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

"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 [email protected] (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: [email protected] 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