Some leaders are afraid to directly address self-centered behaviors. Examples include messes, parking in the wrong spot, and abusing the printer or copier. What happens then, is the leader (attempting to solve an obvious problem) sends out an all-purpose missive, rather than addressing people directly. This is an error. Sometimes the message is even couched … Read more
About 80 times per year, Group Dynamic workshop participants will make a “selfish behaviors” list, so we have something to refer to as we work toward better ways of maintaining high standards through effective, relationship-based leadership. Most common concerns include lateness of delivery or arrival, or lack of initiative. But there’s an equally common area … Read more
Communication. Always a concern. Two areas that get the best of us are: One team I worked with recently was typical: There was a broad range of expected response times. When we surveyed the group, asking the question “What’s your personal standard for responding to email?” the answers ranged from “immediately” to “48 hours, unless … Read more
Please give frequent feedback to the people you lead. This is your responsibility. But please avoid giving feedback to the people who lead you, unless they purposefully request it. It’s not your role. Also, avoid giving feedback to your peers, unless they purposefully request it. It’s not your role. When peers or leaders do ask … Read more
Want the perfect New Year resolution? One that will advance your career, generate loyalty, and make the world a better place? Resolve to do these two things: These two items may look easy, common sense, and to be expected. But watch your team members. And watch yourself. How often does it really happen? If you’re … Read more
There are two activities I go to for team GTKEO (get to know each other). The Meeting Introductions Tool is one I learned from Manager Tools, and works quite well for lighter events. My newest, and favorite, go-to is Patrick Lencioni’s Family Histories Exercise. There are just three questions: You can learn a lot from … Read more
Let’s make this easy. If your religious or political convictions are strong, AND you believe that you are called to use your leadership position to do everything in your power to bring your team members around to your point of view, this post is not for you. Go watch the small but lovely film “The … Read more
I was sitting at my desk, staring into space, thinking about my work. Thinking about current work, but also daydreaming about the future and reminiscing about the past. I was daydreaming. And, I got caught. My boss walked in, so I jerked myself to a “working posture” and grabbed a pen. I said, “Oh, man, … Read more
Everyone is busy, right? “Busy” is a common notion – so common that saying “We’re keeping busy” is similar to “The sky is still blue.” It’s like it goes without saying. Oh, but it’s still quite loaded. Depending on the context, “busy” means many things: If I am busy, then I’m productiveprosperousa good husband/fathersuccessfulindustrious But if you … Read more
Leaders develop their people — it’s important to help them grow, to make yourself more effective by delegating, and to see who could advance to leadership themselves. A first step to determine readiness is to simply ask for more. This could be either faster delivery, more complete work, or greater pro-activity. Here are four approaches, each … Read more