Podcast: The Minimum Viable Manager

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-10-09T09:25:44.589Z • Permanent link

Shane Hastie's conversation with Matt Gjertsen, founder of Built, shed light on the critical skills required for first-time managers to succeed. Gjertsen's book, Minimum Viable Manager, outlines the essential competencies for aspiring leaders. According to Gjertsen, these skills are foundational, yet often overlooked. The book's core message resonates with professionals across various industries, where the stakes are high and the margin for error is low.

Gjertsen emphasizes that managers need to master three critical skills: decision-making, communication, and self-awareness. Decision-making involves weighing options, evaluating risks, and making informed choices. Effective communication is vital for articulating vision, building trust, and inspiring teams. Self-awareness is crucial for recognizing one's strengths, weaknesses, and biases, allowing managers to adapt and grow. Built's research has shown that these skills are often lacking in new managers, leading to poor performance and high turnover rates.

Built's work on Minimum Viable Manager has garnered significant attention from leading organizations, including LinkedIn, which has partnered with the company to provide training and resources for managers. LinkedIn's commitment to supporting its employees reflects the growing recognition of the importance of manager development. As companies invest in their managers, they can expect improved performance, increased productivity, and better outcomes.

The implications of Gjertsen's research extend beyond individual managers, impacting the broader data sources landscape. Companies like Salesforce, which has a large manager population, stand to benefit from investing in manager development. By enhancing the skills of its managers, Salesforce can improve customer satisfaction, increase sales, and drive growth. Research communities, such as the Harvard Business Review, are also taking notice, highlighting the importance of manager development in their publications.

The impact of Minimum Viable Manager extends beyond the corporate world, too. Governments and policymakers are recognizing the critical role managers play in driving economic growth and social progress. As such, initiatives like the US Department of Labor's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) are placing greater emphasis on manager development. By investing in manager training, governments can improve productivity, reduce turnover, and enhance economic competitiveness.

The push for manager development is part of a larger trend in organizational design. The rise of remote work, for instance, has created new challenges for managers, who must now balance virtual teams and in-person interactions. This shift has led to a greater emphasis on communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Built's research has shown that managers who excel in these areas are more likely to succeed in today's fast-paced, interconnected world.