Things have been hectic, full of uncertainty and pretty scary for months. Now, the days of summer are here, beckoning us outside. Even the normally super productive and focused leaders among us are struggling right now to manage all the change and emotions. So, if you are like so many people right now who are feeling some unease and distress, it could be because your daily … [Read more...]
Figuring Out What Motivates Employees
Two questions I often hear from coaching clients during workshops and consulting engagements are: "How do I work with an unmotivated person?" "How do I motivate someone to work harder?" Here are the quick answers: There is no such thing as an unmotivated person. Everyone is motivated to do something. Therefore, everyone is motivated. You cannot motivate … [Read more...]
Tactics to Calm Yourself Down Fast
Last week, we shared a post by Quint Studer, "How to Handle Yourself During Stressful, Busy Times." This week, we're following up on the post by offering more advice from Struder, author of The Busy Leader’s Handbook: How to Lead People and Places That Thrive. You are going to be stressed, but you will only make it worse if you can't calm yourself down in the heat of moment. … [Read more...]
How to Handle Yourself During Stressful, Busy Times
There's no question about it: Today's workplace can be stressful. The long work hours, the endless flow of information, the competing demands on our attention—all these factors can make us feel perpetually overwhelmed and out of control if not managed well. The conditions that lead to stress are not "bad" says Quint Studer. They're just reality. But he says the best … [Read more...]
Improve Team Productivity With 3 Attention Management Strategies
This is a guest post by Maura Nevel Thomas, an award-winning international speaker and trainer on productivity and work-life balance. As a new team leader, you’re faced with a challenge. Employee productivity is now at least in part, up to you. How will you increase your team's productivity so you can continue to drive value at your company? As a first step, I encourage … [Read more...]
Should You Be Worried About Time Theft in Your Office?
Would it surprise you to know that nearly 75 percent of US businesses are affected by time theft? Most companies don’t notice it. To be fair, it’s likely because most employees aren’t even conscious of doing it either. Unfortunately, it’s costing workplaces $50 billion annually. Image Source Time theft is defined as the practice of employees charging their … [Read more...]
Overcome Your Distraction Addiction
There are lots of things people become addicted to. I believe one of the most prevalent isn’t ever mentioned in the same breath with the addictions you thought of as you were reading the first sentence. What can we do to deny the allure of the distraction, regain our focus, and maximize our productivity? Good questions. Here are some answers for you. Stop multi-tasking You … [Read more...]
5 Leadership Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line
I recently came across the article "Five Human Resource Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line," by Charlotte Canning, Vice President of Brand and Culture at Hoffer Plastics Corporation and while it absolutely applies to HR professionals, the advice is perfect for leaders, too. Here is Charlotte's best advice, as it relates to your leadership role. Protect employees' quality of … [Read more...]
Ensure Vacation Success With Candid Conversations
Summer is slipping by, so if you or your employees are part of the more than 50 percent of U.S. employees who leave vacation days on the table at the end of the year, it's time to encourage everyone (including yourself) to plan a vacation before the days of summer are long gone. But, first. Let's talk about why so many people don't use their earned vacation time. In a study … [Read more...]
Don’t Confuse Work Commitment With Work Addiction
Fifty-five percent of U.S. employees have admitted to checking work emails after 11 p.m., according to data collected by Instant Offices. Is that commitment or work addiction? Commitment is what you're looking for. Addiction to work, not so much. When employees feel compelled to be available 24/7, always have work on the mind, and forgo personal (and down) time to meet the … [Read more...]