The Manager Lab

6 Common Leadership Styles - And When to Use Them (Part 1)

Welcome to the Manager Lab, your go-to source for talent management strategies. In today's episode, we review the Harvard Business Review article "Six Common Leadership Styles and How to Decide Which to Use When" by Rebecca Knight. This article revisits the foundational work of Daniel Goleman on leadership styles, a pivotal framework for understanding effective leadership dynamics.Join us as we explore the first three of Goleman's leadership styles: coercive, authoritative (or visionary), and pace-setting. Dive into the nuances of each style, their impact on team morale, and when to deploy them to navigate complex business environments. Whether you're facing a crisis or steering through change, understanding these styles will enhance your leadership toolkit and drive your team's growth.Stay tuned for the next episode where we'll delve into the remaining styles to complete your leadership repertoire. Let's continue unlocking your team's full potential in the Manager Lab.

Career Progression Interview with ERG ManagerTools

ManagerTools, an ERG with Hinkle Contracting, interviewed me as part of thier monthly series of helping managers do good work.  This episode is much longer than usual, but enjoy hearing about my progression from academia to Big Pharma, to entrepreneurialism, to landing where I am now in Human Resources!  What a journey...

Visibility Matters: How to Showcase Your Team's Achievements

Welcome to the Manager Lab, where we dive into the dynamic world of talent management. In this episode, we review the Harvard Business Review article by Rebecca Knight, "How to Make Your Team's Work More Visible," published in January 2025. The article emphasizes the importance of strategic communication to ensure that your team's great work is seen and appreciated.
We discuss the impact of visibility on team motivation, resource allocation, and retention, and provide seven actionable tips to enhance your team's presence effectively. From understanding individual strengths to promoting collaboration and distributing credit fairly, learn how to advocate for your team without coming across boastful.
Join us in unraveling the art and science of unlocking your team's full potential by ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. Tune in for practical advice on fostering a productive and engaged team.

When Expressing Gratitude, Timing Matters

Welcome to the latest episode of the Manager Lab, where we explore innovative strategies in talent management. This week, we're diving into a Harvard Business Review article that reveals the surprising impact of expressing gratitude before employees tackle challenging tasks. Discover how a simple 'thank you' in advance can enhance resilience, persistence, and social connection within teams.Join us as we dissect research findings from high-stress environments and real-world experiments, emphasizing the importance of anticipation, genuine gratitude, and continuous support in managerial practices. Learn practical steps for cultivating a culture of gratitude that empowers your team and strengthens organizational connectedness.

A Great Manager's Most Important Habit

Welcome to the Manager Lab, where we explore the dynamic world of talent management. In this episode, we dive into the article "A Great Manager's Most Important Habit" by Jim Harder, published by Gallup. We examine the shift in work dynamics post-pandemic, highlighting the significance of remote work flexibility and the crucial impact of meaningful manager-employee conversations on engagement.
The episode emphasizes five key characteristics of meaningful conversations: recognition, collaboration, goal clarity, conversation length, and focusing on strengths. It discusses how regular meaningful feedback can significantly increase employee engagement and productivity, leading to lower turnover.
We also explore practical approaches to coaching, highlighting the importance of strengths-based management and peer learning. Tune in to discover how implementing these strategies can transform your team's performance and foster a thriving organizational culture.

LabExtra: Generative AI - How Are People Using this Creative Tool?

In this eye-opening episode of the Manager Lab, we delve into an article from Harvard Business Review about the evolving landscape of generative AI. Discover how different generations in the workforce are utilizing this cutting-edge technology, and explore the contrasting levels of familiarity between fresh graduates and seasoned managers.The episode provides insights into how individuals and organizations are experimenting with generative AI across various domains, from content creation to technical troubleshooting, and personal support. We also highlight the unexpected uses of AI, such as therapy and companionship, amidst a global mental health crisis.Join us as we break down the top applications of generative AI, revealing its transformative impact on modern workplaces and personal lives, and engage in a pertinent discussion about integrating this innovation effectively in your organization. Stay tuned and do good work!

BookNotes: Atomic Habits: The Power of Rituals that Stick

Welcome to this edition of The Manager Lab, where we delve into James Clear's influential book, Atomic Habits. Discover the four fundamental laws of behavioral change that can make your new habits stick: make them obvious, easy, attractive, and satisfying.
Learn key strategies like habit stacking and starting small, ensuring your new habits seamlessly integrate into your daily routines. We also explore the concept of syncing enjoyable activities with productive habits, and the importance of keeping score to track your progress. Let these insights guide you in building habits that truly transform your life.

Unequal Pay, Unequal Loyalty: Why Transparency Matters

Welcome to another episode of the Manager Lab, where we delve into the dynamic world of talent management. This week, we explore the critical issue of pay inequality and its impact on employee retention, based on insights from the Harvard Business Review.Discover how important it is to keep compensation aligned and transparent, especially when onboarding new, higher-paid employees. We discuss research findings that reveal how timely pay adjustments can significantly extend the tenure of current staff, particularly top performers who are more likely to leave in the face of disparities.Learn practical strategies to address pay inequities swiftly, consult with HR for smooth transitions, and ensure your team's loyalty. Tune in for actionable insights that could transform your approach to talent management.

The 6 Essential Skills of Leadership, Part 3

In this episode of the Manager Lab, we delve into the last two vital leadership skills highlighted in Rebecca Knight's HBR article, "Six Essential Leadership Skills and How to Develop Them." We explore the power of strategic disruption skills, which challenge the status quo and encourage thought diversity to foster inclusion and equity within organizations.
Additionally, we discuss the profound importance of resilient self-awareness, a meta skill that not only helps leaders manage personal limitations and stress but also sets a positive example for teams by promoting a healthier work environment.
Join us as we unravel these key insights and offer actionable tips for developing these crucial skills, aimed at shaping the future of work and inspiring those you lead.

The 6 Essential Skills of Leadership, Part 2

Welcome to this episode of Manager Lab, where we continue exploring essential leadership skills as outlined by Rebecca Knight. We delve into flexible thinking, emphasizing the importance of embracing ambiguity and holding opposing ideas in leadership. Discover practical applications like mind mapping for strategic insights. Next, we discuss the art of perspective-seeking, highlighting the necessity of incorporating diverse viewpoints. Learn the value of expanding networks and immersing in diverse narratives to enhance empathy and strategic decision-making. We cover techniques for self-assessment and understanding how others perceive you. Elevate your leadership by embracing these pivotal skills.