Last week, we reviewed six questions to effectively follow-up a DiSC training session with your team. Here is another approach to following up on DiSC with your team. The You and Other Styles section provides insight into how each individual responds to the different DiSC styles. The Build Better Relationship section discusses strategies for how … Read more
As a leader, you’ve probably figured out that your people appreciate at least some advice, tips, and suggestions on how to improve their work to come from external, credible sources. [That means not you.] And, that’s not to say you’re a bad leader, or your team doesn’t trust you. (But just in case, check their … Read more
Leaders can get caught up in visionary strategic planning and lots of new initiatives. The result can be lots of overwhelming action plans or distractions from continuing “what works.” Sometimes, instead of an all-out SWOT, a simple “Start, Stop, Continue” is all you need to do. Do this: put up 3 pieces of chart paper, … Read more
In an episode of The Office, Michael (manager) is headed home for the day, and reports this to Jo (owner). He’s clearly uncomfortable that he’s ready to leave, while she is still there working harder and longer. She notices this and tells him, “If your work is done, and you’re proud of it, and you … Read more
No matter how far you’ve come, a leader always asks: “What’s the next step?” True to my DiSC® style of a strongly inclined iD — I’m impatient. It’s been a lifelong tendency of mine to interrupt, or at least formulate my response before the other person is done talking. A college professor I had called … Read more
When I was a teacher, I didn’t get a lot of handwritten notes from my principals and superintendents. So when I did, it was pretty exciting! To think that my boss would make the time to write words of appreciation or encouragement when a pop-by or email might have sufficed, really made a major impression … Read more
I like low-cost and efficient ways to make improvements. If you could make progress without spending much time or money, wouldn’t you try? Here’s one simple, but effective technique: Smile more. It’s the most powerful facial expression or gesture, and causes these two things to happen: 1) We have less stress. 2) Those around us … Read more
Have you ever been part of a strategic planning initiative that resulted in a long document, with a 3-year timeline, and several action plans? Many times, these action plans and initiatives involve projects that go above and beyond the day-to-day work of an organization. And, particularly if it’s a volunteer-driven group, it’s common that as much … Read more
If people are mostly doing what they’re supposed to be doing, but only hear criticism, they will have the mistaken belief that they are doing a poor job. In an environment like this, morale, performance, and relationships suffer. If people need critical feedback or performance coaching sometimes, but only hear positive feedback, they will have … Read more
I was visiting my best friend Matt, and his young sons Alex and Owen were outside playing. Owen came in and shut the glass door, leaving Alex accidentally locked outside. When Alex looked through the glass, amused but pleading, I channeled “Nelson” from The Simpsons, pointed at him and fake-laughed “HA – ha!” Owen looked … Read more