From time to time, most of us have experienced or even contributed to workplace drama. It can take many different forms: People gossip, spread rumors, complain, lash out emotionally, rant about a perceived wrong, purposely exclude others, take sides in conflicts, and so forth. No matter how drama manifests, it can be a highly destructive force inside a company, and leaders must … [Read more...]
Making Sure You Aren’t the Know-it-All
Some time ago, I did a video that was very popular about Dealing with a Know-It-All. Recently a viewer asked us a key question, though: What if the know-it-all is you? https://youtu.be/X_6e4fYDhqg?rel=0&showinfo=0 Tweet it out: There is a difference being knowledgeable and being a "know-it-all." Remember that no one wants a know-it-all leader. @KevinEikenberry … [Read more...]
Reducing Conflict in the Workplace Starts With Common Courtesy
I was recently reading about strategies for managing high-conflict people in both the workplace and in your personal life, and it got me thinking about conflicts, in general. Conflicts are often not the result of some huge problem. Of course, people can do terrible things to one another, and that creates conflict, but when it comes to our day-to-day activities, our fights … [Read more...]
Being Thankful for Criticism
Thanksgiving is Thursday, and today I am asking you to choose to be grateful for something that you may have never said "Thanks" for: criticism. Especially criticism that comes from your employees. When you are a new leader, I know it's hard to hear that you aren't doing well or that your ideas are flawed. Hearing that from people who report to you can be infuriating. … [Read more...]
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Tough Conversation
For leaders, new and experienced, having difficult conversations with employees is one of the most challenging aspects of the job. It's both hard to control your own emotions and respond appropriately to employees, when they become emotional. The key to keeping the conversation on track and constructive starts with going into it with the right state of mind. To do so, … [Read more...]