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
Last week, we talked about rubrics in general as a tool to develop vision. This week, let’s take that further to talk about a way to make your passion more obvious to your team. Examine all your own projects, initiatives, to-do items, daily tasks, and responsibilities. Compare each of them to your organizational values. Consider … Read more
We all need a starting point for discussions about vision, direction, prioritization, and hiring. That’s precisely why leaders love rubrics. Simple rubrics are easy to implement, and help make things clear. Consider using a scale of 1 to 3, or 1 to 5, to keep it simple. Example 1 You’re considering candidates for a position, and they’re … Read more
There’s a funny episode from The Office in which Michael thinks that if he makes his office more like Google, then people will be happy and work harder. He goes all out, installs a Nerf hoop, gets a beanbag chair, and creates an open office floor plan. While this was a funny TV show, I’m … Read more
If there’s one skill that leaders must master and habitually improve, it’s communication. I say “habitually improve”, because it’s impossible to communicate flawlessly ALL the time. But – we can sure try! Take a look at this story about a time when intent and impact did not match up: Stanley, upset about recent changes, talked … Read more
In metro areas with large corporations, there are regular service opportunities for employees, and their outreach is encouraged. But if leaders are to improve productivity and motivate people to improve the bottom line, should they really allow these efforts on work time? Of course. The best leaders know that service efforts are not only helpful … Read more
You don’t have to look too far to find information on how to write SMART goals. But sometimes, that 5-step rubric can intimidate, or push us in the wrong direction. Another great way to write effective goals is to ensure that just two important elements are included: 1) Specific actions. 2) Timelines and/or deadlines. For … Read more
I once had a business-owner client who really needed to show her enthusiasm more. “Not a lot gets me excited,” she said, “except that I’m really motivated by making money.” She felt a little shallow about that, but also knew her products and services made people’s lives better, which is what motivated her staff. So, … Read more