The Manager Track

By Ramona ShawBusiness Careers

The Manager Track episodes

April 05, 2022People-Pleasing Leaders: An Oxymoron
Do you find it hard to say no to people? Do you struggle to meet people’s needs all the time? Do you often avoid conflict or confrontation?

If you’re answering ‘yes’ to any of these answers – you’re probably a people-pleaser.

It affects so many of us and people-pleasing is a frequent topic in coaching conversations with my clients. But I have found some proven strategies to overcome this tendency, which I will share with you in today’s episode.

Sure, there are also strengths to being a people-pleaser, such as being an advocate and a strong team player. But the weaknesses include taking on too much work, avoiding conflict or negative feedback, and ultimately, becoming resentful.

If you can relate to people-pleasing, then it’s time to tackle its root cause.

I unpack this further in this week's episode of The Manager Track podcast because people-pleasing gets in the way of you reaching your full potential as a leader. But by addressing your people-pleasing tendencies, you will be able to move forward in your work and personal life.

And when it comes to figuring out what to say 'Yes' or 'No' to, I find these questions from Paula Cookson’s ‘The Liberated Self’ to be super powerful:
Are there other people who can do this task?

Do I have time to do this task?

Do I actually have an interest in doing this task?

Do I have the energy to do this task?

Do I feel pressured, or have a fear of angering or disappointing someone else?

Will I resent myself or others if I say ‘yes’ to taking on this task?

— RESOURCES MENTIONED —
‘The Liberated Self’ by Paula Cookson

Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling new book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': https://amzn.to/3TuOdcP

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw/

Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for --> www.ramonashaw.com/masterclass

Don't forget to invest time each week to increase your self-awareness, celebrate your wins, and learn from mistakes. Your career grows only to the extent that you grow. Grab your Career Journal with leadership exercises and weekly reflections here: www.ramonashaw.com/shop

Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to https://www.ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show!
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
23 min
March 29, 2022What It Was Like to Be a New Manager - with Lisa, Susan, and Dave
Episode 100 is here!! 🎉

Reaching episode 100 is worth celebrating... but for sure not alone! For this reason, I invited 3 former students of the Leadership Accelerator program to join me and to talk about their personal trials and tribulations as they transitioned into their first leadership roles.

And wow! This episode is raw, honest, and vulnerable!

You'll hear from...
Lisa and what she found most difficult to learn as a new manager,

Dave and what he wished he knew on his first day on the job, and

Susan what parts of leadership were most unexpected to her.
I'm excited to share this conversation with you! If you're a new manager or even if you've been leading teams for a while, I promise you this episode will move you and will get you thinking!

-- RESOURCES MENTIONED --
Learn more about the Leadership Accelerator: www.ramonashaw.com/leadership-accelerator
Interested in bringing a new manager training program to your organization? Schedule a 20-min intro call here.
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
41 min
March 22, 2022 Stop Asking for Direction
One of the most exciting parts about your new role is that you get to have a greater say on the direction and focus of your team’s work.

You’re likely invited to leadership-level meetings, you get to have further insight into the company’s strategic considerations, and you get to make bigger and more impactful decisions than you did in your prior IC position.

This all sounds great, I’m sure. But as much as it is a privilege, it is also a responsibility.

This means that your boss is likely looking for you to step in and to step up when it comes to setting the direction, identifying opportunities and risks, and coming up with solutions and ideas.

Unfortunately, this is easier said than done and many new managers stumble and fumble for a while and look to their bosses for validation or problem-solving way too often and for way too long before they develop the courage and confidence to fully own their leadership role.

In this week's episode of The Manager Track podcast, I'll describe in more detail what this means for you, plus what to do and what not to do so that you can quickly take full ownership and actually LEAD your team.

-- RESOURCES MENTIONED --
Register for the Free Training - March 30, 2022: Leading a Hybrid Team with Success!

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Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling new book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': https://amzn.to/3TuOdcP

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw/

Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for --> www.ramonashaw.com/masterclass

Don't forget to invest time each week to increase your self-awareness, celebrate your wins, and learn from mistakes. Your career grows only to the extent that you grow. Grab your Career Journal with leadership exercises and weekly reflections here: www.ramonashaw.com/shop

Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to https://www.ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show!
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
15 min
March 15, 2022Leading a Hybrid Team
Many of my clients' employers are currently getting ready to or are already in the process of moving back to the office. But for most, it won't be as it was in 2019...

Teams won't all be in the same office, if in an office at all, or they won't be there all at the same time.

While leading a hybrid team successfully boils down to core fundamentals of leadership, there are a few critical things you'll need to be aware of. Otherwise, the chances that signs of frustrations, conflict, disengagement, and lack of accountability pop up on your team are pretty high.

So if you find yourself in the situation of leading a hybrid team, then listen to this week's podcast episode on leading a hybrid training here.

You will walk away knowing...
which two values will be most important to uphold and foster on the team,

how to think about the 3 phases of analyzing, planning, and ultimately leading in this new environment, and

a few tactical best practices that will help you lead a hybrid team more effectively.
Ultimately, this is all about preparing for change and being open-minded and adaptable to new challenges and circumstances. As Amelia Earhart once said, "Preparation is rightly two-thirds of any venture."

-- RESOURCES MENTIONED --
Register for the Free Training - March 30, 2022: Leading a Hybrid Team with Success!
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
20 min
March 08, 2022How to Get Approval for a Professional Development Budget
One of my top 3 values is growth. And based on the fact that you're reading this right now, I'm guessing growth and learning are pretty important to you as well.

So sooner or later, you might find yourself in a situation when you're craving to make an investment in yourself and experience accelerated growth.

I think this is particularly common in situations when we move into new or bigger responsibilities.

But what if your company doesn't offer the training program you're looking for?

You got three options in that situation:
Let it be and not invest in any training

Take charge and invest out of pocket (btw, about 50% of my clients do this because they know it's ultimately about their career success and even a small bump in their year-end bonus will net out the upfront investment)

Ask your boss for a professional development budget
And if option 3 is something you want to explore, then listen to this week's podcast episode. I'll walk you through the different aspects to consider and how to frame your request to make a strong case and get the support and training you need to rise to the increasing demands you're facing.

And if you're still unsure if it's ok to ask, then this reference point might help: According to the Association of Talent Development (ATD) the average organization spent USD 1,267 per employee for direct learning in 2020 and the spending is on the rise.

-- RESOURCES MENTIONED --
Leadership Development Request Template Letter
Leadership Accelerator Program
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Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling new book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': https://amzn.to/3TuOdcP
If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw/

Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for --> www.ramonashaw.com/masterclass

Don't forget to invest time each week to increase your self-awareness, celebrate your wins, and learn from mistakes. Your career grows only to the extent that you grow. Grab your Career Journal with leadership exercises and weekly reflections here: www.ramonashaw.com/shop

Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to https://www.ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show!
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
20 min
March 01, 2022 What Makes Us Feel Fulfilled at Work - With Bruna De Palo
How fulfilled are you in your job? And how fulfilled do you think your team members are?

If these questions sound worth thinking about some more then I got something for you that you'll like :-)

In this week's episode of The Manager Track podcast, you'll hear a conversation with Bruna De Palo, a neuroscience-based career coach. Bruna helps us understand why "fulfillment is not about what you do but about how you feel about what you do."

In other words, fulfillment comes from bringing who you are into what you do, or expressing your being through your doing.

I know this is easier said than done which is exactly why I wanted to bring Bruna on the podcast to talk to her about the way she helps leaders find create greater fulfillment themselves AND how they can help their direct reports feel more fulfillment.

She shares practical advice that I know can help you become a stronger leader to others.

-- RESOURCES MENTIONED --
Bruna's website: https://brunadepalo.com/
Bruna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunadepalo/

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Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling new book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': https://amzn.to/3TuOdcP

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw/

Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for --> www.ramonashaw.com/masterclass

Don't forget to invest time each week to increase your self-awareness, celebrate your wins, and learn from mistakes. Your career grows only to the extent that you grow. Grab your Career Journal with leadership exercises and weekly reflections here: www.ramonashaw.com/shop

Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to https://www.ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show!
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
37 min
February 22, 2022 Do You Validate or Elevate Your Directs?
What do you say to direct reports who vent to you about things that aren't going well or decisions they disagree with? Do you feed into it and maybe even share that you agree with how they feel about things?

And very similarly, to whom do YOU talk to when you're frustrated and want to vent? Is your boss on the list of people you might be calling up?

If yes, this episode is for you. We're going to talk about why as a leader it matters a great deal how you respond when people air their frustrations to you and what you need be considering before you vent to others.

Don't miss this. It may help you build and develop a great deal of trust and credibility when you get this right!

_____________

Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling new book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': https://amzn.to/3TuOdcP

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw/

Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for --> www.ramonashaw.com/masterclass

Don't forget to invest time each week to increase your self-awareness, celebrate your wins, and learn from mistakes. Your career grows only to the extent that you grow. Grab your Career Journal with leadership exercises and weekly reflections here: www.ramonashaw.com/shop

Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to https://www.ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show!
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
16 min
February 15, 2022The Power of Questions
Are you an 'answer person' or are you a 'question person'?

As a student and early on in your career as an Individual Contributor, you likely had to give answers and advice left and right.

Being the "go-to" person or the subject matter expert felt rewarding and was probably what made you stand out as a high-performer.

As a manager and leader, however, being an 'answer person' makes it harder for you to motivate, engage, and develop your direct reports. It also makes you less productive and effective overall.

Now, I get it. Becoming more of a 'question person' is easier said than done. It requires a shift in your mindset and in how you see your role as a leader.

It also goes beyond your interactions with direct reports.

When you're with more senior leaders or people you admire, do you ask questions with the intent to learn from them or do you listen more passively?

Becoming a 'question person' is a shift that will help you in all kinds of situations and relationships and it's likely what will make you stand out as a leader in the future.

In this episode, you'll learn
The 3 most common fears that drive people to stay in the answer and advice mode and how to overcome them

What it means to lead with questions, not answers, and why making this shift matters more than you might think

How to actually become a 'question person'

Plus, my favorite questions to ask people I admire and want to learn from
Because the level of questions that you ask determines the level of your learning and growth!

-- QUESTIONS MENTIONED --
What question should we/I have asked but didn't ask?

Who do you look up to or who do you admire and what qualities do you like about this person?

What are you looking forward to in the next week/month/year?

What's been unexpected about [...]?

What book(s) changed your thinking about a particular topic in a significant way?

What do you believe is underrated/underestimated/overrated/overestimated about [...]
-- RESOURCES MENTIONED --
Free Guide to 1-on-1 Meetings (incl. a list of coaching questions)

Episode #77: Curiosity: Your Doorway To Positive Relationships And Collaborative Leadership

The Advice Trap, a book by Michael Bungay Stanier
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
23 min
February 08, 2022 The Shadow Sides of Being a "Type A" Leader
If you're a leader and you relate to being "Type A", then there's no doubt that this is influencing the way your lead.

And it's likely that these traits got you where you are today and that you're personally proud of.

But here is what you need to know: Just like any other strength, these "Type A" strengths can be overdone and make you less effective as a leader.

In this week's episode of The Manager Track podcast, we uncover "Type A" personality traits and what the potential shadow side could look like if you're unaware.

Plus, I'll share 5 tips to reign in your "Type A" behaviors if they are getting in the way of your leadership success.

And by the way, I'm sure you know at least one "Type A" person and might even have someone on your team who needs your coaching with this. So even if you see yourself more as a "Type B" personality, this episode will still offer tons of helpful tips to you.

-- RESOURCES MENTIONED --
Learn more about the Leadership Accelerator: www.ramonashaw.com/leadership-accelerator
Book a free Strategy Call with Ramona: www.ramonashaw.com/apply
Ramona's LinkedIn Learning course on Creating Behavioral Change That Lasts

_____

Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling new book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': https://amzn.to/3TuOdcP

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw/

Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for --> www.ramonashaw.com/masterclass

Don't forget to invest time each week to increase your self-awareness, celebrate your wins, and learn from mistakes. Your career grows only to the extent that you grow. Grab your Career Journal with leadership exercises and weekly reflections here: www.ramonashaw.com/shop

Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to https://www.ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show!
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
22 min
February 01, 2022How Men Can Become Effective Allies in the Workplace
Let's talk about masculinity in the workplace.

According to Ray Arata (the guest on the podcast this week), there is healthy and unhealthy or toxic masculinity. Much of the latter has been tolerated up until recently.

But despite a more optimistic outlook on gender inclusion, there are still too many unwritten rules that drive the behaviors of many men in the workplace.

Ray's 8 unhealthy and unwritten rules that men (and sometimes women) carry include:
Real men don’t show their emotions but anger is okay

Real men are always confident

Real men don’t ask for help

Real men make all the decisions

Real men are providers, not caregivers

Real men are heterosexual and sexually dominant

Real men continuously talk and play sports

Real men are never handicapped, disabled, or unemployed
I've worked in a male-dominated industry before becoming a leadership coach and I have definitely seen all eight of those play out at some point. Some of them in more subtle ways and others in very direct and obvious ways.

And it never felt good. To this day, I remember how certain behaviors or comments from co-workers made me feel and the negative impact those experiences had on the relationships.

In today's age, time is simply up and things that were tolerated 10 years ago are no longer acceptable.

Whether you are a man, a woman, or non-binary, understanding these dynamics and the toxic or unhealthy masculine behaviors is important for all of us!

Because even if we're not actively excluding or marginalizing others, being silent in the presence of misbehavior communicates complicity. And I bet that's the last thing you and I want to be.

I'm excited to share the conversation on 'How Men Can Become Effective Allies in The Workplace' with author, speaker, and DEI consultant Ray Arata in this week's podcast episode.

-- RESOURCES MENTIONED --

Ray Arata's latest book: https://amzn.to/3wP33Bm (plus a way to get a complimentary ticket to the Betterman Conference!)
Ray Arata's website: https://www.rayarata.com
Better Man Conference: https://bettermanconference.com
* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.
30 min

About The Manager Track

From the publisher's feed

If you’re in you're a new manager and want to become a confident and competent leader people love to work with, then join leadership expert Ramona Shaw in this podcast. Each week, Ramona shares…