Escaping The Purgatory of Middle Management With Amy Balog

Dr. Nathan Regier welcomes you to another episode of the On Compassion Podcast. Most of the time, leaders feel like victims of the system in which they work, even though they can be deeply connected to their work and care about the mission, the stress takes its toll. These leaders are looking for a better way to stay energized, find hope, and take care of their health in the process.  Today’s guest, Amy Balog, understands the struggle; she is an experienced executive coach who specializes in working with leaders who are struggling to survive, let alone thrive in crashing workplace environments. How does Amy help leaders? Her method is called Peace Over Performance which is a philosophy that truly embodies the principles of compassion and accountability. In today’s conversation Dr. Nate and Amy are focusing on a very specific group: Middle Managers who are trapped in a “No win, no way out purgatory”, these leaders are struggling in the transactional nature of corporate leadership roles to effectively advocate for themselves and gain better and more support for the area of accountability. In This Episode Amy describes the no-win-no-way-out purgatory that middle managers are experiencing, and why. Learn the four internal balance behaviors to stay resilience during stress. Which comes first in relationships; trust or conflict? What should managers be held accountable for? What does it mean to own your leadership craft? Key Takeaways: [2:48] What is Amy working on currently? [5:18] What is this “No win, no way out purgatory” for middle managers? [7:15] Amy talks about the ability to use conflict as an advantage point. [8:50] Amy shares a story to exemplify how to use conflict powerfully. [12:45] How to use conflict as a catalyst for positive change. [13:58] Amy talks about the crucial importance of self-acceptance. [16:10] Learn how to work from a place of mutual help. [19:47] How we ask for help matters. [22:15] Amy addresses the missing conversations and how it takes work to make them happen. [23:48] Amy exemplifies a truth-exploring behavior. [27:16] What is the key to success in today’s environment? [29:10] You have to be a very powerful advocate for yourself in the reality that you are living to create an advocate for yourself. [29:38] Managers vs. Leaders. [30:20] What it takes for middle managers to hone their leadership craft? [34:15] Dr. Nate shares his top key takeaways from an insightful conversation with Amy Balog.   Mentioned in this episode: The Compassion Mindset Listen to Peace Over Performance with Amy Balog Follow Amy on Linkedin   Tweetables: “Conflict is the predecessor to building relationships and influences.” #oncompassion   “Practicing deep self-acceptance lies in knowing that we are not going to please everybody all the time.” #oncompassion   “Your job is not your identity.” #oncompassion   “Our value as human beings never changes.” #oncompassion   “Asking for help is the healthiest thing not only for yourself but for the entire environment.” #oncompassion