In 50% of my coaching calls and meetings last week, we discussed teams and how to make them even more successful. Whether you are the leader or the follower in a team, this week’s Tip by Chris Widener provides key principles that if applied will take your team to the next level. They are simple and easy to understand. An evaluation checklist is provided at the end of the Tip.
When you delegate a job to one of your staff, why don’t you get back what you asked for? One way to get closer at hitting 100% on your requests is to be clear in your communication. Natalie Manor’s Tip this week is a great reminder about creating that clarity.
One of the biggest changes I was involved with as a business owner was selling my business. The first time my partner and I tried to sell, we were not transparent and all our employees quit during the process. And did I mention I was 7 months pregnant? We learned from our actions and the results. The second time we were successful. We shared as much as we could with our employees along the way. Read on for Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch’s suggestions on leading through change.
This week’s Tip by Art Sobczak is a great reminder to only ask one question at a time. Sometimes, in coaching, I get so excited about what the client is telling me that I can start to rattle off a slew of questions. And then I remember, people can only answer one question at a time. Be thoughtful about the question you ask and then listen for the answer.
After many years of being prompted to write my own Tip, I am sticking my toe in the water this week. Periodically, I will be sharing my thoughts and learnings with you. Last week’s Tip was from the perspective of a person who has a boss and improving the working relationship with that boss. This week’s Tip focuses on your behavior, beliefs and assumptions as the boss and how they can get you in trouble.
Whether you own your own company, manage others or are an individual contributor, you have a “boss.” Your boss may be your board of directors, your clients, and/or your manager. No matter which category applies to you, this week’s Tip provides a great checklist for making your boss love you!
Last week while I was on vacation in NH. I had time for long conversations as life for me moved a bit slower, people listened a bit longer and it was a joy. Coming back to work on Monday, I noticed that I wasn’t so appreciative of the wonderful twists and turns and openings that occur in longer conversations. I wanted people to get to the point! This week’s Tip by Loren Ekroth has me wonder, during these days of 24/7, might a powerful communication strategy for you be to talk less?
Many of my clients have been reporting contentious conversation with coworkers and direct reports. Maybe it’s the heat of summer, although we’ve had beautiful weather this week here in MA. In the ’70s during the day! This week’s Tip from Angie and Courtney has you consider the other person’s perspective before jumping into defending your own position. Great advice on how to keep your cool!
Don’t you, as the owner (or manager) of your business, love it when your employees demonstrate initiative? It makes it easier for you to focus on the aspects of your work that are most important. Unfortunately, we sometimes don’t realize initiative is what’s needed or don’t know how to communicate it. This week’s Tip by Dondi Scumaci provides talking points and guidelines for you to share with your employees to make both of you more effective.
