Building Better Managers

The Manager as Coach: How to Use Coaching Conversations to Develop Your Team | Ep. #129

In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we explore one of the most high-leverage skills a manager can develop: coaching. Coaching isn't about having all the answers—it's about helping your team find their own. By learning how to ask powerful questions, guide problem-solving, and create an environment of trust, you can turn everyday interactions into meaningful development moments. Using the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will), we walk through how to structure effective coaching conversations and shift from being a task manager to a true people leader. You'll learn: ✅ What coaching actually is (and isn't) ✅ Why coaching is a leadership skill that pays dividends across performance, engagement, and growth ✅ How to apply the GROW model to any conversation ✅ Practical tools to lead with curiosity instead of control ✅ How coaching builds accountability and trust on your team This episode comes with a free resource: 🎁 Download the Coaching Conversation Action Guide 📥 Visit newlevelwork.com to get instant access

Difficult Conversations Planner: How to Prepare, Deliver & Follow Up Like a Pro | Ep. #128

In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we dive into one of the most stressful and avoided parts of leadership: the difficult conversation. Whether you're giving tough feedback to a direct report, navigating a peer conflict, or even managing up, these high-stakes dialogs can easily go off the rails. But they don't have to. We break down a practical two-part planning system to help you move from confrontation to collaboration—without losing your cool. You'll learn: ✔️ Why 90% of your success is determined before you say a word ✔️ A 7-step internal audit to manage your emotions and clarify your goals ✔️ How to structure your message using the SBI model (Situation, Behavior, Impact) ✔️ The art of firm, neutral delivery—without judgment or heat ✔️ How to collaborate on real solutions and lock in accountability ✔️ Tips for staying focused when the conversation gets derailed   This isn't just theory—it's a full blueprint for turning high-anxiety moments into high-impact leadership. Learn more For coaching programs, leadership training, or AI-enhanced tools to support your managers, visit newlevelwork.com Like what you hear? Rate and review us at: https://www.newlevelwork.com/review 🎧 For more episodes: https://www.newlevelwork.com/category/podcast

Mastering One-on-One Meetings: The Manager's Most Underrated Superpower | Ep. #127

In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we explore one of the most underrated yet high-impact tools in a manager's toolkit: the one-on-one meeting. While many treat one-on-ones as routine check-ins or status updates, top-performing managers know they're so much more. When done right, one-on-ones are a strategic space to build trust, drive clarity, and accelerate development. We'll share practical strategies, mindset shifts, and real-world examples to help you turn your next one-on-one into a moment of meaningful connection and growth. Key Takeaways Why so many managers misuse or underuse one-on-ones The mindset shift from task-focused to person-focused Simple structures for high-impact conversations What great managers do to build trust, clarity, and accountability Mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead) Learn More For coaching programs, leadership training, or AI-enhanced tools to support your managers, visit newlevelwork.com Like what you hear? One of the best ways to support us is to leave a 5-star review! Just head to: https://www.newlevelwork.com/review   For more episodes and resources, visit the New Level Work podcast hub: https://www.newlevelwork.com/category/podcast

The Leadership Power of Listening: How Enhanced Listening Skills Can Transform Your Team | Ep. #126

In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we dive into one of the most underestimated leadership superpowers: listening. At a time when hybrid work, constant pings, and AI overload are stealing our attention, truly listening—with focus, curiosity, and empathy—has become a lost art. But it doesn't have to be. We explore the key techniques and mindset shifts from New Level Work's "Listening Skills Enhanced" training to help managers lead with greater clarity, compassion, and confidence. Whether you're heading into a tough 1:1, navigating team conflict, or just want to create more trust, this episode gives you the tools to transform the way you listen—and lead. Key Takeaways Listening is an active leadership skill—not a passive one. The way you listen shapes your team's culture and performance. Don't multitask—your attention is your most valuable currency. Curiosity and silence are powerful tools for deeper understanding. Better listening improves decision-making and strengthens trust. Learn More: For leadership coaching, development programs, or AI-enhanced learning tools to support your managers, visit newlevelwork.com. Like what you hear? Do you enjoy our show? One of the best ways to help us out is leave a 5-star review on your platform of choice! It's easy - just go here: https://www.newlevelwork.com/review For more information, please visit the New Level Work website. https://www.newlevelwork.com/category/podcast

Mastering Feedback with the SBI Model: A Framework for Growth and Trust | Ep #125

In this episode of Building Better Managers, we explore one of the most essential tools in every leader's toolkit: giving effective feedback. We introduce the SBI Model — Situation, Behavior, Impact, a practical, repeatable framework adapted from the Center for Creative Leadership. Whether you're delivering constructive feedback or reinforcing great work, SBI helps managers communicate with clarity, build trust, and foster real growth. Through examples, breakdowns, and practical coaching tips, this episode guides leaders in creating feedback conversations that are consistent, specific, and authentic — the foundation of high-performing teams. Key Takeaways: Feedback is not about correction — it's about raising awareness. The SBI Model offers a simple structure: Situation, Behavior, Impact. Composure is critical — never deliver feedback when emotional. Constructive feedback should be two-way and solution-focused. Positive feedback builds trust and rewires the brain for success. Managers should spend more time reinforcing what's working than correcting mistakes. Effective feedback drives performance, culture, and leadership growth. Learn More: For leadership coaching, development programs, or AI-enhanced learning tools to support your managers, visit newlevelwork.com. Like what you hear? Do you enjoy our show? One of the best ways to help us out is leave a 5-star review on your platform of choice! It's easy - just go here: https://www.newlevelwork.com/review For more information, please visit the New Level Work website. https://www.newlevelwork.com/category/podcast