271. Identify and Eliminate Filler Words

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.~Sign up for updates by subscribing on Maven (it's free):https://maven.com/kimnicol~Follow me on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/~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, andChoosing language and metaphors that the other person cares about.After the EpisodeSign up for the next Communication Strategies for Managers, and strengthen foundational skills you use every day:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Follow me on LinkedIn:⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠⁠~Get private coaching:https://kimnicol.com/

Want to become a more powerful speaker? This one thing will help: identify and eliminate filler words....After the EpisodeJoin the next Communication Strategies for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Free download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://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/

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!...After the EpisodeComing up July 15: free workshop on recognizing and celebrating your achievements:https://calendly.com/kimnicol/iamremarkable~Be a guest on the pod, and get help with a specific work or career question:https://calendly.com/kimnicol/podcast-guest~Join the next Communication Strategies for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Free download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://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/

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....After the EpisodeRecognize and celebrate your achievements:https://calendly.com/kimnicol/iamremarkable~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~Join the next Communication Strategies for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Free download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://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?...After the EpisodeSign up to be a guest on the pod! We'll work through one problem you want help with:https://calendly.com/kimnicol/podcast-guest~Join the next Communication Strategies for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Free download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://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

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...Microsoft's 2026 Work Trend Index Annual Reporthttps://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/agents-human-agency-and-the-opportunity-for-every-organization..Amy C. Edmondson (she literally wrote the book on psychological safety!)https://amycedmondson.com/..After the EpisodeIn June, use promo code SUMMER50 for mid-year savings on Communication Strategies for Managers:https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies~Free download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://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....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...After the EpisodeI'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...In June, use promo code SUMMER50 for mid-year savings on all of my courses:https://maven.com/kimnicol~Free download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://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!...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...After the EpisodeIn June, use promo code SUMMER50 for mid-year savings on all of my courses:https://maven.com/kimnicol~Free download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://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...After the EpisodeSee all of my upcoming classes:https://maven.com/kimnicol~Free download: Make Feedback Meaningfulhttps://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/