Manager Tools

Increasing Team Input Strategies Chapter 1 – Measure It

mauzenne — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:54:56 +0000

This guidance recommends measuring the input proffered from quieter team members, to increase their contributions and collaboration.

Questions To Ask Candidate References - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 21:00:07 +0000

This guidance recommends what questions to ask of a job candidate’s references, if you progress to that stage.

Questions To Ask Candidate References - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 23:01:46 +0000

This guidance recommends what questions to ask of a job candidate’s references, if you progress to that stage.

One On One Development Analysis Check

mauzenne — Sun, 26 May 2013 18:58:36 +0000

This guidance recommends evaluating directs’ performances by the content of what they bring to their One on One with you.

Measuring Feedback Chapter 2 Overweight Top Performers - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:36:47 +0000

The conclusion of our guidance recommending giving more positive (and then negative) feedback to a manager’s top performers, rather than trying to spread feedback out equally.

Measuring Feedback Chapter 2 Overweight Top Performers - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 12 May 2013 16:45:01 +0000

This guidance recommends giving more positive (and then negative) feedback to a manager’s top performers, rather than trying to spread feedback out equally.

Politics 101 - Chapter 3 - The Myth Of The Just World (Part 2)

mauzenne — Mon, 06 May 2013 03:33:40 +0000

The conclusion of our recommendations on professionals abandoning their belief in the myth of a just world and 'play politics'.

Politics 101 - Chapter 3 - The Myth Of The Just World (Part 1)

mauzenne — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:52:07 +0000

This guidance recommends professionals abandon their belief in the myth of a just world and "play politics".

The Collaborative Manager - Chapter 1 - More Ideas

mauzenne — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:44:28 +0000

This guidance helps managers be more collaborative by getting more input from their team members.

First Meeting With A New Direct - Ask Questions

mauzenne — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:59:49 +0000

This guidance continues our recommendations about topics to cover with new directs, encouraging them to ask questions about everything they don’t understand.

Project Management Basics - Now And Later Tasks

mauzenne — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:38:06 +0000

This guidance describes how to quickly assign tasks in a project without getting bogged down in details.

Lists And Agendas In One On Ones

mauzenne — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 02:48:29 +0000

This guidance describes if and how to use lists and agendas during your One on Ones.

Diffusing Disagreements

mauzenne — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 01:40:41 +0000

This guidance recommends a straightforward way to diffuse tension around, and overcome, objections others have to your ideas.

Conferences Promotion

mauzenne — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:09:00 +0000

Find out about the value of Manager Tools' Conferences.

Email Three Times A Day - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 03:30:02 +0000

The conclusion of our guidance recommending doing email three times a day. ONLY three times a day.

Email Three Times A Day - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 04:59:44 +0000

This guidance recommends doing email three times a day. ONLY three times a day.

Never Step Out Of The Middle

mauzenne — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 03:51:04 +0000

This guidance recommends managers never willingly allow their boss to talk to a skip directly.

Dealing With Vague Feedback - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:36:55 +0000

This guidance completes our discussion on how to respond to vague feedback from your boss or others.

Dealing With Vague Feedback - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:13:30 +0000

This guidance explains how to respond to vague feedback from your boss or others.

Politics 101 - Chapter 2 - Meeting Prep: Who Wants What

mauzenne — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:03:29 +0000

This guidance tells you how to prepare for meetings where politics are going to play a role (which is to say, ALL of them).

Thank You For The Bad News

mauzenne — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 22:02:15 +0000

This guidance tells you what to do when directs bring you bad news.

Negative Feedback Before Its Time

mauzenne — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 04:31:40 +0000

This guidance recommends what to do when a direct would get negative feedback but it’s not yet time for it in the Trinity Rollout Process.

Positive Feedback Before Its Time

mauzenne — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 03:09:46 +0000

This guidance recommends what to do when a direct would get positive feedback but it’s not yet time for it in the Trinity Rollout Process.

Overcoming Trinity Pushback - Chapter 1 - "One on Ones Are Micromanaging"

mauzenne — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 09:20:18 +0000

This guidance tells you what to do when directs resist One on Ones because they are a form of "micromanaging."

How To Do Succession Planning - Chapter 4 - The Delivery Meeting

mauzenne — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 20:57:06 +0000

This guidance tells you how to structure your briefing to your team around Simple Succession Planning.

Rules of Politics – Chapter One – Count Your Votes

mauzenne — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 17:53:01 +0000

This guidance recommends knowing where decision makers and influencers stand on proposals and decisions that matter to you and your team.

Calendar Management Details – Chapter 2 Priorities In The Morning

mauzenne — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 03:50:43 +0000

This guidance recommends proactively scheduling time for your key responsibilities in the morning, versus afternoon or early evening, "when everyone’s gone."

Your Directs' Resumes

mauzenne — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 03:02:55 +0000

This guidance describes when we recommend a manager consider their directs’ resumes.

How To Do Succession Planning Chapter 3 – The Simple Form

mauzenne — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 03:13:05 +0000

How to create a dead-simple Succession Planning Form.

One on Ones While Traveling - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 23:22:48 +0000

This guidance completes our recommendations on how to do One on Ones while you are traveling.

Effective Documentation - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 22:30:23 +0000

Part 2 of our guidance on how to document the performance of your directs and your communications with them.

Effective Documentation - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 22:40:16 +0000

Our guidance for how to document the performance of your directs and your communications with them.

How To Handle Meeting Killers – Chapter 6 Multitasking

mauzenne — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 02:55:53 +0000

This guidance recommends how to address behaviors in meetings that reduce meeting effectiveness, based on a popular 2012 Wall Street Journal article. This Chapter deals with handling a multi-tasker and also reviews the Journal’s general meeting guidance.

Calendar Management Details Chapter 1 – Shorten Free Time

mauzenne — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:42:27 +0000

How to improve your effectiveness by eliminating long open periods from of your calendar.

Podcast Awards 2012 Voting

mauzenne — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 02:53:23 +0000

The Podcast Awards voting phase has arrived, and we'd like you to vote for Manager Tools in the Business and People's Choice categories at PodcastAwards.com every day for the next 15 days.

One on Ones While Traveling - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:16:26 +0000

This guidance recommends how to do One on Ones while you are traveling.

Inheriting A Poor Performer - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:07:31 +0000

This guidance discusses how to manage those directs whom you didn’t hire and who have a history of poor performance.

Inheriting A Poor Performer - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 03:27:22 +0000

This guidance discusses how to manage those directs whom you didn’t hire and who have a history of poor performance.

How To Handle Meeting Killers - The Rambler

mauzenne — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 02:23:01 +0000

This guidance recommends how to address behaviors in meetings that reduce meeting effectiveness, based on a popular 2012 Wall Street Journal article. This Chapter deals with handling a Rambler – someone who talks and talks and talks ... and talks.

Podcast Awards 2012

mauzenne — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:36:41 +0000

The Podcast Awards are here, and we'd like you to nominate Manager Tools.

Podcast Awards 2012

mauzenne — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:36:41 +0000

The Podcast Awards are here!

Admit Your Mistakes

mauzenne — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:49:06 +0000

This guidance recommends admitting your mistakes openly as a manager, to your team, to enhance candor and openness from your team members.

Never Ask A Question Of A Direct (Whose Answer You Don’t Intend to Honor)

mauzenne — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 16:07:33 +0000

We recently published guidance recommending that managers ask directs for their efforts, rather than commanding. Can't they say "no"? Yes.

Executive Career Management - If Not You Who?

mauzenne — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 23:59:04 +0000

This guidance describes a simple way executive succession planning is often done, and the key to mastering it.

How To Handle Meeting Killers - The Silent Plotter

mauzenne — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 18:38:32 +0000

This guidance recommends how to address behaviors in meetings that reduce meeting effectiveness, based on a popular 2012 Wall Street Journal article. This Chapter deals with handling a Silent Plotter – someone who tries to kill every idea, even after everyone’s agreed.

Work Family Balance - Chapter 1 - Go Home

mauzenne — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 20:44:11 +0000

This guidance describes the fundamental error in trying to achieve “Work-Family Balance” and how to solve it forever.

The Part After Feedback - Chapter One - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 16:36:36 +0000

The conclusion of our guidance on how to respond initially to a direct who pushes back in various ways to an instance of feedback.

The Part After Feedback - Chapter One - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:08:52 +0000

This guidance describes how to respond initially to a direct who pushes back in various ways to an instance of feedback.

Ask For What You Want

mauzenne — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 20:26:26 +0000

This guidance recommends asking your directs for work to be done - meaning requesting things in the form of a question – rather than stating your desire for something to occur.

How To Deliver A Shot Across The Bow Review

mauzenne — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 22:18:50 +0000

This guidance describes how to deliver an unofficial performance evaluation when your direct is failing and may either not realize it or is resisting changing.

How To Deliver An Unofficial Review

mauzenne — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 03:05:15 +0000

This guidance describes how to deliver an unofficial performance evaluation when you need to communicate something that can’t go on an official eval.

How To Do Succession Planning - Chapter 2

mauzenne — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 02:18:34 +0000

This guidance tells you how to use performance evaluations to improve your basic succession planning.

How To Handle Meeting Killers - The Naysayer

mauzenne — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:05:31 +0000

This guidance recommends how to address behaviors in meetings that reduce meeting effectiveness, based on a popular 2012 Wall Street Journal article. This Chapter deals with handling a Naysayer – someone who tries to kill every idea, even after everyone’s agreed.

Self Development Informal 360°

mauzenne — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 05:11:42 +0000

This guidance tells you how to potentially get some informal self development guidance from your manager by asking three simple questions.

Common One On One Mistakes - Chapter One - Agenda Fascism

mauzenne — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 20:30:34 +0000

This guidance tells you how to avoid the mistake of “Agenda Fascism” in One on Ones.

How To Handle Meeting Killers - The Dominator

mauzenne — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 02:34:06 +0000

This guidance recommends how to address behaviors in meetings that reduce meeting effectiveness.

How To Do One On Ones With Shift Workers

mauzenne — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 05:32:46 +0000

This guidance tells you how to do One on Ones with your directs who work a different shift than you do.

How To Do Succession Planning Chapter 1 – Ready Now, Ready Next

mauzenne — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 04:14:40 +0000

This guidance recommends the 'Ready Now/Ready Next' Approach to Succession Planning.

The Morning Greeting

mauzenne — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 03:03:46 +0000

This guidance recommends greeting all of your directs when you first interact with them each morning, and how to do it.

How To Handle Meeting Killers - The Jokester

mauzenne — Mon, 28 May 2012 14:25:13 +0000

This guidance recommends how to address behaviors in meetings that reduce meeting effectiveness.

Big To Small Meeting Agendas

mauzenne — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:17:13 +0000

This guidance tells you how to structure meeting agendas around the biggest, most important items.

How To Address Social Media Abuse

mauzenne — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:51:21 +0000

This guidance tells you what to do when one of your directs spends too much time on social media.

"But I LIKE Doing That Part Of My Job!"

mauzenne — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:42:23 +0000

This guidance recommends how to address a direct who likes part of his/her job and won’t stop doing it, or won’t focus on other areas that are more valuable.

Aggregated Behaviors Are Performance - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:35:49 +0000

This cast concludes our recommendations on focusing on behaviors because behaviors are measurable and aggregated behaviors ARE performance.

Aggregated Behaviors Are Performance - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:37:50 +0000

This guidance recommends focusing on behaviors because behaviors are measurable and aggregated behaviors ARE performance.

Feedback From Your Directs - What To Say - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:54:19 +0000

This cast concludes our guidance on what to say when your directs say, “Can I give YOU some feedback?”

Feedback From Your Directs - What To Say - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:47:04 +0000

This guidance tells you what to say when your directs say, "Can I give YOU some feedback?"

And Not But Meeting Ground Rule

mauzenne — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:19:42 +0000

This guidance recommends a standing ground rule at all meetings: No “buts,” only “and”.

How To Use A RACI Matrix

mauzenne — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:55:46 +0000

This guidance describes how to use a RACI [Responsible, Accountable, Consult, Inform] Matrix when determining project responsibilities.

Ethics - Part 2

mauzenne — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:42:21 +0000

The conclusion of our guidance on ethical behavior.

How To Avoid Reverse Delegation

mauzenne — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 04:17:57 +0000

This guidance describes how to avoid having your directs give you work that you’ve already assigned to them.

Ethics - Part 1

mauzenne — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:03:30 +0000

Our guidance on ethical behavior. Although this show was originally recorded as a Career Tools cast, we've included it for free for our Manager Tools listeners and Licensees given the underlying assumption of ethical behavior in all our recommendations.

Bench Evaluation Chapter 1: Probing

mauzenne — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:28:47 -0400

This guidance describes how to interview those colleagues on your bench…without interviewing them.

Delegating To The Floor

mauzenne — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 21:20:24 -0500

This guidance describes how to help individual contributors handle an overload in work.

The Fruit Bowl At Meetings

mauzenne — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 23:12:03 -0500

This guidance describes how to use a “Fruit Bowl” to eliminate cell phone distractions at meetings.

Internal Support Roles And Responsibilities - Part 2

mauzenne — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:09:07 -0500

The conclusion of our guidance on how to obtain the requirements you need when working as an internal support provider.

Do NOT Give Feedback To Your Boss

mauzenne — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:35:28 -0500

This guidance describes how and why NOT to give feedback to your boss.

Internal Support Roles And Responsibilities - Part 1

mauzenne — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:47:27 -0500

We believe this podcast, while a Career Tools cast, is of particular interest to our Manager Tools listeners as well. So, we're providing this as an additional cast for our Manager Tools listeners and Individual Licensees – Our guidance how to obtain the requirements you need when working as an internal support provider.

Measuring Feedback Chapter 1 - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:02:36 -0500

This cast concludes our guidance on how to measure the amount of feedback you’re delivering to your directs.

Measuring Feedback Chapter 1 - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:23:06 -0500

This guidance describes how to measure the amount of feedback you’re delivering to your directs.

The 45 Minute Meeting

mauzenne — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:14:55 -0500

This guidance describes how to schedule hour-long meetings, which are often back-to-back-to-back, in only 45 minutes.

The First Rule Of Probing In An Interview

mauzenne — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:08:16 -0500

This guidance describes the most important to ask further questions about during an interview.

Routine Town Hall Meetings - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:05:21 -0500

This cast concludes our guidance on how to run a Routine Town Hall Meeting for your organization.

Routine Town Hall Meetings - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:53:44 -0500

This guidance describes how to run a Routine Town Hall Meeting for your organization.

New Direct - First Day Meeting (500th Cast)

mauzenne — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:35:25 -0500

This guidance describes the first meeting a manager ought to have with a new team member.

Ending A Bad Interview - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:53:17 -0500

This guidance concludes our discussion on when and how to end an interview with a candidate you won't hire.

Ending A Bad Interview - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:50:05 -0500

This guidance describes when and how to end an interview with a candidate you won't hire.

The Steel Cage Death Match Meetings - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:47:02 -0500

This cast concludes our guidance on how to prepare for Steel Cage Death Match Meetings.

The Steel Cage Death Match Meetings - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:45:49 -0500

This guidance describes how to prepare for Steel Cage Death Match Meetings.

Project Status Reporting Simple Feedback - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:00:36 -0500

This cast concludes our guidance on how to give feedback on how you want projects reported on.

Project Status Reporting Simple Feedback - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:26:37 -0500

This guidance describes how to give feedback on how you want projects reported on.

The Project Management Drumbeat Meeting - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:13:24 -0500

This guidance describes how to manage work and decisions being done on a project.

The Project Management Drumbeat Meeting - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:35:59 -0500

This guidance describes how to manage work and decisions being done on a project.

Taking Notes In Interviews - Chapter 1

mauzenne — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 21:51:38 -0400

This guidance recommends the best way to take notes during interviews.

Interview with Jim Collins, Author of Great by Choice

mauzenne — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:19:21 -0400

Mark recently had a chance to sit down and talk with Jim Collins about his most recent book, Great by Choice. You won't want to miss it.

Project Meeting Reporting - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 23:44:38 -0400

This cast concludes our guidance on how to have project statuses reported and discussed.

Project Meeting Reporting - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:58:03 -0400

This guidance describes how to have project statuses reported and discussed.

One On One Note-Taking Recommendations

mauzenne — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:30:50 -0400

This guidance describes some simple improvements most managers can make to help them take better notes during their One on Ones.

Top And Bottom Performer Reporting

mauzenne — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:27:32 -0400

This guidance describes how to be ready to talk with your boss about your team.

The Coaching Dilemma - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:06:11 -0400

This cast continues our discussion on whom to coach and develop on your team with your marginal time.

The Coaching Dilemma - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 21:56:16 -0400

This guidance describes whom to coach and develop on your team with your marginal time.

The Coaching Dilemma Introduction

mauzenne — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:11:56 -0400

A short (8 min) extra cast where Mark introduces the Coaching Dilemma and solicits YOUR responses. What do you think is the correct answer to the dilemma?

Right Of First Refusal - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:18:53 -0400

This cast concludes our discussion on how to use your calendar more proactively.

Right Of First Refusal - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:17:07 -0400

This guidance describes how to use your calendar more proactively.

Contract Employee One On Ones - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:47:38 -0400

This cast concludes our guidance on the right way to conduct One on Ones with your contract employees.

Contract Employee One On Ones - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 22:07:41 -0400

This guidance describes the right way to conduct One on Ones with your contract employees.

Bi-Monthly Skip Level Reviews - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 01:57:04 -0400

This guidance concludes our discussion on how to learn about your skips and develop your direct report managers by discussing your skips on a regular basis.

Bi-Monthly Skip Level Reviews - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:20:46 -0400

This guidance describes how to learn about your skips and develop your direct report managers by discussing your skips on a regular basis.

Travel EMP

mauzenne — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:05:29 -0400

This guidance describes how to prepare for the inevitable loss of gadgets and gadget power, most likely on while traveling.

Can I Be Friends With My Directs? - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:10:08 -0400

This cast concludes our guidance on what a professional manager's role and limits are when it comes to being friends with our directs.

Can I Be Friends With My Directs? - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:54:57 -0400

This guidance describes what a professional manager's role and limits are when it comes to being friends with our directs.

There Is No Why In Feedback - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:42:14 -0400

This cast concludes our guidance on what to do and why when directs want to describe why they did what they did when you have given them negative feedback.

There Is No Why In Feedback - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:05:10 -0400

This guidance describes what to do and why when directs want to describe why they did what they did when you have given them negative feedback.

Coaching Presenting Skills With Toastmasters

mauzenne — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:55:50 -0400

This guidance recommends having any of your directs who present, and maybe even yourself, join and attend a Toastmasters Chapter.

Measuring The Trinity - Chapter 1

mauzenne — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:16:27 -0400

This guidance explains how to BEGIN to measure YOUR success in rolling out the Manager Tools Trinity – One on Ones, Feedback, Coaching, and Delegation.

The One Third-Planning Rule - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:27:49 -0400

This cast concludes our guidance explaining the One-Third Planning Rule: when assessing and assigning work to your team, never take more than 1/3 of the available time to do so.

The One Third-Planning Rule - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:47:38 -0400

This guidance explains the One-Third Planning Rule: when assessing and assigning work to your team, never take more than 1/3 of the available time to do so.

Over Assigning And Delegating Work - Part 3

mauzenne — Mon, 30 May 2011 12:44:23 -0400

This cast concludes our recommendations on developing your directs by always having them have more to do than they have time to do ... by assigning and delegating more work than they think they can do.

Over Assigning And Delegating Work - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 22 May 2011 22:24:56 -0400

This cast continues our recommendations on developing your directs by always having them have more to do than they have time to do ... by assigning and delegating more work than they think they can do.

Over Assigning And Delegating Work - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 15 May 2011 23:51:55 -0400

This guidance recommends developing your directs by always having them have more to do than they have time to do…by assigning and delegating more work than they think they can do.

Peer One on Ones - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 08 May 2011 23:05:00 -0400

This cast concludes our recommendations on why and how to meet weekly, or regularly, with your peer managers.

Peer One on Ones - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 01 May 2011 23:31:14 -0400

This guidance recommends why and how to met weekly, or regularly, with your peer managers.

Event Based Feedback

mauzenne — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 11:27:04 -0400

This guidance recommends how to give a lot of feedback about a specific event all at once.

How To Manage A Disgruntled Non-Promoted Direct - Part 3

mauzenne — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:11:05 -0400

This cast concludes our guidance on how to manage one of your directs who wanted the job you’re in now, and you may have reason to believe that they will hold it against you.

How To Manage A Disgruntled Non-Promoted Direct - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:34:30 -0400

This cast continues our guidance on how to manage one of your directs who wanted the job you’re in now, and you may have reason to believe that they will hold it against you.

How To Manage A Disgruntled Non-Promoted Direct - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 19:16:09 -0400

This guidance recommends how to manage one of your directs who wanted the job you’re in now, and you may have reason to believe that they will hold it against you.

Internal Team Pre-Wires

mauzenne — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 14:54:38 -0400

This guidance describes why and how effective managers insist on their directs pre-wiring information they brief to you.

How To Run A SPOT Project Kickoff Meeting

mauzenne — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:47:34 -0400

This guidance describes how to run the first meeting you have with your team about a new project your team will be doing.

How To Assign Work Tasks - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 11:13:50 -0400

This cast concludes our discussion on how to assign tasks to your directs.

How To Assign Work Tasks - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:32:50 -0500

This guidance describes how to assign tasks to your directs.

How To Manage A Massive Workload Increase - Part 4

mauzenne — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:04:13 -0500

This cast concludes (Part 4 of 4) our guidance on how to respond when, through any number of factors, you and your team are OVERWHELMED with lots of new work. Perhaps it's a layoff, perhaps it's a re-organization, perhaps it's because you're GOOD. Regardless, what do you DO??

How To Manage A Massive Workload Increase - Part 3

mauzenne — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:33:58 -0500

This cast continues (Part 3 of 4) our guidance on how to respond when, through any number of factors, you and your team are OVERWHELMED with lots of new work. Perhaps it's a layoff, perhaps it's a re-organization, perhaps it's because you're GOOD. Regardless, what do you DO??

How To Manage A Massive Workload Increase - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 10:56:05 -0500

This cast continues our guidance on how to respond when, through any number of factors, you and your team are OVERWHELMED with lots of new work.

How To Manage A Massive Workload Increase - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:13:38 -0500

This guidance describes how to respond when, through any number of factors, you and your team are OVERWHELMED with lots of new work.

Boss Meeting Prep - No Surprises

mauzenne — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:34:32 -0500

This guidance describes how to prepare your boss for attending any meeting you are running.

Conduct Multiple Interviews, Chapter 1 - Part 3

mauzenne — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 15:08:08 -0500

In this cast, we conclude our conversation on how to interview candidates by conducting multiple interviews.

Conduct Multiple Interviews, Chapter 1 - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:57:54 -0500

In this cast, we continue our conversation on how to interview candidates by conducting multiple interviews.

Conduct Multiple Interviews, Chapter 1 - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 21:42:07 -0500

This guidance describes how to interview candidates by conducting multiple interviews.

Assumptive Goal Setting

mauzenne — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 22:42:29 -0500

This guidance describes a technique for how to think more creatively about annual planning goals.

Managers Are Communicated THROUGH

mauzenne — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 18:15:43 -0500

This guidance describes how managers ought to communicate organizational information to their team members.

Professional Subordination - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 21:04:05 -0500

This show concludes our recommendations on the professional approach to supporting choices you didn't champion.

Professional Subordination - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 20:27:38 -0500

This guidance recommends the professional approach to supporting choices you didn't champion.

Managing A High I: Dangers Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 22:44:44 -0500

This cast concludes our discussion on how to manage a High I direct based on some natural tendencies and weaknesses.

Managing A High I: Dangers Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 11:16:09 -0500

This guidance describes how to manage a High I direct based on some natural tendencies and weaknesses.

Not Too Picky Feedback

mauzenne — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 18:43:56 -0500

This guidance recommends giving negative feedback only after a second instance, and only ON the second instance.

Mentoring With Political Smarts

mauzenne — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:42:29 -0500

This guidance describes whom to choose to mentor internally based on political considerations.

Calendar Changes And Your Admin

mauzenne — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 12:42:06 -0500

This guidance describes some simple things your admin can do to help you manage your calendar.

Simple Project Reporting Guidance

wendii — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 01:00:01 -0400

This guidance describes how to assign a project to a direct and set up some simple reporting that will greatly increase early (and overall) success.

Distant Manager Basics - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 20:59:52 -0400

This cast concludes our guidance on some simple things managers can do to improve the accountability and productivity of distant team members.

Distant Manager Basics - Part 1

wendii — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:18:15 -0400

This guidance recommends some simple things managers can do to improve the accountability and productivity of distant team members.

Introducing Managerial Change

wendii — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 11:23:46 -0400

This guidance recommends how to introduce changes in how you manage your team.

Resistant Directs In One on Ones

mauzenne — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 20:16:21 -0400

This guidance recommends how to have effective One on Ones with directs who are initially resistant.

Managers and Governmental Politics – Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:25:44 -0400

This cast concludes our discussion on how effective managers address governmental politics at work.

Managers and Governmental Politics – Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 12:15:17 -0400

This guidance recommends how effective managers address governmental politics at work.

Succession Planning - Extending Your Network

mauzenne — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 15:16:40 -0400

This guidance recommends how to further your succession planning efforts by extending your network to your directs.

Effective Meetings Starter Model - Part 2

mauzenne — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:35:00 -0400

This cast concludes our conversation on an even more basic model for effective meetings than in our original guidance.

Effective Meetings Starter Model - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:51:42 -0400

This cast describes an even more basic model for effective meetings than in our original guidance.

One on Ones – Work or Personal?

mauzenne — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:16:14 -0400

This guidance addresses how personal One on Ones ought to be – should they be all about family and personal stuff, or just about work?

One On Ones Are Business Meetings

mauzenne — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:12:09 -0400

This guidance addresses questions about the purpose and value of One on Ones, particularly for those directs who challenge the need for them.

How To Handle Public Disagreement - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:06:16 -0400

This cast concludes our conversation on how to respond when someone disagrees publicly in an unprofessional way.

How To Handle Public Disagreement - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 22:34:05 -0400

This cast describes how to respond when someone disagrees publicly in an unprofessional way.

Third Party Negative Feedback – How To Decide

mauzenne — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:01:21 -0400

This cast describes how to decide whether or not to give feedback to one of your directs based on someone else's input.

Skip Level Feedback

mauzenne — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:56:35 -0400

This cast describes how to deliver feedback to skip level associates.

Calendar Control #1 – Say No

mauzenne — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:07:32 -0400

This cast describes a simple technique for controlling one's calendar, thereby keeping more time available for primary objectives.

Assign Work AND Reporting

mauzenne — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 21:26:01 -0400

This guidance recommends assigning both the reporting of work and the work itself when delegating.

Praise In Public, Criticize In Private Is WRONG

mauzenne — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:58:38 -0400

This guidance disagrees with the old notion of praise in public, criticize in private, and recommends more effective behaviors.

Yes, Please Praise, Thank You

mauzenne — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 09:11:54 -0400

This guidance recommends how to deliver both praise and feedback (though not together), and why they are both valuable – and completely different.

Feedback – Public Or Private?

mauzenne — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:14:58 -0400

This guidance describes whether or not to give feedback in public, or in private . . . or neither.

Feedback Immediacy

mauzenne — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 01:11:33 -0400

This cast describes WHEN to give feedback. How fast is too fast? How slow is too slow?

When NOT To Give Feedback - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:45:12 -0400

This cast concludes our conversation on some situations where feedback isn't appropriate, because the error/mistake/infraction is so egregious, encouragement of effective future behavior isn't enough.

When NOT To Give Feedback - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 23 May 2010 17:37:06 -0400

This cast describes some situations where feedback isn't appropriate, because the error/mistake/infraction is so egregious, encouragement of effective future behavior isn't enough.

Small Company Systems – The Rule of 150, Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 17 May 2010 07:56:35 -0400

This cast concludes our conversation on the Rule of 150, how it affects the growth of small companies and organizations, and how to address it.

Small Company Systems – The Rule of 150, Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 10 May 2010 08:44:08 -0400

This cast describes The Rule of 150, how it affects the growth of small companies and organizations, and how to address it.

How To Choose What To Delegate

mauzenne — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:19:12 -0400

This guidance describes how to choose what to delegate using a simple Venn Diagram – the intersection between the direct, the manager, and the organization.

Influence Through Verbal Commitments - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:04:01 -0400

The conclusion of our recommendations on how to influence others by asking for verbal commitments.

Influence Through Verbal Commitments - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:49:24 -0400

In this recommendation, Manager Tools describes how to influence others by asking for verbal commitments.

LinkedIn For Managers - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:52:49 -0400

This cast concludes our conversation on LinkedIn and what it means for Managers.

LinkedIn For Managers - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 22:51:47 -0400

This cast reviews our recent Career Tools guidance on LinkedIn, as well as highlights LinkedIn's recent Fortune magazine cover story, and recommends some basic LinkedIn behaviors for managers.

Rolling DOWN The Trinity

mauzenne — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:26:32 -0400

This cast describes one way to help your directs – when they are managers – to begin using the Manager Tools Management Trinity: One on Ones, Feedback, Coaching, and Delegation.

The Manager Tools Promotion Standard: 150% - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:10:55 -0400

This cast concludes our conversation on a more effective way to set standards for getting one of your directs promoted.

The Manager Tools Promotion Standard: 150% - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:22:59 -0400

This cast describes a more effective way to set standards for getting one of your directs promoted.

Delegate Your Reporting - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:10:50 -0500

We conclude our conversation on how and why to delegate almost all of your routine reporting to your directs.

Delegate Your Reporting

mauzenne — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:46:02 -0500

This cast describes how and why to delegate almost all of your routine reporting to your directs.

High D Manager Simple Downfall

mauzenne — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:17:39 -0500

This cast addresses a behavioral change for an insidious practice of High D Managers: always putting results in front of relationships. People MATTER!

High S Manager Simple Downfall

mauzenne — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:45:35 -0500

This cast addresses a behavioral change for an insidious practice of High S Managers: overprotecting your team.

Intra-Company Training Network Building

mauzenne — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:51:56 -0500

This cast recommends building relationships internally at your organization when you attend training events.

Managing Cultural Diversity - The Wendii Curve

mauzenne — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:19:09 -0500

This cast describes Manager Tools' first principle about managing directs from different cultures, based on the Wendii curve.

How To Manage An Arrogant Producer

mauzenne — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:37:38 -0500

This cast addresses how to manage a high performer who is arrogant or dismissive of others.

How To Stop Gossip

mauzenne — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:27:25 -0500

This cast addresses how to stop intra-office gossip.

The High I Manager Simple Downfall

mauzenne — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:00:13 -0500

This cast addresses a behavioral change for an insidious practice of High I Managers: starting well and ending poorly.

Developing Subordinate Managers - Chapter 1

mauzenne — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:26:46 -0500

This cast describes the first principle of how to develop subordinate managers - Measure Basic Behaviors.

Coaching/Feedback Template For Presentations

mauzenne — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:48:21 -0500

This cast provides guidance on giving feedback when coaching directs on their presentation skills, AND a detailed template managers can use when doing so.

Favorite Candidate Interview Preparation - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:30:48 -0500

This cast concludes our conversation on how to increase the chances that you will get to hire your favorite candidate when he or she has to interview elsewhere in the organization.

Favorite Candidate Interview Preparation - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:05:29 -0500

This cast describes how to increase the chances that you will get to hire your favorite candidate when he or she has to interview elsewhere in the organization.

High C Manager Simple Downfall - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:54:12 -0500

This cast concludes our conversation on a behavioral change for an insidious practice of High C Managers: finding fault with recommendations and ideas.

High C Manager Simple Downfall - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:55:19 -0500

This cast addresses a behavioral change for an insidious practice of High C Managers: finding fault with recommendations and ideas.

The One On One Refresh

mauzenne — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:14:31 -0500

This cast describes how to refresh your One on Ones with your directs after you've been doing them for 1-2 years.

My Boss Skips Me

mauzenne — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:13:09 -0500

This cast describes how to work with a boss who repeatedly skips over a manager and works directly with your directs (his or her "skips").

Owning The Inputs - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:04:10 -0500

This cast concludes our conversation on handling a direct who blames another direct for their failure to deliver a task on time.

Owning The Inputs - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:31:42 -0500

This cast recommends how to handle a direct who blames another direct for their failure to deliver a task on time.

Managers and Confidentiality

mauzenne — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:09:21 -0400

This cast recommends how managers handle requests for confidentiality from their directs.

The Management Trinity - Part 3

mauzenne — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:05:51 -0400

In this cast, we conclude our conversation on the origins of the Management Trinity, focusing on Coaching and Delegation.

The Management Trinity - Part 2

mauzenne — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:51:37 -0400

In this cast, we continue our conversation on the origins of the Management Trinity, focusing on One on Ones and Feedback.

The Management Trinity - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:50:53 -0400

This cast describes the origins of the Management Trinity: why we preach it, and how it came to be.

Timely Meetings – Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:17:15 -0400

This cast concludes our conversation on how to run timely meetings.

Timely Meetings – Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:20:11 -0400

This cast describes how to run timely meetings.

The First Question In Your One on One

mauzenne — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:36:14 -0400

This cast describes how to start every One on One.

Admin Trip Folders – Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:31:53 -0400

This cast concludes our discussion on a standard practice of administrative assistants helping managers prepare for business travel.

Admin Trip Folders - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:25:49 -0400

This cast describes a standard practice of administrative assistants helping managers prepare for business travel.

Direct Relationships Acid Test

mauzenne — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:54:33 -0400

This cast prescribes asking your directs what their children's names are.

Quick and Dirty Choosing a Number Two

mauzenne — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:37:39 -0400

This cast describes a quick and dirty way to choose an interim replacement or number two for your role as manager.

Project Manager Feedback

mauzenne — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:11:43 -0400

This cast describes how give feedback to a project team member if you are a project manager.

Team Formation – How Big?

mauzenne — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:04:12 -0400

This cast describes how big to size a team when forming it.

What To Delegate

mauzenne — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:33:16 -0400

This cast recommends simple choices for what to delegate to our directs.

The Coaching Model Revised - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:58:17 -0400

In this cast, we complete our discussion of the Revised Manager Tools Coaching Model.

The Coaching Model Revised - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:09:52 -0400

This cast describes the Manager Tools Revised Coaching Model.

Fighting The Downturn Silence

mauzenne — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:51:01 -0400

This cast describes how to combat the normal tendency of directs to communicate LESS during a downturn.

Simple DiSC®, Delegation, And Project Management - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:35:18 -0400

In this cast, we conclude our conversation on how to delegate and manage projects more effectively based on the DiSC profiles of your team members.

Simple DiSC, Delegation, And Project Management - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:04:38 -0400

This cast describes how to delegate and manage projects more effectively based on the DiSC profiles of your team members.

Change Leadership, What's My Visual - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:44:13 -0400

In this cast, we conclude our conversation about beginning change efforts in any organization

Change Leadership, What's My Visual - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:12:31 -0400

This cast describes how to begin any effort to change an organization.

Project Manager One on Ones - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:18:34 -0400

The conclusion of our discussion on Project Manager One on Ones.

Project Manager One on Ones - Part 1

mauzenne — Mon, 25 May 2009 02:18:41 -0400

This cast explains the basics of how to have One on Ones with project team members who do not report to you.

Phone One on Ones

mauzenne — Sun, 17 May 2009 21:08:33 -0400

We've said it a hundred times, but we've never covered the basics of HOW to conduct a One on One on the phone. Clearly it works - Mark has shared that over half of the O3s he's done have been over the phone. Here's how.

Coaching the Meeting Delegation- Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 10 May 2009 23:12:06 -0400

This cast concludes our discussion on how to coach one of our directs on how to run our staff meeting which we have delegated to them.

Coaching the Meeting Delegation- Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:54:16 -0400

This cast describes how to coach one of our directs on how to run our staff meeting which we have delegated to them.

Staff Meeting Delegation and Succession Planning

mauzenne — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:52:12 -0400

This cast describes how to delegate running your staff meeting as part of succession planning.

One Less Thing - Free Up Your Calendar

mauzenne — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:24:58 -0400

This cast describes an executive priority management technique - One Less Thing - to free up your calendar.

The Feedback Continuum

mauzenne — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:52:10 -0400

This cast describes how to give negative feedback in an escalating way, over time, to improve performance.

Systemic Feedback

mauzenne — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 13:46:55 -0400

What do we do when we've tried giving negative feedback but it doesn't seem to be working? We've given repeated instances of feedback, and yet we don't see a change in a direct's behavior? We give systemic feedback. And it's easy to give - it's just the four step standard feedback model with a change in focus. If you already know how to give standard feedback, systemic feedback is simple to implement...yet its simplicity belies its power. Really well delivered systemic feedback is exceptionally hard to ignore, and lays excellent groundwork for further efforts if the direct doesn't change his or her behavior.

Layoff Communications Part 1: Openly Confidential

mauzenne — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:11:37 -0400

This cast how to talk about layoffs when they are being considered. Many managers are torn when it comes to layoffs. Most of us know that when they happen, they're probably inevitable. We understand that layoffs are often a painful necessity (even though they're an admission of failure). We also know that the thought, rumor, or knowledge of layoffs is likely to create questions from our team. Just a rumor of a rumor will induce fear. So what are the rules about communicating about layoffs? What do we say when asked? How should we say it? Can we lie?

Bad Boss #1 - When You Have Directs

mauzenne — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:17:31 -0400

Most of us, when we have an angry and demeaning boss, tend to worry about ourselves first. We have to deal with most of the yelling, and most of the abuse. But if we have directs, we've got an additional responsibility. And our directs may be somewhat sheltered, but our boss can be REALLY threatening and fear‐inducing. We have a relationship of SOME sorts with this bad boss. But it's likely our directs ONLY see our boss at his or her worst. And, we almost always underestimate how much more fear our directs feel for their "skip‐boss" than we do. We've got to talk to our directs about this kind of boss, in a professional way, and we've got to have a consistent approach for dealing with the problems an angry and demeaning boss creates for our team. Here's how.

Deciding Between Two Good Candidates

mauzenne — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:41:50 -0400

This cast describes how to decide between two good candidates in a hiring situation. We're NOT going to tell everyone who's trying to decide between two candidates whom they should pick. What we are going to do with this cast is tell you what factors are most effective in determining whom to hire, as well as walking you through a simple process for the decision.

The Heart of Feedback

mauzenne — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 12:23:33 -0400

This cast describes behaviors for managers to engage in to ensure that they deliver feedback ethically and professionally. Mark recently had an experience that was somewhat chilling for him. He was talking to a manager who wanted to show him how good he was at improving. This was a High D, forceful manager who described himself as "a recovering jerk". He was following the Manager Tools Feedback Model, but wasn't getting results? Why is that? Because he was violating the purpose of feedback, to encourage effective behavior. Feedback that meets the purpose of feedback must come from a positive place, from emotions of love and not fear, of respect and not intimidation. We have a series of recommendations for all of us to do before we give feedback, so that we all stay mindful of WHY we're giving feedback, and what its purpose is: to encourage effective behavior.

Effective Meetings - No Laptops

mauzenne — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:49:55 -0500

This cast describes why and how to run your meetings without laptops. For our original cast on the Effective Meetings Protocol, check out "Effective Meetings - Get Out of Jail!"

The Starter Feedback Model - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:09:31 -0500

In this cast, we complete our 2-part series on the Starter Feedback Model, an EVEN SIMPLER method for delivering feedback.

The Starter Feedback Model - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:46:02 -0500

This cast describes an EVEN SIMPLER method for delivering feedback to help those managers who are struggling to implement it.

How To Handle Two Viable Job Candidates

mauzenne — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:22:33 -0500

This cast describes what to do when a manager has two candidates for a job that meet the standard, but you can only offer one candidate.

Manager Tools ONE DAY Effective Manager Conference Washington DC Area

mauzenne — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:17:54 -0500

March 24, 2009 - Embassy Suites Dulles - North/Loudon We’re pleased to offer you the first ever opportunity to attend a ONE DAY Effective Manager Conference (EMC) on March 24th in the Washington DC area.

Bench Development in a Downturn

mauzenne — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:48:36 -0500

This cast discusses a way to build your recruiting "bench" during market downturns.

Horstman's Law of Project Management - Part 4

mauzenne — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:21:00 -0500

Part 4 of our series on Horstman's Law of Project Management.

Horstman's Law of Project Management - Part 3

mauzenne — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:39:10 -0500

Part 3 of our series on Horstman's Law of Project Management.

Horstman's Law of Project Management - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:16:33 -0500

Part 2 of our series on Horstman's Law of Project Management.

Horstman's Law of Project Management - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:10:29 -0500

In this cast we describe Horstman's Law of Project Management: Who Does What By When. We've talked and joked about it many times, and this cast will put to rest the details of Horstman's Law of Project Management (HLPM). Mark came up with it several years ago, to help a group of young managers get over their fear of working on fairly complex software development projects. It was actually born over a dinner at Mexican restaurant in Dallas! The concept is simple: all projects are simply tasks, done by people, within certain time frames. Despite all protestations to the contrary, no matter how complex the project, they all boil down to who is responsible for doing something, what they're responsible for, and when they have to have it done by. Complex tools can be helpful, but only on really large projects (and almost nobody looks at them anyway ;-) ). Keep it simple with HLPM. Here's how.

Career Tools Cast #3: What Do You Want To Do?

mauzenne — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:21:06 -0500

This cast explains an important career search question, and how to answer it: "What do you want to do, and where do you want to do it?" You're going to be asked this question, and you have to know how to answer it, without limiting yourself. It's one of those fleeting career moments whose outcome is defined likely BEFORE the moment arrives.

Change Briefings Preparation Rule #1: Individuals, Not Arguments

mauzenne — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:49:22 -0500

In this cast we debunk the myth that change briefings are about logic, and suggest a different path: persuading individual team members. You're going to be asked to lead, or at least brief on, change efforts that your organization is engaged in. Regardless of whether it's your idea or someone else's, you don't win people's energy to your cause by showing how right you are. You win their support by showing them why this plan works for THEM.

Harvesting Annual Reviews

mauzenne — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:11:47 -0500

This cast discusses a way to harvest our work on annual reviews for use during layoff discussions.

Career Tools Cast #2: The First Rule of Higher Education - Get Good Grades

mauzenne — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:33:11 -0500

This cast makes the case for the most important thing you do at the beginning of your professional life: get good grades in College/University. This is the first in a series of what surely will be many Career Tools casts about college and university as preparation for one’s professional adult life. As with so many other [...]

Smart Interviewing In A Downturn

mauzenne — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:14:08 -0500

This cast describes how to interview effectively during a downturn, particularly for difficult to fill positions. When you get to fill a position during a down market, it usually means it's a critical position, and/or one that's been open a long time. Because you're in a buyer's market, it's usually pretty easy to find a [...]

Career Tools Cast #1: How to Handle Location in an Interview

mauzenne — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:23:14 -0500

This cast describes a simple way to handle the interviewing question, “What's your location preference?” Many people lose great job opportunities because they don't know how to talk about WHERE they want to work without scaring the recruiter. There's a right way to do it. It's okay to prefer a certain location … but [...]

How to Provide a Reference

mauzenne — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:37:23 -0500

This cast describes effective ways to provide references when asked. Your directs and former directs are going to ask you to provide them references. Yet you've probably heard that providing references is generally frowned upon. More and more, HR says you can't. But you can.

Simple Stakeholder Decision Analysis Tool

mauzenne — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:24:49 -0500

This cast explains a simple technique to consider the impact of decisions on multiple stakeholders. Decision-making (which is more than choosing!) is a core part of our jobs as managers. But yet again, there’s not a lot of training or development spent on it. Everyone hates learning it on their own…but then they visit [...]

Facilitating Ground Rules to Start a Meeting

mauzenne — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:22:29 -0500

This cast shows how to facilitate the capture of Ground Rules when starting a meeting. Finally we return to discussing presentations! Both Mark and Mike have recently been in the audience for professional presentations, and it was an eye opening experience for both of us. We think every manager – and by definition if you’re a manager you have to assume you’re going to be a presenter – ought to have presentation training. And we think we’re the ones to do it. ;‐)

Making Decisions Effective, Part 2 - One Action!

mauzenne — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:55:34 -0500

This cast describes how to make a decision effective by NOT working on other actions or plans after you’ve decided. Too many of us feel good about a “decision” we’ve made (when actually it was a choice, and not a decision), and then we mess up the “decision” by failing to act aggressively on it. [...]

Boss One-on-Ones - Professional Updates

mauzenne — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 08:45:42 -0500

This cast describes a way to approximate One on Ones (O3s) with your boss. We’ve been asked this question so many times, it’s really amazing that we’ve waited this long to publicize widely the same answer we’ve given so many listeners and members. We know, we know: you want to have One on [...]

Race, Don't Chase - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:18:51 -0500

During this show, we conclude our conversation on Race, Don't Chase.

Audio Blog: Twitter, I Don't Like It

Mark Horstman — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:58:38 -0400

I'm sure there are going to be a few people very upset with me. I frankly don't care. I do not like Twitter. I've used it, and I don't like it, and I'll tell you why. Because if you're a manager, and as we like to say, if you're an executive, which is not as exclusive [...]

Race, Don't Chase

mauzenne — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:27:53 -0400

Most any manager can manage well, or at least look good managing, when times are good. Retention is as easy as it will ever be, budgets tend to grow to hide lack of controls, and others want to join your team, so hiring is easy too. But during tough economic times, the professional manager has to [...]

Audio Blog: Stories At Work

Mark Horstman — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:38:55 -0400

At some point, we are going to do a couple of podcasts, perhaps 10, 20, 30, I don't know, regarding culture in the workplace. A big part of culture at the workplace is stories we tell one another. I read a “Harvard Business Review article” a while ago, it may have been over a year ago, [...]

Making Decisions Effective

mauzenne — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:25:35 -0400

Mark has been re-reading Peter Drucker's The Effective Executive for the billionth time lately. Every time he reads it, something different strikes him. This time he was looking to get some validation that Drucker believed that consensus is overrated (it is), and he stumbled across this gem. It's two simple sentences, but as [...]

Audio Blog: Toast

Mark Horstman — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:54:41 -0400

Some of you have probably heard me talk about this before. Email is a scourge on all of us, most days. I see all kinds of email behavior, all the time - at clients, everywhere I go. And the one thing that surprises me the most, and this goes back to some comments I made [...]

5 Ways to Master Horstman's 3rd Law of Interviewing (Part 2)

mauzenne — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:11:20 -0400

In today's cast, we conclude our conversation on Horstman's 3rd Law of Interviewing. As always, if you're new to Manager Tools and haven't listened to the first part, you may wish to go back and listen to that first.

Audio Blog: Three Way Economic Systems

Mark Horstman — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:59:56 -0400

And the answer really is folks: they don't work. When you think about almost any economic system that exists today, there is a buyer and a seller. The seller has something the buyer wants and the buyer expects the seller to give him or her a fair price. There is an inherent negotiation that happens [...]

Career Crisis Email

mauzenne — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 22:28:44 -0400

This cast describes your initial communications with a friend or associate whose career is at risk, for whatever reason. We read in the Wall Street Journal this week about a bank failure in the US due to the mortgage/debt crisis the markets are facing. As it turns out, we have several Manager Tools members there, [...]

FREE Career Crisis Skills Conference - NYC, 18 October

Mark Horstman — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:45:18 -0400

Manager Tools will present a FREE, one day Career Crisis Skills Conference, on 18 October, to help those affected by the financial and credit market troubles. We will conduct the training/seminar at the Marriott East Side in Manhattan (map, sw corner 49th and Lex), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be room for 300 attendees [...]

Our New Audio Blog, and “Transitions Lenses”

Mark Horstman — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:00:37 -0400

The Audio Blog is going to be a regular installment of Manager Tools. Our intent is to provide you information on about a weekly basis about things that interest us that we find different or amusing or surprising about management that perhaps don't make a strong enough case to be a podcast, or in many [...]

5 Ways to Master Horstman's 3rd Law of Interviewing (Part 1)

mauzenne — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:28:50 -0400

Lately, we've gotten lots of questions from our 28,000+ members about our interviewing series. Because of the uncertainties many are facing today, we thought it might be helpful to return to our guidance on interviewing. Horstman's 3rd Law of Interviewing: We'll Take 90% Less Ability for 10% More Attitude Every Day of the Week. When the market [...]

I Hate My New Job

mauzenne — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:16:14 -0400

This cast describes steps to take when you realize early in a job that you don't like it. One of the things that has changed as individuals have had to take over their own career management is more mistakes made by younger professionals. Years ago, larger organizations had a more complete HR approach, and managed their [...]

Feel, Felt, Found

mauzenne — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:32:41 -0400

This cast describes a simple verbal tool for addressing tension, conflict or other ineffective emotions in the workplace. Mark has finally gotten around to writing this cast down! Every time Mark teaches this technique to an executive or manager, he turns to Mike and says, “we gotta make this a cast.” And then he doesn't. When [...]

Rolling Out the Manager Tools' Trinity - Part 4

mauzenne — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:26:55 -0400

This cast includes Part 4 of our discussion on how to implement the Manager Tools' Management Trinity (One on Ones, Feedback, Coaching).

Atlanta Effective Manager Conference Overview

mauzenne — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:10:11 -0400

November 11 - 12 , 2008 - Renaissance Concourse Hotel, Atlanta “I have attended Dale Carnegie, American Management Association, etc conferences and the MT conference blew them away!” - Jeff Vose, 2007 Conference Attendee Mark and I are pleased to announce our Effective Manager Conference, November 11 - 12, at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia. We guarantee it [...]

Rolling Out the Manager Tools' Trinity - Part 3

mauzenne — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:00:21 -0400

This cast includes Part 3 of our discussion on how to implement the Manager Tools' Management Trinity (One on Ones, Feedback, Coaching).

Rolling Out the Manager Tools' Trinity - Part 2

mauzenne — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:08:54 -0400

This cast includes Part 2 of our discussion on how to implement the Manager Tools' Management Trinity (One on Ones, Feedback, Coaching - and Delegation!).

Rolling Out the Manager Tools' Trinity - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:46:28 -0400

This cast describes how to gradually implement Manager Tools' Management Trinity (One on Ones, Feedback, Coaching - and Delegation!). We've been asked a thousand questions about what to do and when to do it when it comes to the Management Trinity, and we've finally gotten frustrated enough to do something about it. We assumed that [...]

The Meeting Introduction for Large Groups

mauzenne — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:41:40 -0400

This cast describes how to use the Manager Tools Meeting Introduction Tool For Large Groups - up to 100 Attendees! We get asked all the time, “how big a group have you ever used the Meeting Introduction Tool with?” The answer is 110. It is Mark's favorite Manager Tool because everyone can use it, it [...]

Business Travel - Packing

mauzenne — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 17:00:31 -0400

For years pundits have been predicting that technology (videoconferencing, etc.) will lead to the decline and death of business travel. We here at Manager Tools don’t agree. We're human, and humans do better with face to face connections to ensure a complex project does well. Technology has led to the globalization of [...]

John Lucht Interview - Part 3 of 3

mauzenne — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:01:01 -0400

In this cast, we cover part 3 of our conversation with John Lucht, premier executive recruiter and author of “Rites of Passage”. Note: John's website can be found here: RiteSite.com

Boomerangs! (repost)

mauzenne — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:04:50 -0400

[Note: This is a repost of a previous corrupt podcast file.] This cast describes how to increase your chances of re-hiring someone who has left your organization. They're called Boomerangs! There really IS a war for talent going on today. Demographics are in many ways working against us, reducing the labor pool, as well as changing [...]

John Lucht Interview - Part 2 of 3

mauzenne — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:53:46 -0400

In this cast, we cover part 2 of our conversation with John Lucht, premier executive recruiter and author of “Rites of Passage”. Note: John's website can be found here: RiteSite.com

The MySpace Cast - Part 2 of 2

mauzenne — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:45:23 -0400

In today's cast, we conclude our conversation on Myspace and social networks. As always, if you're new to Manager Tools and haven't listened to the first part, you may wish to go back and listen to that first.

John Lucht Interview - Part 1 of 3

mauzenne — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:56:38 -0400

We have a special treat for you … as a matter of fact, today we're publishing the very first podcast with someone other than Mark and Mike. Mark and Mike recently had an opportunity to meet with John Lucht. In this show, you get to hear the first part of the 90 minute interview. If [...]

The MySpace Cast - Part 1 of 2

mauzenne — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:13:11 -0400

This cast gives guidance for managers' use of Social Networking Sites like MySpace and FaceBook. If you're one of our younger listeners, members, or premium subscribers, with less than 5 years in the workforce, chances are you have a MySpace or a FaceBook page. You stay in touch with friends, let people know what you're [...]

Sharing Your References

mauzenne — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:39:54 -0400

This cast tells you how to handle requests for your references when engaged in a job search. Even though “References Available Upon Request” is no longer a good idea, reference CHECKING is on the rise and will only increase in the coming years. It seems like since resumes don't include the age-old line - the why [...]

How to Coach Directs on Interpersonal Skills - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:00:17 -0400

On today's cast, we complete our discussion on coaching directs on interpersonal skills. Of course, if you haven't listened to last week's cast, you may want to start there.

How to Coach Directs on Interpersonal Skills - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:00:09 -0400

This cast tells you how to begin a process of coaching a direct on interpersonal skills. Soft Skills! How many times have you heard, “hired for technical skills, fired for (lack of) people skills”? It may be common wisdom (an oxymoron if there ever was one), but it's still true. The path to greater success [...]

San Francisco Effective Manager Conference Overview

mauzenne — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:01:00 -0400

We've been asked a number of times recently for more information about the Effective Manager Conference we're holding in San Francisco, July 22 - 23. Although we used to put out a special cast each time we hosted a conference, we haven't done that of late. So, for those who asked, here you go. [...]

Managing in a Matrix Organization - Part 2

mauzenne — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:55:09 -0400

In this cast, we finish our conversation on how to manage effectively in a Matrix Organization. By now, you know why matrix organizations exist (and why we don't like them). In today's cast, we talk about what you DO to be effective in matrix organizations.

The Manager Tools Effective Communications Conference

mauzenne — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:34:21 -0400

September 9-10, 2008 – Hilton Palacio Del Rio Hotel, San Antonio, TX “Communication is What The Listener Does” - Peter Drucker We are pleased to announced our first ever Effective Communications Conference! Communication is so critical to every manager, and yet so few seem to do it well. Join us in San Antonio to learn how to be [...]

Managing in a Matrix Organization - Part 1

mauzenne — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 17:48:24 -0400

This cast describes how to manage effectively in a Matrix Organization. (Not that we recommend it ) We've finally succumbed to the steady drumbeat of requests for “The Manager Tools Way” of dealing with how to survive and thrive in a matrix organization. A couple of years ago, Mark said he'd never [...]

How To Create A Simple Behavioral Interview Question

mauzenne — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:50:07 -0400

This cast describes how to create a simple behavioral interview question. We believe that behavioral interviewing is the best systemic form of interviewing evaluation a manager can use. There's nothing that even comes CLOSE. Sure, there are those who think testing is important, and we don't disagree. But we also think that a [...]

Effective Meetings Behavior Part 5 - Posture

mauzenne — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:29:51 -0400

We're all in meetings all the time, right? So how come there's not an instruction manual? We all complain about them. But no one seems able or willing to do something about it. We will. We shared - 3 years ago - our recommendations on how to RUN an Effective Meeting. [...]

One Kind Thing

mauzenne — Sun, 18 May 2008 23:26:30 -0400

This cast shares a simple technique for managers to be kind to their directs. Many of our casts address specific problems that managers face. It's easy to forget that management is an inherently human endeavor. And when it comes to our humanity, all the technology in our modern world doesn't take the place of [...]

How to Remember Names

mauzenne — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:00:53 -0400

This show describes a couple of simple techniques to help you remember people's names. Whether we like it or not, other people are part of our professional lives. And, as Dale Carnegie sagely noted, “A person's name, to that person, is the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” But how to remember [...]

Meal Interviews (Part 2 of 2)

mauzenne — Sun, 04 May 2008 18:59:40 -0400

This podcast is the second of two on the subtleties associated with being interviewed during a meal.

Meal Interviews (Part 1 of 2)

mauzenne — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:31:37 -0400

This podcast details all the subtleties associated with being interviewed during a meal. We have NO EXCUSE for why we didn't do this podcast 2 years ago. We get this question all the time, so much so that we're making it part of the standard weekly show rather than restricting it to the interview tool. [...]

Resume Update 2008

mauzenne — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:57:33 -0400

This cast updates one of our most popular casts Your Resume Stinks [October 31, 2005] with learnings from our community and some timely recommendations regarding recent trends. And, in this cast, we make a very exciting New Product Announcement! The Link: Manager Tools Resume Service Description

The Manager Tools Talent Scouting Averages

mauzenne — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:00:23 -0400

This cast describes a technique for measuring your team and/or organization's ability to recognize talent. Many managers mistakenly fail to connect the process of hiring with the later successes and failures of the organization. When someone doesn't work out, particularly if it's 3-5 years after they were hired, very few managers think that the problem [...]

The Interview Results Capture Meeting

mauzenne — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:02:55 -0400

This cast explains how to capture interview results in a fast and simple meeting. One of the things we have learned over the years is that bad hiring is easy, and good hiring is hard. It's easy to hire someone who isn't going to work out – just do one interview, don't dig for details, [...]

How to Give Feedback About Attire

mauzenne — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:00:14 -0400

This cast describes how to give feedback about your employees' attire. Mark once was asked to adjudicate a discussion between two managers (one new, one experienced). The issue? “Should a manager give feedback about the clothes an employee is wearing?” Mark sided with the manager who said no, you shouldn’t. If you're surprised, listen in!

The First Rule for New Managers

mauzenne — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 11:17:42 -0400

In this cast, we share the First Rule For New Managers: the most important recommendation for someone taking over a team. We have been asked hundreds of times for guidance on what to do as a new manager, and we're finally ready to start rolling out this series of casts. This first cast will probably [...]

The Management Trinity - Delegation

mauzenne — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 17:00:40 -0400

This cast explains our rationale for why Delegation is the 4th Member of our Management Trinity. Ah, the FOURTH member of the Trinity. We did this for two reasons – one, to make it easier to remember. Two, because you simply cannot grow an organization profitably without Delegation. You can grow the profitability of [...]

The Management Trinity - Coaching

mauzenne — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:38:59 -0400

This cast describes the role of Coaching in the Management Trinity, and makes a KEY recommendation regarding development of directs and performance management. This week, we cover the Coaching Model's inclusion in the Management Trinity. It’s BY FAR the least used of the Trinity. That's too bad, because it only takes 5 minutes a [...]

The Management Trinity - Feedback

mauzenne — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:00:00 -0500

This show describes the The Feedback Model's inclusion in the Management Trinity. We continue here our recent theme of revisiting the high level rationale and actions involved in the Management Trinity. In our discussion of feedback, we talk about the basics, of course: What the Feedback Model gives the effective manager, and how the effective [...]

The Management Trinity - One on Ones

mauzenne — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:22:20 -0500

This cast begins our series on the the Management Trinity, and our reasons for each of its three (four) components: One on Ones, Feedback, Coaching and Delegation. We’ve talked about the Management Trinity for nearly three years, but we’ve never really laid out specifically how and why it works. The best managers we know [...]

One on Ones for the DIRECT

mauzenne — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:00:48 -0500

How can you have a great One on One with your boss? How can you get the the most out of the most valuable recurring communication investment you make? This is an important question … and it seems that a lot of managers DO NOT ask it. Some of the managers who [...]

How to Introduce People

mauzenne — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:57:21 -0500

This cast explains how to introduce one person to another in social and business settings. We surprised some of our members a couple of years ago when we included podcasts on how to attend a party, and how to introduce oneself to someone else. Some saw this as “etiquette”, which the modern business world had, [...]

MT Goals Examples

mauzenne — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:34:44 -0500

This cast gives numerous simple examples of Manager Tools' ‘MT Goals': Goals that are Measurable and Time-Based. Our MT Goals 3-part cast generated a great deal of enthusiasm. A lot of managers are thinking right now about what their goals are or will be for this calendar year. And, a lot of managers struggle [...]

The Annual Layoff Immunization (Part 2 of 2)

mauzenne — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:00:16 -0500

This week, we conclude our conversation on the Manager Tools Annual Layoff Immunization Guidelines.

The Annual Layoff Immunization (Part 1 of 2)

mauzenne — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 16:00:00 -0500

We received lots of comments and email regarding our show regarding the first rule of layoffs. While our recommendation struck some folks the wrong way - “finances rule??” - those who HAD been laid off told us we were dead solid perfect. The fact is, we did not expect three years ago to get [...]

How to Set Annual Goals (Part 3 of 3)

mauzenne — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:29:33 -0500

In this cast, we complete our series on setting annual goals with Mark's story of John and the Gate Guards. Although “merely” a story, don't fool yourself … there are valuable lessons in there!

How to Set Annual Goals (Part 2 of 3)

mauzenne — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:06:28 -0500

In this cast, we continue our conversation on setting annual goals. Last week we discussed our general thoughts on Goals, and particularly our thinly-veiled disdain for SMART goals. Today, we continue our conversation and discuss our core rules for setting goals. Next week, we'll conclude the series with our story of “John and the Gate Guards.”