Employers and employees both have needs and in a perfect world those needs match-up for a win/win. As managers we are often caught in the middle of brokering the relationship between employer and employee when those needs and values don't match perfectly. The Middling Manager Hub Podcast focuses on the manager role in being a bridge between the individual employees and the organization. Building effective teams with purpose, empathy, and a commitment to the empowered teams of tomorrow benefi ...
…
continue reading
Sure, you've got a small business, but that doesn't mean you can't have big ambitions. Paradoxical is about the psychology behind doing big things in small business, so if you're looking to take your business to the next level, you've come to the right place. stevemccready.substack.com
…
continue reading
1
Overcoming CEO Disease: Strategies for Effective Leadership
24:26
24:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:26
In this episode we delve into the concept of CEO disease, where leaders lose touch with their impact and overestimate their abilities, eroding organizational culture. We explore four key strategies to overcome these pitfalls: recognizing the ability to change, creating a safe environment for feedback, increasing self-awareness, and persisting throu…
…
continue reading
1
From Blame to Growth: Transforming Leadership Mindsets
19:52
19:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:52
Join us as we explore the journey from fixed to growth mindsets in leadership, drawing inspiration from the wisdom of Coach John Wooden and the transformative experiences of leaders like Satya Nadella and Carol Dweck. Discover how embracing a growth mindset empowers managers to navigate challenges, inspire innovation, and foster a culture of contin…
…
continue reading
1
Elevating Workplace Morale: The Power of Positive Leadership
23:17
23:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:17
Explore the transformative impact of positive leadership on workplace morale as we discuss practical strategies for recognizing and empowering employees. Join us to discover how fostering a culture of appreciation and empowerment can drive success and create a thriving organizational environment.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Unlocking Team Potential: Embracing the Growth Mindset
25:47
25:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:47
In this episode, we talk about the transformative power of cultivating a growth mindset within your team. From championing learning and development to embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth, discover actionable strategies to foster a culture of continuous improvement and resilience.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Navigating Unrealistic Expectations: Building Bridges with Your Boss
22:00
22:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:00
In this episode, we delve into the art of managing your team effectively amidst unclear or unrealistic expectations from your boss. From grounding techniques to fostering open communication and understanding, learn how to build a strong relationship with your boss and navigate the complexities of middle management with confidence and resilience.…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating Sensitive Conversations: Building a Supportive Workplace Culture
23:41
23:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:41
In this episode, we delve into the art of addressing sensitive issues in the workplace, from personal hygiene concerns to harassment allegations, with tact and empathy. Join us as we explore practical strategies for fostering open communication, providing support, and upholding a positive work environment for all employees.…
…
continue reading
1
Growing From Mistakes: Turning Blunders into Opportunities
25:45
25:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:45
Join us as we discuss the importance of resilience, self-reflection, and embracing mistakes as opportunities for improvement. Tune in for valuable insights and strategies on navigating mistakes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within your team.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Curiosity Unleashed: The Ted Lasso Effect
21:14
21:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:14
Join us as we discuss the power of curiosity inspired by the iconic Ted Lasso, exploring how embracing curiosity transforms leaders and teams, fosters innovation, and drives success in the world of middling management.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Navigating Team Frustrations: Keeping Perspective in Challenging Times
22:26
22:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:26
In this episode of the Middling Manager Hub Podcast, we delve into the importance of managing team frustrations and maintaining perspective amidst workplace challenges. Discover practical strategies for balancing emotions, providing perspective, and fostering resilience to cultivate a positive and productive team environment.…
…
continue reading
Explore practical strategies for middle managers to cultivate a senior management mindset, from clarifying expectations and communicating goals effectively to providing candid feedback and making team contributions visible to higher-ups. Learn how adopting these practices can propel your career growth and prepare you for senior leadership roles.…
…
continue reading
1
Building a Culture of Belonging: From Acceptance to Authentic Connection
21:14
21:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:14
Join us as we explore the difference between feeling accepted and truly belonging in the workplace and discover actionable strategies middle managers can implement to foster a culture of belonging among their teams. From leading by example to celebrating diversity, learn how to create an environment where every team member feels valued, respected, …
…
continue reading
1
The Happiness Advantage: Unlocking Success Through Employee Well-Being
22:14
22:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:14
In this episode, we talk about the profound impact of prioritizing employee happiness on organizational success. Join us as we explore real-world examples, practical strategies, and compelling reasons why fostering a culture of well-being is a game-changer for middling managers and their teams.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Guiding Stellar Performers: Effective Management of High-Achieving Employees
25:55
25:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:55
In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of managing top-tier talent within your team. From providing autonomy to balancing workloads and fostering a culture of collaboration, we explore practical strategies for nurturing the growth and development of your star performers while ensuring a balanced and thriving work environment. Join us as we unc…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating Uncharted Waters: Managing Through Unpopular Change
25:59
25:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:59
Join us as we discuss the complexities of managing through unpopular change in today's workplace. Explore effective strategies and insights for fostering resilience, engagement, and innovation amidst organizational transitions, with practical tips for navigating through uncertainty and driving positive outcomes for your team.…
…
continue reading
1
Harmonizing Leadership and Management: The Path to Organizational Excellence
22:19
22:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:19
In this episode, we discuss the intricate balance between leadership and management and explore how harmonizing these two disciplines can drive organizational excellence.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Bad Behavior & Recordings: Don’t Become A Viral Sensation for the Wrong Reasons
25:09
25:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:09
In this episode, we explore the complex issues of managing bad behavior and the potential risk of being recorded by angry customers or even upset staff. We look at the legal and ethical considerations managers must navigate while addressing disruptive behavior and upholding privacy rights and company policies. We provide practical insights for main…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating Employee Discipline PART 2: Termination
21:47
21:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:47
Explore the nuanced process of employee termination in this episode. From navigating progressive discipline to addressing zero-tolerance infractions, this episode provides insights on when to terminate, how to conduct termination meetings with empathy, and fostering a respectful workplace culture.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
Join us in this episode as we discuss the complexities of employee discipline in the workplace. Learn the crucial steps to foster fairness, consistency, and legal compliance in disciplinary actions, from understanding legal considerations to implementing effective documentation strategies.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Business as a force for good with Jessica Mozeico of Et Fille Wines
52:57
52:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:57
My guest for this episode of Paradoxical is Jessica Mozeico of Et Fille Wines. I love Jessica’s commitment to sustainable winemaking and how creative Jessica is in her approach to business. We had a great conversation discussing the origin and evolution of Et Fille. Here’s a few of the topics we explore: * What Cameron Diaz’s mother had to do with …
…
continue reading
In this episode we explore the crucial role of advocacy in leadership, uncovering both its positive impacts and potential challenges. Join us as we navigate the delicate art of balancing individual needs with organizational goals, showcasing real-world examples of effective advocacy.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Giving glass a second chance with Danielle Ruttenberg of Remark Glass
1:09:53
1:09:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:53
Today I’m joined by Danielle Ruttenberg. She’s a trained glassblower, entrepreneur and mother of two young children, and co-founder of Remark Glass, a fully-sustainable, zero-waste custom glass studio located in the revitalized Bok Building in South Philadelphia. Combining art and sustainability, Remark Glass fulfills its mission of creating sustai…
…
continue reading
Join us in this episode as we discuss the intricacies of Balanced Leadership. Discover the six essential reasons why finding equilibrium in authority, multitasking, goal-setting, relationships, work-life balance, and budget management is paramount for effective leadership. In addition, gain valuable insights into managerial pitfalls to avoid, guidi…
…
continue reading
In this episode we unravel real-world examples, featuring businesses that have successfully navigated the challenges of accountability, providing actionable insights for both managers and employees. Whether you're striving for leadership excellence or seeking a positive work environment, this episode offers tangible strategies for fostering a cultu…
…
continue reading
1
From family law to safari planning with Jessica Mathews of Dancing Zebra Safari
52:59
52:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:59
After having kids, Jessica Mathews made quite the career pivot! As is so often the case, though, there are things from her past career (family law attorney) that have helped her succeed in building Dancing Zebra Safari into a successful business where she helps others plan once (or more) in a lifetime adventures. Beyond the pivot, we also talked ab…
…
continue reading
1
Empowering Employees: Cultivating a Stakeholder Culture
21:11
21:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:11
In this episode of the Middling Manager Hub Podcast, we talk about the critical shift from viewing employees as contributors to embracing them as genuine stakeholders. Drawing on real-world examples and insights from the business landscape, discover why employee stakeholders are the secret to transformative success for any organization.…
…
continue reading
1
Goal Setting: The Finite and Infinite Mindset
22:52
22:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:52
Join us as we uncover practical strategies to set clear, achievable goals while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and enduring purpose. It's a delicate dance between the measurable milestones and the infinite possibilities that define effective leadership.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Replacing ”Hustle” Culture With ”Break” Culture
21:00
21:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:00
In this episode we're talking about the ongoing battle between two contrasting workplace cultures: Hustle Culture and Break Culture. Explore with us the rise of the hustle mentality, where relentless work and long hours are glorified, and discover the potential pitfalls that come with it. We'll uncover the negative implications, from burnout statis…
…
continue reading
1
What to do when you're ahead of your time, with Rich Cohen of Elevate Packaging
1:10:22
1:10:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:22
Being a visionary entrepreneur isn’t without it’s challenges, and certainly has it’s ups and downs. Rich Cohen, founder & CEO of Elevate Packaging, is very familiar with these. As someone who was thinking about sustainability long before others in his industry, it took him some time (and some challenging sacrifices) to gain traction, but Elevate is…
…
continue reading
Join us as we explore real stories, expert insights, and actionable strategies to combat burnout in ourselves and in our roles as managers. Learn how leading companies are taking steps to create workplaces that prioritize mental health and work-life balance.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Sustainable, sturdy, and a dose of snark; talking socks with Cindi Busenhart of MERGE4
58:50
58:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:50
So, I'll admit upfront that I'm a fan of MERGE4's socks, and you'll hear that pretty clearly in this conversation with Cindi Busenhart, their CEO & founder. Cindi’s a big believer in the power of team and you’ll hear that throughout this episode, as well as how she’s used her past experiences in business and a very clear focus on values to build ME…
…
continue reading
Today we're talking about fun and joy! Having fun in the workplace is about more than mere distraction from mundane tasks. Helping employees have fun and find joy is an important element in increasing motivation, encouraging collaboration, and improving employee engagement.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Maximizing the Impact of Annual Performance Reviews
24:39
24:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:39
Annual reviews are sometimes a dreaded task for managers, especially if we go into them looking at them as a box to check off. In reality, performance reviews can be a very rewarding experience as we utilize them to recognize the efforts and impact our employees make, while reinforcing previous conversations and coaching as we look with our employe…
…
continue reading
1
Leverage through listening with Fritz Westover of the Virtual Viticulture Academy
1:08:42
1:08:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:42
Ok, you’re probably not in the wine business … so why listen to this episode? Well, Fritz knows a lot about how to be successful in small business while being efficient with his time & energy and honoring himself and his identity. So, there’s a lot of strategies you can adapt to your business that you’ll hear about in our conversation. Some of the …
…
continue reading
As long as passive aggressive bosses have existed, so has quiet firing. But with the increase of remote workplaces quiet firing is on the rise. In today's episode we discuss the ethics and practice of quiet firing and look at the example of Milton's quiet firing in the movie Office Space.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
The Butterfly Pig helps children overcome medical procedure anxiety
45:04
45:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:04
Today’s guest is Mary Jenner, founder of The Butterfly Pig, a business that creates doll-sized medical devices for children, to help them understand medical procedures and lower their anxiety around them. Here’s some of what we explored in our conversation: * The intersection of experience, interests, and identity that contributed to the beginning …
…
continue reading
1
Why ”Work Family” Culture Isn’t As Great As It Sounds
20:24
20:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:24
The concept of the "work family" is one of my biggest pet peeves and in today's episode we discuss the benefits and the drawbacks of creating a culture around a "work family" as we look for a better way.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
The Benefits and Pitfalls of Quiet Hiring
22:00
22:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:00
In today's episode we discuss the phenomena of "Quiet Hiring", the benefits and potential pitfalls to this practice for both the employer and the employee.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Pragmatic environmentalism in business with Reid Edgar of Spot Laundry Detergent
1:00:32
1:00:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:32
Reid Edgar is thinking differently about his environmentally-focused laundry detergent brand, Spot. He’s not the first one to do laundry detergent sheets, but he’s definitely the first to go about marketing a product like this in the way he is. Why? He’s thinking big. Listen in as we talk about why Reid created Spot, how he’s gone about developing …
…
continue reading
When building our teams we tend to prioritize the recruitment and hiring process but we sometimes fail to follow through with effective onboarding of the new hire. Onboarding should be given the same priority as recruitment or we could experience losses in time, money, resources and morale. In today's episode we talk about turn over, specifically a…
…
continue reading
1
Elaine Frei of Luft Balloon is making a difference while having fun
1:00:51
1:00:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:51
Elaine Frei is a landscape designer by training, but a balloon … artist? sculptor?(take a look and decide for yourself) in her business. Not wanting to settle for making beautiful, artistic spaces with her work, she’s also found ways to make a difference with it, too. While listening, check out the Luft website or their Instagram so you can get a s…
…
continue reading
1
Effective Communication According to Coach Lasso
21:01
21:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:01
Effective Communication is the most critical skill in a manager's tool kit. In this episode we talk about Skills every manager needs, focusing on principles of effective communication, drawing some inspiration from Ted Lasso.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Building Teams with Emotional Intelligence
22:11
22:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:11
In this episode we discuss emotional intelligence (EQ) and the value in building the EQ in ourselves as leaders and also in our teams so that we are prepared to handle workplace challenges in a responsible and professional way.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Trash Panda Disc Golf wants to go out of business
54:21
54:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:21
What happens when a maker who plays disc golf, cares about the environment and has a background in marketing starts experimenting in their garage? Well, in the case of today’s guest, Jesse Stedman, you get Trash Panda Disc Golf, a Colorado business that makes flying discs out of recycled plastic. Listen in as we talk about Jesse’s journey, includin…
…
continue reading
1
Managing Employee Engagement In the Face of Adversity
23:31
23:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:31
Managing Employees during times of tumult, struggle and change can be very challenging. Tune in for strategies that will help managers monitor and address the struggles of engagement with their employees.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading
1
Jenny Blake on building (and pivoting) a business that's aligned with who you are
49:50
49:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:50
I’m honored to have author, podcaster, speaker, and new(ish) Substack-er ❤️ Jenny Blake as my guest for this week’s episode of Paradoxical. Her book Pivot was a valuable tool for me in my business journey, and her latest work, Free Time, is another great resource for those of you with small or solo businesses who are looking to get more done in les…
…
continue reading
1
Managing Multi-Generational Teams & Gen Z
18:53
18:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:53
Managing Multi-Generational Teams can be challenging at times but the benefits far outweigh any obstacles. As managers it's important for us to understand generational differences especially as we welcome Gen Z to the workforce. Once we have a clear understanding of strengths and expectations, we can better deploy our teams for great success.…
…
continue reading
Managers have the responsibility to help their employees be successful. Sometimes this requires the manager to step in to deflect both internal and external distractions and meddling. This episode discusses ways the manager can act as a Human Shield as well as some potential pitfalls and ethical dilemmas.…
…
continue reading
1
Cambium Carbon's big vision for the environment
1:10:54
1:10:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:54
My guest for this episode of Paradoxical is the CEO & co-founder of Cambium Carbon, Ben Christensen. Ben, a Forbes 30 Under 30 lister and TedX speaker, is a thought-leader and industry expert. Cambium Carbon is a limate-tech start-up that works with cities to divert wood waste, local manufacturers to create sustainable products, and demand partners…
…
continue reading
1
Fueling a Learning Culture in the Workplace
21:54
21:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:54
Change is more rapid now than it's ever been and it will never be this slow again. Change is constant and fast. If we aren't continually learning and adapting we will be left behind. Creating a culture of learning is a win for the organization and a win for the employee. Continuing education and upskilling programs strengthen employee satisfaction …
…
continue reading
In this episode we dip our toes into the art of engaging challenging conversations with our employees. We talk about the pros and cons and provide helpful tips about how to make the most difficult conversations productive.By Steve Westover
…
continue reading