Summary

In this episode, Andy discusses the challenges and benefits of being a project manager or team leader with guest Dominic Ashley-Timms, co-author of the book The Answer is a Question: The Missing Superpower that Changes Everything and Will Transform Your Impact as a Manager and Leader. Dominic introduces the STAR model, a framework designed to enhance management effectiveness through operational coaching, and explains the concept of Frankenstein managers. They also delve into the importance of triggers, anchors, and asking better questions to foster growth and problem-solving within teams. The discussion highlights practical applications of the STAR model and its potential to transform leadership impact both professionally and personally.

What if coaching wasn't something you put on the calendar? What if you could recognize coaching moments in the day-to-day activity of work and life? This episode shows you how to do that.

Sound Bites

• “Most of us are Frankenstein managers.”
• “Stop, think, ask, and secure a result—that's the STAR model in action.”
• "The hardest part of coaching? Catching yourself and biting your lip.”
• “Is this a coachable moment? If not now, then when?”
• “A simple question can turn a two-hour supplier meeting into a seven-hour collaboration that saves millions.”
• “People might thank you for advice you never gave—just the right questions you asked.”
• “Changing your management style isn’t about a lifetime—it starts with two weeks of asking better questions.”
• “Pre-live moments to break the cycle of overreaction.”

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:53 Start Of Interview
• 03:00 What are Frankenstein Managers?
• 07:17 Introducing the STAR Model
• 09:59 Triggers and Anchors: Tools for Behavioral Change
• 17:04 The Skill of Asking Questions
• 18:00 Identifying Coachable Moments
• 21:05 Crafting Effective Questions
• 24:40 Example Scenarios
• 26:12 How Parents Can Apply The Learning
• 28:40 End Of Interview
• 29:06 Andy's Comments After The Interview
• 31:54 Outtakes

Learn More

You can learn more about Dominic and Laura and their book at TheAnswerIsAQuestion.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 150 with Michael Bungay Stanier about his book The Coaching Habit. It's a perfect compliment to this book!
• Episode 297 with Glain Roberts-McCabe about her book on coaching communities.

AI for Project Managers and Leaders

With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work.

This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity.

Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Coaching, Management, Parenting, Personal Development, Communication, Team Management

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

YouTube clip: “Brian Regan Stand-Up” The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Link: YouTube.com/watch?v=LWm9Em2rwD4