Manager Tools

Management Is An Organizational System

Development Plans Are Dumb

Assumptive Goal Setting - HOF 2025

How to Set Annual Goals - HOF 2025

This podcast explores effective annual goal-setting strategies, advocating for MT goals—measurable and time-bound objectives—while critiquing the widespread use of SMART goals. The hosts argue that focusing on measurability and deadlines is key, dismissing the additional SMART criteria as often ineffective and distract...

One On Ones - How Much Personal?

My Boss Doesn't Support Company Guidance

Delivering the Performance Review - HOF 2025

This podcast episode focuses on delivering effective performance reviews, emphasizing that it should be part of an ongoing management process, not just a stressful annual event. Listeners learn the importance of preparing thoroughly, including reviewing data and employee self-evaluations. A key element highlighted is d...

Preparing Performance Reviews - HOF 2025

This podcast addresses the challenges and best practices of conducting effective performance reviews. It highlights the common pitfalls of poorly managed review processes, where managers often delay or rush through evaluations, undermining their credibility. The speakers emphasize that performance reviews should be an ...

The Executive's Two Responsibilities (MT)

How To Present At A Conference - A Checklist - Part 3

In this episode of Manager Tools, Sarah and Mark provide a checklist for presenting at a conference, focusing on audience engagement, handling questions, and room setup. They emphasize the importance of eye contact, smiling, and adjusting presentation style based on audience cues. They advise presenters to encourage in...

How To Present At A Conference - A Checklist - Part 2

In this episode of Manager Tools, Sarah and Mark continue their discussion on how to present at a conference, focusing on a checklist of essential items. They emphasize the importance of confirming slide deck formats with organizers, providing PDFs to protect intellectual property, and bringing a printed copy as a back...

How To Present At A Conference - A Checklist - Part 1

In this episode of Manager Tools, Sarah and Mark present the first part of a three-part checklist on how to present effectively at a conference. They emphasize the importance of owning the topic, mastering the content, and rehearsing thoroughly. They advise against accepting speaking engagements on unfamiliar topics an...

The Hip Pocket Presentation

In this episode of Manager Tools, Sarah and Mark discuss the concept of a "Hip Pocket Presentation," which is a pre-prepared, rehearsed presentation, typically 45 minutes to an hour long, that managers can deliver on short notice. They emphasize the importance of having such a presentation to seize opportunities, enhan...

The Love Speech

What To Do When You Get Promoted - Part 2

In this episode of Manager Tools, Sarah and Mark discuss effective strategies for individuals transitioning into new roles after a promotion. They emphasize the importance of understanding organizational rhythms by reviewing the boss's calendar and identifying quarterly events, as well as modifying one's own calendar t...

What To Do When You Get Promoted - Part 1

In this episode of Manager Tools, Sarah and Mark discuss strategies for professionals who have recently been promoted, focusing on the transitional period between roles. They outline key steps such as preparing a key project report, performance files, and interim reviews for the previous team to ensure a smooth handove...

Career Insurance For Your Directs - Part 2

In this episode of Manager Tools, Sarah and Mark discuss career insurance for directs, emphasizing the importance of relationships, financial stability, and mindful spending. They highlight that while results are crucial, building strong internal and external relationships is the second most valuable form of career ins...

Career Insurance For Your Directs - Part 1

In this episode of Manager Tools, co-hosts Sarah and Mark discuss career insurance for directs, emphasizing its importance in a fluctuating job market. They outline four key types of career insurance: producing results, building relationships, saving a year's salary in cash, and living below your means. The hosts stres...

Google's Project Oxygen

The Black Widow Mistake - Part 2