The Westminster Tradition
The Westminster Tradition
The Westminster Tradition
Imagine if... you were leading an orchard of bad apples
55 minutes Posted Nov 24, 2025 at 5:30 pm.
Setting The Scenario
Why This Team Exists
Day One Tactics And Intel
Credibility Without Being The Expert
Estimates In Three Weeks
Building Standards And Purpose
Navigating Central Agency Pressure
The Nicola Problem
Old Team In Trouble: Do You Intervene
Key Lessons And Close
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55:42
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Show notes

Your shiny new promotion turns out to be more than you bargained for. 

In this scenario-based "Imagine if..." episode, Caroline and Danielle assume the role of a newly promoted manager who steps into a team they didn’t choose and some character-building challenges. 

⚠️ Mild trigger warning for the depiction of toxic colleagues - we've all had one!

We cover: 

  • Walking the floor and gathering intel
  • How to give the boss response to a credibility challenge
  • Clarifying the authorising environment 
  • Lifting work quality 
  • When to whip out the whiteboard to create a two-way learning exercise 
  • Setting a vision and direction for the team that’s sensitive to the past 
  • Responding to bad behaviour that’s not quite misconduct
  • To report or not to report; the risks of weighing in

Good egg managers in the Re Meagher case
https://hearsay.org.au/graduate-lawyer-fails-in-fair-work-act-bullying-claim/

This podcast was recorded on Kaurna land, and we recognise Kaurna elders past and present. Always was, always will be.

Now for some appropriately bureaucratic disclaimers....

While we have tried to be as thorough in our research as busy full time jobs and lives allow, we definitely don’t guarantee that we’ve got all the details right.

Please feel free to email us corrections, episode suggestions, or anything else, at [email protected].

Thanks to PanPot audio for our intro and outro music.

'Til next time!