Episode notes
Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to think more creatively about annual planning goals.
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Manager Tools
Manager Tools · Business · English
Tired of management theory? Want to learn specific skills to help improve your management performance? Then Manager Tools is the podcast for you! Manager Tools is a weekly business podcast focused on helping professionals become more effective managers and leaders. Each week, we discuss specific…
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2 Feb 2026
How To Be A Positive Interviewer - Part 1
Too many managers make the mistake of thinking they have to be a "tough" interviewer. They think that interviewing is adversarial. They think they need to apply pressure to see how candidates react. But in fact, positive interviewing is much more effective, both in terms of outcomes and in terms of offer acceptance rates.
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26 Jan 2026
Top 10 Hiring Mistakes - #8 - Unprepared - Part 2
If you want managing to be easier, learn to hire better. We've been saying it for two decades now. We normally put out positive guidance, about what to DO. In this series of casts, though, we address common misconceptions and mistakes most managers make when hiring. This guidance is about lack of preparation, which is an epidemic among managers. You can't be good at hiring if you're not good at preparation.
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19 Jan 2026
Top 10 Hiring Mistakes - #8 - Unprepared - Part 1
If you want managing to be easier, learn to hire
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12 Jan 2026
Management Is An Organizational System
One of the most common things professionals say about managing is that they have a personal 'style.' But does that make sense? Is it reasonable to expect that with all the systems organizations employ, they should leave out how to manage others?
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5 Jan 2026
Development Plans Are Dumb (Hall of Fame Guidance)
Development plans for directs are constantly talked about. You've read about them in the business news, especially for less experienced employees. They're recommended by HR. They don't work!
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22 Dec 2025
How to Set Annual Goals - HOF 2025
Our Hall Of Fame guidance on how to start setting annual goals, and why we do not like "SMART" goals.
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15 Dec 2025
One On Ones - How Much Personal? (Hall of Fame Guidance)
Many managers are worried about talking about personal topics in One On Ones. They shouldn't be - it doesn't happen that often... and it's a sign of trust, too.
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8 Dec 2025
My Boss Doesn't Support Company Guidance
A manager is always obligated to support the organization, even if he or she disagrees with what the organization is doing. But what happens when your boss doesn't do that? Here's what to do.
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1 Dec 2025
Delivering the Performance Review - HOF 2025
Our Hall of Fame guidance on delivering a performance review.
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24 Nov 2025
Preparing Performance Reviews - HOF 2025
Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to prepare for performance reviews.
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