87: Why managers fail (and how to become a world-class manager) with Dave Kline, MGMT Accelerator

Truth, Lies and Work

"Management is not a destination but the start of a new career path" - Dave Kline

Today, we're taking a deep dive into the transformative journey from being a top performer to becoming a stellar manager. Your hosts, Leanne and Al Elliott, welcome Dave Kline, a seasoned expert in the field of management and co-founder of MGMT Accelerator, to shed light on the often underestimated transition that many face in the corporate world.

Dave shares his insightful perspective on the common misconception that excelling in a role automatically equips one for management. Through engaging anecdotes and personal experiences, including a unique story about the Godfather trilogy, Dave illustrates the challenges and new beginnings that accompany a management position.

Leanne and Al navigate the conversation to explore the essence of effective management and leadership, underscoring the importance of setting clear expectations, prioritising effectively, and understanding the intrinsic needs of employees. They discuss how management isn't just about overseeing tasks but about fostering an environment where team members feel valued, understood, and motivated to contribute to a shared mission.

This episode also delves into the critical role of hiring and nurturing the right talent, as Dave highlights the difference between recruiting and hiring. He shares the strategy of building relationships and understanding the long-term vision for one's team, rather than settling for the "best available" in a reactive hiring process.

Whether you're a new manager feeling overwhelmed or an experienced leader seeking to refine your approach, this episode offers valuable lessons and practical tips to enhance your management playbook.

Links mentioned:

• Follow Dave on Twitter/X: https://x.com/dklineii
• Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkline/
• Enroll in MGMT Accelerator: https://maven.com/dave-kline/mgmt-accelerator
• Subscribe to MGMT Playbook newsletter: https://mgmt.beehiiv.com/

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.

Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [e-mail] (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/

Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne

Email: [e-mail]

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/

Chapters:

00:00 The Unconventional Path to Management

01:05 Introducing the Podcast: Truth, Lies, and Work

02:46 Meet Dave Klein: A Management Maestro

03:34 Dave's Journey from Engineer to Management Guru

06:06 The Birth of the Management Accelerator

06:57 The Ultimate Goal for Managers: Efficiency and Impact

07:40 The Challenges and Realities of Being a New Manager

10:06 What Employees Really Want: Purpose Over Paycheck

20:28 Unlocking Team Potential: The Power of Effective Meetings

20:47 Cultivating Leadership and Ownership Across Borders

21:32 The Essential Role of One-on-One Meetings in Talent Retention

24:00 Empowering High Performers: The CEO Approach

25:25 The Art of Minimum Viable Management

31:28 Recruiting vs. Hiring: Building an A-Team

34:07 The Surprising Value of Community Among Managers

37:31 Reflecting on Leadership: The Elon Musk Debate