Managers aren’t failing because they’re stubborn. They’re failing because no one ever taught them how to manage. This post explains why management training vanished, why even seasoned leaders repeat the same mistakes, and how employees—managers and senior ICs alike—can use these principles to level up and stand out.
Successful Manager Series: Introduction
Managers aren’t failing because they’re stubborn. They’re failing because no one ever taught them how to manage. This post explains why management training vanished, why even seasoned leaders repeat the same mistakes, and how employees—managers and senior ICs alike—can use these principles to level up and stand out.
The No. 1 HR Business Partner Misconception Employees Get Wrong
HR Business Partner is a misunderstood relationship
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to sit down with Savan Kong on his podcast, Life Between Titles.
We covered a lot of ground — layoffs, career moves, and the first 48 hours after getting the news. You can check out that pod here.
But the topic that triggered the most comments, DMs, and emails was this:
“Why do you say you work for the company first?
Why the Cost of Living Adjustment is Costing You Your Job
Just because our personal expenses increase doesn’t mean we deserve a raise
Employee Entitlement: The #1 Sin Employees Commit Without Knowing It
Last week, we kicked off the topic of employee entitlement in this post and covered a few common behaviors that quietly put employees on the short list. Today we’re going after the big one—the silent sin that kills careers faster than almost anything else.
Employee Entitlement: Career-Ending Mistake Managers Don’t Talk About
The epitome of entitled. Would you want this guy working for you?
Most Employees Don’t Realize They’re Making a Career-Ending Mistake
- The biggest mistake employees make is assuming their manager works for them.
- The second biggest is the belief that the company exists for their benefit.
That sounds ridiculous, but it’s true — and it’s the foundation of employee entitlement at work.
Some of this mindset is generational,
What to Do the Day You’re Laid Off: A 24-Hour Survival Guide
What you do in the first 24 hours after being laid off matters.
1. First — Breathe. Unemployement Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Damaged Goods.
In this economy, a layoff isn’t a black mark. The most innovative companies on the planet — the ones that hire the best — are doing reductions. Recruiters and interviewers are accustomed to seeing gaps in employment on resumes. Recruiters are also used to seeing candidates taking time off.
How to Become the Top Performer Your Manager Fights to Keep
Everyone thinks they are a top performer. The top 1% have figured out what is essential to their
Most Managers Aren’t Trained. Here’s How That Affects Your Career
Let’s get one thing out of the way early:
Many managers are underprepared for the job they’re doing.
That’s not an insult. It’s an observation.
Most managers don’t know how to advocate effectively for their people, not because they don’t care,
Employed vs. Successfully Employed: How to Be the Employee Companies Fight to Keep
A manager will fight for a successful employee, whether it is their job, a raise, or a promotion.
Are You Employed or a Successful Employee?
Most people think a successful employee means showing up to work on time, not missing work, and completing assigned projects.
✅ Employee mindset: “I showed up on time and did my job.”
❌ Manager mindset: “That’s the bare minimum.”
And right there is the unspoken disconnect.
Job security
Everyone should be worried about job security in uncertain times
Job security is the highest priority
Right now, job security is a concern for many employees. Rightly so. Regardless of your political beliefs, the economy is going sideways. All sectors are reducing staff and placing holds on salary adjustments. It doesn’t matter whether you work in government, private institutions, or a publicly traded company. All companies are putting the brakes on. Some groups are not worried about salary adjustments.
New trend: Millennial and Gen Z Job Interview Mistakes
This candidate has no idea they made the millennial and Gen Z job interview mistake
New Trend in Job Interview Mistakes
There is a new trend of Millennials and Gen Z job interview mistakes. This is something that wasn’t as prevalent in the past, and I would not have noticed if I had not interviewed candidates for years.
Having led HR departments for the past few decades, candidates regularly ask me early in their careers about job interview mistakes.
How to Become a Manager at Work: The Advice Most People Resist
Be the one who lands a promotion to manager
Promotion to Manager: The Advice Most Early-Career Employees Don’t Want to Hear
I get one question from employees early in their careers more than any other.
It isn’t about résumés or interviews.
It’s about why some people get promoted to manager while others, who appear just as capable, are passed over.
What makes this question uncomfortable is that most people believe they’re already doing the right things.
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