?? Are you a bad manager?

And everything you need to know about compensation increases and multitasking.

Welcome to The Manual Weekly – LI Edition, the can’t-miss newsletter for business leaders. You’ll find snackable bits of news highlighting emerging trends, actionable resources, and proven best practices that can help take your business to the next level.

This week’s must-reads:

• How to comp fairly: Less stress, more rewards.
• The ugly truth about multitasking.
• Stop wasting time vetting vendors! Here's how.
• And six red flags in your own managing style (adjustments included).

Template of the week: Compensation Increase Process

They say money talks, so let’s talk money. Compensation is one of the best ways to attract top talent — and one of the easiest ways to lose it. Fair pay shouldn’t be a headache, so here are a few tips to keep compensation increases exciting?for everyone.

• Reward performance. Measure what matters and reward high performers based on results, not just tenure.
• Stay competitive. Regularly benchmark pay against industry standards to keep your top talent well-paid and jazzed to stick around.?
• Give your team a plan. Roll out clear growth plans for every employee and check in bi-annually to discuss progress. With 67% of folks eager to climb the career ladder, giving them a roadmap is up to you.?

?? Wanna keep your team feeling excited about their comp? Check out our Compensation Increase Process Template! It’s loaded with tips to help you create a clear and rewarding pay structure that keeps your top talent happy and engaged!

Check out our entire template archive of free and customizable policy, process, and role starters. New to Trainual? Get a demo.

How to ditch multitasking for good

Did you know that even a “quick” task shift can reduce productivity by 40%? When you think you’re tackling several things at once, your brain isn’t speeding up… it’s wasting energy shifting gears.?

Here are some actionable tips to dial down the chaos:

1. Practice “singular focus.” Choose to be intentional with your concentration. After all, singular focus enhances memory and learning.?
2. Honor the 20-minute rule. Dive deep into one task for 20 minutes before task switching. You’ll be amazed at what gets done.?
3. Batch your email. Set a few timeblocks throughout the day to tackle your inbox. The average person spends 2.6?hours daily checking email! ??
4. Build your environment. Design a focused workspace — take it from James Clear: "One place, one space" for your habits!

Wasting time vetting vendors? Here’s your shortcut.

Finding new software and services for your company isn’t just time-consuming and overwhelming. It’s risky. And the last thing you want to do is invest in one that creates more chaos than clarity.

That’s why we did the heavy lifting for you. Head to our new preferred partner marketplace to find reputable, high-quality vendors that help you level up your tech stack, automate tasks, and invest in long-term success as you grow. All hand-picked by yours truly.

Head to the preferred partner marketplace to find:

? HR and payroll solutions to simplify hiring, benefits management, and compliance.

?? Leadership and business development programs through coaching, workshops, and operating systems.

?? Expert services like graphic design, background checks, and outsourced talent.

?? Business communication tools for streamlined calls, messaging, and customer engagement.

?? Finance and expense management to keep travel, reimbursements, and budgets in check.

?? Nonprofit growth tools for fundraising, volunteer coordination, and donor management.

Oh, and did we mention we've got exclusive perks and discounts just for Trainual customers? ??

?? Get a tour of preferred partners and offers.

Are you a bad manager?

Think you're a great boss? You might be surprised. Over 70%?of managers think they have a great relationship with their employees, while less than?60% of employees agree — talk about severed.?

Check out these tell-tale signs of poor management — and easy ways to step it up!

1. Micromanaging.?

• ? You’re always hovering and second-guessing your team.
• ? Set clear tasks and trust your team to deliver.

2. Wishy-washy expectations.?

• ? Your team has no clue what's expected of them.
• ? Be clear about goals and encourage questions.

3. Feedback? What feedback??

• ? You hardly give any input or praise.
• ? Share feedback often — celebrate wins and tackle improvements.

4. Credit stealer.?

• ? You take credit for your team’s ideas.
• ? Give props where they're due and recognize your team’s hard work.

5. Allergic to growth.?

• ? You show no interest in your team's growth.
• ? Help them craft growth plans and support their development.

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