What skills do the best leaders possess? The answer might depend on whom you ask, the industry you're in, your organizational culture, and even your team dynamics. Still, it's a question worth considering, and who better to answer it than real managers doing the work everyday. The folks at MindTools.com set out to gain some insight by surveying 15,242 managers and … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Build Your Confidence as a New Leader
If, as a new leader, you're feeling nervous, overwhelmed and out of your element, you may need to "fake it until you make it." In other words, you may need to pretend you're confident until you actually feel that way. But how do you go about doing that? It's not about strutting around like a peacock or proving to your employees that you have all the authority and power. In … [Read more...]
Friendship at Work? How to Make it a Benefit, Not a Problem
Eighty-two percent of people feel they have friends at work, but only 15 percent see those friendships as "real," says research conducted by Olivet Nazarene University. The survey of 3000 people across 21 industries sheds some light on how people perceive their coworkers. You can see more results here, but here are a few highlights: 71% don't consider any coworkers "best … [Read more...]
How to Make an Impact as a Manager
After 30 years of working, reading and studying the topic of manager’s development the quote above is still my favorite when it comes time to characterize how managers need “to be” as they perform their roles. The great Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu advised that the fundamental character of a “good manager” (He actually said leader but please allow me the poetic license!) is one … [Read more...]
4 Things You Should Do This Holiday Weekend
In the U.S., we are about to begin a three day holiday weekend for Labor Day. It's a day created to honor American workers and the contributions they make to our great nation. You're one of those workers, and while I hope you've done something special to honor your employees and the contributions they've made, I also don't want you to forget yourself. Start by taking full … [Read more...]
The Secret to Success? Focusing on What You CAN Do
As I travel around the country to lead workshops, I often hear frustrations with or objections to some of the supervisory/leadership techniques and approaches that I advocate and teach. I seldom hear an outright disagreement with the general approach. Instead, people express their frustration or objection like this: “That sounds great, but … “I work in the … [Read more...]
Make Everyone Feel Acknowledged and Respected
Few people get as much positive feedback as they need or deserve, especially at work. So if you see morale taking a nose-dive (or even if you just want to do something nice for your employees), complete this super simple activity to give everyone a big morale boost. Create an envelope with each team member’s name on it. Inside, include a piece of paper that also has that … [Read more...]
4 Steps to Making Complex Decisons
When you're faced with an extremely difficult or complex decision, what should you do? Our parents, best friends and mentors always offer the sage advice: "Sleep on it." After all, a good night's sleep can allow you see things in a new light, think more reasonably and logically, and set your emotions aside. It's great advice. But what if you are smack dab in the middle of a … [Read more...]
Ensure Cooperation (Even From Your Most Reluctant Employees)
How many times have you heard this before: “But this is the way we have always done it”? Employees often have problems adapting to organizational change and growth. Accustomed to the status quo, they are afraid of how changes will affect their positions. Will I have new duties? Will I need to work longer hours? Is everyone affected equally? Is my job in jeopardy? The fears … [Read more...]
Hold On to Top Employees With This Simple Act
71 percent of employees are searching for a new job, and with there being more job openings than people out of work, your employees (especially the top performers) have their pick of jobs. Holding on to them should be a top priority for you. However, the key to retaining them may not be what you think. While perks and pay raises don't hurt, Kerry Alison Wekelo, a human … [Read more...]