Episode 45

Why Managing Feels So DANG Hard? (And How to Shift That Fast)

Hey hey friend,

Ever wonder why management feels so darn hard? 😅 In this episode, we’re keeping it real about the true challenges of leadership. It’s not just about checking off tasks—it’s about people, emotions, and those ever-shifting expectations.

We’re talking about how today’s workplace is changing—self-advocacy is on the rise, and younger professionals are redefining what it means to succeed at work. 🙌🏾 Setting boundaries and clear expectations isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must for surviving (and thriving!) as a manager.

Join us for honest stories, a few laughs, and some practical tips for navigating the wild world of management. 🌍💡

xoxo,

Kishshana & Maria

Tune in to hear:

  • How to set clear boundaries and expectations with your team (and yourself)  
  • How to navigate the overwhelm and emotional challenges of management with honesty and self-care
  • How to adapt to a changing workplace and support both your team and yourself through transitions

Episode Overview

  • (00:07) Welcome & Why Management Feels So Dang Hard
  • (01:28) The Real Struggle: Tasks vs. People & Expectations
  • (04:05) Promotions, Overwhelm, and the Myth of Extra Support
  • (06:41) Generational Shifts & Self-Advocacy in the Workplace
  • (14:00) Practical Steps: Setting Boundaries and Expectations
  • (21:02) Boundaries as Self-Care & Modeling for Your Team
  • (24:41) Personal vs. Private: Building Trust with Your Team
  • (28:43) Communicating Challenges & The Importance of Transparency
  • (34:36) Workplace Culture: Hierarchies, Self-Care, and Change
  • (37:05) Closing & Next Episode Teaser: “Winging It” in Leadership

Powerful Quotes

“Management isn’t just about tasks, it’s about people, emotions, and that E word—expectations." -Kishshana 

"Your body responds to the actual and the perceived." -Maria 

"If you keep saying, 'I’m not overwhelmed,' your cortisol is just jumping into a deep diving pool." -Kishshana 

"Many of us were promoted without proper training, leading to a cycle of stress and uncertainty." -Maria 

"The dark and dirty secret is that 70% of your team’s success is dependent on you as a manager." -Kishshana 

"The better I manage myself, the easier it becomes for my manager to do their job." -Maria 

"Start by setting clear boundaries and expectations with your team." -Kishshana 

"A boundary is an invitation, not a fence." -Kishshana 

"It’s hard to set boundaries with your team when you haven’t set clear boundaries with yourself." -Kishshana 

"As a manager, if you don’t have a personal relationship with your team, then managing is going to be hard." -Kishshana 

"If you’re the type of manager who keeps information close to the chest, it’s always going to be hard for people to share personal challenges." -Maria 

"You don’t go to work to manage children. We are presuming you manage a team of adults." -Maria 

"With the right tools and mindset, it’s manageable." -Kishshana

"Your body responds to the actual and the perceived." -Maria 

"Many of us were just promoted without proper training, leading to a cycle of stress and uncertainty." -Maria 

"The better I manage myself, the easier it becomes for my manager to do their job." -Maria 

"The self-preservation that we’re focusing on in the workplace is also part of a larger self-preservation given all that potential stimuli." -Maria 

"We’ve gotta recognize that it’s okay to seek help and admit when we don’t have all the answers." -Maria 

"The workplace is not set up to handle your humanness. It is not." -Maria 

"Boundaries are your safety and protection, and then your expectations with your team—that’s got to be communicated." -Maria 

Let’s go deeper 👇🏾

📖 Get Kishshana’s Book  https://kishshanapalmer.com/book

💚 Work with ManageMint https://managemint.co

🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode https://managemintmadeeasy.com

🎙️ Meet Your Hosts:

✔️ Connect with Kishshana @kishshanapalmer

✔️ Connect with Maria @mariadautruche

About the Podcast

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ManageMint Made Easy formerly Let's Take This Offline
A Minty-Fresh Take On Leadership

About your host

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Kishshana Palmer

Kishshana Palmer, CFRE is the author of Busy Is a Four-Letter Word: A Guide to Achieving More By Doing Less, uni-mom, trainer, educator, author and professional speaker. She is the CEO of ManageMint, Inc., Founder of “The Rooted Collaborative” - a global learning community for women leaders of color in the social sector - and host of ManageMint Made Easy formerly Let’s Take This Offline: The Podcast for Everyday Leaders. When she is not starring in the Life of My Queenager (okay it’s not a real show, but it could be), she is dropping knowledge about leadership and life. Kishshana is the epitome of your classic 90's Queens homegirl and quintessential corner office executive. She is your daily dose of Claire Huxtable with a side of Blanche Devereaux.