Categories for Managing Difficult Situations
Prepare to Give Critical Feedback with These Vital Questions
July 30, 2021 10:40 am Leave your thoughtsPreparing to give critical feedback helps ensure a potentially challenging discussion produces the result you are after. Comedian and television personality Craig Ferguson suggests that preparation begin with three important questions: Does this need to be said? Sometimes reflection leads to the conclusion that the issue is not relevant nor important enough to address. Does this need to be said…
Three Performance Management Blind Spots Leaders Should Avoid
January 24, 2017 2:23 pm Leave your thoughtsManaging staff member performance is challenging at best. Individuals come to work with a variety of skills, attitudes, and experiences that require leaders to be adept at adapting to varying needs by using customized approaches. One size does not fit all. Because performance management is complex and time consuming, it is easy for leaders to be blindsided by engaging in…
5 Overlooked Ways to Motivate Your Staff
March 9, 2015 7:06 pm Leave your thoughtsMotivation is a complex topic. Because each employee has differing needs and drives, one size doesn’t fit all. Yet, everyone has a handful of basic desires: to make a contribution, to feel part of something meaningful, and to be acknowledged. Sometimes leaders forget to utilize those fundamental principles to create a motivating work environment. Here are some things you can…
How to Effectively Recover from a Significant Mistake
February 19, 2015 2:06 am Leave your thoughtsNo leader does everything correctly all of the time. Mistakes most typically involve misinterpretation of information leading to poor decision-making, not including the right people at the right time in important initiatives, intervening too late in a situation, demonstrating poor interpersonal behaviors that create defensiveness and a climate of disrespect, or not using resources wisely. A poorly executed recovery can…
5 Leadership Behaviors that Destroy Trust
February 3, 2015 2:11 am Leave your thoughtsTrust is essential to a productive relationship between leaders and their staff members. Without it, the work environment becomes filled with fear and uncertainty. Trust is built through a pattern of trustworthy behavior that occurs consistently over a period of time. It can, however, be destroyed in a matter of minutes. Be aware of and avoid these trust-busting behaviors. Not…
How to Repair a Damaged Work Relationship
December 11, 2014 2:13 am Leave your thoughtsWe’ve all had encounters with co-workers that didn’t go well, yielding lasting negative consequences. The resulting tension in the air makes communication awkward and productivity often wanes. Realistically, some relationships are easier to repair than others, since you can’t force reconciliation. Making a sincere attempt to restore a damaged relationship, however, has a good chance of success if you follow…
Meaningful Ways to Give Thanks to Your Staff
November 21, 2014 2:14 am Leave your thoughtsWith Thanksgiving around the corner, now is a good time to think carefully about how you show gratitude to your staff for their contributions to the work environment. Research tells us time and time again that many don’t feel they are appreciated for their efforts, particularly as the pace of change accelerates in many organizations, causing long hours and extra…
How to Give Constructive Criticism with 5 Essential Steps
August 21, 2014 3:36 am Leave your thoughtsSometimes leaders have to be critical in an attempt to improve a situation created by staff, colleagues, or upper level leaders. How the message is delivered can make the difference between a productive conversation and a damaged relationship. Use this template to guide your thinking as you craft what you want to say when constructive criticism is necessary. 1. Describe…