247. "Can I be direct with you?"

Being direct is a great tool to have in your communications toolbox. Whether you're using it effectively will have a lot to do on other factors, like: context, power, relationship, and goals. In this episode we'll explore how (and why!) to be more direct. You'll also get some suggestions for what to do if you find that your direct approach is not always well received....After the EpisodeJoin the next class! Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

There are five aspects of trauma-informed care that make good sense for the workplace:Safety / Psychological SafetyTrustworthinessChoice / AutonomyCollaborationEmpowerment / Motivation + EngagementPeople are human. The experiences we have in life shape how we perceive risk, make decisions, communicate, and work with others. Learning a bit about trauma-informed care makes it easier to bring out the best in yourself -- and the people you work with....After the EpisodeBecome a more calm, confident leader by honing your communication skills and strategic thinking:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

When I was first promoted to a manager role, I thought that maybe there would be meetings with other people managers where we discussed how to be good managers, and address challenges in doing the job. Nope! I began to realize that everyone was just figuring it out along the way.Three things to keep in mind as you start the year:Everyone is making it up as they go.Be observant. Pay attention and learn from the people around you.Be kind and compassionate with yourself. This is not an easy job. There's a lot of new things to learn when it comes to leadership and managing humans....After the EpisodeEnroll now to strengthen your communication skills and strategic thinking:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

This is the last episode of 2025, so our focus will be VISION. First, we reflect on the year. Then, we set intentions for the year ahead. The heart of it all? You. Your vision of yourself -- as a leader, and as a person.I use Year Compass to help me reflect on my year, and set intentions for the year ahead. Get your own copy -- it's free, and probably offered in your preferred language:https://yearcompass.com/en/...After the EpisodeEnroll now to hone your communication and strategic thinking:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

Working with and leading a diverse team takes skill. Developing any skill takes intentional practice -- whether you're learning a new language, a new dance step, or honing your communication skills and leadership mindset. Communication Strategies for Managers starts in January. Here's what you need to know, to get the most out of it....After the EpisodeEnroll now to start the New Year strong, with structure and support to help you hone your Communication skills:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

"Instead of thinking in terms of using AI, think about it as managing AI. Manage it like you would a person." This is one of the ideas shared at the Responsibly Human AI Summit last week, where leaders in HR, People Ops, and Employee Engagement gathered to discuss and learn about how to use AI at work.Here's my initial take....After the EpisodeEnroll now for Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

Shout out to my fellow Swifties! According to Spotify Wrapped, Taylor Swift is the top artist you listened to in 2025 (same!). I also learned that you're listening to this show in 87 countries --wow! And, the top episode this year was Ep. 2: The Two Essential Skills Every New Manager Needs.So this week, we're revisiting that episode. Thank you for being here! And thank you for making The New Manager Podcast one of the MOST SHARED shows of 2025....After the EpisodeEnroll now for the upcoming cohort of Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

Burnout creeps up on you, and sometimes it's only when you reach the end of the year that you realize just how heavy the exhaustion has become. In this episode you'll learn the 3 components of burnout, so you can check for yourself how you're doing with each one. Then, I'll walk you through 3 lenses for how look at your situation, so you can see what's in your hands (and what's not) that can help you feel more protected....After the EpisodeEnroll now for the upcoming cohort of Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

Does it seem like things are changing faster? As the world of work changes with AI and different generational expectations, managers will need to adapt as well. This includes becoming good at change management, and strengthening foundational skills for structural change, and managing relationships throughout your organization....After the EpisodeEnroll in the upcoming cohort of Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Get in touch to discuss private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

Secret-ish message for my listener community: save 25% on all courses on Maven -- including Communication Strategies for Managers -- when you register by November 24th.View the syllabus, course description, and enroll here:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies?promoCode=FAST25If communication skills are part of your leadership development goals and you want to start the new year strong and supported, join us!