The Middle Management Podcast

Sit back, relax and take plenty of notes as Colin discusses managing a virtual team.
A “virtual team” is one where people are geographically separated... but work together in real time on a project.
This is dramatically different than working with a group of people who are in the same physical location... and it requires a manager to adapt to the situation.
It may sound simple on the surface... but managing a virtual team can be anything but simple.
This makes it all the more critical for the manager to understand the dynamics of a virtual team... and learn how to effectively lead one.
Let’s explore the five ways to manage your team that will make your life easier.

High performing teams share common values and beliefs about themselves and their work. High performing team members also believe they can accomplish great things as long as they focus on the right things, set realistic goals, and work together effectively.
They set high standards for themselves and others, and understand the importance of strong working relationships. To learn more, listen to the rest of this podcast and take notes.
Enjoy!

In this weeks episode of the Middle Management Podcast...
One key element of leadership to note, are the situational variances. Each person on your team has a different set of needs due to personal work histories, knowledge and expertise.
Work situations will also vary, from high-pressure environments, seasonal influences and general organisational change. Endeavouring to utilise a one size fits all approach to leadership will pale in significance to adopting a more flexible and adaptable approach.
Taking the situational approach will do wonders for forming ongoing positive team interactions. It was Dr Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard who coined the term ‘situational leadership’ back in the 1960s, so full credit given to their work.
Hersey and Blanchard advise that an effective leader adapts their management actions according to the level of the subordinate’s knowledge, skills and self-confidence, and then use either a more supportive or directive leadership style.
Enjoy the episode

In this episode of the Middle Management Podcast, we will be looking at some different leadership theories.
Trait Theory
Behavioural Theory
Situational Theory
And then we will be focusing on the five practices of effective leadership.

A continuation of workplace delegation part 2
Whatever the field of work or area of expertise, one area of leadership that all managers need to understand fully is how to delegate. An incredibly valuable – and often underrated – skill, using this tool as and where necessary can be the difference between an average leader and a great one.
On this episode we take a closer look at why some managers fail to delegate, why you may be hesitant to start, and why that might just be holding you back. With an in-depth analysis of the benefits of task allocation, and a plan to get you started, we’ve covered all the avenues to help you understand the concept inside and out.