In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Dan Snow about the intricacies of remote work, exploring personal insights, the evolution of remote work pre and post-COVID, effective management strategies for remote teams, and the importance of building relationships in a virtual environment. They discuss the challenges of hiring and firing remotely, managing client expectations, and the essential tools that facilitate remote work. The conversation emphasizes the need for structured communication, peer support, and the balance between personal and professional life in a remote setting.

Takeaways:

• Remote work can lead to unexpected creative solutions.
• Taking breaks can enhance productivity and idea generation.
• Structured communication is key for remote team management.
• Peer support fosters relationships and trust among team members.
• Difficult conversations can be easier in a virtual setting.
• Hiring remotely lacks the nuanced understanding of candidates.
• Tools like Calendly streamline client communication across time zones.
• Google Drive provides essential access to files from anywhere.
• Building personal connections is crucial in remote work environments.
• Flexibility in work location can enhance job satisfaction.

About Dan:

Dan created motion sensitive mini-boards for Five Alive, engineered a 20-foot foosball table for FIFA Street Activation, and grew Hyundai Auto Canada's page from zero to 54,000 in less than a month. He has internally restructured a $3M advertising agency, and built process, strategic frameworks, and teams from scratch.

Now he works with sales team-led B2B companies to help them grow, tell their story, all while looking smart and beautiful. He has a full-service agency comprised of consultants, small businesses, and subject matter experts to help clients shine.

https://www.snowcollective.ca

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsnow/

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

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In this episode, Ross interviews Brent Spilkin, a seasoned business coach with a rich background in various industries. They discuss Brent's journey from running a food manufacturing business to becoming a successful coach, emphasizing the importance of communication, managing upwards, and balancing feedback in management. Brent shares valuable insights on how new managers can navigate their roles effectively, manage relationships, and foster a positive work environment while addressing challenges.

Takeaways:

• Good managers adapt their communication style based on their audience.
• Understanding the motivations of team members is crucial for effective management.
• New managers should frame their communication to align with business goals.
• Balancing positive and negative feedback is essential for team morale.
• Managing upwards involves understanding what your boss needs to succeed.
• Providing solutions rather than just problems is key for new managers.
• Recognizing successes is as important as addressing challenges.
• The 'Cobra and Puppies' principle highlights the need for balanced communication.
• Creating a culture of problem-solving empowers team members.

About Brent:

Brent Spilkin, affectionately called “Spillly with 3 Ls” has spent the last 25-odd years discovering what makes him happy besides architecture, driving ambulances, pickling mango achaar, distribution and redeveloping the inner city. He now gets his kicks from growing talented creative individuals and entrepreneurs in their businesses around the world by putting them through his business coaching methodology.

https://spillly.com

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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In this episode, Ross speaks with recognition expert Sarah McVanel about the critical role of recognition in leadership and team dynamics. They explore how effective recognition can enhance employee engagement, foster a positive work culture, and ultimately improve retention rates. Sarah shares insights on different types of recognition, the importance of understanding individual preferences, and practical tips for implementing recognition programs in teams. The conversation emphasizes that recognition is not merely about performance metrics but about valuing individuals and creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Takeaways

• Recognition is a superpower for leaders.
• Connection within teams is essential for effective leadership.
• Recognition should be sincere and specific.
• Different individuals prefer different types of recognition.
• You don't need a budget to implement recognition strategies.
• Creating a recognition-rich culture can improve employee retention.
• Recognition should focus on effort, not just outcomes.
• Leaders should ask their teams how they prefer to be recognized.
• Surprise recognition can be more impactful than expected recognition.
• Recognition is a signal of what matters in an organization's culture.

About Sarah

Sarah is a recognition expert, professional speaker, coach, author, recovering perfectionist, and movement maker. She created F.R.O.G. Forever Recognize Others’ Greatness to invigorate companies so they can see their people as
exceptional and, together, create a scrumptious, thriving culture where everyone belongs.

Sarah has 25+ years of experience training, coaching, and leading teams. From her senior leadership role, she founded her boutique firm Greatness Magnified. Proclaimed as the “Frog Lady,” she can be found freaking out perfect strangers
(in a good way) by handing out squishy frogs and asking them, “Have you been frogged lately?” and then acknowledging their greatness.

She’s a Certified Senior Organizational Development Professional (CSODP), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL). She is one of 1500 Certified Speaking Professionals (CSP) worldwide. She has a BA in Psychology, MSc in Family Relations, and Diplomas in Human Resources and Healthcare Administration.

https://www.greatnessmagnified.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmcvanel/

About your host, Ross:

Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.

Intro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Outro music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/vacation-beat

License code: WM2CBDQ0C2W0JGBW

Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.

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