A survival-guide podcast for the new or first-time manager, having been promoted from technical specialist to leading people. Teaching you how to swim, so you don't sink!
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In this episode, Ross Saunders and Robin O'Grady discuss conflict and culture in the workplace. They highlight the importance of communication in preventing and resolving conflicts, both within teams and with customers. They emphasize the need for clear and direct communication, as well as providing the 'why' behind decisions and expectations. They also discuss the role of culture in fostering engagement and connection within a team, and the importance of getting to know team members on an individual level. The episode concludes with advice on actively listening to team members and regularly meeting with them to maintain open lines of communication.
Takeaways
Clear and direct communication is key to preventing and resolving conflicts in the workplace.
Providing the 'why' behind decisions and expectations helps foster understanding and engagement.
Getting to know team members on an individual level helps build a positive culture and connection.
Actively listening to team members and regularly meeting with them promotes open communication and prevents issues from escalating.
About Robin:
Robin is an international speaker, fitness industry leader, and corporate culture specialist. She is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve attainable wellness goals, leading to a sustainable workplace culture. She delivers simple strategies and actionable tools that make wellness achievable for everyone. Robin’s dynamic presentations are tailored for businesses in need of revitalizing their culture, boosting employee engagement, and reigniting team motivation and productivity.
As the founder of O’Grady Consulting, Robin brings a wealth of experience to her speaking engagements, drawing from her diverse background as an operations director, fitness industry leader, dance instructor, and aerialist. Her sessions are infused with contagious energy and uplifting stories, leaving audiences with renewed vigor and a renewed sense of purpose.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
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In this episode, Ross Saunders and Lauren Sergy discuss the challenges of communicating with senior managers and executives. They highlight the importance of understanding the needs and decision-making processes of higher-level leaders and tailoring communication accordingly. They emphasize the need for clarity and focus in meetings, setting clear goals and objectives, and asking for clarification when needed. They also discuss the value of listening and observing in order to understand the roles and perspectives of senior leaders. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and strategies for effectively managing upwards.
Takeaways
Understand the needs and decision-making processes of senior managers and executives in order to tailor communication effectively.
Set clear goals and objectives for meetings and ask for clarification when needed.
Listen and observe to gain insights into the roles and perspectives of senior leaders.
Focus on one or two topics in conversations with senior leaders to avoid overwhelming them with information.
Take notes and follow up on action items to ensure understanding and accountability.
About Lauren:
Public speaking and communication expert Lauren Sergy has helped thousands of people become more effective leaders through skilled communication. She has worked with clients and audiences in Canada, the US, and beyond including KPMG, 3M, Cargill, the Government of Alberta, Dairy Farmers of Canada, and many more. Lauren has taught programs on business communication at the University of Alberta and Concordia University of Edmonton, and guest lectures at other post-secondary institutions. Her book, The Handy Communication Answer Book, was featured on Library Journal’s Best Reference Books of 2017 list. Her latest book, UNMUTE! How to Master Virtual Meetings and Reclaim Your Sanity is now available via all major online booksellers.About your host, Ross:Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Introducing the Podcast
Season 1
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 • Duration 13:50
This episode serves as an introduction to the podcast and my background in management, having moved into a management role from being a technical specialist. I share some of my experiences and the challenges faced as a new manager, which led me to write my book, "This is NOT what I signed up for". I touch on the upcoming second edition of the book, which will include new chapters on managing remote & hybrid teams, and compliance. I also touch on some other resources that are available in addition to the book and podcast!
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In this episode, Ross interviews Chris Graham, a communication expert, about the essential presentation skills that new managers need to develop. They discuss the importance of feedback, the transition from technical roles to management, and the significance of connecting with an audience. Chris emphasizes the dangers of 'death by PowerPoint' and the value of humor in presentations. He also shares insights on managing filler words and the importance of being genuine in communication.
Takeaways
Feedback is crucial for effective management.
Presentation skills are essential for new managers.
Connecting with your audience is key to effective communication.
Death by PowerPoint can shatter audience unity.
Humor can enhance presentations if it fits your personality.
Filler words are a normal part of conversation.
The audience doesn't know your script, so don't panic if you miss a point.
Be sincere and honest in your presentations.
Your role is to serve the audience, not the other way around.
About Chris
Chris Graham teaches lawyers and other professionals how to connect with their clients and teams. Since 2016, he’s trained over 15,000 people at North America’s leading law firms, large and small companies, government agencies, and charities. In 2022, Chris was Head of Speaker Coaching at TEDxToronto, Canada’s largest TEDx event.
Prior to founding TellPeople, Chris worked at one the world’s top banking law firms (Sullivan & Cromwell LLP) and one of Canada’s top Indigenous rights law firms (Pape & Salter LLP).
He studied at Oxford University, University of Toronto Law School, and Acadia University, and is a graduate of the stand-up comedy program at The Second City in Toronto.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Managing Change
Season 2 · Episode 10
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • Duration 25:34
In this episode, Ross and Michele de Kreek discuss the critical role of change management for new managers. They explore the importance of understanding human behavior in the context of organizational change, the necessity of leadership alignment, and the significance of communication in facilitating change. Michele emphasizes that resistance to change is natural and can be transformed into positive energy. The conversation also highlights when new managers should seek external help for change management and the evolving nature of change in today's fast-paced environment.
Takeaways
Change management is about moving people from an as-is to a to-be state.
Understanding human behavior is crucial in change management.
Resistance is natural and indicates energy in the system.
Leadership alignment is essential for engaged employees.
Transparent communication helps address fears and resistance.
Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and safety.
Change management should be seen as a strategic enabler.
Change is not just a project; it's an ongoing process.
The pace of change is accelerating in today's organizations.
About Michele:
Michele specializes in holistic transformation programs. As Director of Up Time consulting, the focus is on driving people-first strategies, combining expertise in project change management, strategy, and leadership coaching to deliver impactful organizational outcomes, with a strong commitment to innovation and excellence in change management.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
The Courage to Confront
Season 2 · Episode 1
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 • Duration 21:44
In this episode, Ross Saunders and David Gouthro explore the complexities of tough conversations in management. They discuss the definition of tough conversations, the reasons people avoid them, and the consequences of inaction. David emphasizes the importance of courage and preparation, including role-playing and understanding personal values. The conversation also touches on the distinction between playing to win versus playing not to lose, and how to handle surprises during tough discussions. The episode concludes with practical advice for approaching difficult conversations with confidence and agency.
Takeaways
Tough conversations are defined by unpredictability and fear of judgment.
Avoiding tough conversations often leads to worse outcomes.
Fear is the primary reason people avoid difficult discussions.
Consequences of avoidance can create a toxic work environment.
Playing to win means doing your best in a supportive context.
Dialogue aims to deepen understanding, not just reach agreement.
Preparation includes rehearsing and understanding personal values.
Role-playing can help clarify intentions and responses.
Recognizing triggers can improve communication effectiveness.
Embracing surprises in conversations can lead to better outcomes.
About David
A seasoned (but not too spicy!) speaker with over 40 years experience, David is a sought after consultant who is best known for his creative presentations, playful demeanor, and relentless focus on delivering value to his clients, colleagues and community.
David’s experience comes from supporting clients on four continents, in organizations that range from mining, energy, healthcare and financial services . . . to high tech, biotech, government and the not-for profit sector.
As the father of a recently married, precocious 24 year old daughter Anna, he has been forced to embrace the qualities of humility, patience, good humour and . . . acceptance of his own parental inadequacies!
The main focus of his current business involves working with individuals and groups who have no one else to point to as excuses for their own inaction. This has led him to spend the majority of his time helping executive teams and Boards make the tough decisions required to grow their businesses in a complex and unpredictable economic environment.However, his deepest personal passion is to help people discover the courage he believes they all possess—and then inspire them to act on it.About your host, Ross:
Taking Fear Out Of Feedback
Season 1 · Episode 7
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 • Duration 21:52
Summary
In this episode, Ross Saunders and Pam Ross discuss the importance of giving effective feedback in the workplace. They highlight common mistakes that managers make when giving feedback, such as waiting too long to give it or using the 'sandwich method' (starting and ending with positive feedback and sandwiching the negative feedback in between). They emphasize the need for frequent and frictionless feedback that is focused on specific situations and behaviors. They also discuss the importance of asking for the recipient's perspective before giving feedback and creating a culture of open feedback in the workplace.
Takeaways
Frequent and frictionless feedback is more effective than formal, infrequent feedback.
Managers should ask for the recipient's perspective before giving feedback.
Feedback should be focused on specific situations and behaviors.
Creating a culture of open feedback in the workplace is important.
About Pam
Pam Ross believes that we spend far too much time at work for it to suck, and that everyone has the power to Make Work Awesome™.
After 15 years in HR and Operations leadership in the corporate world, she quit her job with a mission to improve work life. Pam brings her experience and her training in Resilience, the Science of Happiness, Systems coaching, and Self-managed work to her clients to build more engaged and innovative workplaces where people are free to do their best work.
Pam is a sought-after speaker about the future of work and employee engagement, and the co-creator of the Blueprint for Workplace Reinvention. She has been featured in Huffington Post, on CTV, and in HR Magazine.
When Pam is not shaking up the work world, she can be found cheering on her hometown Tiger-Cats or on the trails with her rescue dog.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Words That Change Minds
Season 1 · Episode 6
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 • Duration 30:06
Summary
In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Shelle Rose Charvet, author of 'Words That Change Minds,' about the importance of motivation in the workplace. They discuss the negative effects of low motivation, such as decreased productivity and quality of work, and the role of managers in understanding and addressing their team members' motivators. Shelle explains how language patterns can reveal a person's motivation triggers, such as 'away from' language indicating problem-solving focus and 'toward' language indicating goal-oriented focus. She also emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people who fit the job and the organization's culture.
Takeaways
Low motivation leads to decreased productivity and quality of work.
Managers should understand and address their team members' motivators.
Language patterns can reveal a person's motivation triggers.
Hiring the right people who fit the job and the organization's culture is crucial.
About Shelle
Shelle Rose Charvet is the author of 4 books, including the international best seller Words That Change Minds, available in 20 languages. It is a Forbes best management book for executives and entrepreneurs. The CBC/CNBC television documentary Customer (Dis)Service featured her work. Shelle works in over 30 countries helping organizations solve difficult communication and persuasion issues.
She has created a persuasion smartphone app: HusbandMotivator™ and has been awarded 2 US patents for her Artificial Intelligence software that detects what motivates people in text.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
The TERROR of Management
Season 1 · Episode 5
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 • Duration 21:57
Summary In this conversation, Ross Saunders and Mark Leslie Lefebvre explore the complexities and responsibilities of management. They discuss the importance of empathy, understanding team dynamics, and the significance of hiring for mindset and attitude. Mark shares his insights on nurturing talent and the importance of building a cohesive team culture. The discussion emphasizes that while management can be daunting, it is also rewarding when approached with care and connection.
Takeaways
Management is about responsibility for the well-being of the team.
Empathy is crucial in leadership roles.
Understanding the humanity of team members enhances management effectiveness.
Hiring for mindset and attitude is as important as skills.
Building a cohesive team requires open communication and connection.
Nurturing talent involves preparing them for future roles.
Transparency in decision-making fosters trust within the team.
Management should not be a solitary endeavor; collaboration is key.
Creating a supportive team culture can alleviate management fears.
Connections between people are fundamental to successful management.
About Mark: Mark’s first short story appeared in print in 1992, the same year he started working in the book industry.
He has published more than twenty-five books under the name Mark Leslie that include thrillers and fiction (Evasion, A Canadian Werewolf in NewYork,One Hand Screaming), paranormal non-fiction (Haunted Hospitals, Spooky Sudbury, Tomes of Terror) and anthologies (Campus Chills, Tesseracts Sixteen, Obsessions). Under his full name he writes books to help authors navigate publishing. And they include The 7 P’s of Publishing Success and An Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries and Bookstores.
His industry experience includes President of the Canadian Booksellers Association, Board Member of BookNet Canada, Director of Author Relations and Self-Publishing for Rakuten Kobo, Director of Business Development for Draft2Digital and Professional Advisor for Sheridan College’s Creative Writing and Publishing Honours Program.About your host, Ross:Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Align to Win
Season 1 · Episode 4
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 • Duration 20:04
Summary
In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Rob Rudy, an experienced leader and advisor, about the challenges of leading and doing as a new manager. They discuss the importance of balancing leadership responsibilities with individual tasks, the need for alignment within teams, and the decision-making process when there are differing opinions. Rob emphasizes the value of open communication, using tools like RACI charts to clarify roles and responsibilities, and being comfortable with discomfort as a leader. He also shares his work in helping leaders embrace change and build strategies for continuous renewal.
Takeaways
Balancing leadership responsibilities with individual tasks is a challenge for new managers.
Alignment within teams is crucial for achieving goals and resolving conflicts.
Using tools like RACI charts can help clarify roles and responsibilities in decision-making.
Being comfortable with discomfort is essential for growth and effective leadership.
Embracing change and building strategies for continuous renewal are key for long-term success.
About Rob:
Rob has had the privilege of growing several companies. His humble beginnings in a family textile business saw him and his brother steward the company from $3 million to $20 million in sales, which subsequently caught the interest of a Kentucky-based public firm. After the sale of their family business, a few years later Rob found himself in the role of COO for the parent company, valued at $200 million, where he was responsible for the global supply chain and factories across North America.
Upon the parent company's sale in 2013, Rob relocated to Montréal, his hometown, and offered his expertise as COO to a national lighting distributor undergoing significant restructuring. After dedicating nearly half a decade there, he was invited to serve as the President of a $250 million medical device firm, with the goal of ensuring the company's culture resonated with the dynamic market environment.
In 2019, Rob moved to the world of business advisory by engaging with entrepreneurs in 3 critical areas: helping them build actionable strategies, develop next level leaders, and embrace innovation and change management. Rob was also a 12-year TEC member when he moved to presenting to TEC groups and was acknowledged by TEC Canada in 2019 with the "Impact Speaker of the Year" award.Rob continues to work with entrepreneurs across Canada and the US, supporting their growth and development.About your host, Ross:
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
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