Ever feel like you need to "push back" but don't know how?  When you're a manager, there are a lot of times this comes up:  you might get a request from *your* leadership, or be in conversations with another team about who will do what.  If you've ever felt like you didn't know how to push back, or you are just highly conflict avoidant, this episode will help you.  A small shift makes a big difference.  Let's discuss!

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When you feel frustrated, how you identify the problem is everything!  Because the way you see the problem will limit the solutions you find.  And when it comes to working with humans, it's important to not fall into the pattern of blaming people and personalities.  It's easy to do, especially when it's a communication issue.  But doing so will keep you stuck and feeling helpless.  Instead, learn to think beyond your initial reaction -- and look at things in terms of process, system, and context.  This will save you so much time and energy, and will build more trust and resilience into the team.  Let's discuss!

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Feel like you're struggling as a manager?  Are you doubting yourself, feeling like maybe it's not a great fit?  In this episode we look at three things that can be a factor:  your work environment, your sense of agency, and your autonomy.  Work environment includes physical things (e.g., furniture, lighting, etc) as well as the culture of your organization.  Agency is your capacity to take action in a situation.  Autonomy is your bigger picture perspective on how much freedom you have to make decisions for your life.  When you look at how these three elements relate in your own work life, you gain insight that will help you every day.  Let's discuss!

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As you rise in leadership and managing people, you'll need to hone some specific communications skills.  Advocacy (for self and others), speaking up, having tough conversations, being direct, giving feedback, and establishing boundaries.  To do that, you need more than information about what to say -- you need to grow your mindset so that you will apply what you've learned in an authentic way.  This has everything to do with understanding yourself, and recognizing the emotions that drive behaviors.  For instance, if you are uncomfortable with confrontation, it will drive you to avoid and delay -- even if you know what to say and why it's important.  Addressing the human emotion behind the scenes is key to growing your communication skills and ability to be an effective manager and leader.  Let's discuss!

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For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation⁠⁠

Join the mailing list: ⁠⁠https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/⁠

Ever heard the saying, "You don't get what you don't ask for."?  Many organizations are happy to pay for professional development for their people -- especially new managers.  After all, when you learn how to be more confident and do your job better. . . you do your job better, and the organization directly benefits.  But how exactly do you make that ask?  A lot of my students feel uncertain about how to do this, at first.  In today's episode, I walk you though the framework I've shared for years, that my students and clients have successfully used to get their work to pay for professional development.  It's worked in many kinds of organizations, and for a wide range of requests:  from a $36 workshop, to thousands of dollars in coaching.  The best part?  When you become someone who can speak up for yourself and ask, you can access so much more.  The other best part?  Your work might be *delighted* that you're taking the initiative.  Others benefit when you grow.  Get ready to take notes!  

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What do you do when you need to have a tough conversation, but you're afraid of conflict?  One of my listeners submitted this question, and it's something that many new managers struggle with.  Today I'll walk you through two steps to think about, so you can move forward.  Let's discuss!

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Get all the details about my new group program!  Go to:  https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/  

We start Feb 14 and early bird pricing is available until Jan 22.  Register now to join!

Learning how to work with emotions is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a manager.  It will make you better at managing up, managing your team, and managing clients.  It's also a key to understanding why you might be avoiding tough conversations, or giving feedback -- because you're worried about the emotional response from the other person.  In this episode you'll learn why emotions are valuable, and a few ideas for working with them.  Let's discuss!

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Book a consult for 1:1 coaching:  https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation

Sign up for email updates on upcoming classes and webinars:  https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/

Being a great manager means developing your relational skills -- not just communication skills, but an understanding of how to effectively manage different personalities, have tough conversations, and think strategically.  In this episode you'll get three questions to help you start the new year right.  When you know when, why, and how to use them, you'll be better prepared for whatever comes your way this year.

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Join my email list to learn about upcoming workshops and webinars:  https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/  

To talk with me about 1:1 coaching, book a consult:  https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation

If you've ever felt tension with someone at work, and wasn't sure how to handle it, this episode is for you.  First, I'll walk you through the foundation of all my work -- being Present, Curious, and Kind -- and why it's so effective in a range of situations.  Then, I'll share an approach to tension at work that puts you in the position for being most influential and thinking strategically.  It will help you be a more effective manager, and feel more confident even with dealing with discomfort and tough conversations.  Let's discuss!

After the episode:  Join my email list over at https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/

Book a consult to discuss 1:1 coaching:  https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation