love to hear from you if you have any challenging situations that you would like me to address in an episode. Submit your suggestions through this form!

Mentioned in this episode:

I created a free cheat sheet packed with scripts, words and sentences to use in the most tricky feedback situations, like giving feedback to a new hire or to someone who thinks they are the best performer ever, but actually have some serious things to work on. Make sure you grab this right away through this link, so you can keep it at hand whenever you face any of these situations.

Say It Right

Navigating Team Burnout: A Leadership Strategy

In this episode, we tackle the issue of burnout within high-performing teams. We focus on Priya, a project manager in Bangalore, and her team member, Arjun, who is showing signs of burnout like missing deadlines and disengagement.

We emphasize the importance of creating a safe, open space for honest conversations between managers and their team members. It’s crucial to start with broad questions, then get more specific, allowing team members to share their struggles without fear of impacting their job status. We guide managers on how to begin these supportive discussions, focusing on understanding the team member's situation, exploring solutions together, and committing to ongoing support to prevent burnout.

Additionally, we discuss the importance of using resources like HR for guidance in managing such sensitive issues effectively.

00:00 Introduction to Addressing Burnout in High Performers

00:30 The Case of Arjun: Recognizing Burnout

01:12 Strategies for Managers: Preventing and Addressing Burnout

02:35 Initiating the Conversation: Techniques and Approaches

03:43 Creating a Safe Space and Asking the Right Questions

04:56 Navigating the Conversation: From General to Specific

08:11 Problem Solving and Planning for Recovery

10:46 Seeking External Support and Guidance

11:45 General Advice for Managers on Regular Check-ins

12:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

+++

Before you go:

• Case examples for LEAD NEXT Podcast - Submit your case example! In each podcast episode we discuss one leadership situation. I'd love to hear from you if you have any challenging situations that you would like me to address in an episode. Submit your suggestions through this form!

Mentioned in this episode:

I made a free checklist that lays out all the steps in how to prepare well if you’re giving feedback to someone. I don’t have to tell you that being well prepared makes all the difference. So go ahead and download this simple one-pager for free from this link.

Prep Like A Pro

Empowering the Silent Performer: Encouraging Team Contributions

In this episode, we dive into the challenge of encouraging quiet, high-performing team members to share their thoughts. We focus on Noor, a reserved but talented software developer in Kuala Lumpur, who tends not to speak up in meetings. We discuss how important it is for leaders to recognize and adapt to cultural and personality differences that impact team dynamics.

We talk about strategies to help quieter team members share their insights, like using different ways to communicate and creating a safe space for expression. We underline the importance of viewing ideas as separate from the person sharing them. This reduces the pressure to speak up and focuses on what the contribution brings to the team.

We also highlight the value of introverted leadership and offer practical steps for leaders to help every team member offer their best, improving team learning and productivity.

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking the Goal of Speaking Up

00:21 Welcome to the Episode: The Silent Performer Dilemma

00:28 Exploring Cultural Nuances and Encouraging Open Sharing

01:51 Alternative Ways to Share Ideas Beyond Speaking Up

03:24 The Importance of Introverted Leadership and Empowerment

04:36 Innovative Perspectives on Ideas and Speaking Up

06:41 Practical Steps for Leaders to Encourage Sharing

10:54 Understanding Personality, Culture, and Effective Communication

12:20 Closing Thoughts: Actionable Steps for Leaders

+++

Before you go:

• Case examples for LEAD NEXT Podcast - Submit your case example! In each podcast episode we discuss one leadership situation. I'd love to hear from you if you have any challenging situations that you would like me to address in an episode. Submit your suggestions through this form!

Mentioned in this episode:

I created a free cheat sheet packed with scripts, words and sentences to use in the most tricky feedback situations, like giving feedback to a new hire or to someone who thinks they are the best performer ever, but actually have some serious things to work on. Make sure you grab this right away through this link, so you can keep it at hand whenever you face any of these situations.

Say It Right

Navigating the Challenges of Coaching Eager New Hires

In this episode, we're talking about how to handle very eager new team members.

We explore an example with Neha, a manager at a startup in Singapore, and her new team member, Adrian. Adrian just graduated and is really excited about his marketing job. However, his hurry to succeed leads him to rush through tasks and miss important details, which affects his work quality.

We highlight why it's crucial to give helpful feedback that helps Adrian grow but keeps his excitement about the job. We talk about ways to balance this feedback and advice, aiming to turn his great energy and lesser experience into both high energy and strong skills.

We also discuss how vital it is for leaders to help shape a new team member's career by promoting self-reflection, asking questions, and learning from errors. This helps the new team member eventually evaluate and improve their own performance on their own.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Challenges with New Hires

00:31 The Case of Adrian: A Fresh Graduate's Journey

01:46 Understanding and Addressing the Core Challenge

02:25 Strategies for Effective Feedback and Coaching

05:06 The Importance of Constructive Feedback and Guidance

08:25 Adopting a Coaching Mindset for New Hire Success

12:11 Closing Thoughts: The Power of Early and Effective Feedback

+++

Before you go:

• Case examples for LEAD NEXT Podcast - Submit your case example! In each podcast episode we discuss one leadership situation. I'd love to hear from you if you have any challenging situations that you would like me to address in an episode. Submit your suggestions through this form!

Mentioned in this episode:

I made a free checklist that lays out all the steps in how to prepare well if you’re giving feedback to someone. I don’t have to tell you that being well prepared makes all the difference. So go ahead and download this simple one-pager for free from this link.

Prep Like A Pro