The New Manager Playbook with Lia Garvin – Details, episodes & analysis

Ever found yourself managing a team where you don't have direct experience in their field? I've been there, and I know how nerve-wracking it can be.  In Episode 162 of Managing Made Simple, I'm sharing one of the biggest mistakes I see managers make in this situation: downplaying their own expertise.

It might seem humble, but trust me, this can seriously backfire. Your team needs a confident leader, someone who can guide them and provide support. 

I'll share some practical tips on how to effectively lead a team outside your area of expertise, including how to acknowledge your limitations without diminishing your value, how to leverage your strengths, and how to be a connector who gets your team the support they need.  Plus, I'll share a personal story about the time I had to manage an engineer (with zero engineering background!) and what I learned from that experience.

🎙️ Key Takeaways:

[0:00] Intro: The challenge of managing outside your expertise.
[1:17] The common mistake managers make in this situation.
[3:25] How to lead with humility and credibility.
[6:05] A personal story of managing an engineer as a program manager.
[9:45] Final tips for building trust and confidence as a leader.

📚 Book Launch: The New Manager Playbook
Launching January 27th, 2025! Join the launch notification list for exclusive bonuses and updates: Click here to join.

Need help managing your team? Email me at hello@liagarvin.com.

--

WORK WITH LIA:

How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?

I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy

CONNECT WITH LIA:

Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

Ever had a boss who made you dread coming to work? It happens more than we like to admit. But here’s the good news: Being a great manager isn’t about being perfect. It’s about creating an environment where your team feels supported, valued, and motivated to give their best.

In Episode 161 of Managing Made Simple, I’m sharing three habits that can unknowingly push team members away—and how to turn them into strategies that build trust, engagement, and retention:

1. Doing instead of delegating: Learn how to empower your team by letting go of control.
2. Telling instead of asking: Build trust and accountability through thoughtful questions.
3. Criticizing instead of recognizing: Discover why frequent appreciation leads to stronger, more confident teams.

These small shifts can make a big difference in how your team sees you—and how they show up every day.

Key takeaways from this episode:
[0:00] Intro: Why people leave managers, not jobs
[1:30] Doing instead of delegating: How to let go and empower your team
[4:50] Telling instead of asking: The art of coaching and thoughtful questions
[7:20] Criticizing instead of recognizing: Why appreciation is essential for growth

📚 Ready to become the manager your team deserves? The New Manager Playbook launches January 27th. Join the list for updates and bonuses: liagarvin.com/newbook.

--

WORK WITH LIA:

How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?

I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.

Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy

CONNECT WITH LIA:

Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

Motivating your team (and yourself) is one of the hardest challenges in management. In this episode, I share actionable strategies for identifying what motivates your team members, why their lack of motivation is your responsibility, and how to reconnect with your own purpose as a leader.

Key Topics Covered:

• [0:00] Why motivation matters for your team and you as a leader
• [1:01] What to do when team members feel unmotivated
• [3:16] Understanding intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivators
• [4:15] How to tap into your own motivation to lead effectively

📚 Book Launch: The New Manager Playbook
Launching January 27th! Join the launch notification list and get exclusive bonuses: Click here to join.

Need help managing your team? Email me at hello@liagarvin.com.

CONNECT WITH LIA:

Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

No one ever *wants* to be a micromanager, and yet, there are those days where you realize you're so deep in the weeds you should have brought your gardening tools. The problem, of course, is that the more we hold on, the less our team members step up, leading us to grab the reins even tighter. 

In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I talk about three signs you are falling into the trap of micromanaging and three simple shifts to make to get out of it. 

--

Ready for a one-stop-shop for everything you need to be a better manager? From live Q&As and Ask Me Anythings to recommendations of tools to exclusive resources, the Managing Made Simple Hub is the last place you'll ever need to look. Sign up today at: liagarvin.com/hub

Looking for support for your team? Reach out to hello@liagarvin.com to learn more about one of my four core focuses for teams:
For Entrepreneurs & Founders - Let's get you out of the weeds and your teams firing on all cylinders, saving you time and money to reinvest in your business. Ask about the "Ops Playbook" to get started.
For Corporate Managers & Teams - Want to build more effective managers, get better at giving & receiving feedback, solve RTO the right way, or support your team in navigating change and uncertainly? Ask about my "Manager & Team workshops".

--

Connect with me!
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/liagarvin
Instagram: instagram.com/lia.garvin
Web: liagarvin.com
Music by Y8S: isaacy8s.com

As leaders, our primary role is to serve our teams. And yet how many times have we had that manager or leader who doesn't really know what we need to feel successful?

On this episode of Managing Made Simple, I'm joined by Vashti Boyce, Founder/CEO of Wild Iris Consulting, where we talk about the importance of getting to know your team members, how to build inclusive teams, and trauma informed leadership. 

About Vashti:
Vashti is a business consultant who leans into their education, vocational experiences, and integrative values as they work with individuals and organizations, illuminating how we can better relate to and work with one another in a way that promotes racial equity and social justice.

Learn more about Vashti and their work: https://www.wildirisconsultingllc.com/

--

Get the Thriving Team Scorecard and join my 20-day challenge to become a better manager to your team in just one month - liagarvin.com/scorecard

 Looking for support for your team? Reach out to hello@liagarvin.com to learn more about one of my four core focuses for teams:
For Entrepreneurs & Founders - Let's get you out of the weeds and your teams firing on all cylinders, saving you time and money to reinvest in your business. Ask about the "Ops Playbook" to get started.
For Corporate Managers & Teams - Want to build more effective managers, get better at giving & receiving feedback, solve RTO the right way, or support your team in navigating change and uncertainly? Ask about my "Manager & Team workshops".

--

Connect with me!
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/liagarvin
Instagram: instagram.com/lia.garvin
Web: liagarvin.com
Music by Y8S: isaacy8s.com

How many of us have had those weeks where it feels like NOTHING is going right? When we have back to back weeks like this, it can start to chip away at our confidence as a leader - and I'm here to put a stop to that spiral thinking right now.

In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I talk about the importance on reflecting on wins as a manager, and how it build resilience for you personally and for your team. 

References in this episode: Unstuck by Lia Garvin! If you're a fan of the pod, you'll love the Audible version :) 

--

Get the Thriving Team Scorecard and join my 20-day challenge to become a better manager to your team in just one month - liagarvin.com/scorecard

 Looking for support for your team? Reach out to hello@liagarvin.com to learn more about one of my four core focuses for teams:
For Entrepreneurs & Founders - Let's get you out of the weeds and your teams firing on all cylinders, saving you time and money to reinvest in your business. Ask about the "Ops Playbook" to get started.
For Corporate Managers & Teams - Want to build more effective managers, get better at giving & receiving feedback, solve RTO the right way, or support your team in navigating change and uncertainly? Ask about my "Manager & Team workshops".

--

Connect with me!
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/liagarvin
Instagram: instagram.com/lia.garvin
Web: liagarvin.com
Music by Y8S: isaacy8s.com

As managers, it's on us to make sure our team members understand how their roles fit into the bigger picture, and there's no better way to do this than setting clear priorities and even clearer expectations. 

In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I'm joined by Susan Ramirez, Founder & CEO of The National Angels nonprofit, where we talk about the Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations framework that has propelled the organization to massive scale, accountability as a leader, and the four questions every manager must ask themselves when leading a team. 

Resources mentioned in the show: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

About Susan: 
Susan is the Founder & CEO of National Angels. In 2015 Susan left an 8 year career in corporate America and has now grown into a national organization, currently operating 21 cities in 16 states.

Learn more about National Angels: https://www.nationalangels.org/

--

Get the Thriving Team Scorecard and join my 20-day challenge to become a better manager to your team in just one month - liagarvin.com/scorecard

 Looking for support for your team? Reach out to hello@liagarvin.com to learn more about one of my four core focuses for teams:
For Entrepreneurs & Founders - Let's get you out of the weeds and your teams firing on all cylinders, saving you time and money to reinvest in your business. Ask about the "Ops Playbook" to get started.
For Corporate Managers & Teams - Want to build more effective managers, get better at giving & receiving feedback, solve RTO the right way, or support your team in navigating change and uncertainly? Ask about my "Manager & Team workshops".

--

Connect with me!
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/liagarvin
Instagram: instagram.com/lia.garvin
Web: liagarvin.com
Music by Y8S: isaacy8s.com

As managers and business owners, we're no stranger to problems being thrown our way. But one of the biggest questions I hear from team leaders is "how do I get me team members to bring SOLUTIONS, not just problems?"

In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I share three steps to empowering a problem solving mindset on your team, so that your team members step up proactively and creatively when they encounter an issue. Making this shift on your team is game changing, not only does it free up more of your time to focus on the bigger picture, it creates a stronger sense of accountability and ownership. 

--

Get the Thriving Team Scorecard and join my 20-day challenge to become a better manager to your team in just one month - liagarvin.com/scorecard

 Looking for support for your team? Reach out to hello@liagarvin.com to learn more about one of my four core focuses for teams:
For Entrepreneurs & Founders - Let's get you out of the weeds and your teams firing on all cylinders, saving you time and money to reinvest in your business. Ask about the "Ops Playbook" to get started.
For Corporate Managers & Teams - Want to build more effective managers, get better at giving & receiving feedback, solve RTO the right way, or support your team in navigating change and uncertainly? Ask about my "Manager & Team workshops".

--

Connect with me!
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/liagarvin
Instagram: instagram.com/lia.garvin
Web: liagarvin.com
Music by Y8S: isaacy8s.com

Sometimes it can feel like we have our own identity, and then our identify as "business owner" or "boss" - but the truth is, they're all connected; and the more authenticity we bring as a leader, the better we support our teams. 

In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I'm joined by Hannah Nieves, Personal Brand and PR Consultant and CEO of HN Haus and This Hudson Studio, where we discuss how your personal brand is just as important as your professional brand when it comes to being a leader, the power of authenticity, empowering and scaling small teams, and driving conversations around embracing cutting edge technology like AI in your business. 

About Hannah:
Hannah Nieves is a multidisciplinary founder and CEO of a collection of brands that are centered around the idea of redefining the way we live and work. She specializes in advising founders on their growth and visibility strategy along with creating a business that aligns with their lifestyle design. She's been featured in Forbes, Nasdaq, In Style, Business Insider and has spoken at Northeastern University, Entrepreneurs Organization and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center.

Learn more about Hannah and her work at: hannahnieves.co/  and instagram.com/hannahmnieves/

--

Get the Thriving Team Scorecard and join my 20-day challenge to become a better manager to your team in just one month - liagarvin.com/scorecard

 Looking for support for your team? Reach out to hello@liagarvin.com to learn more about one of my four core focuses for teams:
For Entrepreneurs & Founders - Let's get you out of the weeds and your teams firing on all cylinders, saving you time and money to reinvest in your business. Ask about the "Ops Playbook" to get started.
For Corporate Managers & Teams - Want to build more effective managers, get better at giving & receiving feedback, solve RTO the right way, or support your team in navigating change and uncertainly? Ask about my "Manager & Team workshops".

--

Connect with me!
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/liagarvin
Instagram: instagram.com/lia.garvin
Web: liagarvin.com
Music by Y8S: isaacy8s.com

It's hard to find a topic more fraught than 'feedback' when it comes to the workplace. Why? Because it brings up all sorts of feelings about not being good enough, feeling misunderstood, even having new things to have to focus on that we didn't have the time or energy for. The result is both the feedback giver and receiver dreads the conversation, and neither really got what they needed from it. 

But one of the biggest reasons it can be so contentious is that we're not really that good at doing it. That changes today. In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I share the game changing question to ask yourself before giving feedback. This question will anchor the conversation in something you are both on the same page on, resulting in a more productive and effective conversation. 

If feedback is a topic your team struggles with, let me know. This is one of my favorite topics to support teams with because when we get it right, it's transformational. Reach out at hello@liagarvin.com and let's talk about where your team is getting stuck and how I might be able to support.

--

Get the Thriving Team Scorecard and join my 20-day challenge to become a better manager to your team in just one month - liagarvin.com/scorecard

 Looking for support for your team? Reach out to hello@liagarvin.com to learn more about one of my four core focuses for teams:
For Entrepreneurs & Founders - Let's get you out of the weeds and your teams firing on all cylinders, saving you time and money to reinvest in your business. Ask about the "Ops Playbook" to get started.
For Corporate Managers & Teams - Want to build more effective managers, get better at giving & receiving feedback, solve RTO the right way, or support your team in navigating change and uncertainly? Ask about my "Manager & Team workshops".

--

Connect with me!
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/liagarvin
Instagram: instagram.com/lia.garvin
Web: liagarvin.com
Music by Y8S: isaacy8s.com