Manager Tools

Latest Episodes:

Development Plans Are Dumb (Hall of Fame Guidance) Jan 05, 2026

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Development plans for directs are constantly talked about. You've read about them in the business news, especially for less experienced employees. They're recommended by HR. They don't work!

Assumptive Goal Setting - HOF 2025 Dec 29, 2025

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Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to think more creatively about annual planning goals.

How to Set Annual Goals - HOF 2025 Dec 22, 2025

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Our Hall Of Fame guidance on how to start setting annual goals, and why we do not like "SMART" goals.

One On Ones - How Much Personal? (Hall of Fame Guidance) Dec 15, 2025

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Many managers are worried about talking about personal topics in One On Ones. They shouldn't be - it doesn't happen that often... and it's a sign of trust, too.

My Boss Doesn't Support Company Guidance Dec 08, 2025

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A manager is always obligated to support the organization, even if he or she disagrees with what the organization is doing. But what happens when your boss doesn't do that? Here's what to do.

Delivering the Performance Review - HOF 2025 Dec 01, 2025

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Our Hall of Fame guidance on delivering a performance review.

Preparing Performance Reviews - HOF 2025 Nov 24, 2025

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Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to prepare for performance reviews.

The Executive's Two Responsibilities (MT) Nov 17, 2025

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Executives and managers both have two core responsibilities that inform all else that they do. But the two key responsibilities are different between managers and executives. Managers manage; executives lead.

How To Present At A Conference - A Checklist - Part 2 Nov 03, 2025

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At some point in your career, you're going to get to, or have to, present at a conference. There are some special considerations, and here they are.

How To Present At A Conference - A Checklist - Part 1 Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

At some point in your career, you're going to get to, or have to, present at a conference. There are some special considerations, and here they are.