Management Muse

Ep 46 Why Your PTO Policies Might Burn People Out and What to Do About It

Is your company’s paid time off (PTO) policy actually burning out the very employees it’s designed to reward and renew? In this episode of Management Muse, hosts Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin discuss the unintended consequences of paid time off policies, from employees banking PTO instead of using it to overly complicated PTO systems that encourage people to abuse the system and discourage others from taking their well-deserved vacations. They break down common PTO errors, discuss why cashing out unused time can be harmful, and share strategies for creating a vacation system that benefits both employees and the organization. Cindi and Geoff emphasize the importance of clear, simple policies that minimize the unintended consequences that unfortunately follow many PTO systems.
Tune in to learn how to design a PTO policy that encourages real rest, prevents burnout, and aligns with your company’s long-term success.
 
Episode Highlights:
Why many PTO policies unintentionally prevent employees from taking time off.
The risks of PTO banking and buyout programs and why they often backfire.
How to simplify your PTO system to increase fairness and effectiveness.
The importance of senior leaders and managers taking time off and encouraging  their people to do the same.
Practical steps to create a PTO policy that supports employee well-being and company success.
 
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Ep 45 Why You are Comparing Yourself Against the Wrong People and What to Do About It

Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind because you’re constantly measuring yourself against others? Is FOMO causing you to do dumb stuff? In this episode of Management Muse, hosts Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin dive into the hidden power of reference points—the mental benchmarks we use to measure our success. Spoiler alert: we often have inaccurate comparisons that degrade our work performance, impair our financial decisions, and reduce our overall satisfaction and quality of life in ways we don’t realize. Cindi and Geoff discuss why traditional incentives, like money and titles, don’t always motivate people the way we expect and how upbringing and parental achievements shape our personal benchmarks. They also reveal the dangers of inaccurate comparisons and how choosing the right reference points can lead to a more productive and more fulfilling path.
Tune in to learn how to break free from unhelpful comparisons and set mental benchmarks that truly drive growth and success.
 
Episode Highlights:
How hidden comparisons shape your motivation, choices, and happiness.
Why some people aren’t very motivated by money and how to find what drives them.
The ways that childhood and family influence your markers of success.
How the wrong comparisons can derail your confidence and progress.
Practical strategies to set benchmarks that help you grow.
 
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Ep 44 The Surprising Causes and Cures of Midlife Crises

What really drives midlife crises and how can you navigate one without it upending your life? 
In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin talk about the psychology of midlife crises, from the unexpected sadness that can follow major achievements to the dissonance that arises when life feels out of sync. They explore common triggers behind midlife crises like career plateaus and, counterintuitively, achieving key goals. They also discuss why moments like these often lead to big and bad decisions. Cindi and Geoff share strategies to help you avoid—or at least minimize—midlife crises and avoid overcorrecting in response to temporary uncertainty.
Tune in to uncover how to transform midlife challenges into growth and renewal.
 
Episode Highlights:
 
How goal achievement can unexpectedly trigger feelings of loss.
Why cognitive dissonance often fuels midlife crises.
How career plateaus and unmet expectations  are destabilizing.
How to find your next purpose without overreacting.
Insights on navigating change thoughtfully to avoid unnecessary upheaval.
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Ep 43 Why It’s So Hard to Evaluate Employees Accurately and What to Do About It

In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin explore why it’s so challenging for managers to evaluate their team members accurately. From early impressions that stick to hidden biases we don’t even realize are at play, Cindi and Geoff reveal the unseen forces that influence how we judge performance, assign feedback, and make decisions.
Cindi and Geoff offer strategies to help managers identify and overcome these biases, creating fairer evaluations and a stronger and more accurate foundation for employee development. Whether you're navigating tricky personnel decisions or seeking to your team, this episode provides the tools and awareness you need to lead with clarity and fairness.
Tune in to learn how to view your people more accurately and to tighten up your perceptions of the people around you.
 
Episode Highlights:
The lasting influence of quick impressions in managerial decisions.
Hidden biases that affect evaluations, promotions, and feedback.
The science of perception, including the fundamental attribution error and confirmation bias.
How misperceptions impede employee development.
Practical strategies for more equitable and effective management practices.
 
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Ep 42 The Limitations of Leading by Example

In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin explore the pitfalls of leading by example, a simple and popular leadership style that is more problematic than it seems. They discuss the potential for misinterpretations and confusion when managers believe that leadership by example is all they need to motivate their people. They also talk about the difficulty in people understanding exactly what lessons they should take from a leader’s behavior. Finally, Cindi and Geoff emphasize the importance of pairing exemplary behavior with formal systems to build a high-performing organizational culture.
Tune in to discover why leading by example is a necessary, but not sufficient, tool for your managerial toolkit.
 
Episode Highlights:
The influence of a leader’s actions on team behavior and workplace culture.
Common pitfalls of relying too much on leading by example, including misinterpretations and confusion about appropriate lessons.
The importance of formal systems in reinforcing positive behaviors and practices.
How to bridge the gap between managerial intentions and team perceptions.
Practical advice for building a strong, sustainable organizational culture.
 
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Ep 41 The Hidden Power of Praise at Work

In this episode, Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin explore the art of giving meaningful and effective praise in the workplace. They discuss the transformative power of specific, personalized recognition and explain how well-timed praise can deepen work relationships and encourage better performance.
Cindi and Geoff also tackle the common pitfalls of recognition, from overly general compliments to the painful predictability of formal programs like employee-of-the-month awards. With practical strategies to help busy leaders maintain a culture of timely and authentic appreciation, this episode is packed with actionable tips to give your praise a lasting impact.
Join us to learn how thoughtful recognition can boost morale, strengthen your team, and improve work performance.
 
Episode Highlights:
Learn the psychology behind reciprocity and praise in the workplace.
Understand why specific and timely praise is essential for motivating teams and building a strong workplace culture.
Identify and avoid common pitfalls like overpraising or ineffective recognition programs.
Discover when to acknowledge team members for maximum impact.
Learn how to adapt your recognition approach to suit different personality types at work.
 
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Ep 40 How to Start a Successful Side Hustle Without Quitting Your Job

Have you ever wondered about starting a side hustle? In this episode of Management Muse, hosts Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin dive into the world of side hustles, exploring their potential to provide financial stability, personal growth, and career transformation. Cindi and Geoff discuss how side hustles can be a launchpad for entrepreneurship, a way to rediscover joy in work, or a vital release valve when a full-time job feels stagnant. They also examine the challenges of balancing side hustles with full-time responsibilities and share practical tips for making side hustles work without becoming overwhelming.
 
Join us in this episode to learn how side hustles can enhance your career, bring renewed purpose to your work, and help you take control of your professional path.
 
Episode Highlights:
Understand how side hustles can foster creativity and lead to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Discover the hidden risks of side hustles and how to avoid burnout while balancing priorities.
Learn key strategies to ensure your side hustle aligns with your long-term career goals.
Learn how pursuing a side hustle can lead to unexpected career opportunities.
 
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Ep 39 How to Get Paid What You’re Worth and Avoid Salary Pitfalls

Are you leaving money on the table when it comes to your salary? In this episode of Management Muse, hosts Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin discuss the pitfalls of salary negotiation and why so many people are underpaid. Cindi and Geoff share examples of underpaid managers and give practical advice on how to most effectively advocate for yourself and make more money by avoiding the most common compensation mistakes. 
 
Whether you’re negotiating a new job or asking for a raise in your current one, this episode equips you with tools to more effectively navigate pay discussions and increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
 
Episode Highlights:
Why managers and other professionals are often underpaid.
How to identify and avoid hidden pitfalls in salary negotiations.
The role of self-advocacy in ensuring fair compensation for your work.
Simple strategies to prepare for more effective pay discussions.
 
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Ep 38 Preventing Burnout: Keeping People Productive for the Long Haul

Is burnout silently draining the energy and productivity of your team? In this episode of Management Muse, hosts Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin tackle the challenges of workplace burnout and its impact on even—and perhaps especially—your most loyal employees. Cindi and Geoff explore burnout’s three-part progression, discuss ways to recognize the early warning signs of exhaustion, and talk about the role managers play in fostering a healthier, more balanced workplace.
 
Tune in to gain practical insights to recognize and reduce burnout early, support your team effectively, and build a workplace culture that includes both well-being and high performance.
 
Episode Highlights:
Discover the stages of burnout and learn why high achievers are especially at risk.
Identify the red flags of burnout.
Discover the connection between loneliness, burnout, and employee morale.
Find out how leaders can break the burnout cycle and promote lasting success.
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Ep 37 Why Prestigious Organizations Sometimes Breed Toxic Work Cultures

In this episode of Management Muse, hosts Cindi Baldi and Geoffrey Tumlin dive into the complex dynamics of high-status organizations and their potential to create toxic workplace cultures. They explore how a steady influx of eager talent can lead to exploitative practices, why instability at the leadership level often creates fear and distrust, and how unchecked competition undermines collaboration. Drawing insights from diverse industries like tech, entertainment, and the military, this episode reveals the hidden costs of prestige and provides actionable strategies to build healthier, more supportive workplaces.
Tune in to learn how to recognize and address toxic behaviors, create a culture of trust, and promote sustainable success in competitive environments.
 
Episode Highlights:
The paradox of prestige and how it can cause harmful workplace dynamics.
Why employee fear and leadership instability are often fellow travelers of toxic work cultures.
How organizational toxicity develops and ways to prevent its growth.
Strategies for leaders to build supportive and sustainable work environments.
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