In today's episode, we tackle the critical influence managers have on employee performance and business growth. While 70% of employees would quit over a bad manager, research shows managers can be the second most influential people in employees' lives—creating enormous potential for positive impact.

Many small business owners fall into the "just hire managers" trap without building the systems to support their success. This leads to stressed managers, disengaged employees, and stalled growth.

Effective management requires intentional infrastructure. To set your managers up for success:

• Redefine management success beyond hitting targets to creating environments where people thrive
• Build trust through consistent alignment between words and actions
• Cultivate empathy as a business practice through structured check-ins and support systems
• Create stability through honest, consistent communication—especially in uncertain times
• Implement operational systems like standardized meetings, performance frameworks, and leadership playbooks

The key takeaway: Effective management is a system, not just a role. When you invest in leadership infrastructure, engagement increases, turnover drops, and you create sustainable paths to scaling your business. Your company will only grow as far as your leadership systems allow.