How can managers be effective when they are expected to manage larger teams? To strengthen relationships with team members and support team cohesion, start with task cohesion.

Al and Leanne Elliott, former guests and the hosts of Truth, Lies and Work join us to explain how uncertainties in the world have impacted business owners, entrepreneurs, and people managers. In episode 340, we explore the reasons behind industry trends of layoffs, flatter organizations, and larger teams. If you’re a manager in need of help or someone seeking to lead a team, Al and Leanne Elliott have practical tips to manage well in a challenging environment.

Original Recording Date: 07-12-2025

Topics – Welcome Back Al and Leanne Elliott, Uncertainty’s Impact on Current Trends, Keeping the Entrepreneurial Spirit, Organizational Flattening, Challenges to Effective Management of Larger Teams, Management and Coaching

2:35 – Welcome Back Al and Leanne Elliott

• Both Leanne Elliott and Al Elliott are back to join us for a special discussion today. They are the hosts of Truth, Lies & Work and have each been guests on the show in the past (but never at the same time).
  • To listen to the episodes featuring Al as a guest, check out:
    • Episode 235 – The Best Bad Option with Al Elliott (1/2)
    • Episode 236 – Having the Vision, Charting the Path, Removing the Blockers with Al Elliott (2/2)
  • To listen to the episodes featuring Leanne as a guest, check out:
    • Episode 237 – The Psychological Transition of Layoffs with Leanne Elliott (1/2)
    • Episode 238 – Managers as Culture Keepers with Leanne Elliott (2/2)

3:13 – Uncertainty’s Impact on Current Trends

• Our discussion with Al and Leanne is to revisit themes of job uncertainty and economic uncertainty and to look at some trends we’re seeing.
  • A few years ago, the job market was booming. Right now, we’re advising people in times of uncertainty. We knew Al and Leanne would have a unique perspective on this topic.
• We tend to have a US-centric view of things and may not have a global picture of economic uncertainty and job uncertainties. What perspective can Al and Leanne share in this regard?
  • Leanne says in the UK uncertainty is a great way to categorize the situation. Some companies are doing layoffs, but many are taking a pause. This pause could mean lack of growth, lack investment, or a slowing of revenue. People are definitely fearful.
  • Business owners in the UK are pursuing what’s called a lifestyle business – a business which provides a blend of the specific lifestyle and purpose that owners want.
    • “Rapid hypergrowth is no longer the number 1 priority.” – Leanne Elliott
  • Al says in the UK, upwards of 90% of people are employed by small businesses. Many people believe the labor government in the UK is not really doing the things necessary to stabilize commerce.
    • “There are big businesses who are frightened as in ‘I might lose my job when a new CEO comes in,’ but the smaller businesses with say 50, 60 employees are frightened going, ‘if I don’t get this right, I’m going to lose everything and everyone’s going to lose their jobs.’” – Al Elliott
  • Is the lifestyle business Leanne mentioned fo

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    Published on 4 weeks ago