The Modern Manager

Latest Episodes:

328: How to Effectively Manage Gen Z Employees at Work with Madeline Miller Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

Are Gen Zs really difficult to work with?

As more Gen Z employees enter and advance in the workforce, it’s crucial for business leaders to understand this generation’s unique experiences–shaped by remote work, self-directed learning, and the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

So, how should managers lead this new cohort? To help us navigate managing Gen Z and unlock their true potential, I spoke with today’s guest, Madeline Miller.

Madeline is making executive coaching more accessible and inclusive for Gen Z and Millennials through her Dream Career Accelerator coaching program. As a coach, Madeline is known for helping her clients build the strongest career foundation possible by aligning their work and values, increasing visibility and influence through effective communication, and dismantling limiting self-beliefs that lead to perfectionism, people-pleasing, or despondency.

In this episode, Madeline shares practical insights on how managers can step up to support their young team members in developing the skills they need to succeed. From redefining professionalism to fostering ownership and modeling effective communication, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss.

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) Introduction
(02:15) The challenges faced by today’s new workforce entrants
(04:38) How Gen Z is adapting to remote work and self-sufficiency
(07:00) The importance of setting expectations in today’s remote work environment
(10:19) What does it mean to be professional?
(15:12) How managers can foster proactiveness and ownership in their teams
(18:49) Could your team’s lack of proactivity reflect your leadership style?
(23:52) Telling your team they’re empowered isn’t enough
(26:46) The 1st step to empowering Gen Z
(28:12) A great manager Madeline has worked for
(29:44) Keep up with Madeline
(30:25) [Extended Episode Only] How to role model and support your team members in becoming effective communicators.
(34:04) [Extended Episode Only] Applying the four communication styles in real-life scenarios

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

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Madeline Miller

- Follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok

- Visit her website for more information here

FREE Communications Style Tutorial and Worksheet

Madeline is providing a Free Communications Style Tutorial and Worksheet. The short video introduces the different communication styles and provides a short exercise you can do to reduce communicating poorly when under pressure.

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

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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!

327: How to Fire Someone Without Feeling Like the Bad Guy with Jackie Koch Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever had to fire someone and lost sleep over it?

Firing someone isn’t as easy as saying, “You’re fired!”. If you’ve been through it, you know just how tough it can be–emotions run high, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re the bad guy.

That’s why I sat down with an HR expert to get her best advice on how to fire someone thoughtfully.

Today’s guest is Jackie Koch. Jackie has more than 15 years of experience hiring teams and leading human resources for Fortune 500 companies, startups, and small businesses. She launched People Principles in 2020 where she helps founders scale and lead their teams with HR and recruiting services. She's also the host of the World's Greatest Boss podcast.

In this episode, Jackie and I talk about the dos and don’ts of firing someone from your team. We dive into how to determine if firing is the right decision, and the steps managers should take to prepare for these difficult conversations.

Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jackie discusses the legal aspects of firing, what to do (and what not to do) to protect yourself and your organization, and how to manage the aftermath with your team.

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) Introduction
(02:38) When do you know it’s time to fire someone?
(05:22) What managers need to do before firing a team member
(09:34) Why document all your performance discussions
(14:04) The dos and don’ts of firing
(21:47) How to nail the toughest firing conversation
(27:39) A great manager Jackie has worked for
(28:45) Keep up with Jackie
(29:15) [Extended Episode Only] The legal aspects of firing: What you need to know
(32:36) [Extended Episode Only] The one thing to never do when firing someone
(34:37) [Extended Episode Only] How to manage the aftermath with your team

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

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Jackie Koch

- Follow Jackie on LinkedIn and Instagram

- Check out her website for more information here

- Subscribe to her podcast, World’s Greatest Boss here

5 Complimentary HR Audits

Jackie is generously offering five free HR audits to members of Podcast+. Normally priced at $249, the HR Audit includes a self-assessment and a 60-minute call with Jackie or her business partner to review everything and talk through suggested changes to implement.

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

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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!

326: Why Smart Leaders Embrace Disruption with Terence Mauri Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

Is disruption always bad, or can it be your greatest asset?

In today’s world of relentless change–where the global talent pool is expanding and advancements in AI and machine learning are accelerating–disruption has become the new normal.

But amidst this chaos, should we seek to disrupt ourselves even more instead of just being disrupted? Today’s guest says yes.

Meet Terence Mauri. Terence is a global expert on the future of leadership, AI, and disruption. As founder of the future trends think tank Hack Future Lab, he helps leaders find the upside of disruption and rethink leadership for a post-AI world. He has been described as “an influential and outspoken expert on the future of leadership” by Thinkers50, the global authority on today’s top business thinkers.

Today, Terence and I discuss why disruption shouldn’t be feared and how we can reframe it as an opportunity rather than a threat.

We’ll also dive into practical strategies for reducing complexity within organizations, how to democratize change, unlocking your inner disruption muscle, 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) Introduction
(01:50) Why disruption has a negative connotation
(05:14) The downside of today’s management style
(06:53) How to unlock your inner disruption muscle
(09:12) Are you a complexifier or a simplifier?
(13:53) The reductionist mindset explained
(15:24) How to work with team members who are resistant to change
(19:37) What does it mean to be over-managed yet under-led?
(21:48) 3 steps to Managing Your Manager (MYM)
(25:47) A great manager Terence has worked for
(27:57) Keep up with Terence
(28:51) [Extended Episode Only] The power of learning to unlearn
(34:05) [Extended Episode Only] How to help your team members learn to unlearn

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

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Terence Mauri

- Connect with Terence on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram

- Subscribe to his YouTube channel here

- Grab a copy of his book here

- Visit his official website for more information here

Book Discount: The Upside Of Disruption: The Path To Leading And Thriving in the Unknown

Terence is providing members of Podcast+ with a discount on his book The Upside Of Disruption: The Path To Leading And Thriving in the Unknown. In the book, you'll find the future-ready insights and tools you need to lead for today and prepare your organization for tomorrow.

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

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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!

325: How to Hire from the Global Talent Pool with Confidence with Jonathan Romley Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

Hiring talent from another country can seem like a daunting task. Navigating different time zones, cultures and other factors can feel overwhelming at first.

But here’s the truth: those initial challenges are small compared to the massive benefits of expanding your hiring options.

To help you navigate this journey, today’s guest is here to share expert tips on how to effectively tap into the global talent pool and build a thriving team.

Meet Jonathan Romley–one of the world’s foremost experts on global talent management and the future of work. Recognized as a leading authority in navigating the complexities of international talent acquisition, Jonathan is the founder of Lundi, a global talent firm specializing in innovative strategies for attracting, retaining, and developing top talent across borders.

In this episode, Jonathan and I discuss why companies of all sizes should consider hiring internationally. He also shares key components for hiring remote talent and emphasizes that global hiring should be a strategic decision, not just a cost-cutting measure.

Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jonathan reveals how to set yourself up for a successful hire.

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) Introduction
(01:20) Why you should tap into the global talent pool
(04:32) 3 key components for effectively hiring remote talent
(09:46) Challenges of hiring abroad: where and how to start
(15:55) Remote work strategies for international hires
(20:23) Keep up with Jonathan
(21:30) [Extended Episode Only] How to set yourself up for a successful hire

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

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Jonathan Romley

- Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn here

- Tap into the global talent pool here

- Grab a copy of Jonathan’s book: Winning the Global Talent War here

- Get insights on winning the global talent war here

Book Giveaway: 5 copies of Winning the Global Talent War

Jonathan is giving away 5 copies of his book Winning the Global Talent War. This book is your ultimate guide to mastering global talent acquisition and employee management. This compelling leadership development guide intertwines meticulous analysis, poignant case studies, and expert perspectives, empowering you to seamlessly traverse the intricate terrain of today's workforce dynamics.

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

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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!

324: How to Respectfully Disagree with Your Co-Workers with Justin Jones-Fosu Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever found yourself nodding in agreement during a meeting while silently thinking, “This will never work.”? You’re not alone.

Too often, we hold back in disagreement, fearing conflict, which only leads to frustration down the line. But managing conflict is a crucial skill for both managers and employees. Today’s guest is here to teach us how to respectfully disagree with your co-workers.

Meet Justin Jones-Fosu. At the helm of Work. Meaningful. Justin is the driving force and CEO behind a movement that empowers organizations across the globe, delivering over 50 keynote addresses a year on the pivotal topics of meaningful work and inclusion. His mission is to ignite a transformation in corporate culture, guiding organizations and individuals to ascend to their peak potential through mastery of mindset, purpose, and performance.

Justin and I talk about strategies for handling disagreements at work respectfully and productively–without compromising relationships.

He shares the “Power of Three,” a technique that digs deep into conversations, ensuring both sides feel heard. Plus, we explore how practicing respectful disagreement can actually lead to better ideas, more innovation, stronger teams, 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) Introduction
(01:56) Disrespectful agreement vs. respectful disagreement
(04:14) Using the Power of Three in workplace conflict resolution
(07:49) How the Power of Three works in real-life
(11:27) Agree to disagree isn’t always the answer
(14:16) How to provide feedback and differing views without hurting relationships
(24:38) Getting team members to support decisions they didn’t agree with
(28:02) A great manager Justin has worked for
(36:27) [Extended Episode Only] How to proactively approach conflict using the 5 pillars model

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

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Justin Jones-Fosu

- Follow Justin on LinkedIn here

- Grab a copy of Justin’s book here

- Check out his website for more information here

- Check out Justin’s book recommendation - Dialogue: The Art Of Thinking Together here

FREE PDF: Tips for the Modern Manager to Respectfully Disagree

Justin is providing members of Podcast+ with a free PDF that includes Tips for the Modern Manager to Respectfully Disagree. In this 20-page PDF, you will find a series of 10 Quick Tips from Work Meaningful for individuals, leaders, and those navigating the political divide.

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

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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!

323: 4 Tactics to Drive Results While Building a Thriving Team with Rachel Cooke Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

Is it possible to achieve high-quality business results while building a thriving team?

Many leaders often believe they must choose between driving results and prioritizing their people. However, time and again, we’ve seen that choosing one over the other rarely leads to better outcomes. Thankfully, today’s guest brings a new perspective and practical strategies to help us achieve both at the same time.

Today’s guest is Rachel Cooke. Rachel is a workforce activator, speaker, and facilitator. She is the Founder of Lead Above Noise - a firm specializing in activating teams - and the host of the Modern Mentor podcast.

In this episode, Rachel and I dive deeper into the common misconception that results and engagement are at odds. She shares insightful, real-world examples of how small, incremental changes can transform both your business outcomes and your teams’ well-being.

Plus, in the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, we talk about navigating pushbacks when implementing changes and fostering team cohesion through compromise and understanding.

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) The tension between business results vs. people engagement
(03:25) Results and engagement are not separate conversations
(04:13) The rowing team analogy: How small strategies improve results and morale
(07:36) Four pillars for driving both results and team engagement
(16:23) How small changes can have a big impact
(21:52) Engaging teams in identifying pain points and solutions
(24:49) A great manager Rachel has worked for
(26:19) Keep up with Rachel
(26:21) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate different perspectives and pushback when implementing changes
(30:57) [Extended Episode Only] Fostering team cohesion through compromise and understanding

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

- Level up your skills here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Rachel Cooke

- Subscribe to Rachel’s The Modern Mentor podcast here

- Follow her on LinkedIn here

- Check out her website for more information here

FREE: Leader Activation Worksheet

Rachel is providing members of Podcast+ with free access to her Leader Activation Worksheet. It's a compliment to the conversation we just had about the four pillars of activation - what it is, why it matters, and how to achieve it.

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

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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!

322: How the Reset Mindset Aligns Managers and Teams for Success with Penny Zenker Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

Mindset is crucial for success, especially in today’s fast-paced world.

Yet, many of us feel stuck and merely going through the motions.

But what if I told you that a simple mindset shift could provide the clarity and focus you needed to move forward? That’s exactly what today’s guest is here for.

Today’s guest is Penny Zenker. Penny is known as “The Focusologist.” She’s a sought-after international keynote speaker and best-selling author. She is one of the leading experts in the psychology of productivity to eliminate distraction, perfectionism, and self-sabotage to maximize results personally and professionally. And, she just released her newest book, The Reset Mindset: Get Unstuck, Focus on What Matters Most, and Reach Your Goals Faster.

Penny shares a powerful strategy for real-time resets, ensuring you’re always aligned with your most important goals, even during the chaos.

She explains the difference between a reset mindset and a growth mindset, the benefits of practicing a reset mindset, how managers can make it a part of their team culture, and more.

Whether you’re a manager looking to boost your team’s performance or simply someone who wants to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters, this episode is a must-listen.

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
(01:31) What is a reset mindset?
(03:01) Understanding reset moments in our everyday lives
(04:52) Growth mindset vs. reset mindset
(08:06) How practicing a reset mindset can benefit managers and their teams
(11:21) Three steps to developing a reset mindset
(26:33) A great manager Penny has worked for
(28:04) Keep up with Penny
(28:49) [Extended Episode Only] Fostering a reset mindset as part of your team culture
(36:37) [Extended Episode Only] Practical tips for using reset moments during meetings

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

- Build your team’s skills here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

- Listen to Mamie on the Take Back Time podcast talking about productive meetings here

Keep up with Penny Zenker

- Follow Penny on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram

- Subscribe to her YouTube channel here

- Catch her on the Take Back Time podcast here

- Grab a copy of her book here

FREE 125 Daily Planner Download

Penny is providing her 135 Daily Planning workshop for free to members of Podcast+. Most to-do lists get you lost in the little stuff. The 135 Daily Planner helps you balance what is urgent and important so you can focus on what matters most.

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

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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!

321: 7 Leadership Traits That Set Great Leaders Apart with Gaia van der Esch Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

When there’s great leadership, everyone flourishes.

We’ve seen the outcomes of having great leaders at work countless times–high-performing teams, healthy workplaces, increased profitability, and happy employees, among other things.

But what actually makes a great leader? What leadership traits create a lasting impact not just on organizations but also on the lives of the people you lead?

Thankfully, our guest expert is here to help us broaden our view of what effective leadership truly looks like.

Today’s guest is Gaia van der Esch. Gaia is an author, CEO, and policy expert. Above all, though, she sees herself as a change-maker. Gaia is currently the managing director of a large international foundation working to halt climate change, poverty, and exclusion, and previously served as the G20 Sherpa on gender equality. Her new book “Leading Our Way: How Women Are Redefining Leadership” was released recently by Wiley. Amongst others, she was nominated by Forbes in their 30under30 list.

In this episode, Gaia and I discuss what great leadership actually entails. Drawing on examples from influential women like Christina Figueres and Gloria Steinem, Gaia dives into how leaders can cultivate empathy, embrace vulnerability, and shift from hierarchical to circular leadership models.

Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Gaia reveals the transformative effect of embracing your authentic leadership style and offers insights on how to help your team members do the same.

Tune in to discover how you can lead your way.

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
(02:13) The problem with women embracing traditional leadership style
(07:05) Why leaders must have a hard back with a soft front approach to leadership
(12:29) Crying in the workplace isn’t a sign of weakness
(17:26) Leadership is power with people and NOT power over people
(20:22) The pros and cons of co-leadership
(25:46) Iconic women leaders and their leadership styles
(31:36) Keep up with Gaia
(32:35) [Extended Episode Only] Tips in navigating people’s responses when you embrace your own authentic leadership style
(36:58) [Extended Episode Only] How to empower your team members to embrace authentic leadership

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

- Build your team’s skills here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Gaia van der Esch

- Connect with Gaia on LinkedIn and Instagram

- Grab a copy of her book here

- Visit Gaia’s website for more information here

20% Off Leading Our Way: How Women Are Redefining Leadership

In this book, Gaia shares an inspiring collection of leadership stories from seven iconic women around the world. These stories explore new leadership models, concepts, and tools to inspire action and solve global challenges.

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

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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!

320: How to Convince Yourself to Do the Hard Things with Lei Wang Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

Imagine standing at the base of Mt. Everest, feeling the crushing weight of doubt and fear. Now, picture your toughest work challenge–where quitting feels like the best option. Would you push through or hit the quit button?

Many of us struggle with the internal battle of wanting to avoid discomfort, even though deep down, we know that overcoming these challenges is essential for growth and success.

For managers, this struggle is even more amplified. Our roles demand that we make difficult decisions, provide tough feedback, and guide our teams through challenging situations.

But how do we convince ourselves and our teams to do the hard things? Today’s guest will teach us how to build the mental toughness we all need.

Meet Lei Wang. Lei is a renowned international motivational speaker and executive coach, celebrated for her historic achievement as the first Asian woman to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam, which involves conquering the highest peak on each continent and skiing to both the North and South Poles.

Through her incredible journey, Lei has developed a unique perspective on resilience, leadership, and personal growth, empowering individuals and organizations to reach new heights and achieve extraordinary success.

In this episode, Lei shares her journey from being a “typical city girl” in Beijing to becoming an extreme adventurer.

We explore the mental strength it takes to overcome adversity, the power of finding and holding on to your deeper why, the role of tough love in helping your team grow stronger, 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
(01:54) Meet Lei Wang and her bigger-than-life goal
(07:15) The mindset shift that gets you to show up even when you don’t want to
(13:03) Trusting your own strength when the going gets tough
(18:00) How managers can help their team push through
(21:03) Introducing the Mighty Mouse framework
(22:29) One key action to take if you want to play big
(25:24) A great manager Lei has worked for
(27:29) Keep up with Lei
(28:09) [Extended Episode Only] How to support a team member through tough times
(30:48) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when you make excuses to avoid hard tasks

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

- Build your team’s skills here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Lei Wang

- Follow Lei on LinkedIn here

- Invite Lei to speak to your next event here

- Join Lei’s coaching program here

FREE Leadership Assessment Workbook: Uncover Your Mighty Leadership Potential

Lei is providing members of Podcast+ her Leadership Assessment Workbook: Uncover Your Mighty Leadership Potential for FREE. This downloadable workbook offers practical exercises and insights designed to help aspiring executives identify strengths, bridge gaps, and create a strategic plan for career advancement.

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

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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!

319: The Hidden Reason Why People Are Unhappy at Work with Dr. Tessa West Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

Are you or your team members feeling unhappy at work?

When discussing job dissatisfaction, people often point to issues like job title or compensation. However, we frequently overlook the fact that humans have complex emotions, and sometimes, we struggle to express what we truly feel.

Thankfully, this week’s guest will help us explore what’s really going on beneath the surface and provide insights on how we can help ourselves and our team members reignite our passion for our careers.

Today's guest is Dr Tessa West. Tessa is a professor of psychology at New York University, where she is a leading expert on the science of social relationships. Her academic research and writing for the media focuses on how to improve communication between employees, bosses and hiring professionals across workplace settings. She has over 100 academic publications and is a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal. Her first book, Jerks at Work published to rave reviews, and her latest book, Job Therapy, is what we discussed today.

Tessa and I dive into the deep psychological reasons behind job dissatisfaction, exploring how our careers can sometimes feel like challenging relationships. She shares practical tools and strategies to help diagnose and address these issues.

Are you ready to transform your work life and have a more fulfilling and productive career?

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
(01:43) Why people are unhappy with their jobs (Hint: it’s not about the structural factors)
(03:21) How job therapy tools can identify specific issues causing unhappiness at work
(05:49) Why you should treat your career as a relationship
(08:10) Purpose-driven work could be making you miserable
(10:16) How to spot hidden issues in employee behavior
(15:13) What managers can do to address employee unhappiness
(20:06) Real stories of how people handle job dissatisfaction
(25:03) What happens when people find the perfect career for themselves
(27:11) A great manager Tessa has worked for
(28:44) Keep up with Tessa
(29:34) [Extended Episode Only] How to effectively deal with busyness at work
(33:41) [Extended Episode Only] Practical approach to managing task-switching and work interruptions

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

- Build your team’s skills here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Tessa

- Take Tessa’s career quiz here

- Learn more about her research here

- Grab a copy of Tessa’s Job Therapy book here

Book Giveaway: FREE 10 Copies of Tessa’s Job Therapy

Tessa is giving away 10 copies of her latest book Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works For You. This book helps you figure out the real reason you're unhappy and shows you how to find a new position in which you'll thrive, whether in a different role, company or new industry altogether.

You must be a member of Podcast+ to enter the drawing and do so before Friday, August 31.

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

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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!

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