Improving Management Skills and Engagement: Lessons from a 50-Year Expert

In this episode of Systematic Magic, Vance sits down with Deb Laurel, a seasoned management trainer who has been conducting training for over 50 years. Deb’s unique approach stems from her diverse background, including founding the first feminist theater in the Midwest and training managers internationally in places like Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Deb's Fascinating Journey: From feminist theater to management training, Deb shares how she transitioned into conducting assertiveness and management training.

• Why Managers Struggle: Many managers are promoted because of technical or sales skills, not leadership abilities. Deb discusses the common issues managers face and how training can help.

• Training Techniques: Deb explains her experiential, results-oriented training method that focuses on skill-building rather than lectures. Managers practice essential tasks like delegation, conflict management, and giving constructive feedback.

• Communication in Leadership: Deb and Vance delve into how clear, purposeful communication is vital to any business and the common pitfalls that occur when leaders fail to communicate effectively. They also explore how communication preferences vary and why leaders need to adapt their styles.

• Change Management: How to approach change in the workplace, focusing on involving employees in the process and addressing emotional losses to increase buy-in and reduce resistance.

• Generational Differences: Deb shares her perspective on the challenges of mentoring Gen Z in a remote working environment, emphasizing the importance of intentional mentoring to ensure skill transfer and engagement.

• Building Engagement and Ownership: From onboarding to fostering a sense of responsibility, Deb highlights how businesses can instill a sense of ownership in their employees, even in roles that may seem disconnected from larger business goals.

Notable Quotes:

• "Most bad managers didn’t wake up thinking, ‘I’m going to be terrible.’ They just don’t know what they don’t know." – Deb Laurel

• "A lot of businesses drop the ball with communication, whether it's systems changes or management issues. Most problems can be solved with just a little clear, timely communication." – Vance Morris

• "It's not about whether employees need to suck it up or not; it's about leaders learning to adapt their style to get the best results from their team." – Deb Laurel

Resources Mentioned:

• Big Five Personality Traits: A spectrum-based assessment used by Deb in her training
• Management Institute at the University of Wisconsin Madison

Connect with Deb Laurel:

• Website: LaurelAndAssociates.com
• Email: Available through the website

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