“People don’t leave jobs; they leave managers.”
I write the advice I wish I had earlier in my career.
After leading teams for over twenty years, all successful teams have one thing in common: outstanding managers. Those managers play an outsized role in the organization by delivering early, retaining talented people, and helping employees grow their careers.
Whether you’re a new manager or have been at it for a while and trying to accelerate your career, I offer practical advice to give you a leg up in your management expertise.
When to use email
You’ll use email for most formal work communications and many information communications. Always write your email like it will be read publicly, despite the recipients. Why publicly? 1. You mail send it to the wrong person (you made an error, or you sent it to the wrong Riley Smith)
Process: Scrum
Scrum stands out as a go-to choice for project management. It is known for its straightforward structure, ease of implementation, and minimal need for additional software tools. Its simplicity is its strength, making it a straightforward methodology for teams aiming to deliver high-quality work efficiently. Scrum Basics: The Core Elements
Purpose Mapping
I've explained why you need to know your company's Purpose and how it will impact how you pursue your Mission. Most managers can easily understand if they're executing well against their Mission. Missions tend to be concrete and measurable. You are either on schedule
Team Gatherings - Happy Hour
Happy hours can be an excellent tool for team building and boosting morale. They are ideal for various occasions: * Farewell parties for departing team members. * Celebrating team achievements or individual promotions. * Seasonal gatherings or significant local events. However, the key to a successful happy hour lies in thoughtful planning. As
Expense Reporting and Approval: A Manager's Guide
Managing expenses in the workplace can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. Whether you're at a startup feeling every dollar or at a medium-sized enterprise where expense reports flow like water, the crux of the matter is the same: approving expenses is a task that
Navigating Timesheets in the Workplace: A Manager's Guide
Timesheets are a staple in many workplaces, from hourly employees and contract firms to organizations with stringent fiscal tracking. They serve as a critical tool for ensuring accurate billing and financial management. As a manager, you are pivotal in ensuring accurate and compliant timesheets. The Importance of Accurate Time Tracking
Elevating Team Performance with Scenario Training
Scenario training is an easy way to level up your team and help develop future leaders and managers. When you're starting, you can walk through experiences you've gone through in your career and talk about how it played out. The whole "hindsight is 20/20&
Crafting Career Pathways: The Essential Guide to Creating a Career Rubric
As managers, it's our responsibility to guide our team members through their career journeys. An essential tool in this process is the career rubric, a structured framework that clarifies the path to advancement and sets clear expectations. Understanding the Career Rubric A career rubric serves as a roadmap
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Strategic Staffing Plan for Managers
Step 1: Develop a Comprehensive Staffing Plan and Secure Funding Creating an effective staffing plan is crucial for achieving your deliverables. Your plan should address the following key questions: Identify Required Roles and Skills: What specific roles and skills are necessary for your project? For example, if you're
Stakeholders
Stakeholders are the people who have a stake in your delivery. Sometimes, they're easy to identify (they provide funding), and sometimes, you'll have to uncover them through several layers of management. You must understand who they are because their goals are part of how you are
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