The BossBuilder Podcast

#84: How to Manage with Radical Candor - with Kate Vendemio

With a pandemic and a stressed-out workforce, we may be tempted to take it easy on our workforce and relax our standards.  That, according to our guest Kate Vendemio of Mount Vernon Consulting,  is the wrong answer!  Kate talks to us today about the power of a concept known as radical candor.  It's based on a book by Kim Scott and offers a powerful new model on holding people accountable while demonstrating that you care deeply about them.  

#83: How to Keep Your Remote Workers from Failing - with Jennifer Leake

Remote workers are now the rule rather than the exception.  In some cases, companies are finding this trend to be more effective but like anything, there are some challenges.  What do you do when some of your remote workers are failing?  Well, our guest today, Jennifer Leake of Assessment Pros has some practical tips for keeping the workforce engaged and preventing them from being left behind.  Lots of practical tips so be sure to take notes!

#82: How to Master Difficult Conversations - with Deb Cohen

Difficult conversations were always difficult, but now, in a more stressful and often virtual environment, they're even harder.  That doesn't mean you ignore them, just be better at it.  Our guest today, Deb Cohen, will give us practical and tactical strategies for getting over the fear of doing these and offer up skills and techniques to do it better!

#81: How to Handle Conflict in a Virtual Environment - with Natalie Garramone

Conflict is one of those things we'll face on a regular basis.  In a normal environment it's challenging enough, but when you put people in a virtual environment and combine that with stress, fear, and anxiety, it gets a lot tougher.  Fortunately, our guest today, Natalie Garramone has some tips to help us identify signs of brewing conflict and strategies to overcome them.

#80: What The Boss Needs to Know About the Post-COVID-19 Workplace - with Yolanda Hunter

As The Boss, you've had to adapt to a virtual workforce and a pandemic.  You're probably getting comfortable with that new normal.  Things will eventually go back to what they used to and that is a transition you'll need to be ready for.  Thinking about a post-COVID-19 world at work can be daunting so you need as much info as you can get.  Our guest today, Yolanda Hunter of WorkPlace HR has some important information and things to consider as you navigate this important task.  Be sure to take good notes.  There is a lot to know!

#79: How to Lead When You Don't Have All the Answers - with Mike Staver

If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's that we never really have a clear answer for the challenges we're facing.  As The Boss, that's difficult considering management expects you to have a plan for everything from remote work to reconvening the workplace when this is all over. Fortunately, our guest today has some advice for us. Mike Staver is the author of Leadership Isn’t for Cowards and an internationally respected speaker and coach. Mike takes noisy, often complex, leadership content and makes it immediately useful, digestible and entertaining.  He's just the guy we need for times like today!  I hope you enjoy our conversation!

#78: Questions (not Answers) About the Workplace Post-COVID-19 - with Ken Schlechter

There's a ton of uncertainty around what COVID-19 will mean for us, our health, our families, our stock portfolios, and our future.  We also need to figure out what it means for the future of work and the workplace.  Nobody has real answers, but maybe the best thing to do is ask and consider better questions.  Our guest today, Ken Schlechter and I discuss what questions to ask and what impact COVID-19 might have for the workplace of the future.  Join us for this important topic!

#77: Words of Wisdom for the Newly-Promoted Boss - with Keppel Bharath

When I started this podcast, there were two individuals I knew I needed to interview.  Our guest today is one of them.  Keppel Bharath is one of the smartest people I know and brings 40+ years of management and technical expertise to the show.  I met Keppel several years ago and was impressed just in our short interaction.  After spending an hour with him, I'm even more in awe.  If you are new in the role of the Boss or just want to get better, please get out some paper and take notes as you learn from Keppel.  At the end, he even gives his personal email address out to anyone who would like to connect.

#76: How to Be an Effective Project Manager - with Ken Schlechter

Project management and project managers are very different things.  Project management is a science unto itself, part science, part psychology.  Having our current virtual business environment presents new challenges to that already difficult business.  Fortunately, our guest today, Ken Schlechter has a ton of experience in this and shares his tips on being an effective project manager in this episode.

#75: How to Help Individuals in Career Transition - with Iris Culp

2020 is a tough year for businesses.  Many are forced to lay people off.  How you do it is important not only to the individuals affected, but to your organization as well. Our guest today is Iris Culp of IC-Growth. Iris helps individuals in career transition and also partners with organizations, helping them provide services to employees who have to be let go due to economic conditions.  Iris has actionable strategies for you to use if you have to do the tough job of letting employees go.  Be sure to listen at the end for a very special offer.