The Modern Manager Mamie Kanfer Stewart

One of the most crucial yet often overlooked tasks for managers is hiring. While it may seem straightforward, hiring is an intricate process filled with challenges that can shake even the most seasoned manager. 

In today’s competitive job market, where job postings can receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications, distinguishing top candidates from the rest requires more than just reviewing resumes. 

Thankfully, our guest will fill us in on what to do (and not do) to make your hiring process successful.

Today’s guest is Vicky Brown. After two decades of leadership roles in the corporate world, Vicky founded her own HR consultancy, Idomeneo Enterprises, in 2001. Her Leaders Journey Experience is an education program specifically designed to equip entrepreneurs and business professionals with the tools, guidance, and confidence to navigate the sometimes complex world of HR.

Vicky shares invaluable insights on the ins and outs of a hiring process. She shares tips and tricks on writing effective job descriptions, evaluating a resume, what questions to ask during the interview to uncover deeper insights into a candidate, the recommended interview format and processes, and more.

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Conversation Topics
(00:00) Intro(02:05) Why hiring feels increasingly difficult(04:40) How to write effective job descriptions(09:13) Interviewing techniques to uncover deeper insights into candidates(22:29) Recommended number of interviews and interview format(25:57) How to read and evaluate resumes(28:18) A great manager Vicky has worked for(31:16) Is there anything a candidate should or shouldn’t ask in an interview?(33:36) Keep up with Vicky(34:25) [Extended Episode Only] What should you do when you’re undecided about a candidate?(39:08) [Extended Episode Only] The truth about reference checks
Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript here
- Follow me on Instagram here 
- Visit my website for more here
- Join the Skills Accelerator Program here - use code CELEBRATE300 for 30% off when you join before May 1, 2024

To get guest bonuses and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

---------------------

The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you feel overwhelmed with your role as a manager? What exactly is your job? 

Managers are key to organizational success. They act as a vital link between leaders' strategic vision and individual contributors' execution.

This means we need to guarantee clarity during handoffs and cultivate a culture of accountability within our teams. Feel like a tall order? It doesn't need to be.

Today’s guest is Matt Ley. Matt is the author of Manage Your Gaps: Reclaiming The Awesomeness of Management. His work focuses on helping organizations and individuals get management right.

Matt discusses the unique roles and responsibilities that managers play using his EP!C Framework. He also shares some practical tips on how to be a great manager, overcome the most challenging responsibility of a manager, strategically leverage individual contributors on a team, and much more.

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Conversation Topics
(00:00) Intro(01:38) What does it mean to be a manager?(04:00) The EP!C framework for management success (12:32) The most challenging responsibility of a manager(17:09) What happens when there’s a lack of clarity around processes and expectations during handoff(23:32) The importance of an optimized handoff process(27:43) Tips for managers on how to be great with their roles(30:00) A great manager Matt has worked for(31:35) Keep up with Matt(32:29) [Extended Episode Only] How managers can help their team members evolve(39:23) [Extended Episode Only] Advice on how to better leverage your team’s rising stars and rock stars
Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript here
- Follow me on Instagram here 
- Visit my website for more here
- Join the Skills Accelerator Program here - use code CELEBRATE300 for 30% off when you join before May 1, 2024

Keep up with Matt Ley

- Follow Matt on LinkedIn here
- Visit his website for more information here

50-Page Workbook for EP!C Management Program

Matt is providing the workbook that accompanies his 12-week EP!C Management Training Program. At 50 pages, the goal of this workbook is to help you understand how to set up your environment, measure performance to drive success, understand your identity, and get clear on the role of communication.

To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

---------------------

The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you ever wish there was a straightforward way to figure out how to be and do your best as a manager? Fortunately, there is. 

Introducing the Modern Manager Framework. Whether you're trying to improve your time management, navigate conflict, or lead better team meetings, the Modern Manager Framework can help you achieve your goals.

In this week's episode, we'll explore this framework in depth and discuss how it can help you be intentional in your managerial approach.

We'll break down the essential components of the Modern Manager Framework, guide you on activating the right mindset, habits, and behaviors to leverage this framework effectively, its practical applications in real-life work scenarios, and much more. 

Join me for this insightful discussion now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Conversation Topics
(00:00) Intro(02:25) 3 basic components of the Modern Manager Framework(02:57) How your mindset can help or hinder you(03:57) Questions to reflect on to activate your ideal mindset(04:46) Forming the right behaviors and habits as a manager(05:42) The three circles of the Modern Manager Framework (09:20) How I use the Modern Manager Framework(15:12) [Extended Episode Only] 3 simple approaches to changing your behaviors(16:59) [Extended Episode Only] The framework in action - How to show appreciation
Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript here
- Follow me on Instagram here 
- Visit my website for more here

30% Off The Modern Manager Skills Accelerator

The Skills Accelerator is my signature program for managers to help you build your skills in a supportive community. Each month, we focus on one skill or responsibility, and this month is accountability. If you want to master this skill and other modern manager skills, join our Skills Accelerator program and use the code CELEBRATE300 to get 30% off when you join before May 1st. Join the Skills Accelerator Program here.

The Modern Manager Framework Workbook

Apply the Modern Manager Framework to help develop your managerial skills. This workbook provides an overview of the framework, questions for reflection, and examples of frameworks for various skills/areas of focus. 

To get this workbook and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community or join the Skills Accelerator.

---------------------

The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What exactly is strategic thinking? Many of us often confuse strategic thinking with strategic planning and implementation. We know strategy is crucial in the business world and that strategic thinking skills are valued by senior executives. This week’s podcast guest says anyone can be a strategic thinker and explains how!

Today’s guest is Dr. Julia Sloan. Julia is the author of the definitive book, Learning to Think Strategically, and is recognized for her pioneering work on the application of complex cognitive theory to everyday strategic thinking practice. A Fulbright fellow, she teaches strategic thinking at her alma mater, Columbia Univand, and has worked globally with corporate & public policy leaders, start-ups, refugees, & military leaders.

Julia and I talk about everything strategic thinking–what it is, how it differs from strategic planning and implementation, how we can develop strategic thinking skill sets, the foundation of strategic thinking, and so much more.

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Conversation Topics
(00:00) Intro(01:22) Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning vs. Strategic Implementation(07:23) How managers can use strategic thinking with their team members(10:20) Does strategic thinking always precede strategic planning?(13:06) Example of putting strategic thinking into action and in place(16:53) How we can develop our strategic thinking skill sets(22:28) The value of slowing down and pressing the pause button(25:35) The four Cs of strategic thinking and how it helps keep your team on track(30:55) A great manager Julia has worked for(31:50) Keep up with Julia(33:34) [Extended Episode Only] How to still think strategically amidst constant changes
Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript here
- Follow me on Instagram here 
- Visit my website for more here
- Join the Skills Accelerator Program here

Keep up with Dr. Julia Sloan

- Follow Julia on LinkedIn here
- Grab a copy of Julia’s book Learn to Think Strategically here
- Visit Learn Strategic Thinking for more details here

FREE PDF Download: 40 Leadership Tips to Strengthen Strategic Thinking

Dr. Julia-Sloan is happy to offer a four-page PDF outlining 40 leadership tips you can implement to strengthen your strategic thinking. The tips are organized into three categories—before, during, and after a strategy session—and lined up chronologically to help you build your strategic thinking muscles. 

To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

---------------------

The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Most people think that change at work is great. It has become the defining characteristic of successful organizations, teams, and individuals. But psychologically, change is HARD on humans–it’s a common source of stress for many of us. 

When there’s change or uncertainty at work, it creates a degree of fear and anxiety. However, work rituals can help team members feel that sense of continuity amidst changes. So, how can leaders (and team members) effectively leverage rituals to foster stability?

Today’s guest is Ashley Goodall. Ashley is a leadership expert who has spent his career exploring large organizations from the inside, most recently as an executive at Cisco. He is the co-author of Nine Lies About Work, which was selected as the best management book of 2019 by Strategy + Business and as one of Amazon’s best business and leadership books of 2019. Prior to Cisco, he spent fourteen years at Deloitte as a consultant and as the Chief Learning Officer for Leadership and Professional development. His book, The Problem with Change, publishes in May.

During our conversation, Ashley and I discussed the challenges of constant change and its impact on us and our team members. He also shared how managers and team members can use rituals to create a sense of certainty, predictability, and stability amidst changes, how to support team members during these changes, the important role of language, and more.

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Conversation Topics
(00:00) Intro(02:32) Why are there constant changes in today’s workplace?(04:48) Is change always a good thing?(10:36) Challenges that come with being in a constant state of change(16:06) The role of a team in creating stability and a sense of continuity amidst changes(18:08) How to support your team members when going through changes(20:32) The power of rituals and “ritualization”(28:04) A great manager Ashley has worked for(31:57) Keep up with Ashley(33:07) [Extended Episode Only] Surprising insight on how leaders can foster stability, consistency, and predictability (39:52) [Extended Episode Only] The role of language in creating certainty in times of change
Additional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript here
- Follow me on Instagram here 
- Visit my website for more here
- Join the Skills Accelerator Program here

Keep up with Ashley Goodall

- Grab a copy of Ashley’s book The Problem with Change here
- Visit Ashley’s website for more information here

10% Discount on The Problem With Change

Drawing on two decades spent leading HR organizations at Deloitte and Cisco, in this book, Ashley Goodall reveals the truth about human performance and offers a radical new alternative to the constant turbulence that defines corporate life. Members can get 10% off a pre-order of The Problem With Change - valid through May 6.

To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

---------------------

The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

When was the last time you effortlessly swayed someone's opinion? For leaders, it's likely that not everyone who works with you will embrace the ideas and decisions you make—and that's okay.

But convincing people to rally behind your vision, sway their perspectives, and generate buy-in is part of the job. Conventional strategies have lost their effectiveness (if ever they were effective!), but today's guest has unlocked the secrets to mastering the art (and science) of changing people's minds to help you move work forward.

Today’s guest is Michael McQueen. Michael is a multi-award winning speaker, change strategist and bestselling author of ten books. With clients including Google, Toyota, and Mastercard, he has helped some of the world’s most successful brands navigate uncertainty and stay one step ahead of change.

Michael and I talk about how to change people’s minds. We get into the details on why it’s harder to influence people now than ever, ways to prime people to hear your ideas without triggering their defense mechanisms, tips for getting buy-in even from the most stubborn colleagues, and so much more.

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.
Conversation Topics
(00:00) Intro(02:15) Why is it so hard to influence people?(05:33) Why giving more information doesn’t persuade people(10:01) The secret to using storytelling effectively to influence people(14:42) Tips and tricks for persuading people in the workplace(18:33) Why go for a walk when trying to gain someone’s trust(20:43) Simple things you can do to prime people to be more open(25:05) Why constructive arguments are essential in the workplace(28:09) Generating buy-in from your team member through motivational interviewing (31:02) A great manager Michael has worked for(32:33) Keep up with Michael(33:59) [Extended Episode Only] The importance of our two minds(37:30) [Extended Episode Only] Phrases to avoid and use when trying to get a message or an idea through to someone(39:48) [Extended Episode Only] Easy techniques to help people see things differentlyAdditional Resources:
- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
- Read the full transcript here
- Follow me on Instagram here 
- Visit my website for more here
- Join the Skills Accelerator Program here
- Listen to episode 42: Deep Listening with Oscar Trimboli here

Keep up with Michael McQueen

- Follow Michael on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook 
- Visit Michael’s official website for other resources here

FREE Exclusive Mini Masterclass Video Series

In this mini masterclass video series, bestselling author Michael McQueen will share practical insights for mastering the art of changing stubborn minds from his latest book, Mindstuck. The series includes 5 videos on topics including “What we’ve got wrong about being right” and “It takes 2 questions to change a mind”.

To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

---------------------

The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!