204: Decoding your team’s requests- what you’re missing and how to respond

Your employee wants to be in more meetings. Or you inherit a team and have to give feedback on work you never saw. Or maybe, you say your calendar is open, but people still feel left out. And you are thinking, why are these requests so complicated? In this episode, I break down real questions managers are asking and show you how to uncover what your team actually needs underneath the surface. You’ll learn: Why requests for access are usually about something deeperHow belonging and clarity show up as logistical problemsWhat to do when someone wants visibility you cannot giveHow to handle feedback for work you did not overseeWhy open access does not automatically create inclusionThe fast question that reveals the real issueHow to respond in a way that builds trust and ownershipIf you have ever walked away from a conversation feeling confused or irritated, this episode will help you translate what your team is trying to communicate. Best for founders, operators, and managers navigating growing complexity. Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered. Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work. I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER. Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com Contact: liagarvin.com/contact Email: hello@liagarvin.com Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin -- © 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple