The New Manager Podcast

First: There's a great story about how to create psychologically safe teams in Amy Edmondson's book, " Right Kind of Wrong."

https://amycedmondson.com/books/

Next: The podcast will be on pause for a bit. I'll be speaking at ATD's Core4 conference this fall, and at a few other events. I'm working on something else for you, too, so stay tuned.

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Sign up for updates by subscribing on Maven (it's free):

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Follow me on LinkedIn:

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https://kimnicol.com/

A big part of being a manager is communication -- it's how you build relationships with your supervisor, your direct reports, and your peers. It doesn't matter how well crafted your message is if the other person doesn't receive it.

You can increase your influence by:

• Paying attention to the other person's receptivity, and
• Choosing language and metaphors that the other person cares about.

After the Episode

Sign up for the next Communication Strategies for Managers, and strengthen foundational skills you use every day:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies

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Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

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Get private coaching:

https://kimnicol.com/

Want to become a more powerful speaker? This one thing will help: identify and eliminate filler words.

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After the Episode

Join the next Communication Strategies for Managers:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies

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Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

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Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

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Inquire about private coaching:

https://kimnicol.com/

I just finished watching the Spain v Belgium match, and it gave me three ideas about communication that apply to the workplace:

• Data is not enough. You need to create meaning that other people can understand.
• For the most important moments: Slow Down. And then show me again.
• Energy is contagious!

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After the Episode

Coming up July 15: free workshop on recognizing and celebrating your achievements:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/iamremarkable

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Be a guest on the pod, and get help with a specific work or career question:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/podcast-guest

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Join the next Communication Strategies for Managers:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies

~

Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

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Inquire about private coaching:

https://kimnicol.com/

Managing people is a different job than whatever you did to get promoted.

Now, instead of holding the work in your own hands, you are responsible for managing other people who are doing the work. You're still responsible for the end result -- and that can feel frustrating, or make you second-guess yourself.

Here's a way to think about it that will help.

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After the Episode

Recognize and celebrate your achievements:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/iamremarkable

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Sign up to be a guest on the pod! We'll work through one problem you want help with:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/podcast-guest

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Join the next Communication Strategies for Managers:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies

~

Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Inquire about private coaching:

https://kimnicol.com/

How do you want to be known? How do you want people to describe you when you're not in the room?

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After the Episode

Sign up to be a guest on the pod! We'll work through one problem you want help with:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/podcast-guest

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Join the next Communication Strategies for Managers:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies

~

Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Visit my website:

https://kimnicol.com/

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Want private coaching for your personal growth and professional goals? Let's talk:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/discovery-call

When you want to lead your team through change, it takes more than information and individual willpower. Take a look at the system around people -- the processes, incentives and metrics -- to ensure they're reinforcing the change you want. And: increase the psychological safety to learn and try new things.

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Microsoft's 2026 Work Trend Index Annual Report

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/agents-human-agency-and-the-opportunity-for-every-organization

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Amy C. Edmondson (she literally wrote the book on psychological safety!)

https://amycedmondson.com/

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After the Episode

In June, use promo code SUMMER50 for mid-year savings on Communication Strategies for Managers:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies

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Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Visit my website:

https://kimnicol.com/

~

Want private coaching for your personal growth and professional goals? Let's talk:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/discovery-call

You have more power to shape culture than you realize -- no matter where you sit in the org chart.

Start by paying attention to three things: 1) What happens consistently, 2) What's allowed, and 3) What's celebrated.

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Have a challenge you'd like to talk through?

This June, I'm opening my calendar to meet with listeners. We'll talk through one problem you want help with.

Find a time here:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/podcast-guest

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After the Episode

I'm taking new clients for private coaching. Schedule a Discovery Call to find out if it's right for you:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/discovery-call

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In June, use promo code SUMMER50 for mid-year savings on all of my courses:

https://maven.com/kimnicol

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Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Visit my website:

https://kimnicol.com/

The higher you go, the harder it is to get feedback. If you're not getting validation or guidance on your work, it's easy for anxiety to spike and insecurity to flare. It can feel like shouting into a void -- or plodding through a feedback desert. This episode will help. Let's discuss!

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Do you have a challenge you'd like to talk through?

This June, I'm opening my calendar to meet with listeners. We'll talk through one problem you want help with.

Find a time here:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/podcast-guest

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After the Episode

In June, use promo code SUMMER50 for mid-year savings on all of my courses:

https://maven.com/kimnicol

~

Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

https://kimnicol.com/

There's something powerful about saying things out loud. Notice where you feel free to speak your mind and organize your thoughts. . . And where you are more measured and cautious about how you speak.

Do you have a work challenge you'd like the talk through?

This June, I'm opening my calendar to meet with listeners. We'll talk through one problem you want help with. The conversations will be recorded, to share in a future episode.

Find a time here:

https://calendly.com/kimnicol/podcast-guest

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After the Episode

See all of my upcoming classes:

https://maven.com/kimnicol

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Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

https://kimnicol.com/

If you feel like there's too much to do and it's all on you. . . Plan a holiday or vacation this season. At the very least, take time off from worry and feeling anxious about all the things on your to-do list.

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After the Episode

Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

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Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies

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Learn to use The Gentle No and say no without feeling bad:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no

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Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

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Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

https://kimnicol.com/

First, a celebration and a story about how I got myself un-stalled on a project. Then, an observation about the value of adding calm to the system, and two approaches for how to do that.

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After the Episode

Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

~

Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies

~

Learn to use The Gentle No and say no without feeling bad:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

https://kimnicol.com/

"Increase your power and influence with this one weird trick. . ." Seriously, though: make it a practice to pause and slow down. It seems counterintuitive when faced with outer urgency and an inner drive to work hard. But there are real advantages to taking a pause. It's true for athletes (rest builds strength, as does interval training), and it's true for managers at work.

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After the Episode

Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

~

Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies

~

Learn to use The Gentle No and say no without feeling bad:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

https://kimnicol.com/

If you're an "I can do it myself!" person, then you might not have much practice in asking for help. This episode is for you.

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After the Episode

Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

~

Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies

~

Learn to use The Gentle No and say no without feeling bad:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

https://kimnicol.com/

Every leader has an underlying philosophy that shapes their decisions, actions, and approach to the work. Not sure where to start? Ask others about theirs.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Frances Frei's Office Hours LIVE

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After the Episode

Free download: Make Feedback Meaningful

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Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking.

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Learn to use The Gentle No to say no without feeling bad.

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Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching.

The latest Global State of the Workplace Report by Gallup came out, and they're reporting lower levels of engagement worldwide.

One thing that helps? Meaningful feedback. And one key part of that? Future focused feedback.

Plus: you can now download your own copy of the Make Feedback meaningful zine!

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Free download:

https://maven.com/p/e36395/make-feedback-meaningful-print-fold-zine

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Watch the video tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te2lJzYc954

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Read the Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2026 report:

https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx

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Read the study on Future Focused Feedback:

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0234444

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After the Episode

Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:

⁠⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠⁠

~

Learn how to say No, without feeling bad:

⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no⁠

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

This week, take a breath and savor the wins.

There will always be more work to be done. And even when things are going well, it can feel scary -- the feeling that there's more to lose, or that you'll let people down, can increase in the best of times.

So make an intentional practice: savor the wins, whether they are small or clearly visible for all to see.

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Is there a topic you'd like to see covered in an upcoming episode? Leave a note below! Or send me a message on LinkedIn.

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After the Episode

Strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:

⁠⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠⁠

~

Develop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:

⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no⁠

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

Being a manager isn't glamorous. If things are feeling heavy, like you're stuck in a thankless grind, have a listen.

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After the Episode

Join the upcoming class of Communication Strategies for Managers:

⁠⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠⁠

~

Develop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:

⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no⁠

~

Find me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

Today I share my biggest take-away from attending Transform. Plus, a reminder that you're human, you work with humans, and there's a lot going on.

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After the Episode

Develop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no

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Strengthen the basics, and level up your leadership skills with Communication Strategies for Managers:

⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠

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Find me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠

In this week's episode we explore three interwoven themes:

• How to refill your cup when you feel exhausted,
• Where to find inspiration, and
• Making feedback meaningful.

I make a commitment to share the zine I made. But in the meantime, check out Julia's zine: Help! I have a manager!

https://wizardzines.com/zines/manager/

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After the Episode

Develop your skills at saying No, without feeling bad:

https://maven.com/kimnicol/the-gentle-no

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Enroll in Communication Strategies for Managers:

⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠

~

Follow me on LinkedIn:

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠

~

Get in touch to discuss private coaching:

⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠