What can you do to stand out as an individual contributor on a large team? The first step is seeking absolute clarity on your role, and it begins with an honest conversation between you and your manager.

Al and Leanne Elliott are back with us this week in episode 341 to continue the discussion about life in flatter organizations with larger teams. Come learn why managers need a support network to be more effective with their team, how to gain role clarity while making your manager look good, and what it means for a leader to champion their people. Pay special attention to the list of introspective questions that can help us take control in our work environment during uncertain times. You’ll also get to hear how Truth, Lies and Work has evolved its content focus over time to serve an even wider audience and what Al and Leanne have learned as content creators.

If you’ve never had a reason to watch Ted Lasso, this episode may contain a compelling reason to start. And if you’re looking for a role model for being a stand out on your team, we will introduce you to Bob during this episode.

Original Recording Date: 07-12-2025

If you missed part 1 of our discussion with Al and Leanne last week, check out Episode 340 – Task Cohesion: Managing a Larger Team in a Flatter Organization amidst a Climate of Uncertainty with Al and Leanne Elliott (1/2)

Topics – Go Ahead and Pull the Cord, Hiding the Wires, Gaining Role Clarity and Gracious Managers, Introspection Gives Us Control, Creating Content for the Chaotic World of Work

• Both Leanne Elliott and Al Elliott are back to join us for part 2 of 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)

3:05 – Go Ahead and Pull the Cord

• Nick says this sounds like the recent solo episode John recorded (Episode 334 – First Time Manager – Your Old Job Description Has Been Deleted) and fighting the urge to answer the question.
  • John says that was directly from a coaching course he took as part of first-time manager training.
  • It seems less efficient timewise when someone comes to you with a problem you could solve quickly. It’s more efficient in the long run to guide someone through learning how to solve the problem themselves even if it takes longer in the short term.
  • Leanne says you’re building a person’s capabilities, confidence, and thinking process. This also creates a safe space for the person to ask any question. This genuine human interaction breed

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    Published on 3 weeks ago