Managing Made Simple

Missed deadlines, unclear expectations, and endless meetings? These aren’t random problems—they’re symptoms of a deeper issue: lack of accountability. In this episode, discover how to fix that. Subscribe now! In this powerful episode, Lia Garvin breaks down what accountability really means (spoiler: it’s not blame or punishment) and how to create a team culture rooted in ownership. Learn practical...

Still Drowning in Meetings? Here’s How Smart Managers Reclaim Their Time Feeling overwhelmed? Here's how managers can reclaim 5+ hours every week. Subscribe now! In this episode of The New Manager Playbook , Lia Garvin tackles a challenge every leader faces: not having enough time. If you're a manager drowning in meetings, tasks, and pressure from above, this episode is your wake-up call...

Is constant change in your team leaving everyone confused, frustrated, or burned out? In this Ask Me Anything episode of The New Manager Playbook , Lia Garvin dives into the hidden reason so many teams lose steam: unclear expectations in constantly shifting roles. Responding to a powerful question from Stephanie, a rapidly scaling business owner, Lia shares how to maintain engagement while restruc...

Stressed about layoffs, burnout, or quiet quitting? Learn how to lead with clarity when everything feels chaotic. Subscribe for weekly manager tips! In this episode of the New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin tackles one of today’s most pressing leadership challenges: navigating uncertainty without burning out—or losing your best people. From AI disruptions to economic shifts and employee burnout, lea...

Every new manager faces it—that creeping feeling of "Am I really cut out for this?" If you've recently stepped into a leadership role or have ever doubted your capabilities as a manager, this episode is for you. In this empowering edition of The New Manager Playbook , host and leadership coach Lia Garvin tackles imposter syndrome head-on and offers real strategies to overcome it and...

In this episode of The New Manager Playbook , leadership expert Lia Garvin tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in the workplace: giving feedback that actually helps your team grow—even if it makes them uncomfortable. Many new (and experienced) managers avoid feedback because they fear how it will be received. But here's the truth: growth doesn't happen in the comfort zone. If yo...

Ever wake up at 3AM worrying if your team is on track? You're not alone—and better yet, you don't have to live like that anymore. In this game-changing episode of the New Manager Playbook , Lia Garvin introduces the ultimate management hack: the Snippets Template—a simple but powerful weekly update system designed to give you total clarity without micromanaging. Whether you manage a remo...

When budgets tighten, what’s the first thing to go? Training, coaching, and team support. But as leadership expert Lia Garvin reveals in this episode of The New Manager Playbook , that’s one of the most expensive mistakes a business can make. Lia breaks down the true cost of inaction—from poor delegation and team inefficiencies to low morale, preventable turnover, and lost revenue. Drawing on real...

Feeling awkward or unsure about managing friends or former teammates? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out the hard way. In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin breaks down one of the toughest leadership transitions—going from peer to boss—and shares real stories, hard lessons, and actionable strategies to help you lead with confidence, authority, and empathy. Wheth...

Are you constantly losing top talent and left wondering why ? You're not alone—but you can prevent it. In this episode of The New Manager Playbook , Lia Garvin uncovers the hard truth about preventable employee turnover and shows managers exactly how to stop being blindsided when team members quit. With research-backed insights and real-world strategies, you'll learn how to recognize the...

Think becoming a manager is just doing your old job—with people? Think again. In the very first episode of The New Manager Playbook , author and leadership coach Lia Garvin breaks down the biggest misconception new managers face: believing it’s the same job with extra meetings. Spoiler alert—it’s not. Whether you were just promoted, leading peers for the first time, or feeling like you're “fa...

Think your team isn’t ready or you just don’t have time to delegate? Think again. In this episode of The New Manager Playbook , leadership coach and author Lia Garvin reveals the surprising truth behind why delegation is so hard—and spoiler: it’s not a workload problem, it’s a trust issue. If you're a new or overwhelmed manager feeling like you have to do everything yourself, this is your wak...

"ChatGPT gave me the PERFECT step-by step plan to fix my team! I'll be out of the weeds by tomorrow!" We've said it, we've hoped for it, we've wanted it to be true. And... without these critical human steps, this approach is destined to fail. In this episode, I share the tale of an agency leader who thought AI would instantly solve his team management challenge that s...

"But if I don't micromanage, nothing gets done correctly!"  Yeah, no.... we've got to leave that myth in the past right now, because the truth is, it's only keeping you stuck and your team feeling disempowered.   In this episode, I talk about why micromanagement is NEVER the answer (even when it feels like your only option). Learn the two powerful alternatives that transfo...

"Where do I even stand on this team?" This simple question is what every team member secretly wonders - and yet... 78% of leaders wait until big milestones to provide recognition.  In this week's episode, I share why "pouring gas on what's going well" transforms average performers into team champions, how to avoid the ole' "compliment sandwich," and the...

"I'm going to HR!" - the four words that strike fear into every manager's heart... four words that might lead us to avoiding giving feedback altogether. Hey, I've been there too.  In this week's episode of Managing Made Simple, I share a story of feedback gone wrong and break down exactly how to handle defensive responses, people threatening to quit, and the worst of...

We've prepared a clear message, we've blocked out ample time for the conversation, and then our feedback conversation still goes sideways? We can wonder what the heck went wrong. That's why in today's episode, I'm breaking down the most important step to do BEFORE giving feedback: emotional regulation.  When we have to give feedback about something we're frustrated ab...

Two sentences into Mel Robbins' new book "The Let Them Theory" and I was hooked - not just because it applied immediately to my life, but also to all of my teachings for teams and managers.  In this week's episode, I break down how to apply this game-changing practice of non-attachment to managing your team, which will not only help you make more of an impact as a leader, it wi...

Not a week goes by where a company isn't announcing new return to office plans. Whether you are in favor of it or not, as a manager, if your company is enforcing it, it is part of your job to get your team onboard.  But I get that is easier said than done ;) In this episode, I share a pitfall to avoid when talking about return to office and how to get your teams excited about the potential of...

We've all been there... we want to hold a high bar for our teams, but we're also worried we're coming across too nitpicky.  What do you do? In this episode, I share how to strike the balance between holding a high standard and still letting your teams bring their own ideas to the table. 00:00 Details matter when creating a high-end experience; high standards shouldn't be seen a...

Ready to finally feel a sense of ease when it comes to managing your team? Then look no further because today is launch day for The New Manager Playbook ! In this special Monday episode, I’m sharing the story behind the book and how it’s designed to help you manage with ease and confidence. Whether you’re a new manager or an experienced leader facing new challenges, this book is packed with action...

Ever found yourself managing a team where you don't have direct experience in their field? I've been there, and I know how nerve-wracking it can be.  In Episode 162 of Managing Made Simple , I'm sharing one of the biggest mistakes I see managers make in this situation: downplaying their own expertise. It might seem humble, but trust me, this can seriously backfire. Your team needs a...

Ever had a boss who made you dread coming to work? It happens more than we like to admit. But here’s the good news: Being a great manager isn’t about being perfect. It’s about creating an environment where your team feels supported, valued, and motivated to give their best. In Episode 161 of Managing Made Simple, I’m sharing three habits that can unknowingly push team members away—and how to turn...

Managing a team is hard, but managing in the middle—between the needs of your team and the demands of leadership—can feel like you’re walking a tightrope. Your team needs support, your boss wants results, and somehow, everything lands on your plate. In episode 160 of Managing Made Simple , I’m sharing a key strategy from The New Manager Playbook to help you navigate these competing priorities with...

Ever wonder why your to-do list never gets done? The answer might surprise you—it’s context switching. In Episode 159, I unpack how constantly jumping between tasks drains your energy and productivity. But don’t worry, I’ve got solutions! 🎙️ Key takeaways: [0:00] Intro: Why managers feel like they’re drowning in tasks [1:20] The real cost of context switching (hint: it’s more than time) [3:45] Sim...