To work effectively and sustainably, you want to think about what support you need. This might be new if you're extremely self-reliant. Your first impulse might be to say, "I'm good, I don't need any support." You might also do this if you feel that asking for support somehow makes you look bad. But being able to identify and advocate for resources is a leadership skill, and one that will benefit both you and your team. Let's discuss! After the episode: Book a consult to talk with me about your ...
Mar 18, 2024•21 min•Ep. 162
Perfectionism isn't about being perfect. It's about feeling safe. In this episode, learn to recognize the signs of perfectionism holding you back -- including when you might drift towards micromanaging. When you can recognize when it happens and understand why it's happening, you will be more empowered to access your agency and choose a more useful approach. Let's discuss! After the episode: Book a consult to discuss 1:1 coaching with Kim: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Join the Wait...
Mar 11, 2024•18 min•Ep. 161
In the course of your career you will want to develop a well-nurtured network. This will help you navigate your career, as well as manage and lead more effectively. In this episode you will learn more about why you should care about growing and nurturing your network, as well as gain some specific, simple steps for how to do that. Let's discuss! After the episode: Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and goals, and learn about my coaching program: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/...
Mar 04, 2024•24 min•Ep. 160
Becoming a better communicator and more effective manager means being less reactive and more intentional. How do you do that? Start by growing your self-awareness. When you slow down, step back, and see your own habits and preferences, you will be able to bring more intention to how you communicate. Instead of simply operating by default and being reactive, you become more deliberate and intentional. Let's discuss! After the episode: I'm taking new clients. To talk with me about your goals, chal...
Feb 26, 2024•12 min•Ep. 161
In this episode I talk with listener Adrian Bond about lessons learned as a new manager. We discuss: managing peers ("Who am I to tell these people what to do?"), the key difference between being a manager and a leader, how work stress can affect your home life, the importance of redefining success ("recognize what to STOP doing"), and the importance of training before you move up into a manager role. After the episode: I'm taking new clients. To schedule a consult and discuss 1:1 coaching, book...
Feb 19, 2024•35 min•Ep. 158
How do you manage change effectively? First, you must expect there to be resistance. When you understand what might be creating resistance or avoidance, you will be better at creating a plan to address it. And one of the best places to start is with yourself. Let's discuss! After the episode: Schedule a consult to talk about 1:1 coaching: https://kimnicol.com/ https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Get on the Wait List for the group program and other workshops: https://kimnicol.com/newmanage...
Feb 12, 2024•13 min•Ep. 157
The more aware you are of how to work with emotions, the more effective you will be as a communicator and leader. Especially when it comes to disappointment. This one emotion is often behind why we avoid conversations, or don't ask for what we need. Instead of trying to avoid disappointment at all costs, try: 1) Accepting it is a human emotion, and let yourself feel it 2) Identify the unmet expectation, 3) Learn from it, and 4) Be curious about what's next. Let's discuss! After the episode: Sche...
Feb 05, 2024•19 min•Ep. 156
Managing people and being a leader means people look to you for direction. Realize that you can be direct, directive, and clarify direction (the vision towards which you want people to go) -- and, importantly, you can do all this in a way that is kind and clear. There are examples of this all around you, when you start to look for them! In this episode you'll also learn how making decisions and experiencing discomfort come with the territory. The episode ends with three reflection questions to h...
Jan 29, 2024•29 min•Ep. 155
A good foundation makes everything easier, and it is never too late to revisit your foundation and make some improvements. In this episode you'll learn about Strategic Failure, and why so many new managers worry about whether they are doing a good job. Let's discuss! The next Group Program for New Managers starts February 6, and enrollment is open now. Go to: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/...
Jan 22, 2024•14 min
What do new managers need to know about working with HR? And what can you do to create great relationships at work -- with your manager, your team, and internal clients? This episode covers all that and more, with special guest Maggie Reyes. Before becoming a Master Certified Life Coach and expert in marriage and relationships, Maggie worked in HR. In this episode she shares her wisdom, strategic perspective, and practical tips to help you manage more effectively and lead more authentically. Fol...
Jan 08, 2024•50 min
Happy New Year! Getting a fresh perspective is like looking with new eyes at a familiar scene. You will find new opportunities and possibilities. In this episode you will learn a simple framework to help you get a fresh perspective, so you can make micro-adjustments. Small changes add up, and can be easier to implement in the moment so you build up momentum. Whether you are a first-time manager, an aspiring manager, or simply want a new approach to managing and leading others, this episode will ...
Jan 01, 2024•26 min•Ep. 152
When you care about your team and want to do a good job as a manager and leader, it's easy to over-give and always put others first. If you being self-reliant is one of your strengths, you might not have much practice in self-care and asking for support. But as you grow in your career and gain more responsibility, it becomes more important. When more people depend on you, tending to your own self-care will help you be your best. Let's discuss! After the episode: Schedule a free consult to discus...
Dec 25, 2023•20 min•Ep. 151
As a leader, you have more people looking to you -- and depending on you. You might feel more pressure and notice more fear of making mistakes. In this episode you'll learn how to recover from failure, and how your perspective will determine what happens next. Let's discuss! After the episode: Join the Wait List for the next Group Program: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/ For 1:1 coaching, schedule a consult: https://kimnicol.com/...
Dec 18, 2023•18 min•Ep. 150
Work doesn't happen in a vacuum. When you're a new manager, there are two things that you'll want to identify in order to be more effective: Systems and Environment. These are often relational, making them tacit and invisible. And yet they are everywhere. In this episode, I'll talk about a few specific systems you'll want to identify, and some aspects of the larger environment you want to be aware of. Let's discuss! After the episode: Join the Wait List for the Group Program for New Managers: ht...
Dec 11, 2023•24 min•Ep. 149
In this Listener Spotlight episode I talk with Amberlee, a new manager of a small team with big wisdom and insights to share. We talk about: self-care, perfectionism, identity, culture and intersectionality, and the role of vulnerability and transparency in being a human-centered leader and manager. You will learn so much from her! To learn more about Amberlee and her work, visit her website: www.a-green.co.uk After the episode: Get on the Wait List for the next Group Program: kimnicol.com/newma...
Dec 04, 2023•49 min•Ep. 148
Watch my free training on Self-Advocacy when you join the Wait List for the Group Program for New Managers: kimnicol.com/newmanagers One of the most valuable skills in your leadership toolbox is your ability to Ask. New managers sometimes assume they should just know everything. Instead of wondering, Ask. In this episode you'll get some examples of how to do that, and what it can sound like. I share a situation that a listener submitted, and my thoughts for why an Ask might be a great next step,...
Nov 27, 2023•30 min•Ep. 147
When your to-do list is long enough, try the "To Be" list. This is a simple concept that can simplify your life as a new manager. When you feel overwhelmed, or are not sure what to do, the "To Be" list will help. Practice it regularly and you will see real change in your confidence as a leader, and the level of calm you feel in the moment. After the episode: Get on the Wait List for the next Group Program: kimnicol.com/newmanagers Book a consult for 1:1 coaching: kimnicol.com...
Nov 20, 2023•8 min•Ep. 146
Being a manager comes with plenty of challenges, but being a leader means finding ways to stay calm and grounded when you face them. In today's episode, you'll learn a simple framework that can help you in a wide range of situations. No matter what's happening, or how you're feeling, you will feel more calm and grounded when you try this out. After the episode: Work with me 1:1. Schedule a free consult: kimnicol.com/coaching Get on the email list to hear about the Group Program: kimnicol.com/new...
Nov 13, 2023•20 min•Ep. 145
Most time management issues are not really about managing time, but about managing other things. If you've ever felt resentful about the number of meeting requests you get, or if you put a lot of pressure on yourself and feel like you're always behind, this episode is for you. Let's discuss! After the episode: Book a consult to discuss 1:1 coaching: kimnicol.com Be sure to get on the email list for updates about the next Group Program: kimnicol.com/newmanagers Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com...
Nov 06, 2023•18 min•Ep. 144
Being a manager comes with more responsibility, and more decisions. How you make those decisions is up to you. So much about leadership and being a manager is in your hands. What kind of leader do you want to be? What's important to you, as you manage people and make decisions that affect others? In this episode you'll hear a bit about my perspective on leadership, as well as the distinction between being arbitrary and realizing how much is within your discretion. Let's discuss! After the episod...
Oct 30, 2023•21 min•Ep. 143
We're coming up on the end of the year -- the next 2 months will go by faster than you expect! In this episode you'll get my Q4 Checklist, with three simple questions every new manager should ask at this point in the year. It will help you feel grounded, calm, and confident as you approach year-end. Plus, you'll hear why this is the perfect time in the year to ask *your* manager about professional development. After the episode: Book a free consult to discuss 1:1 coaching: https://calendly.com/k...
Oct 23, 2023•24 min•Ep. 142
Work-life is often focused on actions and what you do. But it's important to remember the value in being, as well. So if you find yourself overwhelmed by your To Do list, or feel like you're Not Doing Enough, or you're wondering, "What should I do?" -- this episode will help. Actions and doing is not the most important thing. Let's discuss! Resources mentioned in this episode: Free webinar by Center of Care Innovations: Breaking the Cycles of Trauma through Recognition and Healing Center for Car...
Oct 16, 2023•22 min•Ep. 141
Great managers are good at being resourceful and resilient, making things work even under challenging circumstances. If you've had to make due throughout your life, then it's easy to take that approach as a default. But just because you *can* make it work, doesn't mean you have to. Sometimes you need to take a step back and look at a situation with fresh eyes -- and then decide what you want to do. Let's discuss! After the Episode: Book a consult for 1:1 coaching: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/c...
Oct 09, 2023•13 min•Ep. 140
If you're feeling a lot of pressure to do a great job as a new manager, this episode is for you. After the episode: Book a consult for 1:1 coaching: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation Get on the email list for updates on the Group Program: https://kimnicol.com/newmanagers/
Oct 02, 2023•13 min•Ep. 139
Being conflict averse makes it hard to speak up and share your ideas. Maybe disagreements feel uncomfortable, like something bad is going to happen. Or you worry about being wrong so you stay quiet until you feel your idea is unassailable. When you're a manager, there are times you must be direct. And, I want you to have a few options so that you can participate more readily without feeling confrontational. In this episode you'll get some specific language to use, that will help you feel more co...
Sep 25, 2023•25 min•Ep. 138
To know if you're doing a good job as a manager, you need to ask yourself: What does success look like? In this episode you'll learn 4 markers to look for: internal, external, intangible, and tangible. When you take time to define success, and know how to identify it, then success won't be a mystery and failure won't be a surprise. You'll feel more grounded and calm because you'll know how you're doing. And you'll feel more confident in how you communicate what's going on to your manager, and ot...
Sep 18, 2023•21 min•Ep. 137
Being a manager is a different job than whatever you did before. Expect there to be a learning curve. You'll have to learn what the job is, and how to do it, all at the same time. In this episode you learn one pitfall to watch out for, and three things that will help you learn to be a great manager. Let's discuss! After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation...
Sep 11, 2023•28 min•Ep. 136
This week's episode features a special guest: Kirby Nicol, my Dad. We talk about leadership and what he's learned through a long and varied career, including being a coach at the Olympics, and serving as Executive Director for The Wharf to Wharf Race. After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation
Sep 05, 2023•27 min•Ep. 135
Part of your job as a manager is to give feedback. And yet, if your work has never given you guidance or training on how to do it well, you're not alone! In this episode you'll learn why it's important to have an intentional approach and strategy, and how communication skills and confidence come into play. Let's discuss! After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation...
Aug 28, 2023•8 min•Ep. 134
"Control the control-ables." "Focus on your sphere of influence." How does this help you be a great manager? It reminds you to look for agency. In this episode you'll gain insight to why this matters, and a few key examples to get you thinking about your own situation. After the episode: For 1:1 coaching, book a consult: https://calendly.com/kimnicol/consultation...
Aug 21, 2023•26 min•Ep. 133
