25. The Messy Middle: Understanding and Empowering Middle Managers

In today’s dynamic workplace, the demands on managers have never been higher. With technology reshaping business practices, employees feeling stretched thin, and conflicting management advice saturating social media, it’s difficult to know where to turn for help. Managers are typically in their role for 10 years before they receive any training. The shifting expectations placed on managers combined with a lack of training and support create the perfect storm for managers. Host and Leadership Coach Corina Walsh has captured the exact frustrations all managers experience in their role and included them in her new book, Modern Manager: Conquering the Five Frustrations of Leadership. In this episode of The People and Culture Success Show Corina introduces her latest book including: • How the role of manager has changed in the last 10 years and why it feels so much harder to lead a team than ever before. • The 5 core frustrations of today’s manager. • How Modern Manager will alleviate stress for today’s manager. • What others are saying about Modern Manager. • What today’s manager will need to succeed at leading their team. Purchase your copy of Modern Manager: Conquering the Five Frustrations of Leadership here and download a free tool: https://shiftpd.com/book-modern-manager/ For bulk purchases of Modern Manager for your organization, contact Corina directly at [email protected].

Research from O.C. Tanner states that when millennials change jobs, it’s most often because they feel underutilized and stagnant at work. According to Docebo, 36% of workers and nearly half of millennials would consider quitting a job that didn’t provide learning opportunities. Companies that overlook the value of growth and development opportunities for their workforce do so at their own peril. In this insightful episode of The People and Culture Success Show, Corina Walsh sits down with Tasha Harvey, a HR professional in talent development, recruitment, and retention. Tasha shares her valuable insights on how purpose-driven recruitment, development opportunities, and strong organizational values play a pivotal role in not only attracting top talent but also in retaining them. In this episode, Corina and Tasha discuss:  • The importance of aligning recruitment processes with an organization's core values and mission. • How Libro Credit Union integrates their purpose-driven and values-based philosophy into their hiring process, ensuring that new team members resonate with the organization’s goals. • The role of growth and development opportunities in recruitment and retention. • Why you must invest in yourself even if your organization does not provide growth and learning opportunities. • The role that management and executive teams play in reinforcing organizational values. • Practical strategies for building a culture where employees feel empowered and engaged. If you're looking to enhance your organization’s recruitment process and boost employee retention, this episode is filled with actionable strategies to foster a values-driven culture that attracts and keeps top talent. Tasha Harvey can be contacted on LinkedIn.

For years the traditional approach utilized by HR to build people programs has been ‘build it and they will come’ (hopefully!). Frieda Möcker, Head of People & Culture at Sastrify, recognized early in her career that building and scaling people programs in the tech sector would require an innovative approach to encourage adoption and ownership. In this episode of “The People and Culture Success Show,” host Corina Walsh and Frieda Möcker discuss taking a product-led approach to developing employee experience and building essential people programs. Frieda shares her journey into the world of People & Culture, explaining why she chose this career path and how her role at Sastrify allows her to reimagine the traditional HR model. Frieda dives deep into her unique strategy of treating the employee experience as a product, where People Teams operate like Product Managers. This episode is essential for any HR or People and Culture professional looking to build and scale effective people programs in any industry.   Corina and Frieda discuss: • How a product-led approach differs from the classic HR model, the challenges of implementing it, and the profound impact it has had on scaling people programs without losing engagement. • How Sastrify's hybrid or remote work environment has influenced their engagement and culture, including the tools they rely on to maintain a strong company culture. • The importance of language in culture building, particularly in the tech industry to foster a sense of community. • Frieda offers her perspective on whether companies should prioritize being "People-First" or “People-Centric” and the potential pitfalls of the people-first philosophy. • Frieda’s thoughts on emerging trends in People & Culture, and how her approach at Sastrify could inspire other organizations to rethink their employee experience strategies. Don’t forget to connect with Frieda on Linkedin to learn more about her work and to stay updated on the latest in People & Culture by following our show!

An organization’s success is greatly influenced by its structure. Organizational form and purpose must be aligned to meet the challenges and realities of today. In this episode of The People and Culture Success Show, Corina Walsh sits down with Dr. Brenda Barker Scott, a Canadian organizational design expert, to explore the intricate relationship between organizational design and workplace culture. Dr. Barker Scott shares her insights on how organizational design can embed culture into the very fabric of an organization and how this, in turn, influences employee behavior and interactions. Dr. Brenda Barker Scott helps companies create work environments that enhance productivity, engagement, and culture. She offers a wealth of knowledge to leaders striving to improve their organizational structures. Whether you are a leader, manager, or HR professional, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you create a thriving workplace culture. In this episode, Corina and Dr. Barker Scott discuss: Baking Culture into the Organization: The importance of intentional work design in fostering a positive workplace culture. The Reciprocal Relationship: An exploration of how culture shapes behavior and behavior shapes culture within the organizational framework. Learning from Experience: Dr. Barker Scott emphasizes the value of learning from both successes and failures in design initiatives. Common Pitfalls: Insights into the major challenges and mistakes companies face in organizational design. Creating the Platform: How effective organizational design creates a solid foundation for how work is done within an organization. Practical Advice: Tips for leaders and managers on how to approach organizational design with intentionality and foresight. Tune in to this insightful conversation and learn how to design your organization for success. Dr. Brenda Barker Scott can be reached at: https://brendabarkerscott.com/ Don't miss an episode of The People and Culture Success Show! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and follow us for updates and more engaging content.

In today’s constantly changing business landscape, no industry can afford to become complacent with their leadership and culture practices. In this enlightening episode of The People and Culture Success Show, host Corina Walsh sits down with Tom Hickey, the CEO of Wedgwood Insurance. Tom shares his personal journey in the insurance brokerage industry, detailing how he got started and the key influences that shaped his leadership style. He also dives into the evolution of the industry, particularly in terms of talent attraction, workplace culture, and leadership.  Tom discusses the importance of cultivating a positive workplace culture and shares his strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in a highly competitive industry. Exploring the role of mentors in his career, Tom offers insights into how his company prepares for change. Whether you're in the insurance industry or simply interested in effective leadership and workplace culture, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. In this episode Corina and Tom discuss: • The importance of developing a leadership philosophy: Tom’s evolving leadership philosophy and the key influences behind it including the importance of leading by example. • The impact of mentors on Tom's career and the lessons learned from them. • Industry Changes: Significant changes in the insurance brokerage industry concerning talent attraction, culture, and leadership. • Workplace Culture: Strategies Tom uses to cultivate a positive workplace culture and its importance. • Talent Attraction and Retention: How Tom’s company attracts and retains top talent in a competitive industry. • Emerging Leaders: Strategies for selecting and developing emerging leaders within the organization. Tom's Company Website: https://wedgwoodinsurance.com/

The demands and expectations on managers have increased dramatically since the pandemic. In this episode of the People and Culture Success Show, we delve into the often-overlooked world of middle management. From the challenges they face to the indispensable role they play; we shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes of organizations. Middle managers are indispensable to organizational success, yet their value often goes unnoticed. Drawing insights from research and industry trends, host Corina Walsh highlights how middle managers serve as the vital link between executive strategy and frontline performance. From connecting high-level vision to daily operations to navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, middle managers play a pivotal role in fueling productivity and achieving better financial outcomes. In this insightful episode, we delve deep into: • What a ‘day in the life’ of today’s middle manager looks like. • The challenges and pressures facing middle managers. • Clarifying the role of middle managers and the findings from research highlighting the significant contributions of middle managers to revenue and overall success. • Why viewing middle managers as expendable is a mistake. • Analyzing the repercussions of cutting middle management positions, citing real-world examples like Meta (formerly Facebook) and Google. • Exploring the intricate balance middle managers must maintain as both leaders and followers and the role conflict experienced by middle managers. • Essential areas of leadership training for middle managers, from team building to emotional intelligence. If you are a middle manager, Corina encourages you to embrace your leadership journey with confidence and champion your own development. You can find additional resources here: https://shiftpd.com/how-middle-management-development-drives-business-success/ Click here to book a call for further support in empowering middle managers: https://shiftpd.com/contact-us/

An effective recruitment and onboarding strategy is essential for all companies that want to attract and retain top talent. Onboarding will help an employee acclimate to their new environment, reduce attrition, and increase employee engagement. Fast-growth technology companies often hire skilled employees on a contractual basis making an effective and efficient onboarding process a critical element of productivity. In this episode of The People and Culture Success Show host Corina Walsh is joined by Claire Stroh, Manager of Managed Talent Services at Lighthouse Technology Services. Claire brings a wealth of experience in recruitment and onboarding in the tech industry. They discuss how companies can create positive candidate experiences, the evolving landscape of onboarding in hybrid and remote work environments, and much more. Claire provides insights that can transform your approach to talent acquisition and management. Corina and Claire discuss: • How small and medium-sized businesses can benefit from working with Lighthouse Technology Services to attract and retain top-tier talent in the tech sector. • Crafting a Positive Candidate Experience: Key steps to ensure a positive candidate experience. • The Significance of Onboarding in Today's Work Environment: The new dimensions of onboarding to meet the needs of a dispersed workforce. • Onboarding Contract Employees: Contract or fractional talent is becoming more prevalent. Claire offers tips for ensuring a smooth transition, even when candidates are expected to hit the ground running. • Strategies for Tech Companies to Attract Top Talent: Valuable insights into how technology firms can position themselves as desirable employers and attract top-notch professionals. • Recruitment Challenges in the Tech Industry: Common hurdles and strategies for overcoming them, including navigating skill shortages. From prioritizing candidate experience to adapting onboarding processes for remote work, there's much to consider in the realm of talent acquisition and management. Claire Stroh can be reached at: https://www.lhtservices.com/ Tune in to the next episode of The People and Culture Success Show for more thought-provoking discussions and expert insights.

Workplace culture is often defined as ‘how we do things around here’. But is it better for a company to allow culture to develop organically, or should start-ups be more intentional with culture-building? This is just one of the questions we will attempt to answer in the latest episode of The People and Culture Success Show. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of remote work culture with our special guest, Joe Teo, CEO of Hey Orca, a social media scheduler that helps teams get their jobs done faster, together. Joe shares invaluable insights and strategies for building and maintaining a thriving remote work culture. Corina and Joe discuss: Intentional Culture Building: Why culture requires deliberate effort and direction-setting from leadership. What Makes Your Company Unique: Embrace the quirks and unique aspects of company culture to foster a sense of belonging and cohesion among team members. Authentic Leadership: The significance of authenticity and intentionality in leadership, especially on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Lessons Learned: Reflecting on his journey as a young manager, Joe shares valuable lessons learned and how finding the right balance is a continuous learning process. Remote Work Strategies: Joe provides insights into Hey Orca's remote work strategy, emphasizing trust, outcome-based management, and investment in employee experiences. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of remote work culture and discover actionable strategies for cultivating a thriving and inclusive remote workforce. Joe Teo can be found on Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/josephteols Hey Orca: https://www.heyorca.com/

According to a Myers-Briggs study, managers spend 4 hours a week on conflict and an employee can average 2.8 hours per week on conflict. In most workplaces in Canada and the U.S., it is not a matter of if you will have to deal with workplace conflict but a matter of when. Unresolved conflict and disputes are a drain on the mental health of employees and managers. Productivity and employee engagement are also at risk when interpersonal issues are ignored or overlooked. With effective resources and training however, conflict can be an opportunity for innovation and stronger relationships. In this episode of The People and Culture Success Show, we delve into the intricacies of workplace conflict resolution with seasoned mediator and workplace conflict specialist, Sarah Albo of Novel HR. Sarah brings a wealth of experience in facilitating constructive dialogue and fostering resolution in the workplace. In our conversation we uncover valuable insights into navigating conflicts and promoting a harmonious work environment. Corina and Sarah demystify conflict in the workplace including:   • Understanding conflict's relevance including the importance of recognizing how conflicts impact organizational outcomes. • The tangible advantages that stem from employees actively resolving conflicts. • Collaborative resolution strategies with an emphasis on the value of working together to identify root causes and find mutually beneficial solutions. • How managers and organizations can empower employees to address conflicts constructively. • A reflection on the transformative potential of proactive conflict resolution strategies. Tune in to The People and Culture Success Show for more insightful discussions on leadership, teamwork, and fostering a thriving organizational culture. Thank you for joining us! Sarah Albo can be reached at novelhr.ca or follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

For many years the role of Human Resources was viewed as an administrative arm in an organization. A position that was necessary but not always valued. Today, People and Culture professionals are more likely to have a seat at the table where decisions are made but can still face challenges with moving key people strategies forward. The relationship between the CEO and a Chief People Officer (CPO) will play a key role in shaping culture in a start-up where change is constant, and chaos is the norm. In this episode of The People and Culture Success Show, we delve into the transformative power of the CEO-CPO relationship in startups. Our guest, Cerys Cook, Chief People Officer at Swift Medical, shares insights into the crucial role of this dynamic duo in shaping organizational culture and driving business growth. In this episode, Corina and Cerys discuss: Cerys’s experience working in startups and traditional corporate settings. The importance of CEO-CPO alignment. The impact of the CEO-CPO relationship on organizational culture and talent management. Aligning people strategy with business goals. Why it is important to move away from viewing HR as an isolated function to a strategic partner across all business functions. The implementation of an agile goal framework to adapt to rapid changes in the startup landscape. Establishing trust and transparency between the CEO and CPO in any organization. Listen in as this episode takes a deep dive into the enduring impact of the CEO-CPO partnership in fostering innovation, resilience, and a people-centric approach to organizational success. Cerys Cook can be reached on LinkedIn by searching for Cerys Cook or you can email her at [email protected]. Join us for future episodes as we continue to explore the intersection of people, culture, and success in today's dynamic business environment. Thank you for tuning in to The People and Culture Success Show.