Manager to Manager

Tired of conflict stifling your team's potential? Discover the transformative power of healthy disagreement in this enlightening episode of "Manager to Manager." Join host Kamaria Scott and guest Phillip Sparrow, a veteran HR professional and conflict resolution expert, as they discuss the art of turning workplace discord into a catalyst for innovation and growth. This episode offers a roadmap for leaders eager to foster a culture where diverse perspectives thrive.
Kamaria and Phillip share how to create a psychologically safe space for open dialogue, understand different conflict styles, and employ strategies that balance assertiveness with empathy. They provide practical tips for improving team dynamics and harnessing the creative potential of conflict.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership capabilities and build stronger teams. Tune in now to transform the way you and your team navigate challenges, propelling your organization towards unprecedented innovation and success.Show Notes:
Connect with Phillip Spearo on LinkedIn
 

Are you navigating the challenging journey of transitioning from being a top performer in your field to leading a team for the first time? In this episode of Manager to Manager, host Kamaria Scott sits down with Jen Rohne, a seasoned Operations Director at Avery Dennison, to discuss the transformative journey from technical expert to inspirational leader over three decades.
Jen opens up about the challenges and triumphs of moving from an engineer role into various leadership positions, managing multiple manufacturing facilities. She debunks the myth that being excellent in a technical job naturally translates into effective people leadership. Instead, she highlights the need for a different set of skills and a mindset shift from executing tasks to guiding teams.
Throughout the conversation, Jen shares invaluable lessons on setting clear expectations, fostering accountability, and adapting leadership styles to meet the diverse needs of team members in various roles. She recounts how she helped an employee craft compelling business cases and supported an engineer transitioning to a team leadership position, offering insights into the importance of active listening and personalized management approaches.
A significant part of the discussion is dedicated to understanding and meeting individual team members' needs, promoting a culture of curiosity over judgment, and the critical role of empathy in leadership. Jen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging personal mistakes and learning from them, showcasing the power of vulnerability in building trust and respect within a team.
This episode is a deep dive into the nuances of leadership that go beyond traditional management theories, providing listeners with practical strategies and heartfelt advice from Jen's extensive experience. Join us for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to embrace the journey of becoming a more effective and empathetic leader.

Are you as a manager or leader striving to create a win-win scenario where your team members' personal goals and skills not only align but also propel your organization's objectives forward? In this enlightening episode of Manager to Manager, we have the pleasure of welcoming Ana Montoya, who shares her insights on achieving this harmonious balance.
Join us as Ana recounts her unique journey as a first-generation Colombian-American, a former player with the Colombian national soccer team, and a participant in two World Cups and the 2012 London Olympics. Transitioning from the athletic world to corporate America, Ana began in technology sales before ascending to lead a global sales team across Latin America.
Throughout our conversation, Ana reveals how her diverse experiences have molded her leadership style and the ways she empowers her team. She explores the delicate yet powerful process of aligning individual goals with the broader vision of the organization, demonstrating how this alignment is key to both personal satisfaction and corporate success.
Ana also dives deep into the importance of listening and understanding the dynamics within a team, underscoring these abilities as essential for cultivating a thriving and unified workforce. She emphasizes the need to establish a strong fundamental foundation, equipping team members with the skills and mindset necessary to excel in their careers. Ana's story is a compelling testament to the impact of diverse experiences in enriching leadership qualities and achieving outstanding results across various fields.

 Are you a people leader looking to unlock the full potential of your team? If so, you'll want to hear what Charlene Bunting has to say. She's a seasoned leader in software engineering management with extensive experience in fostering effective team dynamics and nurturing cross-functional collaboration and we're thrilled to welcome here to the Manager-to-Manager podcast. 
Join us as Charlene takes us through her diverse journey, encompassing roles such as business analyst, systems analyst, project manager, and more, leading up to her current position as the Senior Director of Software Engineering at Workiva. She highlights the significance of viewing an organization as a cohesive unit, where success is achieved not in silos but through concerted effort across various functions.
Throughout our dialogue, Charlene illustrates her unique "Curiosity Mission" approach, a method that involves understanding team interactions, uncovering interdependencies, and addressing collective challenges. She shares an enlightening story from her career that underscores the importance of creating psychological safety and resolving friction between teams.
Moreover, Charlene discusses her strategies for fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their challenges, thus aiding in identifying and addressing blind spots. Her focus on building and maintaining relationships within and across teams is a testament to her empathetic and inclusive leadership style.
Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, this episode offers practical advice on building a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
 
Show Notes:
Connect with Charlene on LinkedIn
 
Charlene's Recommended Books:
The Like Switch
Leadership and Self Deception

Are you stepping into a people leader role and feeling the weight of responsibility? You're not alone. In this insightful episode of Manager to Manager, we welcome Eric Girard, a leadership development expert with a wealth of experience in guiding new managers through the complexities of modern leadership.
In our candid and enlightening conversation, Eric draws on his extensive background to share invaluable lessons for emerging leaders. He emphasizes the critical role of empathy in management, not as a soft skill but as a key driver of team engagement and performance. Eric also shares his personal journey from team member to team leader, revealing the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way.
But it's more than just personal growth; Eric shares practical strategies for self-care and managing change. He highlights how to effectively support your team during transitions, using empathy and understanding to foster a resilient and adaptive work environment. Eric also shares his insights on the nuances of leadership versus management, offering guidance on how to lead with fairness, kindness, and a focus on results.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the new terrain of leadership. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a leader and how to make a positive impact in your managerial role.
 
Show notes:
Connect with Eric Girard on LinkedIn
Learn more about Girard Training Solutions
Get Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers
 

Are you ready to discover the secrets of influence and change? In this captivating episode of Manager to Manager, we are joined by special guest Allison Winters, a dynamic leader in finance and banking. Get ready to learn from her valuable journey of going from intern to leading two departments.
Allison will be sharing her experiences and insights on:
- The importance of building personal connections to truly understand and influence those around you.- How influence is the key to driving performance and getting things done.- Effective approaches to build relationships and gain influence within your own team.- Strategies for influencing and collaborating effectively with teams outside of your own.- The power of curiosity and understanding generational differences in the workplace.- Creating a psychologically safe environment of trust and reciprocity.- Celebrating wins and inspiring others through successful stories.
Join us as we discuss the strategies and mindsets needed to help others navigate change and achieve outstanding results. 
 
Show notes: 
Connect with Allison Winters on LinkedIn 
 

"Feedback is a gift" is a common phrase, but as leaders, are we truly open to receiving feedback ourselves? In this captivating episode of Manager to Manager, Marjorie Williamson shares her insights and advice on how we can all improve our feedback receptivity.  
Marjorie reveals how feedback has propelled her growth, even when it was initially challenging to hear. She stresses the importance of trust in the feedback process, and how it's easier to receive feedback from someone who has a vested interest in our success. Marjorie's wisdom shines through as she shares how she navigates the emotional challenges of feedback, evaluates its validity, and makes necessary adjustments.  
Additionally, we discuss the delicate balance of embracing feedback, especially when we think we're doing well, and the significant impact of leading by example to create a culture of open feedback and vulnerability for our teams. This is where innovation thrives, and success knows no limits.
Join us for this informative, inspiring, and encouraging conversation on how we can all better receive the gift of feedback. 
Show notes: 
Connect with Marjorie Williamson on LinkedIn 

Are you looking for practical strategies for leading with care, awareness and empathy? Then you won't want to miss this insightful conversation between Dr. Pat Baxter, an emotional intelligence expert and coach.  
 
In this episode, Dr. Pat Baxter shares her experiences and expertise on emotional intelligence and the importance of empathy in effectively managing teams. She highlights the challenges faced by managers and provides practical strategies for self-care, setting boundaries, and expressing care without experiencing empathy fatigue. 
 
But that's not all! In the heart of the conversation Dr. Pat provides valuable insight into the need for self-awareness, personal expressions of care, and the impact of emotional well-being on effective leadership in a virtual world. She also encourages managers to be expressive and engage with their team members to create a sense of community and foster connections. 
Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to develop meaningful connections and truly build a thriving, emotionally intelligent team. Tune in now and transform the way you lead! 
Show Notes 
Connect with Dr. Patricia (Pat) Baxter on LinkedIn 
Smarter Emotions