In 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: ...

Watch 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...

When 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 ---...

Being 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: ...

Most 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...

Being 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...

We'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: ...

Work-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 ...

Great 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: ...

If 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/

Being 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 feel...

To 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,...

Being 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

This 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

Part 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

"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

How 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: Free workshop on Self-Advocacy, Aug. 15th. Sign up...

Come 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...

Every 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: Get details and sign up for the Group Program here: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/ Talk to Kim about 1:1 coaching or ask if...

If 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. ...

Being 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...

If 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...

To 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: To talk about 1:1 coaching with Kim, book a...

Learn 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...

One 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...