2025 June Lyric Management Playlist
This month: pause, news, asking, learning and networking, drawing, and feedback.
Do/Pause
In keeping with the R&R theme from last time, I finally finished the book Do/Pause. Part philosophy, part self-help, this manifesto advocates introducing conscious and deliberate pauses into one’s day and life as a way of clearing and calming the mind, and makes a compelling case for the necessity of doing just that. I highly recommend this as a healthy reminder of the importance of taking a breather once in a while.
I’ve also finished Stop Reading the News, a manifesto for a happier, calmer, and wiser life by Rolf Dobelli. Drawn to this after many recent conversations about stepping away from the depressing imposition the news represents, and my own goal of reclaiming my attention from the whirlpool of online sites, this book offers many provocative points and examples on why and how to do it.
Between the pausing and the free time not reading the news, I hope to have even more book reading time (interested in what else I am reading? Check out my other blog site).
Ask Me Something (AMS)
This space is for sharing recent Qs-and-As that I think might be of interest to others. Got a question? Send me a message and get your answers here.
Q: I’m relatively new to my leadership role, and while I think I’ve done a good job of recruiting the right people into my team, I’m struggling with my expectations for their work. I want them to do the work the way that I did it - the same techniques, but also the same quality of output. When they’re struggling, I tend to step in and “show them how” by doing it myself, which I know takes away a learning opportunity. How can I set a standard and expectations for my team that are reasonable and achievable? Sincerely, Setting Expectations Too High.
Thanks for the question, SETH. New leaders can struggle with this, and sometimes lose sight of the difference in skills and strengths between them and their team members. Even if you’ve recently been doing the tasks you’re now asking others to do, try to remember that you were once where they are (and not too long ago). No matter how skilled someone is now, they were once a novice needing guidance and opportunities to fail (remember - FAIL stands for “first attempt in learning”).
A challenge here can be applying one’s own perfectionism to the work of others. We may see that our own high standards are necessary, but may need to consider that old saying, “better is the enemy of good enough.” If perfectionism is playing a role, you might consider applying the 70% rule when establishing expectations for others (and yourself).
Instead of focusing on setting high standards, establish the minimum expectations (like the minimum height requirements for amusement park rides). If you’re working in a laboratory or technical environment, document the specific skills and tasks that need to be demonstrated in order for someone to move forward. If it’s project management work, establish criteria around principle or values.
Minimum expectations are not low- or poor-quality. Rather they are a starting place, a milestone or goal that let’s someone know what to aim for in getting good enough to move on to the next level of learning.
Regardless, the minimum expectations should be something you can articulate and identify, and ideally something you can measure. They should also consider the starting point of the individual - how new are they to the tasks, and so what is a reasonable learning curve for them? Ultimately, consider carefully how you’re applying your own standards to others, and whether those are appropriate and effective for the work and the individual.
Good luck!
Learning and Networking
Learning and networking opportunities in the next while:
I’ve partnered with the ImmunoEngineering (ImmunoE) NSERC CREATE program at UBC to deliver a coaching and development program. While the coaching is limited to ImmunoE community, the webinars are open to everyone. The final webinar, time management, is on Wednesday 25 June, 1-2pm.
The PMP/CAPM Study Group continues, with the last session before the summer on Thursday 26 June. Everyone is welcome to attend anytime to learn, contribute, and connect with others on the same path. More information and sign-up links on my website.
I'm planning to ring in the start of summer at the Life Sciences BC Summer Social event on Wednesday 25 June. Perhaps I'll see you there?
Another upcoming networking event is the BioConnect BC (aka DRINKS) event on Friday 27 June, 4-7pm at Baeside (aka Mahoneys aka Monk McQueens aka Stamps Landing). This is a terrific free event and is open to everyone. If you’re new to networking, this is a great low-barrier place to get started.
Stay tuned for more training, coaching, and networking opportunities to come in 2025!
Coaching sessions available
Coaching and directive mentoring can help you with defining priorities and achieving goals by providing an encouraging, safe, and supportive environment for thinking, planning, and evaluating where you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re starting out on your career or at a mid-life crossroads, working with a coach can help you get clarity about what you want and then make solid plans to achieve just that.
If you've been curious about coaching, why not book a free exploratory session with me? I work with people from many backgrounds and in a variety of industries and career levels, and I’d love to connect and explore how we might work together on your journey and path.
Learn more about my coaching approach and how to sign-up and get started at the Lyric Management website.
Lyric Management Prizes
I’m still waiting to hear back from some previous winners (hint - check your email in case you are one of them). A reminder of how the prize draw works:
Each month, I’ll draw a name from among the Playlist subscribers here on Substack.
I’ll email the person to let them know they’ve won, and offer them the prize options.
Once they select their prize, I’ll seek their permission to publish their name and which prize they selected in the next newsletter. Those who are bashful may go unnamed, but I’ll still announce what the prize was.
So watch your email to see if you’re the lucky winner!
Nearly 40 prizes awarded since this humble newsletter began in 2022, the most popular selections have been Ignore Everybody, The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday, Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, and a free coaching session.
Prize options include (depending on availability):
A book from my own management and leadership library
A 45-minute coaching session with me
A free pass for a CARA webinar or something from researchpm.com
Interested in winning next month? Be sure to subscribe and you’re in the draw - your name stays in until you win!
Feedback
Thank you for being a part of my little-company-that-can. I hope you enjoy these occasional missives, and they allow you to connect with me and others.
I'd love to hear what you think about the Lyric Management Playlist:
Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everyone can understand. ~ Colin Powell
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