If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: admin@ideasforleaders.com __________________________________________ In this episode of The Power Between Podcast by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar talks with Melanie Steel, FCIPD, Business Owner and Associate/Freelance People Transformation & Change Expert at People Change Expertise Ltd. Melanie shares her journey from starting her career in the UK Ministry of Defence to senior people roles across the civil service and the private sector. She discusses why strong people management matters, especially for middle managers, and how leadership, clarity, and trust affect productivity and culture. Melanie also explains why investing in basic management skills, supporting managers through change, and handling performance in a fair and human way are critical for long term success. Melanie explains how her work in people change focuses on helping managers lead well during uncertainty and pressure. She shares how clear purpose, strong communication, and everyday people management can improve trust, morale, and productivity. Melanie highlights the importance of supporting middle managers, tackling low performance fairly, and not overloading teams with constant change. She also shows how consistent training, honest feedback, and humane decision making help teams perform better and feel valued, even during difficult periods. Key Topics: - Career Journey in People Change: How Melanie’s early career in the Ministry of Defence shaped her focus on leadership, discipline, and people management. -The Role of Middle Managers: Why managers in the middle of organizations are critical to culture, productivity, and successful change. -Leading Through Change with Clarity: How clear purpose, honest communication, and realistic expectations help teams stay engaged during change. -Managing Performance Fairly: Why tackling low performance in a humane and balanced way builds trust and supports high performers. -Foundations Over Shiny Initiatives: How investing in basic management skills, consistent training, and everyday support makes a lasting difference for teams and organizations. Timestamps: [00:00] Teaser [01:14] Melanie shares her career journey and interim work [06:08] Why people management and change attract certain leaders [08:10] Early career lessons from the Ministry of Defence [11:00] Development in public versus private sector [14:18] The role of middle managers in leadership and culture [17:14] Promoting people management skills in organizations [22:00] Supporting managers to drive productivity and change [24:15] Clarity, purpose, and avoiding change overload [29:21] Managing low performance in a fair and humane way [33:13] Why fewer people want to become managers [36:11] Investing in foundations over shiny initiatives [39:22] Culture as everyday actions, not words [43:52] Building strong managers for long term leadership 📚 Resources: 👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/ 👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’ - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/from-compete-and-compare-to-collaborate-and-care/?share=ccyoGhQUZSYB Follow our guest, Melanie Steel, FCIPD: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesteel/ Follow our Guest’s Company, People Change Expertise Ltd: People Change Expertise Ltd: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-change-expertise-ltd/ Website: https://www.peoplechangeexpertise.com/ Follow the Host, Roddy Millar: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roddymillar/ Follow Ideas For Leaders: Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideas-for-leaders/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideasforleaders.dlq Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ideasforleaders/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leaders Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWdUlJS8z1aSTgcIYt?si=d4f19ce12516420f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-between/id1842080646 Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/ Subscribe for more insights on people management and leading change.Share your thoughts in the comments below!
