Magnify the Middle

What can managers do to bring out the best of Gen Z?Harshita Pandey, MBA talks us through key insights between millennials and Gen Z. We also explore myths and misconceptions about the latest generation entering the workforce. 

Amy Dolzine walks us through the key components of community engagement.  Community Managers:These are the people who facilitate connections with participants.  Leadership Involvement:The power of leaders in the organization engaging with others.  Answer Questions:It seems simple, but answering questions is essential to a thriving community.  Engage with People:The most important item is to simply engage. It isn’t always about posting but having a conversation and genuine connection with others.  Lastly,“Lurkers are people too” – Amy Dolzine

EP005 - Change ManagementOur special guest Nate Witsaman talks us through some key change management concepts.Change Saturation:Even if you are making great changes. People can only absorb a limited number of changes. He used the sponge analogy. Change is like a sponge soaking up water. Gemba Walks:Before you can make change you need to sit in the shoes of the person's life you are going to change. DMAIC Model DefineMeasure Analyze Improve ControlThis concept comes from Lean 6 sigma. It is a process to use when changing a process. Delegate Authority vs. Tasks:It is tempting to have control over the entire process and simply delegate a task. However, when you delegate authority you put the person with the most knowledge in control of the process and get their buy in at the same time. Lastly:"People aren't against you they are for themselves"It is easy to take things personally when you have people resisting a change. There are lots of reasons for this. Try and figure out a way to ensure that it benefits them as well. 

EP004 – InterviewingWe speak with Bridget Woitas on interview techniques you can use to select the right candidate. Her key takeaway: Use behavior-based questions. “Tell me about a time you {…}” Fill in the blanks with key skills or take aways you need in the position. Make sure you listen and drill down into the specifics. Understand their exact role in the situation.Let the person talk. As the interviewer you should be talking the least. Understand the person and their motivations to see if they will be a good long term fit. What about mistakes people make with interviewing?Hiring in desperation – Turnover costs are expensive. Ask behavior-based questions and be patient. It takes time to find the right candidate. Don’t settle. Getting the wrong candidate is expensive. Too many interviews with the same candidate. Past 4 interviews you start to get diminishing returns. The HR interview counts towards that 4. The best candidates will get frustrated and pick another firm.

Want to give better feedback as a manager?In this episode we hear from James Kolk as he discusses the survey systems he uses to collect data for improved conversation and increasing user satisfaction. We also look at 3 popular frameworks for thinking about feedback. Radical Transparency - Popularized by Ray Dalio and Bridgewater Associates. Strap on your armor and get ready to hear some hard truths. This might not be the best for getting people in the right mindset to solve problems. It might work for the highly logical types, but could be tough to swallow for others. The Feedback Fallacy - Developed by Marcus Buckingham. All about positive coaching and getting people in the right mindset to be their best selves. Elizabeth Kozenko gives us a few key phrases to think of using. Old Phrase: Here's what you should do.New Phrase: Here's what I would do.Old Phrase: Here's where you need to improve.New Phrase: Here's what worked bet for me, and here's why.Old Phrase: Good jobNew Phrase: Here are three things that really worked for me. What was going through your mind when you did them?Radical Candor — The Company by Kim ScottCare personally and challenge directly. You need both to do it well. Lastly, We close with some Buddhist concepts around speech. 1. Is it True?2. Is it Helpful?3. Is it kind?4. Is it endearing?5. Is it timely?

We talk through how to make performance reviews better for both the employee and manager. 

In this episode we talk aboutOur biggest surprise as middle managersHow to train middle managers with a study groupThe stigma of middle managementHow to manage upLessons from 2022with special guest: Phil Jackson