#51 Manager as umbrella: Protecting the team from the storm

The notion of a manager as a protector of the team is deeply embedded. After all, a primary part of any manager’s job is to remove roadblocks and distractions so their team can stay focussed on their objectives. But it’s not always easy to decide what will distract the team versus what might be helpful… Continue reading #51 Manager as umbrella: Protecting the team from the storm

#45 The dangers of focusing on productivity and metrics

Metrics are very alluring for managers. Our software tools are full of data and reporting… with just a few clicks we might get the magic mix of numbers that will give us control. But for staff it’s a different story. Too often metrics are used as a kind of straight jacket. Work becomes narrowly defined,… Continue reading #45 The dangers of focusing on productivity and metrics

#43 Working with people who challenge us

We often need to experience some challenge in order to grow. But tension can easily spill over into destructive interactions. As leaders we need to demonstrate that we can challenge and be challenged. In this chat Pilar and Tim learn they have quite different thresholds for conflict. And they explore the difference between being challenged… Continue reading #43 Working with people who challenge us