Managing Made Simple

Managing Made Simple

By Lia GarvinBusinessManagement
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Managing Made Simple episodes

  • How people pleasing costs us respect on our team

    We all want to be liked - it's human nature! But when we lean on this too hard as a manager, it can actually work against us, leading to having a team that isn't confident in our ability to lead.


    In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I talk about how avoid the "wanting to be liked" trap and build trust and respect, which in turn, often leads to our teams liking us better anyway. Wins all around.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • [0:00] Why people-pleasing can damage your leadership credibility.
  • [3:00] Strategies for setting expectations while staying approachable.
  • [5:40] The difference between trust and friendship in leadership.
  • 📚 Book Launch: The New Manager Playbook

    Launching January 27th, 2025! Get exclusive updates and bonuses: Click here to join.

    --


    WORK WITH LIA:

    How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?


    I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

    Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

    Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy


    CONNECT WITH LIA:

    Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
    Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/


    Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

    Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.

    Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

    I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

    Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com

    Contact: liagarvin.com/contact

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin

    Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

    --

    © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

    8 min
  • 155: Where we go wrong with managing up, and how to do it right

    Could the way you're advocating for your team actually be working against you?

    Spoiler: yes, the answer is yes.

    When we're under a lot of pressure, it can be easy to pass this along to our higher-ups, trying to get some relief for our team. But when we sound the alarms without coming with solutions, our own leaders can lose confidence in our abilities.

    In this episode, I talk about how to effectively manage up, one of the most important ways to earn respect from both your team and own managers.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • [0:00] The hidden challenges of managing up.
  • [3:14] How to frame risks and trade-offs for senior leaders.
  • [5:12] Real-world strategies for turning tough situations into team wins.
  • 📚 Book Launch: The New Manager Playbook

    Launching January 27th, 2025! Join the launch notification list for exclusive bonuses and updates: Click here to join.

    --


    WORK WITH LIA:

    How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?


    I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

    Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

    Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy


    CONNECT WITH LIA:

    Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
    Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

    Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.

    Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

    I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

    Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com

    Contact: liagarvin.com/contact

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin

    Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

    --

    © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

    11 min
  • 154: Inside The New Manager Playbook - The secret to building trust with your team

    Trust is everything when it comes to managing teams, but building it takes intention and consistency. In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I share how to recognize trust gaps, the impact of trust on delegation and accountability, and practical ways to foster mutual trust in your team.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • [0:00] Why trust matters for managers and teams.
  • [2:13] How trust impacts delegation, micromanagement, and accountability.
  • [4:50] Quick strategies to build trust with your team.
  • --


    WORK WITH LIA:

    How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?


    I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

    Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

    Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy


    CONNECT WITH LIA:

    Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
    Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

    Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.

    Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

    I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

    Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com

    Contact: liagarvin.com/contact

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin

    Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

    --

    © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

    7 min
  • 153: One of the easiest tools for driving higher engagement and retention

    How do you get your team to invest more in their work?

    It's actually really simple. 

    You show them you're invested in *them*. 

    As we approach the end of the year, now is the time to proactively invest in your team to ensure success in 2025. In this episode, I dive into how being intentional with team support, feedback, and culture-building sets you apart as a leader and builds unstoppable teams. 

    Whether your team is facing challenges or already excelling, proactively showing your teams you are invested in their success is a game-changer for fostering retention and better results. 

    Key Topics Covered:

    • The Power of Proactive Leadership [0:00]
    Why waiting for problems to arise isn’t the way to build a great team.
  • Practical Ways to Invest in Your Team [2:00]
  • Tips to improve team culture, engagement, and performance now.
  • The ROI of Facilitating Team Success [5:18]
  • How investing in workshops and team collaboration pays off.
  • Avoiding Star Player Burnout [8:37]
  • Why top performers need support to stay engaged and committed.
  • Creating a Resilient and Motivated Team [9:38]
  • Proactivity as the foundation of long-term team success.

    Need help taking your team from good to great? Let’s make it happen! Email me at [email protected] to get started.

    --


    WORK WITH LIA:

    How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?


    I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

    Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

    Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy


    CONNECT WITH LIA:

    Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
    Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

    Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.

    Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

    I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

    Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com

    Contact: liagarvin.com/contact

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin

    Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

    --

    © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

    12 min
  • 152: Inside The New Manager Playbook - Your team will be more inspired when you do THIS

    Motivating your team (and yourself) is one of the hardest challenges in management. In this episode, I share actionable strategies for identifying what motivates your team members, why their lack of motivation is your responsibility, and how to reconnect with your own purpose as a leader.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • [0:00] Why motivation matters for your team and you as a leader
    • [1:01] What to do when team members feel unmotivated
    • [3:16] Understanding intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivators
    • [4:15] How to tap into your own motivation to lead effectively

    📚 Book Launch: The New Manager Playbook
    Launching January 27th! Join the launch notification list and get exclusive bonuses: Click here to join.

    Need help managing your team? Email me at [email protected].

    CONNECT WITH LIA:

    Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
    Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/


    Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

    Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
    Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

    I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

    Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
    Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
    Email: [email protected]

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
    Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

    --

    © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

    6 min
  • 151: The MOST important step of holding people accountable that you're probably missing

    There's a good chance you're missing the MOST important step in holding your teams accountable. Most managers are. 

    What's that step, you ask? The follow through. 

    So many times as leaders, we set clear expectations and then stop right there, forgetting that there's a critical check point we have to do on the other side. In this episode, I share how to move your team from simply completing tasks to taking full ownership of their responsibilities - and the true enabler of accountability: the follow through. 

    Key Topics Covered:

    • The True Meaning of Accountability [0:00]
      Why accountability is about ownership, not blame.
    • The Importance of Follow-Through [2:10]
      How follow-through creates a culture of accountability.
    • Shifting Accountability to Your Team [4:50]
      Simple strategies to transfer responsibility and empower your team.
    • Building Proactivity Through Metrics [6:30]
      The role of metrics and reporting in driving accountability.
    • Creating a Culture of Consistency [9:20]
      Why consistent follow-up prevents a lack of integrity in teams.

    Need help making accountability work in your team? Let’s chat! Email me at [email protected] to get started.

    --

    WORK WITH LIA:

    How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?

    I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

    Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

    Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy

    CONNECT WITH LIA:

    Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
    Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

    Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
    Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

    I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

    Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
    Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
    Email: [email protected]

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
    Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

    --

    © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

    11 min
  • 150: Inside The New Manager Playbook - Why you need this book

    In this episode, I share why I wrote The New Manager Playbook and how it’s designed to support new managers and seasoned leaders alike. From my own experience in Big Tech to insights from my workshops and trainings, this book is your go-to resource for making managing easier and more effective.

    💡 Tune in to learn:

    • Why many managers feel unprepared for the role.
    • The biggest challenges new managers face.
    • How this book simplifies the hard stuff so you can focus on what matters: leading effectively.

    Join the launch notification list to be first to know when the book launches (plus get access to exclusive bonuses available with your book order).

    🚀 Don’t miss out on practical tools and insights to transform your management style!

    👉 Click here to join the list

    📌 Time Stamps:
    00:00 Welcome + Why I Wrote This Book
    00:20 About The New Manager Playbook
    01:36 The Journey to Creating This Resource
    02:47 The Biggest Misconceptions About Becoming a Manager
    04:07 Breaking Down Barriers to Effective Leadership
    05:17 How This Book Helps You Build Managerial Confidence
    05:52 Wrapping Up – Join the Waitlist!

    --

    WORK WITH LIA:

    How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?

    I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

    Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

    Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy

    CONNECT WITH LIA:

    Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
    Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

    Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
    Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

    I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

    Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
    Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
    Email: [email protected]

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
    Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

    --

    © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

    7 min
  • 149: Your job titles might be leading to high turnover. How to fix it.

    Ever wonder why job titles matter so much to your team? It's more than just a nameplate—titles shape clarity, recognition, and growth paths in any organization. In this episode, I unpack the two key motivators behind title discussions and how you can approach them as a leader. Whether you're navigating requests for more clarity or grappling with the pressure to align titles with experience, this episode gives actionable insights to help you strike the right balance for your team.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Why Titles Matter [0:00]
      Unpacking why titles impact clarity and recognition in your team.
    • Understanding Title Motivations [4:08]
      Explore the two primary drivers behind title requests: clarity of role and recognition of value.
    • Balancing Expectations and Resources [7:55]
      How to align title decisions with pay, responsibilities, and team support.
    • Titles as Growth Tools [11:43]
      Learn how titles can signal growth and progression within your organization.
    • Matching Titles to Seniority [13:20]
      Why the level of seniority and scope must align with the title assigned.

    Need help creating clarity, recognition, and growth for your team? Let's make it happen! Email me at [email protected] to get started.

    --

    WORK WITH LIA:

    How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?

    I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

    Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

    Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy 

    CONNECT WITH LIA:

    Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/

    Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

    Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
    Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

    I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

    Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
    Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
    Email: [email protected]

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
    Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

    --

    © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

    15 min
  • 148: Want to avoid feedback conversations from going off the rails? Do this.

    What do you do when feedback doesn’t land the way you’d hoped? In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I dive into a common challenge for managers—team members who respond defensively to feedback—and share actionable strategies for resetting expectations.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Feedback Gone Wrong [0:00]
      How to navigate situations where your feedback is brushed off or met with defensiveness.
    • Resetting Norms [4:12]
      Tips for re-establishing communication norms and setting the tone for respect.
    • Making Feedback Actionable [9:15]
      Using SPI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) to deliver clear and actionable feedback.

    Giving effective feedback is a skill, and it’s one your team can learn together. If this is a challenge you’re facing, I’m here to help. I offer team workshops and one-on-one coaching to make tough conversations easier and more effective. Reach out at [email protected] or share my info with your decision maker to get started.

    --

    WORK WITH LIA:

    How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?

    I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

    Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

    Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy

    CONNECT WITH LIA:

    Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
    Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/


    Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

    Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
    Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

    I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

    Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
    Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
    Email: [email protected]

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
    Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

    --

    © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

    14 min
  • 147: Three signs you’re micromanaging (and how to stop)

    Are you micromanaging without realizing it? In this special episode, I share a guest appearance on the How to Be Awesome at Your Job podcast, where we explore how to spot the signs of micromanagement and take steps to overcome it.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Too Many Meetings? [0:00]
      How being in every meeting could be holding your team back.
    • Decision Overload [6:12]
      Why making every decision for your team stifles their growth—and your time.
    • Delegating Done Right [12:45]
      Tips to empower your team while staying informed and involved.

    If micromanaging feels familiar, tune in to learn actionable strategies that help you manage smarter and give your team the freedom to thrive.

    Did you know I lead team workshops and consult with teams on all the topics I cover here? Whether you’re a startup, a corporate team, or agency, I provide tools to tackle tough team challenges with confidence. 

    Reach out at [email protected], or share my info with your decision maker to make team management easier—and way more fun.

    --

    WORK WITH LIA:

    How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?

    I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

    Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

    Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy

    CONNECT WITH LIA:

    Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
    Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

    Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
    Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

    I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

    Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
    Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
    Email: [email protected]

    Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
    Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

    --

    © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple

    41 min

About Managing Made Simple

From the publisher's feed

Managing Made Simple is a weekly leadership and management podcast for people managers, business owners, and founders who want to lead high-performing teams without falling back into the work themselves.

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