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"People don't leave jobs; they leave managers." - a common managerial proverb

Getting the title of "manager" doesn't automatically qualify you as a leader. Most managers (at least 58%, according to one study) are so bad at leadership that their employees call them "toxic" and leave.

If that doesn't sound an alarm for you, I don't know what would.

In today's podcast episode, we'll tackle the distinct difference between being a manager and a leader. I go into my first foray into management and the stupid stuff I did right out of the gate.

Don't do what I did. Listen to this podcast episode so you can dodge some of the most common management mistakes and grow as a leader before you fail as a manager.

Book a complimentary management coaching conversation at https://calendly.com/catherine-vanderlaan/free-60-minute-leadership-consultation

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Ever wondered how to piece back together the fragile puzzle of trust once it's fallen apart? That's what we conquer on today's Management Material, as I share the transformative journey of a leadership development client navigating the treacherous waters of office politics and slander.

You'll be privy to our intense discussions on accountability and the power of transparent communication, all vital in stitching the seams of broken professional relationships.

It's like reconstructing a bridge while crossing it, and you'll gain invaluable insights on how to hold the hammer.

Fears of vulnerability often handcuff leaders, but we're snapping those chains. Listen as I recount the story of a client who embraced their boss's challenge to improve communication, only to unearth leadership potential they never knew they had.

You'll get a front-row seat to an honest look at the role ego plays in our professional engagements, setting the stage for a revealing tale about a confrontation with my own boss that's coming up in a future episode.

It's not just about talking the talk; it's about walking the walk with your head held high and your communication lines wide open.

Book a complimentary management coaching conversation at https://calendly.com/catherine-vanderlaan/free-60-minute-leadership-consultation

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In this episode, we cover the fine-tuned art of giving feedback so it's received well.

It's not easy to give feedback. Most of us have had at least one experience with giving feedback and seeing it blow up in our faces.

If you like to avoid conflict, like me, it might seem like giving feedback to a colleague is a lose-lose situation.

Let's turn giving feedback into a win-win situation.

This podcast episode puts the "sandwich" method where it belongs (in the trash) and dives into what it takes for your feedback to be received well and acted on.

Let's make you a better leader - a leader people want to follow. Let's turn you into management material.

Book a complimentary management coaching conversation at https://calendly.com/catherine-vanderlaan/free-60-minute-leadership-consultation

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Unlock the secrets to revitalizing your team's passion and productivity with me, Catherine Van Der Laan, as we navigate the storm of today's workplace challenges.

In this episode, I share my personal journey and the strategies that have transformed teams facing the threat of financial instability and job insecurity. You'll learn about the three-step process that can shift your team's focus from fear to flourishing—a method that has proven vital in my own leadership experiences during times of layoffs and reorganizations. Discover the importance of personal connection and how genuine engagement with both people and goals can create a resilient and motivated workforce.

Leadership isn't just about managing—it's about inspiring and aligning your team towards a common vision.

This conversation goes beyond theories as I provide practical advice on managing stress, leading empathetically, and harnessing personal growth to build a proactive team environment.

We'll explore overcoming the 'amygdala hijack', career mapping, and the immense value of helping others as a pathway to sharpen your own leadership skills.

If you're ready to take the helm and steer your team towards a culture of engagement and professional progress, grab your headphones, and let's set sail together.

Book a complimentary management coaching conversation at https://calendly.com/catherine-vanderlaan/free-60-minute-leadership-consultation

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There's a right way and a wrong way to lead after a layoff.

When RIFs shatter company morale and rewrite the organizational chart, people can do really weird and stupid things.

Let's talk through what it means to be a leader after layoffs affect your colleagues emotionally.

My journey through the aftermath of downsizing has taught me invaluable lessons about strengthening a team and leading after a RIF, which I'm happy to share with you.

Leading after a layoff means putting ambition aside, tuning into your team's emotional needs, and leading with a compassionate heart. Putting your team first will show your priorities and help others identify you as a leader people want to follow.

In this episode, you'll hear stories of people who rose the ranks and those who torpedoed their careers.

This episode explores how emotional intelligence can transform your team and your leadership. You'll learn practical ways to support your colleagues, cultivate your leadership qualities, and ultimately become an example that inspires others professionally.

Book a complimentary management coaching conversation at https://calendly.com/catherine-vanderlaan/free-60-minute-leadership-consultation

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If you've been through a RIF or know someone who has, this episode is here to help you get back on your feet.

I'm sharing a six-step lifeline for anyone treading in these choppy waters—all to help you find a new job, position yourself well, and reach out when you need help.

Transforming a setback into a setup for a greater comeback, we pivot to the mechanics of a job search strategy that feels less like a chore and more like a quest for your next and better job. Let's align your skills and passions to build a career in a company that gets you.

In this episode, I get into the nitty-gritty of setting actionable goals, the details behind writing a resume that gets through AI-based resume screeners, and the undeniable power of networking.

Whether you're a seasoned professional facing uncertainty or a recent graduate eager to make your mark, this episode offers a compass in the storm and a community waiting to welcome you aboard.

Book a complimentary management coaching conversation at https://calendly.com/catherine-vanderlaan/free-60-minute-leadership-consultation

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Today’s topic is about real leadership that inspires people but is super hard on the manager.

Taking the blame and lending the credit is a tough thing. That means taking the fall when a project doesn’t go well or your team doesn’t make its numbers AND talking your team up, giving the right person credit when your team does super well.

Would you follow a leader if you thought they would badmouth you to their bosses? Even if you made a mistake, would you follow a leader who blamed you for it? I know I wouldn’t.

Learn more about becoming a leader people want to follow in this episode.

Book a complimentary management coaching conversation at https://calendly.com/catherine-vanderlaan/free-60-minute-leadership-consultation

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This topic came up because a career coaching client of mine got a new job recently as a manager. She has a team of people that she inherited from the company. That means that she didn’t get to hire her own people; they were a team the company gave her to lead.

Now, she’s having some trouble with respect on her team. Some of her direct reports are questioning where she is, questioning her work ethic, and suggesting to her boss that she’s not available when they need her.

Guys, she’s around and working 10-12 hour days right now. So let’s get to the bottom of this.

First, I’d love to tell you that this is an easy fix, but it isn’t. This is going to take some time to fix.

It'll take time because gaining the respect of your team, whether you’re a manager or aspiring manager, is all about doing the job of a leader: building trust with your team members, leading them to a common goal, and making decisions that are understood and that improve the company.

But deeper than that, it all comes down to consistently showing that you care about your colleagues, customers, and company.

But HOW?? How do you do that??

Book a complimentary management coaching conversation at https://calendly.com/catherine-vanderlaan/free-60-minute-leadership-consultation

Email me at catherine@managementmaterialcoaching.com to ask a question or get in touch.

Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/managementmaterialcoaching

Find out more about Management and Leadership Coaching at https://managementmaterialcoaching.com/