The Manager Lab

Managers Shouldn't Try to Do it All: 4 Methods to Foster Comparative Advantage

Welcome to the Manager Lab, where we delve into the dynamic world of talent management. In this episode, we break down strategies from A.G. Lafley and Roger Martin's article "Leaders Shouldn't Try to Do It All," emphasizing the power of the comparative advantage theory by 19th-century economist David Ricardo. Learn how business leaders can optimize their productivity by focusing on tasks that truly reflect their unique contributions while smartly delegating others. Through examples from Procter & Gamble, Rotman School of Management, Figs, and Lego Group, discover a four-step process to reclaim time and lead your organization towards outstanding success.

Managing Gen Z in the Workplace: 9 Strategies (Part 4)

Welcome to the Manager Lab podcast, where we explore the exciting world of talent management. In this episode, we conclude our series on managing Generation Z by discussing the final two strategies: recognizing and rewarding authentic contributions, and emphasizing renewal for well-being. We also address ways to overcome challenges when managing Gen Z employees, highlighting the importance of intentional communication, clear expectations, and fostering environments that promote growth and transparency. Join us as we unravel the art and science of supporting Gen Z in the workforce to unlock their full potential and shape the future of organizations.

Managing Gen Z in the Workplace: 9 Strategies (Part 3)

Welcome to the Manager Lab, your hub for mastering talent management in today's fast-paced world. In this episode, we continue our exploration of effective strategies for managing Generation Z in the workplace. Delve into the importance of establishing purpose-driven progression paths to satisfy Gen Z's ambitious drive for career growth. Discover how regular check-ins can foster two-way dialogue and provide the real-time feedback this generation craves.Learn the balance between autonomy and accountability, emphasizing the need for trust and how it cultivates innovation. Explore how collaborative environments enhance creativity and increase investment in team success.Join us for an insightful journey as we uncover these strategies to enhance performance and retention in your organization, unlocking the full potential of your Gen Z team members.

Managing Gen Z in the Workplace: 9 Strategies (Part 2)

Welcome to the Manager Lab, where we explore the ever-evolving realm of talent management. In this episode, we dive into the art of managing Generation Z employees, addressing the issue of disengagement that affects over half of this workforce. By focusing on transparent communication, clear expectations, and continuous learning opportunities, we aim to bridge the gap and harness their full potential. Join us as we present practical strategies to engage and empower Gen Z, enhancing workplace motivation and productivity.

Managing Gen Z in the Workplace: 9 Strategies (Part 1)

Welcome to the Manager Lab, where we explore the evolving world of talent management. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of integrating Gen Z into the workforce, a generation known for its adaptability, technical skills, and a strong desire for authenticity and purpose. We discuss the key characteristics and challenges this generation faces, including their strive for work-life balance and the need for meaningful recognition in the workplace.Understanding and addressing the needs of Gen Z is crucial as they are set to comprise a significant portion of the workforce by 2030. This episode offers insights into the skills they bring, the communication gaps that need bridging, and the strategies leaders must adopt to effectively manage and support them in achieving their potential.Join us as we highlight the importance of comprehensive onboarding, continuous training, and maintaining open communication to help Gen Z thrive in their professional journeys.

The Power of Mattering: 3 Ways to Retain Your High Performers

Welcome to the Manager Lab, where we delve into the dynamic world of talent management. In this episode, we explore the concept of "anti-mattering," a hidden driver of preventable turnover, particularly among high-performing employees. We share insightful strategies on how managers can make employees feel valued and integral to their organization, thereby reducing turnover rates. Learn how regular check-ins, meaningful affirmations, and demonstrating the unique impact of high performers can transform workplace dynamics. Join us as we uncover how to shift from simply recognizing employee achievements to actively showing them their significance in the workplace. Do good work, and stay tuned for more insights on nurturing top talent.

What Did You Say? 4 Listening Skills Managers Need to Master (Part 2)

Welcome to another episode of the Manager Lab, where we explore the art and science of talent management. This episode delves into the crucial skill of listening, focusing on four essential techniques every leader should master. From fostering a culture of value and engagement to balancing relationship and content, listening is pivotal in transforming leadership approaches.Join us as we break down these techniques, referencing the insights from Deborah Schifrin's December 2024 article in the Harvard Business Review. Whether it's listening to understand or to summarize, every conversation is a chance to enhance your skills, elevate your team's engagement, and redefine communication in the workplace. Good listening isn't just about hearing words but understanding the values and motivations behind them.Find out how this skill can become a transformative force in your leadership toolkit, improving interactions and fostering growth within your team. Tune in to this episode for actionable tips to lead more effectively and create meaningful moments of connection.

What Did You Say? 4 Listening Skills Managers Need to Master (Part 1)

Welcome to the Manager Lab, where we delve into the increasingly dynamic world of talent management. In this episode, we focus on the underestimated skill of listening in the workplace, particularly for leaders. Listening is often overshadowed by presenting and conversing, yet it's regarded as the most crucial communication skill.Explore the insights from Debra Schifrin's Harvard Business Review article on essential listening skills for leaders and learn two fundamental techniques to enhance your listening abilities. Discover how listening until the end and listening to summarize, not to solve, can foster a respectful and engaging company culture, improve job satisfaction, and bolster psychological safety for your team.Stay tuned as we delve into real-world applications of these techniques and pave the way for building a foundation of trust and support in your leadership journey.

6 Questions to Really Get to Know Your People: Unlocking Employee Motivation

Welcome to the Manager Lab, where we delve into the increasingly dynamic world of talent management. In this episode, we explore the pressing issue of employee well-being and engagement, highlighting why managers must stay attuned to their team's needs. Discover six pivotal questions that can unlock deeper conversations with your team, helping to establish genuine connections.Learn how asking the right questions can unveil personal insights, reveal professional aspirations, and outline roadblocks, all while fostering a culture of support. This is an essential listen for anyone looking to enhance employee satisfaction and drive team success. Join us as we break down key strategies to optimize talent retention and development. Let's enter the Manager Lab.

Middle Management Reinvented: From Bureaucracy to Agility

Welcome to the Manager Lab, where we explore the dynamic world of talent management. In this episode, we dissect the long-debated future of middle management, focusing on insights from the "What's the Future of Middle Management" article by Gretchen Gavitt and Vasandhara Hassani, featured in the April 2025 edition of Harvard Business Review.
Despite predictions of their demise, middle managers have remained pivotal in organizations, now accounting for 13% of the U.S. labor market. With the rise of AI and flatter organizational structures, questions about their role intensify. This episode highlights the growing importance of middle managers as agents of change, essential for navigating transformations and enhancing agility.
We explore their dual function as links between frontline employees and senior leadership, possessing critical customer insights and serving as coaches who translate strategic shifts into action. As AI reshapes job roles, middle managers are more crucial than ever in facilitating skill transitions and integrating new technologies.
Join us as we delve into the evolving purpose of middle management, debunking the myth that they are obstacles to agility and emphasizing their critical contribution to organizational resilience and growth.