One of the first ways we learn to do something new is by observing someone else, and then trying to mimic what we see. But this always the best approach, and one pitfall is that you'll compare yourself to others and think that your job is to be like them and do what they do. When you're a new manager, this looks like replicating what you've seen other managers do -- rather than thinking about what is needed in the moment. It also results in discounting your own judgement and preferences, because...
Jun 06, 2022•22 min•Ep. 74
Time Management may seem boring, but to me it is a sacred practice. Because when you make decisions about what is on your calendar, you are making decisions about how to spend your life . Making decisions about your time is also tied into bigger topics -- like your values, your fears, and what else is happening in your life right now. There will always be more things to do than time (or energy) for it. Let's talk about it. After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.co...
May 30, 2022•17 min
What if it was possible to have better meetings? Start to think about meetings as something you can design with intention and care. Let's talk about it. If you want individual help to level up as a leader and become a better manager, go to: https://kimnicol.com/coaching/
May 23, 2022•14 min•Ep. 72
Ambition is what motivates you to succeed. But when you take a closer look, what's really driving it? Is it a desire for achievement? Money? Autonomy? Something else? In this episode we take a closer look at ambition and how it connects with three distinct stages of career: Workhorse, Confident Practitioner, and Legacy / Vision. We'll also talk about why to become a manager -- or not. To work with me, go to: https://kimnicol.com/
May 16, 2022•22 min•Ep. 71
Before you manager other people, first you have to manage yourself. It starts by understanding how your mind works. For most of us, when faced with uncertainty the mind fills in the blanks with negative creativity. You think about all the things that could go wrong, or how you're not good enough. Learning how to manage your mind is something that will help you as a new manager and leader, throughout your career! Let's talk about it. To work with me, go to my website: https://kimnicol.com/coachin...
May 09, 2022•19 min•Ep. 70
Every problem has two parts: the outside part, and the inside part. In this episode, learn how to identify the real problem, and see why working on the inside part always creates more options and solutions for you. Also: being a manager is a lot about dealing with emotions. Let's talk about it.
May 03, 2022•21 min•Ep. 69
Wonder what happens in coaching? Let's talk about it. Many of my clients have never worked with a coach before coming to me. Learn why having a plan can get in the way of progress, and how coaching creates positive side effects like getting promoted.
Apr 25, 2022•17 min•Ep. 68
What's more important that perfection? Clarity of purpose. In this episode you'll learn why new managers can get distracted by perfection, and how to look at things in a more useful way. Start to focus on purpose over perfection, and see what happens.
Apr 18, 2022•17 min•Ep. 67
Why do we feel anxious when things are going well? Let's talk about it. Every new manager and growing leader will face this as some point. There will be a time in your life and career when things are going great, and yet you'll feel worried, stressed, guilty, or anxious. Find out where that comes from so you don't go into success avoidance or sabotage. Learn how to feel safe being successful.
Apr 11, 2022•22 min•Ep. 66
When you feel overwhelmed as a manager, come back to the fundamentals. They can give you perspective and help you focus on the simple things that matter. After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Join the email list: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/
Apr 04, 2022•11 min•Ep. 65
Being clear about who gets to make what decisions can reduce uncertainty, anxiety, and frustration at work. In this episode, learn how to think about authority and decision making as a manager. And begin to notice how it functions around you. After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Join the email list: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/...
Mar 29, 2022•15 min•Ep. 64
Leadership Orientation is on June 18: https://maven.com/kimnicol/leadership-orientation Communication Strategies for Managers starts July 2: https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies ________________ Being direct is an effective communication skill that every manager needs. But it's not always easy! Learn why we avoid being direct (and why people might not be direct with you), and what to do differently. You'll grow your confidence as a leader, and use this skill to create m...
Mar 21, 2022•28 min•Ep. 63
Every manager needs to learn now to give effective feedback. It's ok if it doesn't come naturally -- you can learn how to do it well. Thinking in terms of "Feedback as a Service" takes the pressure off, and helps you feel like you're on the same team. This episode will give you a useful way to think about how to give feedback, be human, and create a working relationship that works for everyone.
Mar 14, 2022•19 min•Ep. 62
Effective managers know how to advocate for their team. Start with learning how to advocate for yourself -- especially regarding professional development. Learn what holds you back from speaking up, and how to think about it in a new way. After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Join the email list: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/...
Mar 07, 2022•35 min•Ep. 61
When you're a founder or small business owner and your business begins to grow, you create a new job for yourself: people manager. Here's what to know when you're a new manager for the first time as a founder.
Feb 28, 2022•19 min
Everything you do is driven by what you're thinking and how you're feeling. Learn how to tell when a thought -- "I can do it" -- is helping or hindering you, and know what to do about it. To work with Kim 1:1, request a consult at https://kimnicol.com/coaching/
Feb 21, 2022•14 min•Ep. 59
Thinking like a facilitator can help you be a more effective manager.
Feb 14, 2022•13 min•Ep. 57
In this episode, learn how to be strategic about why you give feedback. Hear six different reasons that drive feedback, and learn why your values and identity play a big role in your strategy.
Feb 07, 2022•20 min•Ep. 57
What exactly is strategic thinking? How do you develop it to be a more effective manager? Let's discuss! After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Join the email list: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/
Jan 31, 2022•16 min•Ep. 56
Managing people requires a specific skillset and a different way of thinking. It's like when you go to drive a car when you've only been a passenger -- there's always a learning curve, even though you've seen others do it countless times. This episode will give you a productive way to think about it, so you don't feel stuck thinking there's something wrong with you (there isn't).
Jan 24, 2022•24 min•Ep. 55
This will help when you're in overwhelm (which can lead to procrastinating on making a decision). One turn of phrase that can shift perspective, ease the burden, and help you focus on the present moment.
Jan 17, 2022•8 min•Ep. 54
If you're an introvert you'll really enjoy this episode on communication skills. Learn the fundamental skills for public speaking, how it connects with giving feedback, and the number one thing you need to put it all together. After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Join the email list: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/...
Jan 10, 2022•28 min•Ep. 53
Leadership Orientation is on June 18: https://maven.com/kimnicol/leadership-orientation Communication Strategies for Managers starts July 2: https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies ________________ It's the new year! Let's talk about the three key skills you need to manage effectively. These hold true no matter what size organization, or how junior or senior you are. And, we'll talk about creating your professional development roadmap for the year. After the episode: For 1...
Jan 04, 2022•28 min•Ep. 52
If you start to feel stuck in a conversation wondering, "What is happening here?" you might be in Opinion Tennis. In this episode you'll learn about this common pattern and how it can show up at work and in family gatherings. And, I'll share two ways to get out of the pattern.
Dec 21, 2021•18 min•Ep. 51
Every new manager needs to develop their strategic thinking. Here are some ways to do that at the end of the year.
Dec 13, 2021•18 min•Ep. 50
In this episode I talk you through a process for end-of-year reflection and celebration. And, we'll cover why it's so valuable to celebrate. Hint: your brain has a bias for negativity. When you intentionally celebrate, it trains your attention to notice and learn from positive experiences. It also strengthens your sense of agency. Studies also show that celebrating is good for mental health and well-being, and who doesn't need more of that? To learn more about coaching with Kim, visit: https://k...
Dec 06, 2021•16 min•Ep. 49
Tips for what to do when you feel overwhelmed. And remembering that anytime you think about a big change you want to make, you'll meet resistance and doubt. Let's talk about why, and how to approach it instead. https://kimnicol.com/coaching/
Nov 29, 2021•13 min•Ep. 48
Your brain wants certainty, because it feels like safety. If you find that you're in a pattern of holding yourself back, it can help to think of it as a desire for safety rather than "self-sabotage." When you're aware of the underlying reasoning, you can start working *with* yourself rather than against yourself. Let's talk about it more in this episode.
Nov 22, 2021•20 min•Ep. 47
Changes in leadership can be difficult. I'm sharing my favorite metaphor for this situation, and the questions that can help you think strategically when you need to communicate about the change.
Nov 15, 2021•25 min•Ep. 46
Leadership Orientation is on June 18: https://maven.com/kimnicol/leadership-orientation Communication Strategies for Managers starts July 2: https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies ________________ In this episode I share the talk I gave at ICF Converge 2021. You'll learn more about how I think about manager development from a holistic perspective, and will come away with insights you can apply in your own work life. You'll also hear three powerful questions to ask yoursel...
Nov 08, 2021•45 min•Ep. 45
