✅ Today's Checklist: - What to do when…you're managing without a manual
- Don't let a layoff rewrite your story
- TA reader Michelle wants you to focus on the big picture
💸 Learn how to recession-proof your 401(k) on Wed, April 16 at 9AM PT/12PM ET—recording available only to A-List (TALA) members. Register here. 🤔 Riddle me this: How many seconds are there in a year? (Find the answer on the bottom). | | | LEADERSHIP What to Do When…You're Managing Without a Manual Here's something that doesn't surprise me—but still feels WILD to say out loud: A majority of our readers who manage people never received any kind of formal management training. Zero. Nada. Just vibes, Google searches, and "figuring it out as you go." And yet you're out here leading teams, navigating feedback convos, managing up, smoothing over conflict, and trying to do right by your people and your company. So today, I'm giving you the crash course I wish someone handed me when I started managing. Each of these comes from real challenges you shared with us. Here's what to do when… 🧊 Certain team members just aren't getting along Conflict happens—even in teams that like each other. But if tension lingers, it can tank morale and productivity. Step in early. Schedule 1:1s to get both perspectives, then bring folks together to clarify expectations, reset norms, and recommit to how y'all work as a team. You're not a therapist—but you can be the accountability partner who helps them move forward. 💬 Your direct report doesn't take feedback well Feedback isn't just about what you say—it's about when you say it, the tone you use, and the trust you've built. Skip the surprise critiques mid-crisis. Instead, bake growth conversations into regular check-ins. Use this framing: "Here's what I'm noticing. Here's why it matters. Here's how I want to support you." And here's a small shift that makes a big difference: Ask, "Are you ready for some feedback?" You're asking for permission, which gives them agency and signals that this is a conversation, not a critique. When someone invites you in, they're more likely to actually hear what you have to say. 😐 Your team seems unmotivated Before you assume it's about work ethic, ask yourself: Do they feel ownership? Do they see how their work connects to the bigger picture? Motivation often dips when people feel unseen or unsure if what they're doing matters. Take time to clarify goals, celebrate small wins, and ask what they'd like more of—autonomy, feedback, stretch projects. Engagement isn't just perks—it's purpose. ⏰ You're spending all your time managing or in meetings—not doing your actual job If your calendar looks like a game of Tetris and every decision funnels through you, it's time to reset. Block focus time like it's a meeting. Set default owners for recurring tasks. Make weekly check-ins async when possible. And if your team still relies on you for every next step, shift from doing to coaching: "What do you think the next step is?" Try a team FAQ doc or the " ask three before me" rule to protect your time—and theirs. 👀 Your team lacks visibility and accountability No visibility = no accountability. If no one knows what's happening, it's hard to collaborate—or care. Set up a shared doc, dashboard, or Slack thread for weekly updates. Keep it simple: what's in progress, where you're stuck, what support you need. Bonus points for shouting out wins—visibility shouldn't only show up when something's wrong. 🪜 You want to get someone promoted—but the system is slow (or broken) Start by tracking receipts. Create a doc with their accomplishments, positive feedback, and quantifiable wins. Then build a business case: how has their impact grown, what problems are they solving, and what would be at risk if they left? If a title bump isn't happening soon, advocate for other forms of recognition—like project leadership, mentorship roles, or comp adjustments. Internal equity > vibes-based promo cycles. 🫠 Your team is drowning and you need more headcount (or resources) First, document the impact. Be specific: What projects are delayed? What's the cost of burnout? What opportunities are you missing? Then, present it with both heart and data. Try this: "Here's what our team has accomplished with X people. Here's what's currently at risk. With additional support, we could [insert opportunity or goal]." And don't wait for annual planning—start the conversation early and revisit it often. Resource allocation is often about who makes the strongest case first. You don't have to know it all to lead well. Stay curious, keep showing up, and don't forget—you deserve support, too.  Joanna (TA Co-Founder) | | | BIZ TOOLS Transform the Way You Work—And Get Results Running a business is no joke. The constant to-do lists, endless tasks, and the pressure to stay ahead can quickly become overwhelming. But, there are ways to make your business run smoother, faster, and with less stress. It's about getting the right systems in place to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on growing and leading. 🛠️ Put Your Projects on Autopilot Projects are slipping through the cracks, and deadlines are creeping up. Wrike is your digital project manager. It organizes your tasks, keeps deadlines in check, and helps you track everything. The best part? Automation. Say goodbye to constant tracking and hello to workflow efficiency. 📅 Never Miss a Client Follow-Up Again You're swamped with emails, calls, and meetings, and it's tough to keep up with everything. Clients are waiting, and you're behind. Thryv brings it all together—track conversations, set automatic reminders, and keep client relationships smooth and efficient. 💻 Build Your Website in a Day Websites are complicated, and the thought of creating one from scratch is a nightmare. Webador is a website builder designed for business owners who don't have time for the tech headaches. Drag-and-drop your way to a professional-looking website that's live in hours, not weeks. 🛎️ Take Control of Your Customer Support Customer support is eating up your time. You're answering the same questions over and over, and it's draining. Freshworks brings all your support tools into one place. Live chat, ticket management, and automation—handle more with less effort. Keep your customers happy, and free up time for your business. 💳 Get Paid Fast, No Fuss Payment processing is slow, invoicing is a headache, and chasing payments takes too much time. Square simplifies payments. Whether online or in-person, it's fast, reliable, and painless. Set up recurring billing, track payments, and focus on your business, not chasing money. These simple shifts can make a big difference, freeing you up to scale your business without the burnout. | | | BIGGEST CHALLENGE Don't Let a Layoff Rewrite Your Story "My biggest challenge is confidence (which is particularly low today after being laid off this morning). I have strengths and assets and a solid resume; however, I let imposter syndrome set in, which paralyzes me from being as productive and fearless as I'd like." Being furloughed for any reason can shake even the most educated and confident professional's self-esteem. One minute, we feel grounded in our skills and experience; the next, we're wondering if any of it was ever real. Ironically, the immediate aftermath isn't just about losing a job—it can feel like we've lost a piece of our identity. This is when imposter syndrome sneaks in, whispering things like, "Maybe I wasn't that good," or "They must have finally seen through me." What no one tells us is that imposter syndrome thrives in transition. It loves uncertainty. But that doesn't mean it's correct. When imposter syndrome comes-a-knocking, here are a few suggestions to help regain some self-assured footing and slam the door in its face: - Pause and feel it: Suppressing emotions rarely helps and frankly, it's okay to be upset. Letting oneself grieve, vent, and process the situation is the first step toward acceptance and healing.
- Take inventory: Make a list of professional wins—projects completed, goals crushed, people mentored, etc. Seeing these in writing can start to shift the narrative from "Was I good enough?" to "Damn, I did all that!"
- Phone a friend (or three): Now's the time to lean on trusted peers or mentors—not just for job leads but for reminders of strengths and impact. A little outside perspective goes a long way when self-esteem is shaky.
- Set small goals: When confidence is low, big-picture thinking can feel overwhelming. Try one actionable step a day—refreshing a resume, reaching out on LinkedIn, or updating a portfolio. Small wins add up quickly.
- Remember—feelings aren't facts: The doubt that creeps in post-layoff isn't evidence of failure—it's simply part of an uncomfortable human experience that will pass.
Even with a rock-solid resume and a Dead Sea Scroll lined with accolades, a layoff is a very personal blow. But, with a little time, reflection, and support, it always finds its way back home. Check out this YouTube video to better understand that "imposter syndrome is not rooted in reality—it's rooted in your own perception." | | | EMPLOYEE SCHEDULING Scheduling, Simplified. Efficiency, Unlocked. Managing a team and handling schedules can feel like you're always one step behind. Shifts get missed, changes are last-minute, and communication feels like a game of telephone. But, what if scheduling was simple? What if you could make changes on the fly, update your team in real-time, and never worry about miscommunication again? Here's the deal: You can. With Homebase, scheduling is as simple as a few clicks. Need to streamline communication? Homebase centralizes everything in one place—team chats, updates, and reminders are all at your fingertips. Plus, with its built-in time clock, your employees can clock in and out with just a tap, making payroll accurate and painless. Homebase is your ticket to less stress, more productivity, and a team that's always on the same page. | | | SUBSCRIBER SPOTLIGHT Think Big and Out Loud "Stay focused on the big picture and be ready to justify your impact on the organization's vision and goals."  —Michelle (Owner of ActionPoint Associates) | | | STAFF PICKS
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