318 | Lessons from Bad Managers with Ben Arendt

Mind Your F**king Business

Summary

In this conversation, Dominic Monkhouse and Ben Arendt, author of 'How to Suck Less as a Manager: A Practical Guide to Making Your Team Less Miserable Today', discuss the challenges and nuances of effective management and leadership. They explore the importance of emotional awareness, the need for training in management roles, and the impact of leadership on team member well-being. Ben shares insights from his book, emphasising practical strategies for improving management skills and fostering a positive work environment. The discussion also touches on the significance of company culture, the role of trust, and the necessity of clear communication in leadership.

Takeaways

• Nobody ever gets trained to be a manager, so it's not surprising they suck.
• Emotional awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
• If you can't get joy from management, you won't be good at it.
• Caring about your team is essential for motivation.
• Hypos crave autonomy; micromanagement drives them away.
• Not everyone is suited for management roles; self-awareness is key.
• Invite scepticism and disagreement to foster better solutions.
• Leaders often don't have all the answers; collaboration is vital.
• Company culture should reflect authentic values, not just window dressing.
• Everything in business is made up; trust your instincts.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Personal Background

(03:05) The Importance of Effective Management

(06:02) Emotional Awareness in Leadership

(09:00) The Journey of Writing a Book

(12:02) Key Lessons from 'How to Suck Less as a Manager'

(14:49) Understanding Team Dynamics

(18:03) The Role of Trust in Management

(21:02) Work-Life Balance and Productivity

(24:32) Navigating Change and Adaptation

(27:10) The Impact of Leadership on Employee Wellbeing

(29:55) The Challenges of Transitioning to Management

(33:02) Learning from Bad Management Experiences

(36:01) The Value of Good Leadership

(38:47) The Importance of Communication in Leadership

(42:09) Company Culture and Values

(44:59) Final Thoughts and Recommendations