This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

In this episode of 'This Is Not What I Signed Up For', Ross Saunders shares his insights on the hiring process, emphasizing the importance of finding 'A players' for management roles. He discusses the top grading methodology, the significance of resume evaluation, screening interviews, technical interviews, and the importance of reference checks. Ross provides practical tips and personal anecdotes to help new managers navigate the complexities of hiring effectively. Takeaways Resume evaluatio...

In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Patric Trollope, the CTO of D6 Group, discussing the complexities of leadership in the education technology sector. They explore the importance of ownership, the pitfalls of setting expectations, and the necessity of active listening in effective management. Patric shares insights on how to navigate challenges, the shift from being an executor to a leader, and the significance of communication in fostering agreements within teams. The conversation emp...

In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Michael Kerr, a Canadian Hall of Fame speaker, about the importance of humor and culture in leadership. They discuss how a positive workplace culture is crucial for success, the role of managers in shaping that culture, and the impact of humor on team dynamics. Michael emphasizes the need for leaders to be champions of their culture and to create a sense of belonging and safety for their teams. The conversation highlights the significance of being int...

In this episode, Ross Saunders and Vava Kolinski discuss the challenges faced by first-time managers, focusing on key pitfalls such as the importance of empowerment in decision-making, the dangers of overthinking, and the necessity of clear communication. Vava shares his personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges effectively while fostering an authentic and supportive team environment. Takeaways: Empowerment from leadership is crucial for new managers.Authenticity ...

In this episode, Ross Saunders and David Gouthro explore the complexities of tough conversations in management. They discuss the definition of tough conversations, the reasons people avoid them, and the consequences of inaction. David emphasizes the importance of courage and preparation, including role-playing and understanding personal values. The conversation also touches on the distinction between playing to win versus playing not to lose, and how to handle surprises during tough discussio...

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders and Pam Ross discuss the importance of giving effective feedback in the workplace. They highlight common mistakes that managers make when giving feedback, such as waiting too long to give it or using the 'sandwich method' (starting and ending with positive feedback and sandwiching the negative feedback in between). They emphasize the need for frequent and frictionless feedback that is focused on specific situations and behaviors. They also discuss the im...

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Shelle Rose Charvet, author of 'Words That Change Minds,' about the importance of motivation in the workplace. They discuss the negative effects of low motivation, such as decreased productivity and quality of work, and the role of managers in understanding and addressing their team members' motivators. Shelle explains how language patterns can reveal a person's motivation triggers, such as 'away from' language indicating problem-solving focu...

Summary In this conversation, Ross Saunders and Mark Leslie Lefebvre explore the complexities and responsibilities of management. They discuss the importance of empathy, understanding team dynamics, and the significance of hiring for mindset and attitude. Mark shares his insights on nurturing talent and the importance of building a cohesive team culture. The discussion emphasizes that while management can be daunting, it is also rewarding when approached with care and connection. Takeaways Ma...

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Rob Rudy, an experienced leader and advisor, about the challenges of leading and doing as a new manager. They discuss the importance of balancing leadership responsibilities with individual tasks, the need for alignment within teams, and the decision-making process when there are differing opinions. Rob emphasizes the value of open communication, using tools like RACI charts to clarify roles and responsibilities, and being comfortable with dis...

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Beverly Beuermann-King about toxic behavior in the workplace. They discuss the negative impact of toxic behavior on teams and organizations, as well as the importance of addressing it. Beverly shares strategies for dealing with toxic behavior, including preparing for conversations, listening to the person's perspective, and providing support for change. They also highlight the benefits of addressing toxic behavior, such as improved mental heal...

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders and Robin O'Grady discuss conflict and culture in the workplace. They highlight the importance of communication in preventing and resolving conflicts, both within teams and with customers. They emphasize the need for clear and direct communication, as well as providing the 'why' behind decisions and expectations. They also discuss the role of culture in fostering engagement and connection within a team, and the importance of getting to know team members ...

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders and Lauren Sergy discuss the challenges of communicating with senior managers and executives. They highlight the importance of understanding the needs and decision-making processes of higher-level leaders and tailoring communication accordingly. They emphasize the need for clarity and focus in meetings, setting clear goals and objectives, and asking for clarification when needed. They also discuss the value of listening and observing in order to underst...

This episode serves as an introduction to the podcast and my background in management, having moved into a management role from being a technical specialist. I share some of my experiences and the challenges faced as a new manager, which led me to write my book, "This is NOT what I signed up for". I touch on the upcoming second edition of the book, which will include new chapters on managing remote & hybrid teams, and compliance. I also touch on some other resources that are available in ...