This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

In this episode of 'This Is Not What I Signed Up For', Ross Saunders shares his insights on the hiring process, emphasizing the importance of finding 'A players' for management roles. He discusses the top grading methodology, the significance of resume evaluation, screening interviews, technical interviews, and the importance of reference checks. Ross provides practical tips and personal anecdotes to help new managers navigate the complexities of hiring effectively.

Takeaways

• Resume evaluation is crucial for assessing attention to detail.
• Screening interviews should focus on career goals and fit.
• Technical interviews should assess both hard and soft skills.
• Understanding a candidate's past experiences is vital.
• Performance management is key before considering termination.
• Reference checks should involve direct hiring managers.
• Hiring A players makes management easier and more effective.

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

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In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Patric Trollope, the CTO of D6 Group, discussing the complexities of leadership in the education technology sector. They explore the importance of ownership, the pitfalls of setting expectations, and the necessity of active listening in effective management. Patric shares insights on how to navigate challenges, the shift from being an executor to a leader, and the significance of communication in fostering agreements within teams. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to adapt quickly to changes and to take responsibility for their teams' outcomes.

Takeaways

• Expectations can set people up to fail.
• Agreements foster better communication than expectations.
• Active listening is crucial for effective leadership.
• Plans are assumptions, not facts; be ready to pivot.
• Communication is key in managing agreements.
• Leaders must rely on their teams to execute tasks.
• Tactical empathy helps in understanding team dynamics.
• You are accountable for everything as a leader.
• Don't be the victim when things go wrong; own the situation.

About Patric

Patric is a web technologist of 20 years, who has spent the last 10 years leading people to build products that make an impact in education management. As a strategic leader and problem-solver, he has guided teams to develop high-performing distributed systems, serving over 1 million monthly active users. With expertise in cloud computing, SaaS, and software architecture, he’s also a skilled communicator who bridges the gap between technology and business.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricrt/

https://www.d6.co.za/

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Michael Kerr, a Canadian Hall of Fame speaker, about the importance of humor and culture in leadership. They discuss how a positive workplace culture is crucial for success, the role of managers in shaping that culture, and the impact of humor on team dynamics. Michael emphasizes the need for leaders to be champions of their culture and to create a sense of belonging and safety for their teams. The conversation highlights the significance of being intentional about culture and the benefits of incorporating humor into leadership practices.

Takeaways

• Culture is the number one competitive advantage for any business.
• Leaders must think of themselves as culture leaders.
• Humor can significantly enhance workplace culture and team dynamics.
• Creating a sense of belonging is essential for employee engagement.
• Leaders should model the values they want to see in their teams.
• Micro cultures exist within larger organizational cultures.
• Ignoring team culture can lead to demoralized employees.
• Positive humor fosters trust and approachability in leaders.
• Workplace culture affects employee well-being and performance.
• Fun at work should be a daily practice, not just a special occasion.

About Michael:

Michael Kerr is a Canadian Hall of Fame speaker who writes and speaks about inspiring workplace cultures, leadership, and businesses that leverage their humour resources to drive outrageous results.

He is the author of nine books including, "The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses Are Laughing All the Way to the Bank," "The Jerk-Free Workplace," and most recently, "Small Moments, Big Outcomes: How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results."

https://mikekerr.com/

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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In this episode, Ross Saunders and Vava Kolinski discuss the challenges faced by first-time managers, focusing on key pitfalls such as the importance of empowerment in decision-making, the dangers of overthinking, and the necessity of clear communication. Vava shares his personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges effectively while fostering an authentic and supportive team environment.

Takeaways:

• Empowerment from leadership is crucial for new managers.
• Authenticity in leadership fosters a positive team culture.
• Delays in decision-making can erode trust and relationships.
• Overthinking can paralyze decision-making and impact mental health.
• Clear and direct communication is essential for effective management.
• Mistakes are part of the learning process; embrace them.
• Building a supportive team environment is a key managerial responsibility.
• Surrounding yourself with experts enhances decision-making.
• Trust is built through honesty and transparency.
• Recruitment is about growing people, not just filling positions.

About Vava:

Vava is the Director of Access and Privacy for LCBO, and is a person that stands out as a great leader! The way he talks about his teams is consistently amazing and warm. Having had many teams related discussions with him, I really wanted to have him the podcast for everyone’s benefit!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vavakolinski/

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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In this episode, Ross Saunders and David Gouthro explore the complexities of tough conversations in management. They discuss the definition of tough conversations, the reasons people avoid them, and the consequences of inaction. David emphasizes the importance of courage and preparation, including role-playing and understanding personal values. The conversation also touches on the distinction between playing to win versus playing not to lose, and how to handle surprises during tough discussions. The episode concludes with practical advice for approaching difficult conversations with confidence and agency.

Takeaways

• Tough conversations are defined by unpredictability and fear of judgment.
• Avoiding tough conversations often leads to worse outcomes.
• Fear is the primary reason people avoid difficult discussions.
• Consequences of avoidance can create a toxic work environment.
• Playing to win means doing your best in a supportive context.
• Dialogue aims to deepen understanding, not just reach agreement.
• Preparation includes rehearsing and understanding personal values.
• Role-playing can help clarify intentions and responses.
• Recognizing triggers can improve communication effectiveness.
• Embracing surprises in conversations can lead to better outcomes.

About David

A seasoned (but not too spicy!) speaker with over 40 years experience, David is a sought after consultant who is best known for his creative presentations, playful demeanor, and relentless focus on delivering value to his clients, colleagues and community.

David’s experience comes from supporting clients on four continents, in organizations that range from mining, energy, healthcare and financial services . . . to high tech, biotech, government and the not-for profit sector.

As the father of a recently married, precocious 24 year old daughter Anna, he has been forced to embrace the qualities of humility, patience, good humour and . . . acceptance of his own parental inadequacies!

The main focus of his current business involves working with individuals and groups who have no one else to point to as excuses for their own inaction. This has led him to spend the majority of his time helping executive teams and Boards make the tough decisions required to grow their businesses in a complex and unpredictable economic environment.

However, his deepest personal passion is to help people discover the courage he believes they all possess—and then inspire them to act on it.

https://davidgouthro.com/

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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Summary

In this episode, Ross Saunders and Pam Ross discuss the importance of giving effective feedback in the workplace. They highlight common mistakes that managers make when giving feedback, such as waiting too long to give it or using the 'sandwich method' (starting and ending with positive feedback and sandwiching the negative feedback in between). They emphasize the need for frequent and frictionless feedback that is focused on specific situations and behaviors. They also discuss the importance of asking for the recipient's perspective before giving feedback and creating a culture of open feedback in the workplace.

Takeaways

Frequent and frictionless feedback is more effective than formal, infrequent feedback.

• Managers should ask for the recipient's perspective before giving feedback.
• Feedback should be focused on specific situations and behaviors.
• Creating a culture of open feedback in the workplace is important.

About Pam

Pam Ross believes that we spend far too much time at work for it to suck, and that everyone has the power to Make Work Awesome™.

After 15 years in HR and Operations leadership in the corporate world, she quit her job with a mission to improve work life. Pam brings her experience and her training in Resilience, the Science of Happiness, Systems coaching, and Self-managed work to her clients to build more engaged and innovative workplaces where people are free to do their best work.

Pam is a sought-after speaker about the future of work and employee engagement, and the co-creator of the Blueprint for Workplace Reinvention. She has been featured in Huffington Post, on CTV, and in HR Magazine.

When Pam is not shaking up the work world, she can be found cheering on her hometown Tiger-Cats or on the trails with her rescue dog.

https://www.bluerebelworks.com

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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Summary

In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Shelle Rose Charvet, author of 'Words That Change Minds,' about the importance of motivation in the workplace. They discuss the negative effects of low motivation, such as decreased productivity and quality of work, and the role of managers in understanding and addressing their team members' motivators. Shelle explains how language patterns can reveal a person's motivation triggers, such as 'away from' language indicating problem-solving focus and 'toward' language indicating goal-oriented focus. She also emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people who fit the job and the organization's culture.

Takeaways

• Low motivation leads to decreased productivity and quality of work.
• Managers should understand and address their team members' motivators.
• Language patterns can reveal a person's motivation triggers.
• Hiring the right people who fit the job and the organization's culture is crucial.

About Shelle

Shelle Rose Charvet is the author of 4 books, including the international best seller Words That Change Minds, available in 20 languages. It is a Forbes best management book for executives and entrepreneurs. The CBC/CNBC television documentary Customer (Dis)Service featured her work. Shelle works in over 30 countries helping organizations solve difficult communication and persuasion issues.

She has created a persuasion smartphone app: HusbandMotivator™ and has been awarded 2 US patents for her Artificial Intelligence software that detects what motivates people in text.

www.wordsthatchangeminds.com

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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Summary
In this conversation, Ross Saunders and Mark Leslie Lefebvre explore the complexities and responsibilities of management. They discuss the importance of empathy, understanding team dynamics, and the significance of hiring for mindset and attitude. Mark shares his insights on nurturing talent and the importance of building a cohesive team culture. The discussion emphasizes that while management can be daunting, it is also rewarding when approached with care and connection.

Takeaways

• Management is about responsibility for the well-being of the team.
• Empathy is crucial in leadership roles.
• Understanding the humanity of team members enhances management effectiveness.
• Hiring for mindset and attitude is as important as skills.
• Building a cohesive team requires open communication and connection.
• Nurturing talent involves preparing them for future roles.
• Transparency in decision-making fosters trust within the team.
• Management should not be a solitary endeavor; collaboration is key.
• Creating a supportive team culture can alleviate management fears.
• Connections between people are fundamental to successful management.

About Mark:
Mark’s first short story appeared in print in 1992, the same year he started working in the book industry.

He has published more than twenty-five books under the name Mark Leslie that include thrillers and fiction (Evasion, A Canadian Werewolf in New York, One Hand Screaming), paranormal non-fiction (Haunted Hospitals, Spooky Sudbury, Tomes of Terror) and anthologies (Campus Chills, Tesseracts Sixteen, Obsessions). Under his full name he writes books to help authors navigate publishing. And they include The 7 P’s of Publishing Success and An Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries and Bookstores.

His industry experience includes President of the Canadian Booksellers Association, Board Member of BookNet Canada, Director of Author Relations and Self-Publishing for Rakuten Kobo, Director of Business Development for Draft2Digital and Professional Advisor for Sheridan College’s Creative Writing and Publishing Honours Program.

www.markleslie.ca

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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Summary

In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Rob Rudy, an experienced leader and advisor, about the challenges of leading and doing as a new manager. They discuss the importance of balancing leadership responsibilities with individual tasks, the need for alignment within teams, and the decision-making process when there are differing opinions. Rob emphasizes the value of open communication, using tools like RACI charts to clarify roles and responsibilities, and being comfortable with discomfort as a leader. He also shares his work in helping leaders embrace change and build strategies for continuous renewal.

Takeaways

• Balancing leadership responsibilities with individual tasks is a challenge for new managers.
• Alignment within teams is crucial for achieving goals and resolving conflicts.
• Using tools like RACI charts can help clarify roles and responsibilities in decision-making.
• Being comfortable with discomfort is essential for growth and effective leadership.
• Embracing change and building strategies for continuous renewal are key for long-term success.

About Rob:

Rob has had the privilege of growing several companies. His humble beginnings in a family textile business saw him and his brother steward the company from $3 million to $20 million in sales, which subsequently caught the interest of a Kentucky-based public firm. After the sale of their family business, a few years later Rob found himself in the role of COO for the parent company, valued at $200 million, where he was responsible for the global supply chain and factories across North America.

Upon the parent company's sale in 2013, Rob relocated to Montréal, his hometown, and offered his expertise as COO to a national lighting distributor undergoing significant restructuring. After dedicating nearly half a decade there, he was invited to serve as the President of a $250 million medical device firm, with the goal of ensuring the company's culture resonated with the dynamic market environment.

In 2019, Rob moved to the world of business advisory by engaging with entrepreneurs in 3 critical areas: helping them build actionable strategies, develop next level leaders, and embrace innovation and change management. Rob was also a 12-year TEC member when he moved to presenting to TEC groups and was acknowledged by TEC Canada in 2019 with the "Impact Speaker of the Year" award.

Rob continues to work with entrepreneurs across Canada and the US, supporting their growth and development.

https://www.robertrudy.ca/

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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Summary

In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Beverly Beuermann-King about toxic behavior in the workplace. They discuss the negative impact of toxic behavior on teams and organizations, as well as the importance of addressing it. Beverly shares strategies for dealing with toxic behavior, including preparing for conversations, listening to the person's perspective, and providing support for change. They also highlight the benefits of addressing toxic behavior, such as improved mental health and employee retention. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to take action and create a positive work environment.

Takeaways

• Toxic behavior in the workplace can have a significant negative impact on teams and organizations.
• Leaders should not ignore toxic behavior but instead take action to address it.
• Strategies for dealing with toxic behavior include preparing for conversations, listening to the person's perspective, and providing support for change.
• Addressing toxic behavior can lead to improved mental health and employee retention.
• Creating a positive work environment requires leaders to actively address and manage toxic behavior.

About Beverly:

With an impressive track record spanning over 25 years, Beverly has been guiding her audiences toward mastering their reactions to stress, cultivating a culture of resilience, and achieving thriving, engaged lives through her innovative S-O-S Principle™ and Work Smart Live Smart presentations. Beverly works with teams and leaders to shift from stressed out to resilient, enabling them to be more engaged, productive and healthy.

https://worksmartlivesmart.com

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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