Doug Howard 3/15/24 Doug Howard 3/15/24

Engineering Management Under Pressure | 5 Strategies to Optimize Team Efficiency

Feeling squeezed as an engineering manager or tech leader? Is your company asking you to do more, with less people and resources?

Don't point fingers - channel your frustration into proactive problem-solving! This video offers 5 actionable strategies to boost your team's productivity and conquer challenges in today's shifting landscape:

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You’ll gain actionable strategies on how to increase team productivity, reduce burnout and turnover, future-proof your team, and make a positive impact from any level - from emerging leader, tech lead, engineering manager, director of engineer, the executive level, and even HR

Stop struggling! Download your FREE handbook to turn pressure into productivity, supercharge your team's efficiency, and conquer any challenge!

Doug Howard 3/8/24 Doug Howard 3/8/24

Using Neuroscience to Create High-Performing Teams [Shannon Smith Part 2]

Are you a manager or leader who’s ready to build a dream team fueled by brainpower?

In this episode, engineer Doug dives deep into the fascinating world of neuroscience with CEO Shannon Smith. They explore how to leverage brain science to:

Boost Team Autonomy: Ditch micromanagement and empower your team to thrive
Build Tribal Connections: Find common ground and create a sense of belonging
Master Empathy: Cultivate understanding and resolve conflicts like a pro
Visualize Success: Guide your team through change with powerful mental imagery
Improve decision-making: Learn about the vagus nerve and how it connects your gut to your brain, giving you powerful gut feelings you shouldn't ignore

Shannon also reveals:

The 12-step system for success: a practical framework to clear your mind, prioritize options, and weigh consequences for any decision, big or small
Powerful hacks like the "Sunday Morning Rule" and the "Whoop Method" to unlock your team's full potential

Doug Howard 3/1/24 Doug Howard 3/1/24

Hack Your Brain to Become a Better Leader [Shannon Smith Part 1]

Are you an engineering manager or tech leader who wants to learn how you can leverage neuroscience to your advantage as a leader?

Join Shannon Smith, CEO of Synoptic Solutions, as she unveils the secrets of hacking your brain for positive change, both at an individual level - as well as within organizational dynamics and change management. This insightful conversation explores neuroscience-backed approaches for personal and professional growth, and delves into cutting-edge strategies for effective team leadership and navigating complexities within today's fast-paced tech industry.

Discover how understanding brain responses to change intertwines with engineering management and tech leadership, fostering empathy and driving innovative strategies.
Gain invaluable insights on visualization, empathy cultivation, and commitment as catalysts for sustainable behavioral change.
Learn from industry experts about harnessing technology, fostering innovation, and steering teams towards success
Immerse yourself in this fusion of neuroscience, leadership, and tech management, uncovering actionable tips to propel your career while empowering your team's triumph in this dynamic landscape

Doug Howard 2/23/24 Doug Howard 2/23/24

Delegate Anything in 5 Simple Steps | Leadership Training for Managers

Are you a manager who is feeling crushed by your workload? Are you stuck doing everything yourself while your team sits idle?

It's time to unleash your team’s full potential, break free from the micromanagement trap, and unlock the true power of delegation!

In this episode, you'll discover a proven 5-step framework that will transform you from an overwhelmed manager to an empowered leader.

Learn how to:

- Identify tasks that are perfect for delegation (even if you don't think there are any!)

- Train and coach your team members for success

- Build trust and encourage ownership

- Finally achieve that elusive work-life balance

Doug Howard 2/16/24 Doug Howard 2/16/24

How to Respectfully Disagree in a Constructive Way

Struggling to voice your opinion without sparking conflict? You're not alone. Disagreements are a natural part of life, but navigating them constructively can be tricky. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of agreeable disagreement - by giving you a guide to expressing your thoughts and feelings while maintaining respect and understanding, and while creating open communication, even when you don't see eye-to-eye.

We'll explore:

- “And” vs “But”: Why one little word can make all the difference in keeping the conversation flowing and fostering collaboration

- Acknowledging their perspective: Discover how validating someone's viewpoint, even if you disagree, lays the foundation for a productive exchange

- Finding common ground: We'll break down the "agree, then add" technique, a powerful tool for building bridges and fostering mutual understanding.

Doug Howard 2/9/24 Doug Howard 2/9/24

Hidden Challenges When Managing Teams with Generational Gaps | Avoiding Toxic Work Culture

Uncover the challenges faced by managers in navigating the intricacies of a multigenerational workforce. This episode delves into the extensive generational gaps impacting teams and companies today.

Gain clarity on the distinctive characteristics, communication styles, and work expectations of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z individuals. Understand how these divergent values and approaches disrupt team dynamics, affecting productivity, engagement, knowledge transfer, and even leadership styles.

Discover real-life scenarios highlighting the friction caused by intergenerational differences. Learn how misunderstandings, conflicts, and diverging work styles affect team cohesion and productivity. Gain essential insights into effective management strategies and adaptive leadership approaches necessary to bridge these gaps and create a more inclusive work environment.

Explore practical examples illustrating communication disconnects and clashes in work values between generations. Understand how these seemingly minor issues compound, impacting team culture and hindering collaboration. Uncover actionable solutions for managers and leaders to navigate these challenges, so that you can foster an environment that celebrates diversity while nurturing a unified and harmonious workforce.

Are you an engineering manager or technical leader who’s ready to increase your impact and take your leadership skills to the next level?

Doug Howard 2/2/24 Doug Howard 2/2/24

E55 - How Managers Can Effectively Lead a Shrinking Workforce with Huge Generational Gaps | 7 Skills

Are you an engineering manager or tech leader who’s feeling overwhelmed and struggling to navigate the challenges of today's shrinking workforce, tight budgets, freeze hiring, and multigenerational teams?

In this episode we're going to be tackling 3 major issues that are fundamentally transforming the landscape for managers and leaders - and then we’re going to take a look at the 7 critical skills that manager need to navigate through these challenges and effectively build and lead teams in today’s environment!

Explore essential skills like self-awareness, vital for authentic leadership and fostering collaborative work environments. Gain practical tips and tools for developing self-awareness, effective delegation strategies to empower teams and increase resilience, techniques for navigating difficult conversations, delivering constructive feedback for growth, coaching and mentoring methodologies, mastering interviewing skills for finding the right team fit, and honing excellent communication skills to mitigate misunderstandings. Uncover the nuances of each skill and adapt your leadership approach to meet the demands of diverse teams and evolving workplace challenges.

Doug Howard 1/26/24 Doug Howard 1/26/24

5 Open-Ended Questions Every Manager Needs to Know for Powerful Coaching

Tired of micromanaging your team? Wish they would think for themselves, solve problems proactively, and see projects through to completion without needing constant hand-holding?

You're not alone. This is a common struggle for many managers. But there's a simple solution that can transform your team and free up your time to focus on bigger things.

In this episode, you'll learn:

- The 3 root causes why your team might be stuck in their comfort zone and unwilling to take ownership (hint: it's not their fault!)

- 5 powerful question types that will spark critical thinking, boost confidence, and encourage your team to take initiative

- Bonus tips for effective mentoring and building a culture of ownership

By the end of this episode, you'll have the tools and strategies you need to:

- Empower your team to take ownership of their work

- Boost productivity and efficiency

- Reduce your workload and stress

- Build a more engaged and motivated team

Doug Howard 1/19/24 Doug Howard 1/19/24

Managers Aren’t Equipped to Handle These 3 Growing Problems | Toxic Work Environments

Are you struggling to find qualified talent in today's competitive market? Or are you facing a hiring freeze and being asked to do more with less? If so, you're not alone.

This episode explores the four biggest challenges facing engineering and tech leaders today:

- Shrinking Workforce: The tech industry is growing rapidly, but the pool of qualified talent is shrinking. This is making it harder than ever to find and retain top performers.

- Hiring Freezes: With economic uncertainty looming, many companies are implementing hiring freezes. This means that engineering and tech leaders are being asked to do more with less resources.

- Generational Gaps: There are now four generations in the workforce, each with its own unique communication styles, work preferences, and expectations. This can create challenges for managers who need to find ways to effectively communicate and motivate their teams.

- Lack of Leadership Training: Most managers are promoted into their positions based on their technical skills, not their leadership skills. This can lead to a lack of training and experience in areas such as team building, conflict resolution, and performance management.

In this article, we'll discuss the causes of these challenges and provide practical tips for overcoming them.

We'll also cover:

- How this impacts team performance, employee engagement, and workplace culture.

- Real-life examples of how these challenges can manifest in the workplace.

- Resources to help you learn more about each of these challenges.

Doug Howard 1/12/24 Doug Howard 1/12/24

How to Answer "What Are Your Salary Expectations?" During the Job Interview

If you want to master job interviews, you need to know how to tackle salary expectations like a pro.

Watch this episode to gain insider tips from an experienced engineering manager on handling salary expectations in job interviews. Discover the pitfalls of disclosing salary figures too early and learn powerful strategies to maintain leverage while keeping the focus on qualifications. Unveil expert advice to navigate this crucial interview stage and secure your desired compensation package. Don't miss out on essential insights for your next job negotiation.

Doug Howard 1/5/24 Doug Howard 1/5/24

How to Set Boundaries with Difficult People in a Toxic Work Environment

Do you struggle with setting boundaries with difficult people at work?

In this episode, you’ll learn a simple 5 step framework for how to navigate toxic co workers or managers affecting your mental health while establishing clear guidelines to protect your professional dignity.

You’ll also discover the importance of setting boundaries to preserve your mental well-being, prevent burnout, and enhance productivity in challenging work environments. Explore practical examples and actionable insights to assert control over interactions, reduce stress, and foster healthier relationships at work. Dive into this comprehensive guide for a transformative approach to dealing with difficult individuals and reclaiming your professional space.

Doug Howard 12/29/23 Doug Howard 12/29/23

How Burnout Got Me Misdiagnosed for ADHD

In this episode I share the surprising journey I faced when I discovered I was misdiagnosed with ADHD, along with the impact on my personal life and my career as an engineering manager.

We’ll explore the connection between symptoms of burnout, stress, depression, and anxiety - and how it can feel very similar to the stereotypical symptoms you read online about ADHD.

My misdiagnosis created a lot of struggles because it created dependency and reliance on medication (Adderall) that was masking underlying issues - which forced me to rewire my brain after experiencing severe withdrawals.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or a psychiatrist. The information that I share in this video does not substitute for professional medical advice. This is simply my story and my personal experience with mental health and ADHD and how it impacted me.

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