Articles
Playbooks for people who lead.
Practical, field-tested guides for new and growing managers. Pick a pillar or read them all.
Coaching vs. Managing: When to Direct, Coach, Delegate, or Support Based on Team Maturity
In the dynamic world of leadership, understanding when to manage and when to coach is crucial. Both approaches are essential, but knowing when to apply each...
By Todd Bilodeau · Jun 1, 2025 · 1 min read
Delegating Effectively: A New Manager’s Superpower
If you’re a new manager, you might be tempted to do everything yourself—to make sure it’s “done right.” But here’s the truth: trying to do it all doesn’t make...
By Todd Bilodeau · Jun 1, 2025 · 1 min read
Feedback Mastery: How to Inspire Without Triggering Defenses (or Eye Rolls)
Let’s be real: giving feedback can feel like defusing a bomb — while blindfolded — with the recipient holding a grudge and the wire cutters. But here’s the...
By Todd Bilodeau · Jun 1, 2025 · 2 min read
High-Leverage Delegation: Build Systems Where Your Team Makes Good Decisions Without You
High-leverage delegation is the art of empowering your team to make sound decisions independently, freeing you to focus on strategic leadership. This approach...
By Todd Bilodeau · Jun 1, 2025 · 2 min read
How to Build Instant Credibility With a Team You Inherited
Walking into a team you didn’t hire—and who didn’t choose you—can feel like stepping into a minefield. They’ve got routines, relationships, and maybe even some...
By Todd Bilodeau · May 27, 2025 · 1 min read
How to Give Feedback Without Feeling Like a Jerk
Giving feedback can feel awkward—especially if you’re worried about coming off as harsh, rude, or just… a jerk. But feedback is one of the most powerful tools...
By Todd Bilodeau · May 27, 2025 · 2 min read
How to Run Your First 1-on-1 Meeting Like a Pro
So, you just became a manager—congrats! Now what? If you’re like most new managers, your first 1-on-1 meeting with a direct report might feel… awkward. But it...
By Todd Bilodeau · May 27, 2025 · 2 min read
Stop Micromanaging: 5 Habits That Build Independent Teams
If you’ve ever thought, “It’s just faster if I do it myself,” you might be micromanaging—and it’s costing your team more than you think. Micromanagement...
By Todd Bilodeau · May 27, 2025 · 2 min read
Your First 90 Days as a New Manager: What to Focus On
You just landed your first management role—now what? The first 90 days are make-or-break. They’re your chance to set the tone, build trust, and show your team...
By Todd Bilodeau · May 27, 2025 · 1 min read
How to build Rapport quickly and effectively!
For about 10 years in the early 2000's I moonlighted from corporate America as a Comedy Stage Hypnotist. It was an absolute blast. I got to meet and entertain...
By Todd Bilodeau · Aug 10, 2021 · 5 min read
Managing multiple generations
In today's work world, you'll typically lead a very diverse team of resources. As with any team, understanding the things that drive those resources will...
By Todd Bilodeau · Aug 3, 2021 · 6 min read
What coaching youth hockey taught me about effective leadership
Very early on in my career, I was fortunate enough to climb the ranks from individual contributor to manager. I was learning on-the-fly and stumbling daily. I...
By Todd Bilodeau · Jul 26, 2021 · 6 min read