Our thought leadership in blogs and podcasts

The Cranky Middle Manager Show #305 The Approachable Manager Nametag Scott Ginsburg

Today Wayne Turmel talks to the odd but very smart “Nametag” Scott Ginsberg about being more approachable as a manager and why it matters. We also discuss Lady Godiva, the Gospel of St Thomas and other things you won’t hear on any other management podcast. That’s a promise.
Getting the point across

It's hard enough to get your point across in a regular meeting. People don't focus, they don't understand what we're trying to accomplish and it can be frustrating. Over a conference call or webmeeting it can be even harder.
The plugged-in manager

Today's manager needs to be plugged-in. That doesn't mean being tethered to a laptop 24/7 and being able to access your email anywhere. It means connecting on multiple levels and in many ways, both physically and psychologically.
The Cranky Middle Manager Show #304 Plugged-In Managers Terri Griffith

Today Wayne Turmel talks to Terri Griffith about her book, “The Plugged-In Manager”. How plugged in are you to your organization, your team and your customers? We also discuss Samurai spy masters and the pain of reading John Locke, even if he is a smart guy. Just another eclectic day at the office here in Crankyland.
Holiday parties and remote employees

With the holiday season approaching, how can managers ensure that the remote members of their team share in the celebration, camaraderie, and collaboration that seems to happen organically when you're based in an office?
Conflict in remote teams

Any time you have more than one person involved in anything there's the potential for conflict. When you're working remotely from the rest of your team, that potential is not only greater, but there are unique challenges involved.
The Cranky Middle Manager Show #303 Manager’s Guide to Virtual Teams Yael Zofi

Today Wayne Turmel talks to Yael Zofi about her important new book, “A Manager’s Guide to Virtual Teams”. We also do a bit of a rant on name pronunciation, bad assumptions and French quotes about distance. You don’t find THIS mix anywhere else, gang.
How to get people involved in a webmeting

When you're running a virtual meeting, have you ever felt like no one was paying attention or was willing to speak up? It might be that the technology is getting in the way. More likely, you are.
The Cranky Middle Manager Show #302 Reviving Work Ethic Eric Chester

Today Wayne Turmel talks about work ethic: what it is, who has it, who doesn’t and what’s with these darned kids today? He talks to Eric Chester about his new book, “Reviving Work Ethic- a Leader’s Guide to Ending Entitlement and Restoring Pride in the Emerging Workforce”. He also ponders his own usefulness as a father and quotes Teddy Roosevelt. Bully for him.
When to share applications or just show the presentation

Webinar technology has changed a lot over the last couple of years. It's much easier to use and much more dynamic, yet many presenters haven't made the adjustment to the way things work now.
Getting your team to demonstrate their motives

Getting your team to demonstrate proof of motives is tough. Does everyone on the team want what they want for the same reasons? Do you have faith that they will be there for you when you need them? Are they really as committed to the team (and my?) success as I am?