Fixing Management

Learn the gradual steps to effectively identify and manage underperformance in individuals and teams, turning difficult conversations into growth and stronger results.

Learn the difference between helpful concern and harmful worry, why many common stress strategies fail, and practical techniques to take control of stress and improve your well-being and performance.

Familiar with UX and CX? Learn what Management Experience - MX™ is, how your team actually experiences you as a manager, and how improving MX boosts both results and retention. Managing deserves the same respect as any professional craft. Learn what practicing good management really means and how leaders can build sustainable, long-lasting impact through intentional growth and reflection.

In this episode, we dig into what really makes a workplace toxic, from micromanagement and favoritism to disrespect, burnout, and systemic dysfunction. Learn the warning signs, the human and business cost, and what you can do as a manager or employee to protect yourself or build a healthy team culture instead.

In this episode, we dive into the popular idea that organizations can eliminate managers  and explain why it rarely works. Learn what good managers actually do, why they matter, and how you can step up as a manager who adds real value instead of just holding a title.

In this episode, we break down how managers can treat leadership as a skill that requires deliberate practice. Learn how to pick the right focus, structure meaningful repetitions, gather real-world feedback outside work, in low risk and pressure environments.

In this episode, learn why workplace cynicism quietly destroys trust and performance, how to recognize it in your team, and practical steps managers can take to stop it and build a healthier, more honest culture. Turn sarcasm into straight talk and stronger relationships.

In this episode, we break down exactly how to build a resume and cover letter that consistently get recruiters’ attention. Learn how to structure your resume, write compelling accomplishments, avoid common mistakes, and craft cover letters that differentiate you. A must-listen for any professional navigating a competitive job market.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most practical frameworks for improving communication: DiSC. You will learn:Why some people drive you crazyWhat to do about itYou’ll learn how to recognize different styles, adapt your message so it actually lands, and prevent the misunderstandings. We break down each DiSC type, how they prefer to receive information, and how to tailor feedback, decisions, and collaboration accordingly. If you want to reduce friction, build trust faster, and communicate in a way people truly hear, this episode will give you tools you can use immediately.Take a  free testPaid with actionable behavior recommendations MT DiSCCelebrities and showsManager Tools podcast, actionable situations and theoryThe Culture Map by Erin Meyer

In this episode, we dive into the core insights from The First 90 Days: the ultimate playbook for leaders stepping into a new role. You’ll learn the transition traps to avoid, the mindsets that accelerate success, and the practical strategies to quickly build credibility, diagnose your new environment, secure early wins, and align your team with the broader mission.Whether you’re moving into a new company, shifting teams, or stepping up into a bigger leadership role, this episode gives you a clear blueprint for what to do in your first three months, and where to focus so you don’t waste time, lose momentum, or get stuck in survival mode.You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to plan your transition, build key alliances, stabilize your team, and set yourself up for long-term impact.Check out:The First 90 Days by Michael D. WatkinsExample of First 90 Days plan you can duplicate and edit

Many companies use OKRs, but few use them well.In this episode, which is part two on the topic, we go through additional 20 mistakes that kill OKRs or reduce their effectiveness.No need to be perfect, but to be aware to be more effectiveness.Check out:High Output ManagementMeasure What MattersRadical FocusHow to Measure Anything

Many companies use OKRs, but few use them well.In this episode, which is part one on the topic, we go through 20 mistakes that kill OKRs or reduce their effectiveness. No need to be perfect, but to be aware to be more effectiveness.Check out:⁠High Output Management⁠⁠Measure What Matters⁠⁠Radical Focus⁠⁠How to Measure Anything⁠

OKRs are easy to misunderstand and powerful to master.In this episode, we unpack what makes Objectives and Key Results so beneficial: how to define them, measure progress, and avoid common traps.You’ll learn the difference between outputs and outcomes, how to write inspiring and measurable goals, and how to use OKRs to build alignment and engagement across your team.Perfect for managers and leaders who want to turn strategy into execution, and execution into impact.Check out:High Output ManagementMeasure What MattersRadical FocusHow to Measure Anything

The way your team uses calendars reveals more about your culture than you think.In this episode, we share why poor calendar habits damage trust and waste time, and naturally how to fix them. Learn how to set clear working hours, promote transparency, and build a respectful culture around time.

Most meetings drain energy instead of creating value, but they don’t have to.In this episode, we break down what goes wrong in typical meetings and share simple, powerful habits to fix them to make every minute count.If you lead meetings, this one’s for you.

Most managers think onboarding is HR’s job, only that it’s not. In this episode, we break down how great managers turn new hires into productive, engaged team members through structure, communication, and care.Learn how to design onboarding that builds trust, accelerates effectiveness, and keeps your people longer.

Many managers treat hiring as a chore, or worse, outsource it to HR. In this episode we explain why that’s a dangerous mistake and walk you through a practical approach to hiring. Learn how to design a process that tests what truly matters, and avoids costly mis-hires. Packed with actionable insights you can use in your next interview.

Ever wondered why some people are so easy to talk to and why others drive you crazy? In this episode, we break down the DiSC communication model and shows how understanding behavior preferences can transform effectiveness.You’ll learn how to identify your team members’ communication preferences, adapt your approach to each style, and build stronger, clearer, and more productive relationships.Check out this online DiSC test that also recommends how to engage with others.

In this episode, discover how to transform performance reviews from dreaded formalities into powerful tools for growth and team success. Learn why ongoing feedback, real-time journaling, and thoughtful preparation are key to effective reviews. Get actionable tips on conducting review meetings that build trust, clarify expectations, and empower your direct reports to excel. Related episodes: 2. Feedback to Direct Reports3. Coaching

In this episode I share the personal story behind Fixing Management: why I decided to write a book and start this podcast and what it’s all about.You’ll hear how Fixing Management aims to make leadership clear, practical, and even enjoyable. I also offer a reflection framework for every episode.Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned one, this episode invites you to start your journey toward better leadership, one thoughtful step at a time.Because when we fix management, we fix everything that depends on it.Check out the book: Fixing Management: A Manager's Guide to Moving from Ineffective to Exceptional

Managers are often told to “motivate their teams” — as if motivation is something you can sprinkle like fairy dust or buy with a bonus. But it doesn’t work that way. In this episode, we break down why traditional motivation tactics fail — and what truly drives people to do great work.Through a story about a well-meaning manager whose bonus plan backfires, you’ll learn about intrinsic motivation, and discover the four building blocks of lasting engagement: Hygiene Factors, Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose.Tune in to learn how to create the conditions where motivation thrives — without gimmicks, pressure, or pep talks. A must-listen for any manager who wants to lead teams that care, grow, and perform for the right reasons.

Every manager has encountered someone they've mentally labeled as "difficult", but what if the real problem isn't them?In this episode, we tackle one of the toughest challenges in management: dealing with people who seem impossible to work with.We look into:Why being "nice" isn't the same as being kind — and how avoiding hard conversations actually hurts your teamThe critical shift from asking "Why is this person so difficult?" to "What specific behavior needs to change?"A practical escalation framework: from direct feedback to coaching to PIPHow to give feedback on observable behaviors instead of vague personality critiquesBecause better managers mean better teams, and better teams build better companies.

This episode explores the critical but often misunderstood leadership concept of psychological safety.Discover what psychological safety really means, why it is vital for team learning, innovation, and performance, and how managers can intentionally build it both in private one-on-ones and public team settings.Hear real stories illustrating how fragile psychological safety can be and learn practical strategies to foster an environment where team members feel safe to speak up, share ideas, admit mistakes, and hold honest conversations.Whether you want to reduce fear, boost creativity, or improve decision-making, this episode offers actionable guidance to help you create a high-performing, adaptive team culture. Try applying one behavior from this episode this week and observe the impact on your team.

In this episode, we tackle a question professionals frequently ask: “Am I ready to be a manager?” Many confuse readiness with experience or technical skill, but true readiness is about shifting your mindset from doing the work yourself to enabling others to succeed.We will explore:Why management is a career change, not a promotionHow success as a manager is measured by your team’s outcomes and retentionKey signs you’re ready to leadIf you’re considering stepping into management or navigating your early leadership journey, this episode offers clear insights to help you transition confidently and effectively.

In this episode, we demystify the art of delegation, another core management skill that’s often neglected. Delegation isn’t assigning tasks; it’s about transferring ownership, building your team’s capabilities, and freeing yourself to lead strategically.Join us as we explore:Why most managers end up micromanaging rather than truly delegatingThe four essential steps to effective delegation: defining scope, aligning expectations, supporting without control, and reflecting for continuous growthHow real delegation boosts team development, trust, and business continuityIf you’re ready to stop drowning in work and start empowering your team, this episode offers practical guidance to help you delegate, build stronger teams, and lead at the right altitude.Check out Manager Tools for extensive guidance.

In this episode of Fixing Management, we unravel one of the most misunderstood aspects of leadership: coaching. Coaching isn’t about teaching what you already know; it’s about supporting your team to acquire new skills even when you’re not the expert.Learn a step-by-step approach to coaching your direct reports effectively:How to identify growth areas that matterSetting clear, measurable goalsBrainstorming tailored learning paths togetherTracking progress without micromanagingDiscover how coaching builds competence, independence, and confidence in your team, ultimately strengthening your entire organization. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or an aspiring leader, this episode equips you with practical tools to coach with curiosity, structure, and consistency.As usual I recommend Manager Tools for deep dive on the topic.

If you’ve ever been told to use the “feedback sandwich” or avoided giving feedback, this episode will change the way you think about feedback forever.In this episode we break down why the classic “compliment–criticism–compliment” method fails and what to do instead with the Manager Tools’ feedback model.This episode is your guide to replacing awkward, confusing conversations with feedback that actually changes behavior and strengthens trust in the process.Say goodbye to awkward feedback giving or avoiding. Say hello to real leadership.Make sure to check out https://manager-tools.com/

Every manager has one-on-one meetings on the calendar… but few truly understand what they’re for.In this episode we reveal why most 1:1s don't serve their purpose and how to turn them into your most effective management tool.You’ll learn why leading with empathy, build genuine trust and rapport is where it starts.

Ever looked around your company and thought, “This can’t be how management is supposed to work”?In Fixing Management, host Yaniv Preiss, tech leader, coach, consultant, and author of Fixing Management: A Manager’s Guide to Moving from Ineffective to Exceptional, breaks down what truly makes management work.Each short episode tackles a real leadership problem, exposing why it happens and how to fix it with clear, practical steps.No fluff. No buzzwords. Just actionable guidance that helps you lead better to get sustainable results while retaining your best people.