The ‘Long Pole’ Metaphor Every New Manager Needs

Why a “Long Pole” Might Be the Secret to Surviving Your First Management Role

It sounds like an odd comparison, doesn’t it? A long pole and first-time management. But give me a moment — because this simple image could be the fastest way for new managers to understand what really holds teams up… and what quietly holds them back.

In this week’s Tea Break Coach episode, we reveal one of our favourite teaching tools — an idea we designed, argued about, nearly renamed, and eventually kept because it consistently lands. It turns complicated leadership theory into something memorable, practical, and instantly usable.

If you’re just stepping into people management — or guiding someone who is — this short video delivers a “lightbulb moment” in under five minutes.

And, a little bonus update: our new book (written by me, Sarah Wright, and Laura Barker) is currently with its early readers. The feedback so far has been joyfully energising:

“Short, science-smart and genuinely practical — no idea how you pulled it off, but it’s brilliant.”

So grab your Tea Break, press play, and discover why this quirky “long pole” analogy might become your go-to way of thinking about leadership.