The New Manager Podcast
195 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 19 hours ago -The New Manager Podcast is where you'll learn how to be a better manager with simple, doable ideas and frameworks. Kim Nicol is a coach and mindfulness teacher who started teaching Essential Skills for New Managers back in 2017, and helps folks in diverse industries with her approach to human-centered leadership. Learn more at: https://kimnicol.com/
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Episodes
167. Leadership Lessons from Side Quests
April 22, 2024 13:30 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBYou can find the most valuable lessons on being an effective manager and leader from experiences you have outside of your regular work. A side quest (or side hustle) can help you tap into strengths and develop abilities that you can then bring, more intentionally, to your job. In today's episode I share the story of my time as a fitness instructor, and how it helped make me a better Director in my corporate job. Let's discuss! After the Episode: RSVP for Career Conversation: Pivots + ...
166. Your Career Ecosystem
April 15, 2024 13:30 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBThink about your career and work as being part of an ecosystem. It will give you a useful perspective for addressing problems you face as a manager and leader. Let's discuss! After the episode: Join the next Career Conversation: Pivots + Side Hustles. RSVP here: https://lu.ma/hswnn6lv Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/ For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation https://kimnicol.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://...
Career Conversation: Pivots + Side Hustles
April 12, 2024 13:30 - 1 minute - 1.66 MBBonus episode with *video* and an invitation! Join me and career coach Wendy Saccuzzo for a live (on Zoom) Career Conversation on Pivots and Side Hustles. One of the inspirations behind this podcast is the experience I had over 12 years ago, when I was promoted to a Director role and started managing a team of my peers. There wasn't much guidance or training available to me as a new manager, and it's one reason I started teaching Essential Skills for New Managers, which then led to this po...
165. "What are you trying to solve for?"
April 08, 2024 13:30 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBThere will be times at work when you wonder, "WTF are they doing?!?" When you're a manger you might wonder this about someone on your team who reports to you, or your own manager and leadership team. Instead of saying that out loud, however, try asking this question instead: "What are you trying to solve for?" You want a better picture of how this person is thinking and seeing -- because that is what drives their choices and actions. Using this question will help you illuminate their in...
164. Why Delaying Decisions is Draining
April 01, 2024 13:30 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBAs an individual contributor, your role is to be good at your specific task or function. As a manager and leader, your role shifts -- and now you're making more decisions. When you understand how to make decisions, you'll feel more confident and less drained. In this episode you'll learn: Signs you might be avoiding a decision The real cost of "keeping your options open" Why the freedom of making a decisions feels better than the freedom of not deciding After the Episode: To discu...
163. Your Health and Well-Being
March 25, 2024 13:30 - 19 minutes - 18.5 MBYour health and well-being make a difference in how you show up as a manager and leader. And, your work can also effect your health and well-being. So in today's episode, you'll learn an easy framework to help organize your thinking about this. It will enable you to recognize what you do well, and identify areas you'd like to nurture. Let's discuss! After the Episode: Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/ Register for Create Positive Change here. Book a consult...
162. "What support do you need?"
March 18, 2024 13:30 - 20 minutes - 19.4 MBTo work effectively and sustainably, you want to think about what support you need. This might be new if you're extremely self-reliant. Your first impulse might be to say, "I'm good, I don't need any support." You might also do this if you feel that asking for support somehow makes you look bad. But being able to identify and advocate for resources is a leadership skill, and one that will benefit both you and your team. Let's discuss! After the episode: Book a consult to talk with me ab...
161. Understanding Perfection and Micromanaging
March 11, 2024 15:26 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBPerfectionism isn't about being perfect. It's about feeling safe. In this episode, learn to recognize the signs of perfectionism holding you back -- including when you might drift towards micromanaging. When you can recognize when it happens and understand why it's happening, you will be more empowered to access your agency and choose a more useful approach. Let's discuss! After the episode: Book a consult to discuss 1:1 coaching with Kim: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Join the...
160. Create a Well-Nurtured Network
March 04, 2024 14:30 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBIn the course of your career you will want to develop a well-nurtured network. This will help you navigate your career, as well as manage and lead more effectively. In this episode you will learn more about why you should care about growing and nurturing your network, as well as gain some specific, simple steps for how to do that. Let's discuss! After the episode: Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and goals, and learn about my coaching program: https://calendly.com...
159. Why Self-Awareness will make you a better Communicator and a more Effective Manager.
February 26, 2024 16:33 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBBecoming a better communicator and more effective manager means being less reactive and more intentional. How do you do that? Start by growing your self-awareness. When you slow down, step back, and see your own habits and preferences, you will be able to bring more intention to how you communicate. Instead of simply operating by default and being reactive, you become more deliberate and intentional. Let's discuss! After the episode: I'm taking new clients. To talk with me about your goal...
158. Listener Spotlight with Adrian Bond: How to Be a Successful Manager and Leader
February 19, 2024 14:30 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this episode I talk with listener Adrian Bond about lessons learned as a new manager. We discuss: managing peers ("Who am I to tell these people what to do?"), the key difference between being a manager and a leader, how work stress can affect your home life, the importance of redefining success ("recognize what to STOP doing"), and the importance of training before you move up into a manager role. After the episode: I'm taking new clients. To schedule a consult and discuss 1:1 coaching...
157. Managing Change
February 12, 2024 14:30 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBHow do you manage change effectively? First, you must expect there to be resistance. When you understand what might be creating resistance or avoidance, you will be better at creating a plan to address it. And one of the best places to start is with yourself. Let's discuss! After the episode: Schedule a consult to talk about 1:1 coaching: https://kimnicol.com/ https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Get on the Wait List for the group program and other workshops: https://kimnicol....
156. New Manager Tip: Emotions (and Disappointment)
February 05, 2024 14:30 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBThe more aware you are of how to work with emotions, the more effective you will be as a communicator and leader. Especially when it comes to disappointment. This one emotion is often behind why we avoid conversations, or don't ask for what we need. Instead of trying to avoid disappointment at all costs, try: 1) Accepting it is a human emotion, and let yourself feel it 2) Identify the unmet expectation, 3) Learn from it, and 4) Be curious about what's next. Let's discuss! After the epi...
155. Direction, Decisions, and Discomfort
January 29, 2024 14:30 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBManaging people and being a leader means people look to you for direction. Realize that you can be direct, directive, and clarify direction (the vision towards which you want people to go) -- and, importantly, you can do all this in a way that is kind and clear. There are examples of this all around you, when you start to look for them! In this episode you'll also learn how making decisions and experiencing discomfort come with the territory. The episode ends with three reflection questio...
154. Calm, Confident, and Capable
January 22, 2024 14:30 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBA good foundation makes everything easier, and it is never too late to revisit your foundation and make some improvements. In this episode you'll learn about Strategic Failure, and why so many new managers worry about whether they are doing a good job. Let's discuss! The next Group Program for New Managers starts February 6, and enrollment is open now. Go to: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kimnicol/message
153. Create Great Relationships at Work with Maggie Reyes
January 08, 2024 14:30 - 49 minutes - 46 MBWhat do new managers need to know about working with HR? And what can you do to create great relationships at work -- with your manager, your team, and internal clients? This episode covers all that and more, with special guest Maggie Reyes. Before becoming a Master Certified Life Coach and expert in marriage and relationships, Maggie worked in HR. In this episode she shares her wisdom, strategic perspective, and practical tips to help you manage more effectively and lead more authentica...
152. Fresh Perspective and Micro-Adjustments
January 01, 2024 14:30 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBHappy New Year! Getting a fresh perspective is like looking with new eyes at a familiar scene. You will find new opportunities and possibilities. In this episode you will learn a simple framework to help you get a fresh perspective, so you can make micro-adjustments. Small changes add up, and can be easier to implement in the moment so you build up momentum. Whether you are a first-time manager, an aspiring manager, or simply want a new approach to managing and leading others, this episo...
151. Self-Care and Support for Managers
December 25, 2023 14:30 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBWhen you care about your team and want to do a good job as a manager and leader, it's easy to over-give and always put others first. If you being self-reliant is one of your strengths, you might not have much practice in self-care and asking for support. But as you grow in your career and gain more responsibility, it becomes more important. When more people depend on you, tending to your own self-care will help you be your best. Let's discuss! After the episode: Schedule a free consult t...
150. How to Recover from Failure
December 18, 2023 14:30 - 18 minutes - 17 MBAs a leader, you have more people looking to you -- and depending on you. You might feel more pressure and notice more fear of making mistakes. In this episode you'll learn how to recover from failure, and how your perspective will determine what happens next. Let's discuss! After the episode: Join the Wait List for the next Group Program: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/ For 1:1 coaching, schedule a consult: https://kimnicol.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spo...
149. Two Things New Managers Need to Identify to Be Effective at Work
December 11, 2023 14:30 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBWork doesn't happen in a vacuum. When you're a new manager, there are two things that you'll want to identify in order to be more effective: Systems and Environment. These are often relational, making them tacit and invisible. And yet they are everywhere. In this episode, I'll talk about a few specific systems you'll want to identify, and some aspects of the larger environment you want to be aware of. Let's discuss! After the episode: Join the Wait List for the Group Program for New Ma...
148. Listener Spotlight with Amberlee
December 04, 2023 14:30 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBIn this Listener Spotlight episode I talk with Amberlee, a new manager of a small team with big wisdom and insights to share. We talk about: self-care, perfectionism, identity, culture and intersectionality, and the role of vulnerability and transparency in being a human-centered leader and manager. You will learn so much from her! To learn more about Amberlee and her work, visit her website: www.a-green.co.uk After the episode: Get on the Wait List for the next Group Program: kimnicol.c...
147. Ask - What New Managers Need to Know about Making an Ask
November 27, 2023 14:30 - 30 minutes - 28 MBWatch my free training on Self-Advocacy when you join the Wait List for the Group Program for New Managers: kimnicol.com/newmanagers One of the most valuable skills in your leadership toolbox is your ability to Ask. New managers sometimes assume they should just know everything. Instead of wondering, Ask. In this episode you'll get some examples of how to do that, and what it can sound like. I share a situation that a listener submitted, and my thoughts for why an Ask might be a great n...
146. The "To Be" List
November 20, 2023 14:30 - 7 minutes - 7.34 MBWhen your to-do list is long enough, try the "To Be" list. This is a simple concept that can simplify your life as a new manager. When you feel overwhelmed, or are not sure what to do, the "To Be" list will help. Practice it regularly and you will see real change in your confidence as a leader, and the level of calm you feel in the moment. After the episode: Get on the Wait List for the next Group Program: kimnicol.com/newmanagers Book a consult for 1:1 coaching: kimnicol.com --- Sen...
145. Use this Framework to Feel More Calm and Grounded
November 13, 2023 14:30 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBBeing a manager comes with plenty of challenges, but being a leader means finding ways to stay calm and grounded when you face them. In today's episode, you'll learn a simple framework that can help you in a wide range of situations. No matter what's happening, or how you're feeling, you will feel more calm and grounded when you try this out. After the episode: Work with me 1:1. Schedule a free consult: kimnicol.com/coaching Get on the email list to hear about the Group Program: kimnic...
144. Managing Time by Managing Expectations
November 06, 2023 14:30 - 18 minutes - 17 MBMost time management issues are not really about managing time, but about managing other things. If you've ever felt resentful about the number of meeting requests you get, or if you put a lot of pressure on yourself and feel like you're always behind, this episode is for you. Let's discuss! After the episode: Book a consult to discuss 1:1 coaching: kimnicol.com Be sure to get on the email list for updates about the next Group Program: kimnicol.com/newmanagers Follow me on LinkedIn: li...
143. The Freedom to Decide
October 30, 2023 13:30 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBBeing a manager comes with more responsibility, and more decisions. How you make those decisions is up to you. So much about leadership and being a manager is in your hands. What kind of leader do you want to be? What's important to you, as you manage people and make decisions that affect others? In this episode you'll hear a bit about my perspective on leadership, as well as the distinction between being arbitrary and realizing how much is within your discretion. Let's discuss! After ...
142. Q4 Checklist
October 23, 2023 13:30 - 23 minutes - 22 MBWe're coming up on the end of the year -- the next 2 months will go by faster than you expect! In this episode you'll get my Q4 Checklist, with three simple questions every new manager should ask at this point in the year. It will help you feel grounded, calm, and confident as you approach year-end. Plus, you'll hear why this is the perfect time in the year to ask *your* manager about professional development. After the episode: Book a free consult to discuss 1:1 coaching: https://cal...
141. The Value of Being (when Doing feels too hard)
October 16, 2023 13:30 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBWork-life is often focused on actions and what you do. But it's important to remember the value in being, as well. So if you find yourself overwhelmed by your To Do list, or feel like you're Not Doing Enough, or you're wondering, "What should I do?" -- this episode will help. Actions and doing is not the most important thing. Let's discuss! Resources mentioned in this episode: Free webinar by Center of Care Innovations: Breaking the Cycles of Trauma through Recognition and Healing Cen...
140. The Downside of "Making It Work"
October 09, 2023 13:30 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBGreat managers are good at being resourceful and resilient, making things work even under challenging circumstances. If you've had to make due throughout your life, then it's easy to take that approach as a default. But just because you *can* make it work, doesn't mean you have to. Sometimes you need to take a step back and look at a situation with fresh eyes -- and then decide what you want to do. Let's discuss! After the Episode: Book a consult for 1:1 coaching: https://calendly.com/k...
139. Managers Are People, Too
October 02, 2023 13:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBIf you're feeling a lot of pressure to do a great job as a new manager, this episode is for you. After the episode: Book a consult for 1:1 coaching: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Get on the email list for updates on the Group Program: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kimnicol/message
138. Communication Tips for the Conflict Averse
September 25, 2023 13:30 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBBeing conflict averse makes it hard to speak up and share your ideas. Maybe disagreements feel uncomfortable, like something bad is going to happen. Or you worry about being wrong so you stay quiet until you feel your idea is unassailable. When you're a manager, there are times you must be direct. And, I want you to have a few options so that you can participate more readily without feeling confrontational. In this episode you'll get some specific language to use, that will help you fee...
137. How to Measure Success
September 18, 2023 13:30 - 20 minutes - 19.4 MBTo know if you're doing a good job as a manager, you need to ask yourself: What does success look like? In this episode you'll learn 4 markers to look for: internal, external, intangible, and tangible. When you take time to define success, and know how to identify it, then success won't be a mystery and failure won't be a surprise. You'll feel more grounded and calm because you'll know how you're doing. And you'll feel more confident in how you communicate what's going on to your manager...
136. Three Things that will Help You Be a Great Manager
September 11, 2023 13:30 - 27 minutes - 25.8 MBBeing a manager is a different job than whatever you did before. Expect there to be a learning curve. You'll have to learn what the job is, and how to do it, all at the same time. In this episode you learn one pitfall to watch out for, and three things that will help you learn to be a great manager. Let's discuss! After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kimnicol...
135. Reflections on Leadership, Career, Sports, and Life
September 05, 2023 13:30 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MBThis week's episode features a special guest: Kirby Nicol, my Dad. We talk about leadership and what he's learned through a long and varied career, including being a coach at the Olympics, and serving as Executive Director for The Wharf to Wharf Race. After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kimnicol/message
134. We Need to Talk About Feedback
August 28, 2023 13:30 - 8 minutes - 7.41 MBPart of your job as a manager is to give feedback. And yet, if your work has never given you guidance or training on how to do it well, you're not alone! In this episode you'll learn why it's important to have an intentional approach and strategy, and how communication skills and confidence come into play. Let's discuss! After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ki...
133. Great Managers Do This
August 21, 2023 13:30 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB"Control the control-ables." "Focus on your sphere of influence." How does this help you be a great manager? It reminds you to look for agency. In this episode you'll gain insight to why this matters, and a few key examples to get you thinking about your own situation. After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kimnicol/message
132. Out of Overwhelm
August 14, 2023 13:30 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBHow do you get out of overwhelm? This episode walks you through the story of how one client found a path out. You'll hear how she first approached the challenge, what shifted after she started coaching, and what changed as a result. You'll learn more about human-centered leadership and why self-awareness and skill are so important to creating a sustainable solution. It must begin with you. Let's discuss! After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult here: https://calendly.com/kimn...
Invitation to Self-Advocacy Workshop on Tuesday
August 12, 2023 16:00 - 4 minutes - 2.65 MBCome to my free workshop on Self-Advocacy this Tuesday, August 15th! You'll get a perspective and roadmap that will make it so much easier for you to feel confident asking for things for yourself. "You don't get what you don't ask for", so lets build the skill of asking. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-advocacy-asking-your-work-for-professional-development-tickets-695608141677 Details about the Group Program are on the sign-up page HERE Discuss 1:1 coaching on a consultation HERE Not...
131. Why Self-Care Makes You a Better Manager
August 07, 2023 13:30 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBEvery manager will face situations that create feelings of anxiety. Which is why Self-Care is so important, especially when it comes to human-centered leadership. In this episode you'll learn more about how to think about Self-Care, why it makes you a more effective manager, how connection reduces anxiety, and more. Let's discuss! After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult here: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Learn more about the Cartier Women's Initiative here: http...
130. What to Do If You Fear Confrontation
July 24, 2023 14:05 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBIf you avoid confrontation, you're not alone! Many new managers are uncomfortable with confrontation, especially if you've had success by keeping a low profile, keeping your head down, and working hard to keep the peace. Being an effective communicator means that sometimes you'll have to be direct -- even if you fear confrontation. In this episode, I'll break down what a confrontation really is, and then walk you through an approach to help you get past the habit of avoiding confrontations. ...
129. “Walk Me Through”
July 17, 2023 13:30 - 12 minutes - 12 MBBeing a great manager doesn't mean having all the answers. There are many times you will need to coach someone on your team, or get curious about why something isn't happening. You'll want to know how the other person is thinking, what their process is, and where they're going off course -- so you can understand how best to help. That's when to use this phrase: "Walk me through. . ." Listen to learn more about how and when to use this phrase to unlock more clarity, understanding, trust, and ...
128. Managing Your Time: 5 Lenses
July 10, 2023 16:50 - 28 minutes - 26.6 MBIf you look at your calendar and feel like you don't have enough boxes of time for all the things on your To Do list, this episode will help! Learn 5 ways to think about managing your time so you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Each one is like a lens: 1) Energy, 2) Attention, 3) Emotions, 4) Decision Making, and 5) Communication. When you see a bit differently and develop your skills, it will change how you work with the time you have, and you'll be more effective in a way that ...
127. Giving Effective Feedback
June 26, 2023 13:30 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBTo give effective feedback, there is one question you must ask yourself first. In this episode, learn more about giving effective feedback and why it's important to develop this skill in your career -- and the sooner, the better! Plus, if you're introvert or are just feeling a little more socially awkward these days, you'll get some ideas that will help you feel prepared for in-person events and gatherings. Let's discuss! After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calend...
126. Decision Making, Discretion, and Influence
June 19, 2023 16:48 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBLearn about the difference between Decision Making, Discretion, and Influence and what they can look like in the workplace. You will use them all throughout your career, and when you become a manager the way you think about them will begin to change. As a leader, you must become more aware of how you make decisions -- because it becomes a bigger part of your job, even (or especially) in times of uncertainty or imperfect information. The more you begin to understand about Discretion and Infl...
125. The Support & Authority Map, Revisited
June 14, 2023 21:36 - 26 minutes - 25 MBOne of the most-listened to episodes is about the Support & Authority Map. It's a framework that will help you be more effective by adjusting the amount of Support and Authority (like giving clear direction, making decisions, etc) you bring to any relationship or situation. A good manager knows how to be flexible, so you can work with a range of people and situations. This will give you a tool to help you understand what that can look like, and why you see certain patterns of behavior (in y...
124. Where to Get Insights on Onboarding, Leading, and Managing
June 06, 2023 16:04 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBOne of the best ways to learn about how to be an effective manager is to be observant about your own experience -- just being a person and engaging with the world. In this episode you'll hear about my experience volunteering for something, and some key insights and examples I gathered about onboarding, managing people, and being a leader. After the episode: If you're in SF and want to join one of the clean-up events, check out the schedule here: https://www.mobilize.us/togethersf/ Join t...
123. Confidence, "What's the point?", and Professional Development
May 29, 2023 19:23 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBBeing more confident doesn't mean you never have doubts. It means that you can move forward even when they pop up. How? By recognizing the thoughts that hold you back, and then being curious about what might be possible anyway. In this episode you'll learn more about the sneaky thought, "What's the point?" and how to not let it stop you. And, you'll learn why now is the perfect time to ask about professional development at work. When you're a manager, you'll need to develop new skills an...
122. What You Say vs How You Say It
May 22, 2023 16:26 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBCommunicating is not just about the words you say, but the way in which you say them. Let's discuss! After the episode: Sign up for class here. Join the mailing list for updates: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/ Schedule a consult to discuss 1:1 coaching: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kimnicol/message
121. "How do I get them to. . .?"
May 15, 2023 13:30 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBAt some point you will think: "How do I get this person to. . .?" You might be thinking about your manager, and how to manage up. Or you might be wondering why a person on your team isn't changing, even though you've already given them feedback about something. When you start managing people, you need to think more about how to get work done through others -- it's no longer just about you doing a task. Let's discuss! After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly...
120. Confident Money Conversations
May 01, 2023 13:30 - 23 minutes - 22 MBThe topic of money will almost always bring up emotions. And when you're a manager, you are pretty much guaranteed to have more money conversations. It could be when someone on your team who wants a promotion or a raise, or when you're hiring someone new. Or it might be when you get promoted and are now managing your friends -- and now can see what everyone's salary is. In this episode you'll get some perspective and ideas that for how to feel more confident when you have money conversatio...